Fujifilm: The X100 V vs the New XS20
Today we’re going to be looking at the brand new Fujifilm XS20, and testing it against a favourite among Fujifilm lovers - the X100 V - to see how it measures up.
While the X100V is a well-known camera with a fixed lens and is perfect for street and travel photography, the XS20 is an interchangeable lens camera aimed at the everyday person, while being powerful enough for professional use.
We’re going to dive into the specs, and capabilities of both models, as well as compare their physical design and build. Whether you're a content creator, travel photographer, or just someone who loves to capture the moment, we will give you a breakdown of which camera might suit you best.
Let’s take a look at the two cameras we’re comparing today:
Firstly, we have the Fujifilm XS20, a brand new interchangeable lens camera from Fujifilm.
Right off the bat, the XS20 has an X Processor 5 - sharing the same processor as the X-H2 series. It’s an upgrade from its rival - and also boasts a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS APS-C sensor, giving it versatility in lower light scenarios, and flexibility in video. The sensor and processor combo makes the XS20 fast, accurate, and gives you reliable image quality. It has SR-Auto, which chooses the best film simulation for the shot, with auto subject detect AF, and eye tracking for capturing moving subjects.

The camera we are putting the XS20 against is the coveted Fujifilm X100V.
Unlike the XS20, the X100V has a fixed 23MM F2 lens, and uses the same 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS APS-C sensor, however with the older X-Processor 4 sensor. The X100V is aimed at the street, travel and everyday photographer, and is a homage to the art of photography for those who enjoy slowing down their process, and reminiscing about the film days with current day digital technology.
Let’s dive in to a few more of the specs and video capabilities of each of these models:
The XS20 shoots video 6.2K at 30p, 4K at 60p 1080 HD at 240p with 4:2:2 10bit internal recording - a huge upgrade from its predecessor - which shoots 4K at 30p, and 1080 HD at 120p. Its live streaming are also impressive, offering 4K at 30fps, and 1080 HD at 60fps for high quality live streaming. It’s a nice upgrade from the 1080 HD at 60fps max resolution offered via HDMI on the X100V. Furthermore, if you are using the XS20 for long form recording, you have the option of adding on the Fujifilm Fan-001 which is compatible with the XS20 and X-H2 series.
In comparison to the X100V it doesn't see anywhere near the flexibility in video that the XS20 presents, however it does boast UHD and DCI 4K, and Full HD recording, which is suitable for anyone looking to high quality video. However, at the end of the day, the X100V is mainly a photography camera. One area the x100v does come out on top in is its shutter speed, offering 11FPS compared to the XS20’s 8FPS, and matching the XS20’s electrical shutter speed of 20FPS for continuous burst shooting, although this isn’t a huge difference.
If you’re a content creator, travel photographer, or anyone who prefers to pack light when out shooting, you’re about to see some huge upgrades in the XS20. The new XS20 has 6.5 stops of IBIS for stable, smooth handheld shooting. On top of that, vloggers and creatives can now experience ‘Vlog Mode’ with a user-friendly touchscreen interface that makes creating even easier. Furthermore, it features a new ‘product focus’ mode, which helps you easily track objects with a simple tap, giving you the peace of mind that you’re focusing on what you want. The new build is dust and weather resistant, and can even operate at up to -10°C, so get ready to take this to those colder destinations.
On the flipside the X100 V doesn’t offer any in-body image stabilisation which may not be an issue for some. However for those who enjoy handheld video shooting, or have super shaky hands, the XS20 may be more appropriate. Despite the lack of IBIS, it does use a leaf shutter, which has less movement within the camera's body, giving you a more stabilised shot compared to a traditional shutter.
The X100V is also partially weather sealed out of the box, but can be fully weather sealed if you purchase an additional filter holder accessory. In terms of battery life The XS20 camera has a huge upgrade in battery life, capturing up to 730 frames! That’s 310 more shots than you’re able to get from one charge of the X100 V. And travel photographers will again know how valuable this can be when access to battery charges is difficult.
And finally, let’s compare the physical design and build of these two models:
The X100V is lightweight as a result of its fixed focal length, and is a great size for travel photographers and light packers. In terms of ports, the X100V has a USB-C port, a remote port, and a micro hdmi port.
The XS20 is also a lightweight camera that boasts a nice deep grip. This camera offers a new 3.5mm microphone/headphone jack, making it easier than ever to get the content you need, with one of its main design advantages being its ability to change lenses. This model also offers stress free connection and sharing options with smartphone transfer of images to the new X App.
With that said, here are a few final thoughts and recommendations when comparing the coveted X100V with the brand new XS20:
The Fujifilm X100V is popular for a reason. It’s a fantastic camera that takes high quality photos, and helps you slow down and appreciate the world around you while using it. Compared to the XS20, it lacks a lot in the video department, and the focusing is nowhere near as sophisticated as the deep AI driven AF system in the XS20. Furthermore, if you feel like you would benefit from access to the larger Fujifilm X series lens lineup to increase your photo/video repertoire, then the XS20 is for you. But if you’re someone who is looking for a fun camera to take with you everywhere, then the X100V definitely suits that bill.
The new Fujifilm X-S20 is a great camera for photographers and videographers. It’s packed with features to make shooting what you want easier, and given the versatility from the sensor and processor, is definitely powerful enough to be used professionally. This camera could easily compliment the X-H2 series as a good B camera on the field. Furthermore if you’re just an enthusiast, the XS20 is a great lightweight camera that can be used everyday, and with the ability to change lenses, you have versatility and room to grow in both photography and video.