P
pniev
Guest
The more I learn about the X20 the more I realize it is a very different camera than the X10 (and the more I like it!). The cameras weigh the same, look the same, share (almost) the same buttons, and share the same lens. Yet they are very different in usage.
Let me start with Dynamic Range. Rico already explained that I had to think differently about DR. I got used to switching to ISO100/DR400 mode quickly with the X10 when I was outside. The X20 uses traditional DR-enhancement techniques (underexposing) and increases the ISO value accordingly. Fortunately, the X20 does a better job in rendering tones - e.g. in skies - than the X10 (in 12MP mode). So if you need pixels, the X20 offers an advantage. If not, the X10 is as good or better.
Resolution. In my comparisons the X20 offers increased resolution (see the cropped shots below of my mascot, the kingfisher). Whether that’s important or not, depends on your type of photography. For macro, cropping and large(r) prints it makes sense. For regular work not really.
X20 Full size:
View attachment 11145
DSCF0006.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
X20 cropped:
View attachment 11147
DSCF0006-X20-cropped.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
OVF. Fuji has managed to fit an LCD panel in the viewfinder that shows focus area and exposure data. That’s a great step forward. For me it suffices to see the focus area when half-pressing the shutter. Use of red vs green works great. The eye sensor works great. Would this be a reason for replacing your X10? Probably not, but it is really nice. Personally, I view this improvement as a first step to showing more info in the viewpanel. Fuji has shown that it is possible to project info on a thin transparent panel without draining power sources and speed. Impressive. As technology becomes cheaper and faster, more possibilities will emerge. In my opinion, two things would greatly improve the user experience of the OVF:
that the LCD switches on when you move your eye away from the OVF, e.g. to check the histogram on the LCD screen. That is easier to implement than projecting a histogram on the LCD panel in the OVF. That’s for the future.
to see the changes you make in AF area (using the AF-button) in the OVF. Switching the drive and AF buttons makes it much easier to adjust the AF-area. However, when you’re outside, you can hardly see what’s on the LCD screen and/or use the OVF, it would be neat to see where you’re moving the AF-area.
Focusing. I did not have issues with the X10 AF. So I did not really pay attention yet to the AF-speed of the X20. If you’re into manual focusing, the X20 offers a huge improvement. In fact, manual focusing is fun. The focus peaking feature works great.
Film simulation. The X20 offers now the same film simulation modes as the other cameras. So far, I find the Astia film mode most appealing.
The introduction of the x-trans sensor and related software brings the X20 closer to its larger family members. The X10 had the looks but not yet the unique features related to the unique sensor. I think it is a smart move. Would I replace my X10 for the X20 if I had to buy it myself? Now I would clearly answer this with YES. It is really a nice, small camera.
There is still a lot to learn. I am curious how the X20 performs in shooting flowers and macro. I also have to figure out what my ideal custom shooting modes are. Furthermore, I cannot explain some things yet. For example, when I took the shots of my mascot there was a full stop difference between the X10 and X20, all other things being equal (ISO, DR, aperture). As I haven’t been able to reproduce this yet, it may easily have been a software glitch (e.g. a table not properly initialized after changing settings in a certain order). So not really something to worry about. The histogram is always a great help in these cases.
My conclusion so far? If you want one all-round small camera and need an OVF because it is difficult for you to read LCD screens in bright light, this is the camera for you! I am curious to learn what your thoughts are!
Let me close with some shots taken during a walk today. It was a rather grey, dull day so colors look rather dull. Hopefully Spring will arrive soon.
[View attachment 11148
DSCF0027.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
View attachment 11150
DSCF0042.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
same, processed in silver efex:
View attachment 11151
DSCF0042-BW.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
View attachment 11153
DSCF0050-BW.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
View attachment 11155
DSCF0055-BW.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
Let me start with Dynamic Range. Rico already explained that I had to think differently about DR. I got used to switching to ISO100/DR400 mode quickly with the X10 when I was outside. The X20 uses traditional DR-enhancement techniques (underexposing) and increases the ISO value accordingly. Fortunately, the X20 does a better job in rendering tones - e.g. in skies - than the X10 (in 12MP mode). So if you need pixels, the X20 offers an advantage. If not, the X10 is as good or better.
Resolution. In my comparisons the X20 offers increased resolution (see the cropped shots below of my mascot, the kingfisher). Whether that’s important or not, depends on your type of photography. For macro, cropping and large(r) prints it makes sense. For regular work not really.
X20 Full size:
View attachment 11145
DSCF0006.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
X20 cropped:
View attachment 11147
DSCF0006-X20-cropped.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
OVF. Fuji has managed to fit an LCD panel in the viewfinder that shows focus area and exposure data. That’s a great step forward. For me it suffices to see the focus area when half-pressing the shutter. Use of red vs green works great. The eye sensor works great. Would this be a reason for replacing your X10? Probably not, but it is really nice. Personally, I view this improvement as a first step to showing more info in the viewpanel. Fuji has shown that it is possible to project info on a thin transparent panel without draining power sources and speed. Impressive. As technology becomes cheaper and faster, more possibilities will emerge. In my opinion, two things would greatly improve the user experience of the OVF:
that the LCD switches on when you move your eye away from the OVF, e.g. to check the histogram on the LCD screen. That is easier to implement than projecting a histogram on the LCD panel in the OVF. That’s for the future.
to see the changes you make in AF area (using the AF-button) in the OVF. Switching the drive and AF buttons makes it much easier to adjust the AF-area. However, when you’re outside, you can hardly see what’s on the LCD screen and/or use the OVF, it would be neat to see where you’re moving the AF-area.
Focusing. I did not have issues with the X10 AF. So I did not really pay attention yet to the AF-speed of the X20. If you’re into manual focusing, the X20 offers a huge improvement. In fact, manual focusing is fun. The focus peaking feature works great.
Film simulation. The X20 offers now the same film simulation modes as the other cameras. So far, I find the Astia film mode most appealing.
The introduction of the x-trans sensor and related software brings the X20 closer to its larger family members. The X10 had the looks but not yet the unique features related to the unique sensor. I think it is a smart move. Would I replace my X10 for the X20 if I had to buy it myself? Now I would clearly answer this with YES. It is really a nice, small camera.
There is still a lot to learn. I am curious how the X20 performs in shooting flowers and macro. I also have to figure out what my ideal custom shooting modes are. Furthermore, I cannot explain some things yet. For example, when I took the shots of my mascot there was a full stop difference between the X10 and X20, all other things being equal (ISO, DR, aperture). As I haven’t been able to reproduce this yet, it may easily have been a software glitch (e.g. a table not properly initialized after changing settings in a certain order). So not really something to worry about. The histogram is always a great help in these cases.
My conclusion so far? If you want one all-round small camera and need an OVF because it is difficult for you to read LCD screens in bright light, this is the camera for you! I am curious to learn what your thoughts are!
Let me close with some shots taken during a walk today. It was a rather grey, dull day so colors look rather dull. Hopefully Spring will arrive soon.
[View attachment 11148
DSCF0027.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
View attachment 11150
DSCF0042.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
same, processed in silver efex:
View attachment 11151
DSCF0042-BW.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
View attachment 11153
DSCF0050-BW.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr
View attachment 11155
DSCF0055-BW.jpg by Peter Nievaart, on Flickr