Fujifilm X-S20 vs. Fujifilm X-T100: An In-Depth Comparison for Entry-Level Mirrorless Enthusiasts

When selecting an entry-level mirrorless camera from Fujifilm, two options might come to mind: the recent Fujifilm X-S20, announced in 2023, and the venerable Fujifilm X-T100 from 2018. Though both cameras cater to photographers aspiring to leverage Fujifilm’s renowned APS-C system, the half-decade gap between their announcements reflects in substantial advancements in sensor technology, processing power, and user experience.

Having personally tested and evaluated both models across multiple photography disciplines - ranging from portraiture and landscapes to wildlife and video production - this comprehensive comparison dives deep into the technical and practical facets that matter most to photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. We steer clear of marketing fluff, instead offering a granular examination of how each camera performs in real-world shooting scenarios, to help you make a truly informed purchase decision.

Handling and Ergonomics: Evolution in Form and Function

Starting at the physical level, the X-S20 and X-T100 adopt a classic SLR-style mirrorless body, but with notable distinctions that influence handling and usability.

• Size & Weight: The X-S20 measures 127x85x65 mm and weighs around 491 g, while the slimmer X-T100 is slightly more compact at 121x83x47 mm, weighing 448 g. The difference in thickness (65 mm vs. 47 mm) is immediately perceptible, giving the X-S20 a more substantial hand feel suited to extended shooting sessions.

• Grip and Controls: The X-S20’s redesigned grip offers better ergonomics, facilitating comfortable operation with larger telephoto lenses, a crucial factor for genres like wildlife or sports photography. The X-T100’s grip, while adequate, tends to feel less secure during rapid bursts or in challenging environments.

• Control Layout: Beyond size, Fujifilm refined the control scheme. The X-S20 features a modernized top plate with dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, allowing faster manual adjustments. In contrast, the X-T100’s top controls are more limited, relying heavily on the rear dial and touch interface for key exposure settings.

Both cameras include touchscreen interfaces, but the X-S20’s 3” fully articulated screen with higher 1.84-million-dot resolution surpasses the X-T100’s older tilting screen capped at 1.04 million dots. This articulating mechanism is invaluable for vlogging, macro work, and low-angle compositions, areas where the X-T100’s portrait-mode tilting display shows limitations.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality: Jumping Generations

Arguably the heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the gulf between the X-S20 and X-T100 is most stark.

• Sensor Technology: The X-S20 employs a 26.1 MP back-illuminated BSI-CMOS APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm), a considerable leap over the X-T100’s 24.2 MP front-illuminated CMOS of similar size (23.5 x 15.7 mm). The BSI design on the X-S20 improves light gathering efficiency, translating to better dynamic range and low-light performance.

• Resolution and Detail: Though the resolution bump from 24 to 26 MP might seem minor on paper, real-world tests reveal noticeably finer details captured by the X-S20, especially when paired with high-quality lenses - the anti-aliasing filter removed on the X-S20 further enhances resolution and image sharpness.

• ISO Range & Noise Handling: Both cameras support ISO up to 12800 natively and 51200 boosted; however, the X-S20’s sensor architecture and improved processor enable cleaner images at high ISO. This is crucial for night photography, wildlife at dawn/dusk, and indoor sports, where noise can degrade image fidelity.

• Color Reproduction and Skin Tones: Fujifilm’s color science is industry-regarded, and the X-S20 refines this with updated film simulation modes and improved color depth, rendering more natural skin tones in portraits without tint shifts.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Tracking in Fast-Paced Scenarios

The autofocus (AF) system is a pivotal factor for entry-level shooters looking to expand into wildlife, sports, or event photography, where focus accuracy can make or break a shot.

• Number and Type of AF Points: The X-S20 boasts a formidable 425-point hybrid AF system (phase and contrast detection), scattered densely across the frame to improve tracking and subject acquisition. Comparatively, the X-T100 has 91 points, fewer autofocus sensors, which impacts coverage and accuracy.

• AF Features: The X-S20 supports advanced face, eye, and crucially, animal eye detection autofocus, a breakthrough for photographers focusing on pets or wildlife, enhancing sharpness on moving subjects. The X-T100, while including face/eye detection, lacks animal eye AF, limiting its utility for animal photography.

• AF Speed and Tracking: Practical testing confirms the X-S20’s autofocus locks faster and tracks moving subjects more reliably under diverse lighting conditions, aided by continuous AF modes and improved processing algorithms. This advantage is critical for sports and wildlife shooters tracking erratically moving targets.

• Manual Focus & Focus Bracketing: Both cameras support manual focus with focus peaking, but the X-S20 adds focus bracketing (absent on the X-T100) though neither support in-camera focus stacking - focus bracketing remains valuable for macro and product photography requiring extended depth-of-field.

Build Quality and Durability Considerations

Neither camera provides environmental sealing or significant weatherproofing, which should be a consideration for outdoor photographers planning to shoot in less forgiving conditions.

• Materials and Finish: The X-S20’s chassis feels more robust and premium with reinforced structural elements, despite Fujifilm not marketing it as weather sealed. The X-T100’s plastic-heavy construction feels lighter but less durable over extended heavy use.

• Portability: If absolute compactness and light weight are priorities for street or travel shooters, the X-T100 offers a smaller footprint. However, the X-S20’s slightly heftier build earns points for balance and stability when handholding larger lenses.

LCD Screens and Electronic Viewfinders: Visual Feedback and Usability

The visual interface critically shapes the shooting experience, especially as mirrorless systems rely on electronic viewfinders (EVFs) rather than optical through-the-lens viewing.

• EVF Resolution: Both cameras offer identical EVF specs - 2.36 million-dot OLED with 0.62x magnification and 100% coverage. This competes well at their respective price points, providing a sharp, clear viewfinder experience.

• Rear Screen Articulation: As noted, the X-S20 sports a fully articulated 3” touchscreen at nearly double the resolution (1.84 million dots) of the X-T100’s 3” tilting screen (1.04 million dots), enhancing functionality for vlogging, video framing, and challenging shooting positions.

• Touch Responsiveness and Menu Navigation: The X-S20’s touchscreen interface is notably more responsive and intuitive, with refined menu systems. The X-T100’s touchscreen is serviceable but slower, occasionally frustrating in fast-changing environments.

Lens Ecosystem: Opportunities and Limitations

Both cameras use the Fujifilm X-mount system, granting access to the impressive lineup of over 80 native lenses for the X-S20 and about 54 native options readily compatible with the X-T100.

• Lens Compatibility: Both cameras enjoy compatibility across the extensive Fujifilm lens ecosystem, including primes, zooms, and specialties (macro, telephoto, ultra-wide). However, the newer X-S20 with its modern autofocus system benefits from faster AF and better lens communication.

• Lens Stabilization: Neither camera features in-camera stabilization for lenses without optical stabilization, but the X-S20’s 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization compensates for up to several stops of shake, a critical upgrade over the X-T100 which lacks IBIS entirely.

Burst Rates and Buffer: Capturing the Decisive Moment

For genres such as sports and wildlife where continuous shooting speed is vital, the difference between cameras becomes clear.

• X-S20: Offers a respectable 8 FPS with mechanical shutter and up to 20 FPS in electronic shutter mode, enabling action sequences to be captured with precision.

• X-T100: Limited to 6 FPS mechanical shutter with no electronic continuous shooting mode, the X-T100 is less adept at freezing fast movement.

Video Capabilities: Bridging Photography and Cinematic Expression

Video capabilities are increasingly crucial, especially for hybrid shooters and content creators.

• Resolution and Frame Rates: The X-S20 shoots 6K video at 30p and 4K up to 60p with H.265 encoding (various bitrates up to 720 Mbps) offering stunning detail and professional-level flexibility. Conversely, the X-T100 maxes out at 4K 15p, which feels constraining in modern contexts.

• Stabilization: The X-S20’s sensor-based 5-axis stabilization dramatically improves handheld video, reducing shake for smoother footage, while the X-T100 has no in-body stabilization, relying on optically stabilized lenses for video steadiness.

• Audio Inputs: Both cameras provide a microphone input (allowing external mics) but only the X-S20 offers a dedicated headphone jack for live audio monitoring, an indispensable feature for serious videographers.

• Additional Video Features: The X-S20 supports slow-motion, time-lapse, and offers advanced exposure and color grading controls onboard, giving creators creative latitude absent on the more basic X-T100.

Fujifilm X S20 front Fujifilm X S20 screen back Fujifilm X T100 front

Image Samples and Real-World Performance

Side-by-side evaluations show the X-S20 delivers richer details, more accurate rendering in shadows and highlights, superior skin tone reproduction, and more natural bokeh transitions thanks to its newer sensor, refined color science, and IBIS.

The X-T100 produces pleasing images suitable for casual use and low-stakes projects but shows compromises in low-light and dynamic range, evident in noisier shadows and harsher highlight clipping under challenging lighting.

Battery Life and Storage: Long Shoots and Flexibility

• Battery Performance: The X-S20 utilizes the new NP-W235 battery offering approximately 750 shots per charge, a nearly 75% improvement over the X-T100’s NP-W126S rated for 430 shots. This translates directly to more reliable shooting during travel or extended events without frequent power changes.

• Storage: Both have a single SD card slot; however, the X-S20 supports faster UHS-II cards, facilitating quicker write speeds needed for high-bitrate video and burst shooting. The X-T100 is limited to UHS-I, meaning slower buffer clearing.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Seamless Workflow Integration

• Wireless: Both cameras ship with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control, though the X-S20 integrates a more modern Bluetooth implementation improving connection stability and speed.

• Ports: The X-S20’s USB 3.2 Gen1 port supports faster data transfer and charging options, whereas the X-T100’s older USB standard is slower and more limited.

Performance Scores and Value Analysis

When aggregating performance metrics - from image quality, autofocus, burst rates to video prowess - the X-S20 scores significantly higher across nearly every category. This is expected for a model launched five years later with modern technology.

• The X-S20’s premium price (~$1300) positions it between entry-level and enthusiast tiers but delivers commensurate value for serious photographers looking to grow into advanced techniques.

• The X-T100, with an approximate street price of $500, remains an attractive budget option for beginners and casual shooters, especially those prioritizing still images over video or demanding features.

Which Camera Excels in Your Photography Discipline?

• Portrait Photography: X-S20 takes the lead with animal eye AF, superior skin tone accuracy, and richer colors; ideal for portrait and event shooters seeking sharp autofocus and natural results.

• Landscape Photography: The X-S20’s greater dynamic range, higher resolution, and IBIS provide advantages for handheld landscapes and HDR, while the X-T100 remains serviceable in good light with tripod support.

• Wildlife and Sports: Faster burst rates and advanced AF tracking with animal eye detection make the X-S20 the clear choice here. The X-T100’s slower frame rates hinder capturing rapid action.

• Street Photography: The X-T100’s smaller size and lower weight could benefit discreet, portable shooting. However, the X-S20’s quieter electronic shutter and better low-light autofocus also justify consideration.

• Macro Photography: The X-S20’s IBIS combined with focus bracketing extends macro usability despite neither supporting in-camera stacking fully. The X-T100’s focus stacking feature is helpful but limited by weaker overall stabilization.

• Night and Astro Photography: The X-S20’s better high ISO performance and sensor sensitivity provide cleaner night shots with less noise, essential for astrophotography and cityscapes.

• Video: Undisputedly the X-S20 offers professional-grade video specs and stabilization, unlike the X-T100, which is best left to casual 4K shoots.

• Travel Photography: While the X-T100’s compactness favors travel, the X-S20’s versatility, battery life, and advanced features elevate overall trip shooting capabilities.

• Professional Use: The X-S20’s robust file formats, faster interface, and higher reliability make it a more viable option for professional workflows.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Fujifilm X-S20 serves as a marked evolution from the X-T100, embodying Fujifilm’s commitment to bridging mirrorless accessibility with high-performance features suitable for enthusiasts and burgeoning professionals. Its superior image quality, vastly improved autofocus system, substantial video capabilities, and enhanced ergonomics position it as an excellent all-around mirrorless camera that can grow with your skills.

The Fujifilm X-T100, given its price point and design vintage, remains a valid choice for newcomers on tighter budgets seeking an affordable entry into interchangeable lens photography, where extensive video shooting or speed isn’t a priority. It’s capable for general-purpose use but lacks the technological advancements that define today’s standards.

In sum, the X-S20 is recommended for anyone serious about creating high-quality stills and video across diverse contexts - its future-proofing and versatile feature set justify the investment. The X-T100 is suitable for beginners prioritizing simplicity and value but should be considered a stepping stone toward a more advanced system.

Choosing between these two Fujifilm gems ultimately boils down to how much you value state-of-the-art performance, video capability, and functionality versus affordability and basic shooting needs. Both serve discrete niches within the Fujifilm APS-C ecosystem admirably.

If you wish to explore more image samples, in-depth genre-specific comparisons, or deeper technical analyses of these cameras and their Fujifilm lens pairings, feel free to reach out or browse our dedicated Fujifilm mirrorless camera reviews.

Your next photographic adventure starts with the right tool - choose wisely!

Appendix: Specification Overview Tables

To recap, the Fujifilm X-S20 offers technology and performance befitting its higher price and more recent design iteration, while the X-T100 can still appeal to photographers balancing budget constraints against fundamental mirrorless functionality. Because image quality, autofocus, video features, and build quality have all improved so dramatically with the X-S20, it represents a much better investment for serious entry-level and enthusiast users today.

We hope this thorough comparison aids your journey to the ideal Fujifilm mirrorless camera tailored to your creative pursuits. Happy shooting!