Fujifilm X100 vs Fujifilm X20: A Real-World Comparison from a Hands-On Expert

When FujiFilm launched the X100 back in 2011, it quickly carved a niche among serious photo enthusiasts craving a compact, yet large-sensor camera with a classic design. Two years later, Fuji released the X20, a more affordable, smaller sensor compact with some appealing features, aimed at buyers needing versatility in a pocketable form.

Having put both cameras through my rigorous field testing over hundreds of shooting sessions, I want to share a thorough, no-nonsense comparison between the Fujifilm X100 and X20. Both models have their quirks and charms, but which camera best suits your photography style, budget, and expectations? Let’s dig into details - from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus to video - and see how these two siblings stack up.

Size and Handling: Classic Style vs. Compact Convenience

The first thing you'll notice practically is how these cameras feel in your hands - a crucial factor for everyday shooting comfort.

Size & Weight: The X100 weighs 445 grams and measures 126x75x54 mm, sporting a larger APS-C sensor and a fixed 35mm equivalent lens. The X20 is smaller and lighter at 353 grams and 117x70x57 mm, with a zoom lens covering 28-112mm equivalent. If you're a fan of discreet, easy-to-stow gear, the X20 fits into your jacket pocket way easier than the X100 does.

Handling & Ergonomics: Fuji’s design language shines on both cameras, but the X100’s more substantial grip and larger body feel more balanced, especially with one hand. The X20, tilted towards ultraportability, compromises slightly on grip comfort, particularly during longer shoots or with one hand.

The top plate control layout further reflects their different priorities:

The X100 features dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation - ideal for quick, tactile adjustments without diving into menus. In contrast, the X20 sacrifices some direct dials to maintain compactness, relying more on button combinations and menus. For photographers who live and breathe manual controls, the X100’s clubs-for-thumbs approach wins.

Sensor and Image Quality: Big Sensor vs. Versatility in a Compact

This is where the X100 really flexes its muscles - a large APS-C sensor providing superior image quality compared to the smaller X20’s 2/3-inch sensor.

Sensor Size & Technology: The X100 sports a 23.6x15.8 mm APS-C CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, clocking in 12MP resolution. This sensor size is the same you find in many enthusiast mirrorless cameras, leading to excellent image detail, depth of field control, and low noise - especially in low light. The X20’s 8.8x6.6 mm 12MP CMOS X-Trans II sensor, smaller and with a traditional anti-aliasing filter, is commendable for a compact, but naturally can’t match the APS-C for dynamic range, noise performance, and bokeh* (more on that below).

Image Quality Metrics: The DxOMark overall score for the X100 hovers around 73, signaling excellent color depth (22.9 bits) and dynamic range (12.4 EV). Meanwhile, Fuji hasn't released detailed DxO scores for the X20, but smaller sensor tech and anti-aliasing filters typically mean less dynamic range and noisier images above ISO 800.

In real-world shooting:

• The X100 excels at retaining fine detail, with cleaner shadows and highlight recovery.
• Colors have that distinct Fujifilm filmic warmth and tonality, enhanced by the large sensor’s capabilities.
• The X20 produces sharp images with good color but shows visible noise creeping in at ISO 1600 and beyond, limiting its usability in dim environments.

LCD and Viewfinder: Hybrid Magic vs. Traditional Optical

Eye-level composition for stills or video can be make-or-break for some shooters. Fuji’s solutions differ here:

The X100 sports a hybrid viewfinder combining an optical tunnel with an electronic overlay at 1440 pixels resolution, covering 90% of the frame at 0.5x magnification. This combo gives you versatility - a beautiful optical view with real-time digital info or a fully electronic mode for manual focusing and exposure previews.

On the flip side, the X20 opts for a purely optical tunnel viewfinder with no electronic overlay and a slightly limited 85% frame coverage. This is more traditional, but less flexible. Both have fixed 2.8-inch 460k-dot LCDs with no touchscreen, which was standard for the era.

The X100’s hybrid finder enhances precision in focusing and exposure decisions, especially in manual mode, whereas the X20’s optical viewfinder is perfect for those who prefer a no-frills, distraction-free look.

Photographers using the cameras outdoors will appreciate:

• The X100’s viewfinder versatility in bright sunlight.
• The X20’s smaller, simpler optical finder which conserves battery life.

Autofocus and Performance: Precision vs. Speed

Fuji improved autofocus performance with their X20 through a hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect system, while the X100 relies solely on contrast detection AF.

AF System Details:

• X100: 49 contrast-detect focus points, no phase detection, no face detection, autofocus tracking limited.
• X20: Hybrid CMOS X-Trans II sensor with phase detection AF, continuous AF, and face detection.

Let me tell you from experience testing: the X20’s autofocus is generally faster and more accurate in tracking moving subjects. Its continuous AF and face detection make it better suited for dynamic shooting like casual sports or street photography.

The X100’s autofocus can be sluggish, particularly in low-light and on moving subjects. But contrast detection is accurate for static subjects and is complemented by manual focus assistance, which is satisfying for deliberate shooting.

Continuous Shooting:

• X100 tops out at 5 fps burst.
• X20 can shoot at 12 fps, great for fleeting action.

If you lean toward sports, wildlife, or street shooting with unpredictable moments, the X20 shines here. For portraits or landscapes, where deliberateness wins, the X100’s slower AF isn’t much of a handicap.

Lens and Focal Range: Fixed Prime Classic Versus Zoom Flexibility

The X100 uses a fixed 35mm equivalent f/2.0 lens - a classic focal length adored by purists for its natural perspective on street and portrait photography.

The X20 offers a 28-112mm equivalent, f/2.0-2.8 zoom lens, giving you 4× range versatility, from wide to short telephoto.

Personally, I find the X100’s prime lens a joy for:

• Portraits with beautiful, creamy bokeh (helped by the APS-C sensor size and no AA filter).
• Street photography - I often shoot at f/2.0 to isolate subjects from backgrounds.
• Low-light environments where the 35mm fast aperture shines.

The X20’s zoom is great for everyday shooting, travel, and landscape where flexibility beats fixed focal constraints. However, due to the smaller sensor and AA filter, its bokeh isn’t as smooth or pleasing. Macro focus distance is impressive on the X20 (1 cm) compared to the X100’s 10 cm, enabling better close-up shots in a pinch.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Both cameras are not weather-sealed or ruggedized, which is no surprise for their class and age. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof, so careful handling is advised.

The X100 feels sturdier, with a robust metal chassis and a classic analog control feel - making it a joy to carry. The X20 has a lighter, plastic-forward build that’s sturdier than typical compacts but less substantial.

For travel or outdoor use, neither camera will stand up to harsh conditions, but the X100’s heft gives it a slightly more durable feel.

Video Capabilities: Modest Offerings for Casual Use

Forget 4K filmmaking: both cameras target still photographers, with video as a side offering.

Possible video modes:

• X100 shoots 1280 x 720 (720p) at 24 fps in MPEG-4.
• X20 captures 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 60 fps, along with 720p and VGA modes in H.264.

The X20’s superior video specs allow more usable, smoother motion for casual videography, but neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting serious audio control.

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization for video, but the X20 does have optical image stabilization in its lens, which helps smooth handheld footage.

Battery Life and Storage: A Modest Offering for Their Class

The X100 uses the NP-95 battery, rated for ~300 shots per charge, which matches many large sensor compacts of its era.

The X20 uses the smaller NP-50 battery with a ~270 shot rating, reasonable for its size, but you’ll want spare batteries for full-day shoots.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and only have a single card slot.

Connectivity: No Wi-Fi, No Bluetooth, No Compromises

Neither camera provides wireless connectivity options - no Wi-Fi, no NFC, no Bluetooth - which is understandable given their release timeframe and Fuji’s prioritization of imaging over connectivity.

Both feature USB 2.0 for basic file transfer and HDMI ports for external display.

If instant sharing or tethered shooting is a dealbreaker for you, consider newer options.

Image Samples and Overall Quality Summary

After shooting side-by-side in identical conditions covering portraits, landscapes, macros, and street scenes, here’s a glance at sample outcomes:

Fujifilm X100 front Fujifilm X100 screen back Fujifilm X20 front Fujifilm X20 screen back

• The APS-C sensor in the X100 outputs cleaner images with vibrant colors and smoother tonal gradations.
• The X20’s images exhibit more noise, especially above ISO 800.
• The X100’s fixed 35mm lens offers more artistic control, while the X20’s zoom grants more framing flexibility.

Performance Ratings: Where Does Each Camera Excel?

Based on my in-field testing and tech benchmarks, here’s a distilled scoring overview:

• X100 scores higher on image quality, color depth, and build.
• X20 leads in autofocus speed, video quality, and zoom versatility.

Genre-Specific Strengths: Picking Your Photo Discipline Ally

Thinking about what genre you shoot most? This chart breaks down how these cameras perform across photography styles:

Portraits

X100 shines with its large sensor and f/2 prime lens, producing creamy bokeh and excellent skin tone rendition. Lack of face/eye AF is a mild drawback but manageable.

Landscapes

The X100’s dynamic range and resolution edge it ahead, but the X20’s wider zoom at 28mm delivers a more flexible framing choice.

Wildlife

X20’s 12 fps burst and phase-detect AF give it the edge. The X100’s fixed lens is limiting for wildlife zoom reach.

Sports

Again, X20’s AF tracking and faster shooting rates make it more suited for sports on a budget.

Street

Tied somewhat, though the X100’s discrete size, classic design, and sharp prime hold a unique appeal to street shooters.

Macro

X20’s 1cm macro focusing and optical stabilization trump the X100’s 10cm minimum, making it more capable in close-up situations.

Night/Astro

X100’s larger sensor and higher native ISO usability make it the better choice for low-light and night photography.

Video

X20 comfortably beats X100 with full HD 60 fps and optical IS.

Travel

X20’s zoom lens and lightweight body suit travel photography well, while the X100 impresses with image quality but adds bulk.

Professional

While neither camera is a professional workhorse, the X100’s superior image files, manual controls, and build quality provide more reliable shooting for serious enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons Recap - Know What You’re Buying

My Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Pick?

If you are serious about image quality, love the “pure photography” approach, and appreciate tactile manual controls - go for the Fujifilm X100. It’s ideal for:

• Portrait, street, landscape, and night photographers who prize image quality over zoom range.
• Enthusiasts who want a compact yet substantial camera with a classic look.
• Those who prioritize color fidelity, bokeh, and manual creative control.
• Budget-permitting - its price reflects its large-sensor, premium build heritage.

If you want a compact camera that is versatile, quick focusing, and excels in varied situations including video and macro photography, the Fujifilm X20 is a solid, affordable choice. It suits:

• Travel shooters needing a wider zoom lens for different compositions.
• Beginners or enthusiasts who prioritize speed, video, and macro.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want most features in a pocketable size (~$500).
• Photographers valuing convenience and flexibility over the ultimate image fidelity.

Final Thoughts - Bridging Classic and Modern Compact Cameras

Both the Fujifilm X100 and X20 represent footsteps in Fuji’s evolution toward combining quality with portability. The X100 remains a cult favorite for those who prize image quality and refined controls above all. The X20 is a versatile little Swiss Army knife for photographers who want it all in a tight package.

Your choice comes down to priorities: do you want the ultimate large-sensor compact with a stellar prime lens and manual dials, or a flexible zoom camera with modern autofocus and video specs for a fraction of the price? Either way, Fuji’s craftsmanship shines through.

For those willing to balance the tradeoffs, either camera offers a rewarding photographic journey with distinctly Fuji character.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed choice based on your personal needs and budget. Feel free to drop me any questions in the comments or ask for sample files - happy shooting!

*Note: Bokeh refers to the quality of out-of-focus blur, valued by portrait and fine art photographers to isolate subjects beautifully.

End of Comparison Article