Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsA Contrarian's View - a Mixed Bag...
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2020
So, there are lots of 'fanboys' out there extolling the amazing virtues of Fujis. I fell for that hype, and actually bought different camera models of theirs, later returning them or having to sell them at a significant loss. Here's my take on this X-T20 with 18-55 lens. I have lots of experience with nikon and canon APSC dslrs, and with some of the canon full frame cameras as my other reference points. I hope this review is helpful to others, as these are expensive decisions.
The biggest strengths of this camera (and many of the other sub-X-T3 size fujis), are: their jpeg image quality is maybe the best around (thanks to both their great in camera jpeg processing and solidly good lenses). 2nd, this has a switch that allows you to go quickly to a full-auto setting that can help you grab a quick shot opportunity that may be passing, or use while you are getting familiar with the camera. 3rd, this camera's ability to get exposure correct with the first shot not requiring a lot of subsequent tweaks of exposure compensation) is pretty good...maybe exceeded only by Nikon. Last, the solid build quality and numerous controls allowing for direct changing of the key camera settings all inspire a very positive tactile experience. But note - i am not saying this has good ergonomics. Read on.
There are several cons in my view - I have medium to large adult-size male hands. I found this camera uncomfortably small to comfortably operate. But its not so much the overall size of the camera as it is the minimal size grip and the tiny buttons. (I own and love a much smaller canon GX-7 mark ii that handles much better). I even added the Lensmate brand thumb rest and shutter button - both of which helped the situation, but not enough to begin to describe it as comfortable. 2nd, the "Dang, Why's???" of the quirky camera settings. I site the phrase of Omar Gonzalez on YouTube who used that to describe this. You'll want to change some setting in the camera and find it greyed out in the menu, due, possibly, to some other setting being in some particular mode. Frustrating! And this is even after being fairly familiar with the settings and menus. 3rd, i work my raw files in Lightroom (LR). LR still has issues in its opening of fuji raw files, creating some funky swirly patterns in fine detail areas. Think the foliage in a nature scene, or the smaller strands of hair on human models. Its gotten better with LR upgrades. But its nowhere near 'good.' And i didn't want to have to learn a new software program (like Capture One) in order to use this camera. 4th, battery life, not good. And last, lens options can be good, but they are pricey. Most immediately for this review, the kit 18-55 is good but not great. Though it has bigger potential aperture settings than the canon 18-55 STM 4.0-5.6 i own and use, side by side comparisons show the Fuji not being any better in terms of sharpness, though maybe better for having less chromatic aberrations. So, i give this a 3 star rating. I'd really encourage you to try holding one before buying and consider how you intend to use it (and whether you'll be buying additional lenses), and working in raw processing. I'm sticking with my canons for the time being.
