Welcome to Issue 108 of Photography News, with its customary serving of news, reviews, guides and advice to help you get more from your hobby. This month, we have a full test of Fujifilm’s exciting X-S20, plus provide the lowdown on latest releases from Canon, Sony, Leica and more. We’ll also help you create more captivating video, buy lenses and filters with confidence and decide whether new kit from Nikon and Canon is right for you.
ISSUE 108 6 Jun-3 Jul 2023 photographynews.co.uk
Pg16 Big test / Fujifilm X-S20 is put through its paces
Pg23 Making movies / The art of shot composition broken down
Pg29 Through a lens / A buyers’ guide to the world of filters and optics
Budget addition targets novice photographers looking for a high-quality and easy-to-use camera Canon bolsters EOS R system
PHOTO STALWART CANON has been throwing resources into growing its EOS R mirrorless line-up, which now comprises 13 bodies and 34 lenses. That number is further swelled with the addition of the EOS R100, which sits just below the recently issued R50 and is described by its manufacturer as ‘family friendly’. This is justified not only by being a small, lightweight and compact new entry-level option, but also Canon’s most affordable R camera so far. Novice photographers are the intended audience for this ‘photo first’ camera – as well as smartphone users seeking higher quality than their handsets could deliver, but who at the same time don’t demand hundreds of features. Ease of use is key here, and that includes the provision of a GUI (guided user interface). Headline features include a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Digic 8 processor, a native light sensitivity range that tops out at ISO 12,800 but is further expandable, and 3.5fps capture speed with face and AF tracking or 6fps with one-shot AF. On top of this, we’re offered a silent mode, 4K/25p video capture, Full HD up to 60p and HD up to 120p. For budding videographers, the camera also provides built-in Movie Digital IS, Vertical Movies and a Movie Digest function. In the latter, the R100 creates two- to four-second video clips every time a shot is taken and compiles these into a motion sequence. Compatibility is offered with the Camera Connect app to allow remote shooting, plus there’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Also of importance, the EOS R100 weighs 356g, features a 5-pin hotshoe, a 2.36m-dot EVF with 60fps refresh rate and a three-inch fixed LCD with 1.04m dots. While its maker sees the R10 as being aimed “Not only is it a small, lightweight, entry-level option, it’s Canon’s most affordable R camera” Continued on page 3
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EDITOR’S LETTER ROGER PAYNE
How do you take your tea? Bear with me, it’s relevant. I’m a ‘milk, no sugar’ man, but I’m sure there will be some of you who don’t like milk, or prefer two sugars, or would rather have coffee. Point is, we all have a personal preference. I reached this groundbreaking conclusion as I was preparing one of my workshops for Photo Video 24, which, by the time you read this, will be little more than a sleep-deprived blur. Said workshop was titled ‘Increase your odds of winning photography competitions’, and involved me chatting through what I believe helps make an image successful. Thing is, as part of my research for the talk, I looked at winners from all sorts of photography competitions and came to the conclusion that not everyone shares my view of what makes an image work. Personal preference was especially evident, hence my tea-based musings. These preferences extend beyond competitions, of course. While I might enjoy getting up early and making the most of first light at the coast, you may prefer to wait until the sun goes down and head to a city. Photography, like tea drinking, is very personal. Roger Payne
Ultimately, there are no right and wrong answers to what makes a great photo. It all comes down to the feeling it generates in the person who made the image in the first place. Does a shot have to be pin-sharp, perfectly exposed and beautifully lit to be considered worthy? Perhaps. But does that then mean a blurred, slightly dark image is worthless? Certainly not. I don’t feel that validation by a competition judge makes you a better photographer than the next person – it simply means it was adjudged that you followed a set of rules better than other entrants. In short, don’t beat yourself up if you never win a competition in your entire life. What matters is that you are enjoying the process of image making. At least, that’s my personal opinion.
Entry-level EOS R100 revealed
Continued from page 1
Alongside the latest camera, Canon has announced an RF 28mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens for EOS R users. Described as ‘a small lens for a wide world of creativity’, the optic weighs a mere 120g and measures a compact 24.7mm in length, making it Canon’s smallest and lightest RF lens yet. It features a combined focus and control ring, a focus/control switch and 5mm filter thread. Its suggested retail price is £344.99 and it’s also available this month. Finally, Canon is offering up the OC-E4A off-camera shoe cable, a successor to the OC-E3. Slightly longer than its predecessor, this 80cm cord supports flash and audio. It can also power Canon’s DM-E1D
at photo/video enthusiasts and the R50 suitable for the content creator market, the R100 has very much been pitched at the family user. In terms of price, the main option twins the EOS R100 body with an RF-S 18-45mm lens for £669.99, with availability the middle to end of June. “Canon has also announced an RF 28mm f/2.8 pancake lens”
MADE TO MEASURE Small, easy to use and affordable – the EOS R100 targets newcomers to photography microphone and ST-E10 accessory when attached. Compatible models include the R3, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10 and R50. Pricing for the OC-E4A is £229.99. canon.co.uk
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What’s inside 03 News A bumper month for new products as Fujifilm, Sony and more unveil tasty kit to tempt cash from your pockets – and we study some of
23 Making movies: compose yourself!
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Composition is as important in moviemaking as it is in creating stills. Our guide will have you framing like a professional in no time
the best food photography of the year 11 Samsung word search There’s 20 words listed, but only 19 can be found in our word search. Work out what’s missing and you could well win a Samsung memory card! Plus, fresh kit from Leica 16 Big test: Fujifilm X-S20 Fujifilm’s latest APS-C model promises a potent combination of stills and video features. Will Cheung was dragged kicking and screaming to sunny Malta to find out how it performs
29 Buyers’ guide: lenses and filters
Whether you’re looking for a new lens, fresh filter or both, our guide has got you covered – we round up key products from independent manufacturers so you make the right choice 36 First tests Casting an eye over some of the latest releases, our team will help you buy with confidence. Reviewed this month are a brace of Nikon lenses and Canon’s V10 vlogging camera
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News Fujifilm takes things to the X-S! Three products unveiled by imaging giant, including an updated camera, ultra-wide lens and improved app
Also new this month is the Fujifilm XApp for Android and Apple phones, a piece of software free to download now which is compatible with the GFX System and X Series of digital cameras. As we’d expect, the new app allows users to remotely operate their Fujifilm camera from a connected smartphone or tablet and check images while in Live View mode. Compared to the manufacturer’s previous Camera Remote app, the XApp is said to provide more stable and swift wireless communication, and a smoother transfer of images to smartphones and tablets. Using a new Backup/Restore function, users can save camera settings in the app and apply the setting back to the camera. Further functions include Timeline and Activity, which gather and display shooting information, allowing users to reflect on their image-making activities when viewing photos. fujifilm-x.com
self-portraiture. With the insertion of a USB Type C cable, the X-S20 can also be hooked up to a computer for use as a webcam. The new camera features 19 Film Simulation modes, which are available even during live streaming. Traditional stills shooters will enjoy the 2.36m-dot resolution EVF with 0.62x magnification, plus there’s a 1.84m-dot vari-angle LCD monitor. Available from late June, the X-S20 will come body-only for £1249. For lens options, it comes with the XC15- 45mm f/3.5-5.6 for £1349, or with an XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 for £1599. At the equivalent of an ultra wide-angle 12mm in 35mm film terms, the Fujinon XF8mm f/3.5 R WR lens is claimed to offer a field of view wider than human eyesight. As well as promising to deliver edge-to- edge clarity, the lens should enable landscape photographers to capture a massive amount of information, with other possible applications
NP-W235 cell also impresses. Mirrorless cameras traditionally haven’t matched DSLRs when it comes to power performance, but the X-S20 puts that gripe to bed, if its claim of 800 frames per charge – more than double the previous model – works out in practice. At the core of the X-S20 is a back- side illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, coupled with a high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine. Also worth noting are a large grip claimed to improve image stability, and five-axis IBIS said to offer a seven-stop advantage. The APS-C sensor camera weighs 491g including battery and memory card, and features a 3.5mm microphone/ earphone jack. For those thinking to employ this camera for vlogging, an optional tripod grip is available – the TG-BT1. There’s also a new dedicated Vlog mode accessible via a twist of its mode dial, which alters camera settings to those most suitable for
THE X-S20 CAMERA, XF8mm f/3.5 R WR lens and XApp are all coming our way from Fujifilm. The compact and lightweight X-S20 boasts AI- based subject detection AF, said to deliver a performance equivalent to that of Fujifilm’s X-T5, plus up to 6.2K-resolution video at 30fps, or 4K at 60fps. Battery life via the supplied
including architecture and travel photography. Some 52.8mm long, the lens weighs 215g, offers a filter thread size of 62mm and comes with a suggested price tag of £799. EVERYDAY CARRY The 35mm- equivalent 12mm lens suits travel thanks to a weather-resistant design
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE The ultra-wide XF8mm f/3.5 offers a field of view even broader than the human eye
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Sony updates ZV-1 vlogging camera
Light the way with Kenro Smart Lite Bi-Colour LED Kenro’s slimline new LED light panel is made for the ultimate control – ideal for pro photographers and filmmakers, content creators and enthusiasts
houses 256 LEDs which produce 3300 lux illumination. A built-in diffuser has been incorporated to soften and distribute light evenly. The casing is engineered using aluminium alloy to withstand even the most rigorous schedules, but weighs just 1300g. It’s suited to a range of environments, especially thanks to its width of only 12mm. It can be powered by a DC power adapter (which is included in the kit) or two Sony F-series batteries (not included), making it a versatile and portable lighting solution. Designed to fit securely on a standard light stand spigot, the head can be vertically adjusted 180° for shooting angle versatility. Adjust the light with intuitive buttons and dials, and once the light has been placed, use 2.4G remote control to alter temperature, brightness and mode from a distance – without having to move the unit and thus compromise continuity. kenro.co.uk
Any photographer or filmmaker who uses continuous LED lighting should have a portable solution. Kenro has positioned the new Smart Lite Bi-Colour LED Light Panel to be the answer, hailing it as the ‘perfect, versatile lighting solution’ delivering performance and flexibility. As photographers, we know that light is the most important component to bringing a creative vision to life, meaning we need a quality light source when shooting. The KSLP104 has a CRI of 96+ and a TLCI of 97+, capturing accurate and vibrant colours in both photo and video formats. The CCT colour temperature range of 7500-3200K allows for adjustment to suit the shooting environment, and the dimming range of 1-100% means you can control the intensity of the beam to achieve the desired effect. Made for those who shoot on location or in the studio, the slimline Bi-Colour LED Light Panel
NEW AND IMPROVED The zoom lens now offers wider-angle shooting and there’s an upgraded touchscreen
the ZV-1 II’s hotshoe, and there’s the option to invest in an ECM-B10 accessory shotgun microphone. With availability from mid-June promised, the ZV-1 II is a more expensive proposition than the original at £870 SRP. Since there is no IBIS, merely an electronic version in Sony’s ‘Active’ Stabilisation mode, we would also recommend looking at the optional wireless grip – the GP-VPT2BT – ideal when recording pieces to camera or simply taking selfies. This is currently available for £170. Look out, too, for money-saving promotions being planned around the camera’s release. sony.co.uk
and weight, the biggest tweak has been made to its optical zoom. The built-in f/1.8 maximum aperture lens starts at a wider 18mm equivalent, as opposed to its forebear’s 24mm, and runs to 50mm instead of 70mm. The basic touchscreen of the ZV-1 has also been overhauled to allow greater intuitiveness and access to more settings, making the adoption of this second-generation model easier for existing smartphone users. Likewise, Sony suggests the built-in microphone offers more creative flexibility. You can now direct audio recording to the front of the camera, to the rear or in all directions. A dead cat windshield can be slipped into
SONY HAS INTRODUCED a second-generation model of its ZV-1 vlogging camera. With the manufacturer claiming that it’s big on sustainability, the ZV-1 II recycles most of the features from the popular original. These include its one-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, providing 20-megapixel stills and 4K-resolution video up to 30p. Oddly, its maker’s desire to be eco-friendly extends to not including a mains charger or USB-C cable, which is essential for charging the battery. In that area, the performance matches its predecessor – up to 45 minutes of recording. While much here is familiar, including near-identical dimensions
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News
New L-brackets from 3LT Best known for its tripods, British manufacturer 3 Legged Thing is switching things up by announcing two new L-brackets for Sony and OM System cameras, which allow users to switch their tripod-mounted machines from landscape to portrait and vice versa – all the while maintaining a level horizon. The firm is excited about its new product, and has named the Sony A7 IV- and A7R V-compatible bracket Alfie and the OM-1 variant Ollie.
Inkjet paper specialist Permajet has made a free ebook designed to help photographers maximise their printing skills. The Knowledge Vol 2: The Step by Step Guide to Printing covers topics including colour management, setting up your workspace, selecting the right monitor and the right printer, as well as the ideal paper for a project. Claiming to provide clear and concise instructions, the guide is aimed at beginners and seasoned pros alike. permajet.com Permajet shares The Knowledge
Made from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, the Alfie L-bracket has been designed to fit the contours of Sony cameras, while giving users complete access to battery doors and side ports. Rear LCD screens can be opened when upright or tilted, while there are two threads on the bracket for the attachment of accessories. An extending base allows Sony users to plug in cables and includes a detachable cable management tool for extra support. For OM System users, the Ollie L-bracket offers full access to the OM-1’s side ports and battery door, while the L-bracket’s vertical aspect has a cutout that allows the camera’s screen to be flipped out and tilted. Both are available in a trio of colours: copper, metallic slate grey or a matte black ‘darkness’ version. Alfie retails at £109.99, while Ollie is £99.99. 3leggedthing.com “Two new L-brackets let users switch their tripod- mounted machine from landscape to portrait”
PERFECT FIT These L-brackets are contoured to the design of each camera’s body
Food Photographer of the Year 2023 Winners The Candy Man of Mumbai puts on a stunning display of juxtaposition to take the title of Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2023
Cashback on your kit with OM System Buy select OM System products by 16 July and make hefty savings. Bodies – including the OM-1 and OM-5 – kits and lenses will give up to £175 cashback, making it a fantastic time to invest in the line-up. explore.omsystem.com
surrounded by the rubble left after a series of bombings destroyed the landscape. Every year, thousands from around the world submit their images to an expert judging panel; entrants came from over 65 countries this year. The panel was chaired by legendary food photographer David Loftus and featured a host of food pros. The 2023 finalist display is hosted at the Royal Photographic Society in Bristol from 20 May to 11 June. It forms part of Bristol’s World Photography in Focus effort, when Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Travel Photographer of the Year exhibit in the city. pinkladyfoodphotographer oftheyear.com
colours and juxtaposition of the candy and the urban environment.” Founder of the contest Caroline Kenyon says it “evokes the great late 18th and early 19th-century portraits of Reynolds and Gainsborough – the gaze, full-length figure, subject’s position in the frame.” She highlights the figure of a man despite his humble way of life: “Dignified, confident, direct, he’s anyone’s equal in a society riven with division and caste differences, showing us a universal truth: we are all the same.” The Politics of Food prize category was won by Syrian photographer Mouneb Taim for Ramadan Meals Among the Ruins in Idlib. It captures breakfast during Ramadan
The Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year contest celebrates the art of food photography and film, telling important stories from across the world. “War in Europe, climate change, soaring inflation to be grappled with,” states Phil Turnbull, CEO of APAL, “but we continue to grow, forage, cook, eat, gather together, feast.” This year, Jon Enoch took the title for his snap of a candyfloss seller on the streets of western Mumbai. A common practice among sellers on the beaches and fairs, vendors imagine unique ways to attract custom, like Pappu Jaiswal’s (the seller) stacked display. “Ever since I saw them,” Enoch recalls, “I was drawn to the shapes,
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News
A Samsung memory card! WIN!
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UWCLVGPNSXD GXOCRKHLNNW REROOKOXHDN A K P L W I T A L R I DAULBNOUVFM U K S E L G W X I I B AEOGASAYDTH TWBENPLKEZM ECASDHKJOWU MACESOCCX I N I MKFCTHAFL I D B S B A O U N I L V SRNKPTRDR I E U I O E E M C I M A R MDLJERHDMMS MGSTEERTSWI E E I R O W I N G F T R M T R I P O D L S Y With the need for superfast, high-capacity memory greater than ever, the Samsung 256GB Pro Plus microSD card could be just the ticket – and here’s your chance to win one. Boasting up to 160MB/s read and 120MB/s write speeds, the card is ideal for expanded mobile device storage and capturing quality photos or 4K UHD video. Complete the puzzle below, themed to our recent event – Photo Video 24 – and you’ll find one word in the list that’s not in the grid. Email us on puzzle@photographynews.co.uk with that word in the subject box by 3 July 2023 and the winner will be drawn at random from all the correct entries. Only entries from UK residents will be accepted. Congratulations to Terry Parnell, our winner from issue 106. The missing word from issue 107 was ‘Dell’. samsung.com/uk/memory-cards
Form a Q for Leica Another well-crafted camera with a premium price tag has been revealed in the Leica Q3. The third generation of the Q series, originally launched in 2015, retails for £5300 and offers a full-frame sensor, fixed focal length and
is now five times faster. Videographers can record up to 8K on the Q3, and there’s more support for professional codecs, including H.265 and Apple ProRes. A new HDMI and USB-C port also feature. The latter can be used for shooting tethered or charging the camera’s battery. Additional features are designed to deliver perfect-looking JPEGs straight out of the camera, such as Leica Perspective Control (LPC), which will correct any instances of converging verticals, while Leica Dynamic Range (LDR) retains detail in shadows without blowing out highlights. In terms of handling, the camera weighs a reassuringly chunky 743g with battery inserted, and is capable of 350 shots from a full charge. Announced with the Q3 is an update to the Leica Fotos app, now in version 4. It’s claimed to be ten times faster than the previous iteration, while offering new ‘Leica Looks’ that can be transferred to your Leica camera. The latest app also adds video functionality. As well as the above, Leica has introduced a range of accessories for the Q3, including a very plush-looking, cognac-coloured leather half case that still allows for access to the camera’s battery and memory card when attached. leica-camera.com
traditional-looking magnesium die-cast body. Suitable for use by anyone from point-and- shoot photographers to professionals, an articulated rear touchscreen features, along with an updated viewfinder, new ports, a new processor and a light sensitivity range up to ISO 100,000. At its heart is a 60-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor first introduced on the Leica M11 last year, which on the new Q3 is coupled with a 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens. Such massive resolution means that even in the camera’s 90mm crop mode, photographers will still generate a six-megapixel image. It’s also well worth mentioning that there’s an optical image stabiliser in the lens. Undoubtedly the biggest talking point here is the new tilting screen, a 1.84m-dot touch display. Of course, we also get an upgraded eye-level OLED EVF offering 5.76m dots of resolution, as well as the inevitable tweak to autofocus, with phase detection and contrast autofocus working in unison to deliver a more versatile focusing system – that Leica claims
Editorial team Editorial director Roger Payne rogerpayne@bright.uk.com Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Ben Gawne Junior sub editor Lori Hodson Contributing writers Will Cheung, Adam Duckworth, Samara Husbands, Katie Kasperson, Kingsley Singleton, Gavin Stoker Advertising team Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Senior sales executive
Design team Design director Andy Jennings Design & ad production Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman and Man-Wai Wong Distribution Distribution and subscription manager Phil Gray philipgray@bright.uk.com Publishing team Managing directors Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck As well as your local camera club, you can pick up Photography News in-store from: Cameraworld, Castle Cameras, Jessops, London Camera Exchange, Park Cameras, Wex Photo Video, Wilkinson Cameras
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Fujifilm
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Unobtrusively compact yet high spec, the Fujifilm X-T5 is just what street photographer Mr Whisper ordered Whisper it: Fujifilm’s X-T5 is streets ahead
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY NEEDS split-second timing, the ability to blend in with one’s surroundings and – of course – a camera that can keep pace while consistently delivering the goods. Fujifilm X-Photographer Balwinder Bhatla, aka Mr Whisper (@mrwhisper), made the jump from advertising agency creative director to full-time street photographer a decade ago – and thinks he’s found these essentials in the Fujifilm X-T5. Describing it as ‘perfectly suited to street photography’, he explains: “Although I do shoot in the daytime, I especially like working at night, which puts any camera through its paces. For low-light photography, the X-T5 is an incredible leap on from the previous generation. It’s now picking up things I almost couldn’t see with my own eyes – so I’ve started using the face tracking a lot more.” The camera’s 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5 provide the power and quality a photographer demands. “With that sensor, you can crop in as much as you need and not lose image quality,” he marvels. “I shoot a combination of Raw and JPEG. I like to know I’ve got the Raw if a client asks for it, or I need to make a print. Whereas the JPEG is more than sufficient for social media. In fact, I can safely crop JPEGs up to 50% without a noticeable drop in quality.” In terms of most favoured settings, Bhatla leaves the camera on Aperture Priority and will not go higher than ISO 1600 – or select a shutter speed slower than 1/125sec: “so I’m always going to get some suggestion of movement,” he states. Bristling with raised, rangefinder- type dials and control wheels made for those who want to get hands-on, a further appeal of the Fujifilm X-T5
X-T5 SPECS › Sensor 40.2-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR › ISO Auto, 125-12,800 (expandable to 64-51,200 for stills, 125-25,600 video) › Image stabilisation In-body sensor shift with seven-stop improvement › Screen 3in free-angle tilting LCD touchscreen, 1.84m dots › Shutter speed 15 mins to 1/180,000sec › Autofocus Intelligent hybrid AF, phase and contrast detection with 425 points › Frame rates Up to 20fps (electronic shutter), 15fps (mechanical shutter) › Recording media 2x SD/SDHC/ SDXC slot › Weather resistance Dust and moisture resistant, operating temp -10°C to +40°C › Dimensions (wxhxd) 129.5x91x63.8mm › Weight 557g with battery and memory card is its distinctly retro, analogue-type operational feel. “I love the fact that the Fujifilm X-T5 has such a traditional design. I can glance down and adjust the dials without having to look at the screen. Plus, it often acts as an ice- breaker; people want to know what I’m shooting on, so I’ll show them how it works, and that allows me to make shots that others haven’t. So the aesthetics are also incredibly important for me. And, in graduating from the X-T4 over to the X-T5, I’m finding there are little nuances that ergonomically make the camera so much more comfortable.” As he doesn’t use a tripod, the X-T5’s IBIS system – providing the equivalent of seven stops – is also crucial in helping Mr Whisper get consistently sharp results. “The IBIS has been a fundamental feature since its introduction on the X-T4, so I’m happy to see it continue on the X-T5. I would like to see it stay forever – it’s such a powerful tool and increases your hit rate.” Although he’s primarily a stills photographer, a recent trip to New York found Bhatla trying out the X-T5’s video capability in order
“For low-light photography, the X-T5 is a leap on from the previous generation. It’s picking up things I almost couldn’t see with my eyes”
ALL’S FARE Subject detection AF on the X-T5 uses artificial intelligence to significantly improve the tracking of human faces to challenge himself. “It’s quite underrated as a hybrid camera. Thanks to the built-in stabilisation, I was managing to get really good- quality video. Ultimately, I want to make the quality of my videos as good as my photography, and the X-T5 will allow me to do that.” Also particularly useful here is the camera’s three-inch tilting touchscreen. “I didn’t think I’d use the LCD as much as I do. And with video, I have also started to use the touchscreen aspect more, in order to adjust the focus point.”
The image maker also loves the way the LCD fits within the form of the camera body rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. “As I’m trying to get an authentic moment, rather than a posed one, its discrete body style helps. Plus, when I want a really low angle, I’ll articulate the LCD screen. That’s allowed me to get shots that wouldn’t have been
possible without that feature. It’s also a real workhorse. I’ve been using the Fujifilm X-T5 daily since last August and it’s not let me down.”
ON EASY STREET The humongous 40.2-megapixel resolution of the X-T5 lets users crop in for the perfect shot
eshop.fujifilm-x.com/uk
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MPB
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
For the buying and selling of used equipment, MPB is the destination of choice. Its online quote tool offers a quick valuation of kit, while it also takes care to check and maintain the equipment it ultimately sells on to other photographers MPB values your camera
IN OFFERING THE largest online platform for buying and selling used photographic equipment and videography gear, MPB may already be familiar to the majority of Photography News readers. MPB differs from other online traders in second-hand goods, in that it’s not a marketplace. It buys kit directly from current owners, with a team of product specialists evaluating all items before they are resold. While sellers avoid the likes of Ebay seller fees, buyers can also feel secure in the knowledge that every item is MPB-approved – the quality of products available for purchase is never called into question. Put simply, if you’re looking to monetise your existing kit, perhaps
in order to upgrade to the latest covetable equipment, MPB can put a value on it. Selling to MPB is risk-free because your equipment is fully insured from collection to payment. You can even change your mind at any point up until you get paid, and gear will be returned to you free of charge. As well as offering a secure transaction, you can sell from the comfort of your own home, with the convenience of doorstep pick-up and the knowledge that you’ll get paid within days. For what it’s worth If you’re seeking to sell, it all starts with the MPB online quote tool, which provides the right price for
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MPB
HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT Affordable, sustainable and trusted, MPB is a great solution for buying and selling second-hand kit
“If you’re visiting the site looking to buy used, do so knowing MPB customers spend an average of a third less vs new” buying used kit versus brand new. Handy to know your money will go further – especially in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. As well as affordability, sustainability is likewise at the heart
they receive. And there’s something for everyone – from beginners to professionals, and whether you’re shooting stills or video. Even recently released products are available on the platform within an average of three months after initial launch. These all come with the peace of mind of a six-month warranty when sold, having first been carefully inspected by MPB’s product specialists. MPB offers over a decade of experience in buying and selling kit, having become the trusted reseller for thousands of customers in the UK – part of the reason why it was voted best used specialist retailer in the 2022 Photography News Awards. But don’t just take our word for it:
of the MPB offering. All packaging is 100% plastic-free, its cloud-based platform utilises 100% renewable electricity and zero in-bound or operational waste is sent to landfill. Currently, it’s on target to reach net-zero carbon emissions for its buildings by 2025, data centres by 2030 and courier services by 2035. All the more impressive when we learn that MPB has served more than 625,000 happy customers to date, and every year recirculates 485,000 cameras, lenses and accessories. Each week, more than 3000 products are added to stock, with visitors to its site able to conveniently compare, filter and shop for thousands of products in the knowledge that each item shown will be the one
any camera or lens – letting users see straight away how much their photography or videography kit is worth, while avoiding any difficult negotiation process. MPB’s dynamic pricing engine is data-driven by supply and demand, with the value of kit based on real-world factors including age, popularity of the brand and condition. On average, MPB customers earn £650 each time they sell their gear to the platform – even increasing your seller’s quote if it’s found to be in better condition than expected. Instant quotes are guaranteed for 14 days. Alternatively, if you’re visiting the site looking to buy, do so in the knowledge that MPB customers spend an average of a third less
the platform is also rated excellent on Trustpilot, with more than 19,000 customer reviews. For an instant quote, simply head to mpb.com/en-uk/about-selling . Alternatively, to choose from thousands of cameras, lenses and accessories, visit mpb.com .
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Fujifilm X-S20
Big test
PRICE: £1249
FUJIFILM-X.COM
Beautifully formed, powerful and stacked with awesome stills and video features, the Fujifilm X-S20 is sure to find its way into the hands of discerning creators of all levels. Will Cheung had the pleasure of its company for a couple of days’ photography in Malta
new, will soon find their way around the layout. I don’t think newcomers to the system will struggle much with the clearly identified controls and easily navigable menu either. The one part that’s anonymous is the control dial on the body’s left side. This can be assigned to various functions, but at default it changes the Film Simulation setting – of which there are 19 to choose from. The X-S20’s extra length and slightly chubbier handgrip enables use of the NP-W235 battery – this is used, among others, in the X-T5, X-H2 and GFX 100S models. The larger battery has greater capacity, which is very welcome. It claims to give 750 shots in normal use and 800 in economy mode – compared with 325 from the X-S10 in normal mode using the NP-W126S cell. On my two shooting days, starting with a fully charged cell each time, I came away with 935 and 827 still pictures respectively (about half with the electronic shutter), plus a few video clips. I finished both days with two bars of battery remaining. That was impressive – and even if you get low on juice out on location, the X-S20 can be recharged from a power bank via the USB-C port. The exposure mode dial is just like any other, with the usual suspects of PASM, movie and auto. There are four custom modes, too, where you can assign an array of settings
WORDS & IMAGES BY WILL CHEUNG
ALL CAMERA BRANDS put a great deal of effort into developing product ranges to cater for different budgets and audiences. Fujifilm certainly does, and from its first X Series camera – the X-Pro1, which came out in 2012 – it has been brilliant at delivering targeted models, often using the same sensor and processor. So, we have the X-Pro family, with its classic rangefinder styling; the X-T series with traditional controls and faux-pentaprism design; plus the hybrid-focused X-H series. A relatively new addition is the X-S series, with the X-S10 coming out late in 2020. The concept was for a small and lightweight camera blessed with professional-level stills and video features in a body styled differently from existing products. The X-S10 is available at around £929 body only and has been joined by the X-S20 – which will be hitting the shelves at £1249 body only. They both sport the same 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, but the X-S20 uses Fujifilm’s latest imaging engine, the X-Processor 5. That has enabled a rich and impressive array of video features – and its appeal to stills photographers has been beefed up, too. The X-S20 has a definite Fujifilm look and feel; it’s almost identical to the X-S10. Its body is 1.7mm longer, to accommodate a larger NP-W235 battery, but the dimensions of its height and depth are the same. The exposure dial is also slightly bigger. By contrast, this model has fewer controls and buttons compared to the latest X-T and X-H cameras that house the fifth-generation sensor, so users of the brand’s X Series, old and
“THERE’S ONE SETTING NOT SEEN ON ANY FUJIFILM CAMERA: VLOG” macro, macro and motion, sky, portrait or a moving object. You can scroll through and manually choose subjects by using the front input dial. There’s plenty of available user customisation – thought not as much as the X-T5 and X-H2. To give you an idea of the versatility, the Rec, ISO, Q and Fn buttons can be set to 77 options, including off; the four swipe directions on the touch monitor have 66 options each; plus the left-hand function dial has 39 features that can be dedicated to it. An extra physical function button or two would have been nice, but there are no complaints about the X-S20’s customisation potential given its price point. For this test, I used the X-S10 and a production X-S20 with the latest firmware side by side. With their near-identical layouts, swapping between the two was no issue. The
for specific subjects and occasions – and filter, which takes you into a fun world of creative JPEG filters including toy camera, miniature and dynamic tone. There’s one setting not previously seen on any Fujifilm camera: vlog. With this active, a touch on the monitor brings up a six-window set of options: self-timer, face detection, product priority, IS mode, high-speed recording and background defocus mode. It lets you adjust core settings while you’re in front of camera. Add the optional TG-BT1 Bluetooth- operated tripod grip for £169 and filming yourself is easier than ever. Another useful facet of the X-S20 (in these days of virtual meetings) is that it becomes a webcam via its USB-C port, supporting live streaming up to 4K/60p just by plugging into a computer. There’s no need for additional software. Most cameras have a green square or fully auto mode, and the X-S20 has auto too, but this is more advanced than usual. Yes, you get an automated camera with exposure, focus and ISO all taken care of, but here you also get auto subject detection. In this mode, a pop-up message tells you whether the camera has detected
push buttons on the new model were more positive, with an obvious but still discreet click in use. When it comes to imaging performance, the X-S20 employs Fujifilm’s X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, with a resolution of 26.1 megapixels. This works together with the latest X Series imaging engine, the X-Processor 5, the same unit used in the top-of-the-range X-H2 and X-T5 models. The processor’s more efficient performance has blessed the X-S20 with improved AF, using a new algorithm for faster operation and more accurate tracking – not to mention there’s deep-learning AI
ADD DRAMA The X-S20 has a range of creative JPEG filters. For this shot of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Gozo’s Cittadella, the dynamic tone filter was used. Exposure was 1/850sec at f/5.6 and ISO 160
PEAS IN A POD The X-S20 body (top) is 1.7mm longer than the X-S10, and the handgrip slightly modified to enable use of higher-capacity NP-W235 batteries
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SPECS › Price £1249 body only, £1349 with XC15-45mm, £1599 with XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 › In the box NP-W235 li-ion battery, AC-5VJ power adapter, plug adapter, USB cable, shoulder strap, body cap, cooling fan connector cover › Sensor 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 › Processing engine X-Processor 5 › Sensor format APS-C 23.5- 15.6mm, 6240x4160 pixels › Lens mount Fujifilm X › ISO range Native 160-12,800; expansion to 80, 100, 125, 25,600 and 51,200 › Shutter range Mechanical shutter: 15min-1/4000sec; electronic: 15min-1/32,000sec; bulb: ≤60min; flash sync: ≥1/180sec › Drive modes Mechanical up to 8fps; electronic up to 20fps uncropped, 30fps with 1.25x crop › Pre-shot mode Electronic shutter 1.25x crop: 30fps, 30 frames with half press, 75 with full press, total 105 shots; Electronic shutter no crop: 20fps, 20 frames with half press, 998 with full press, total 1018 shots › Exposure system PASM, TTL 256 zones, multi, spot, average, centre-weighted › Exposure compensation Stills +/-5EV in 1/3EV steps, Movie +/-2EV in 1/3EV steps; AE bracketing, up to 9 frames, 1/3EV steps up to +/-3EV › Monitor 3in touchscreen LCD, 1.84m dots › Viewfinder 2.36m dot OLED EVF › Focusing system Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast/TTL phase detection); Face/eye detect; subject detect: animal, bird, car, motorcycle & bike, airplane, train › Focus points Single point: 13x9/25x17 grid; zone: 3x3, 5x5 or 7x7 on 13x9 grid; wide/tracking AF › Image stabiliser Five-axis IBIS up to 7EV with XF35mm f/1.4; digital IS and digital IS Boost in movie mode only › Video 6.2K (3:2) 6240x4160 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p, DCI 4K (17:9) 4096x2160 59.94p/ 50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p, 4K (16:9) 3840x2160 59.94p/50p/ 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p › Movie format MOV (HEVC/H.265), MPEG-4 (AVC/H.264) and MP4 (MPEG-4); movie compression: All Intra/Long GOP › Connectivity USB-C 3.2, HDMI micro (type D), 3.5mm jack for microphone/remote release, headphone jack, Bluetooth › Other key features 19 Film Simulation modes, JPEG advanced filter modes, built-in manual pop-up flash › Battery NP-W235 li-ion, approx 750 stills in normal mode, 800 in economy mode; for movie capture: 4K/59.94p 80mins; 6.25K/29.97p 85mins › Storage media 1x SD/SDHC/ SDXC, UHS-II › Dimensions (wxhxd) 127.7x85.1x65.4mm
› Weight 410g body only › Contact fujifilm-x.com
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS This interior shot of the Carmelite Church in Mdina was taken handheld with the XF8mm lens, using an exposure of 1/60sec at f/3.5 and ISO 1600. Image quality is seriously impressive, even at this high ISO
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for subject detection, including an auto-detect option. It also has a greater shooting capacity, which is assisted by the faster processor, but also helped by the single card slot being UHS-II standard. If sustained and lengthy frame bursts are your game, the X-S20 has potential. Using a Sandisk 95MB/s card, I got 42 combined large JPEGs and lossless compressed Raws at 8fps before the camera stuttered, and then the buffer took around 20 seconds to fully clear. With SD cards of speeds up to 300MB/s available, you’d get even more shots per burst. While the uplift in the still photography skills of the X-S20 compared to the X-S10 are useful, they are also relatively modest. However, that’s not the case with video – the X-S20 has an awesome roll call of features that will appeal “THE X-S20 HAS AN AWESOME ROLL CALL OF VIDEO FEATURES”
to vlogging newcomers all the way to pro creators. The new processor means the X-S20 can shoot open gate 6.2K/30p, 4K/60p and Full HD/240p internally. For advanced video shooters, there’s the option of plugging in an Atomos external monitor for Raw video output to resolutions up to 6.2K/30p, and the camera accepts the FAN-001 cooling fan for extended shooting. Finally, and it might seem a small thing, but the X-S20 has a dedicated headphone 3.5mm port, which sits on the opposite side of the body to the microphone port – no more worries about losing the USB-C adapter, which was a concern with other Fujifilm models. During the short test period, the X-S20 was confronted by a range of subjects from streets and landscapes to interiors – and in a wide range of lighting conditions from intense sunlight to night. For most shooting, I was in aperture-priority AE, multi- zone metering, single or zone AF and ISO manually adjusted to suit the situation. I did try the auto, filter and vlog settings as well. For stills, I was shooting Raws – which were processed in the latest Lightroom
DETAIL
STILL AS A STATUE The X-S20’s five-axis in-body image stabiliser has up to 7EV benefit, and performed rather well – as you can see from the enlarged section of this image, a handheld night shot. The X-S20 was used with the XF18-55mm zoom at 24mm and the exposure was 0.5sec at f/9 and ISO 3200. Lightroom Denoise AI has been applied to the Raw
PERFORMANCE: EXPOSURE LATITUDE
Tolerance to overexposure – at least as far as this scene was concerned – was limited to about +1.5EV, where the sky could be recovered successfully. Tolerance to overexposure was better with lower-contrast scenes. Underexposure was much more recoverable, and the corrected -3EV Raw showed minimal artefacting and digital noise. Close inspection does reveal graining in the sky, but that can be resolved in editing. In poor light, if you want to make the most of a slower ISO rather than set a faster speed, you should be able to underexpose and recover in post.
Raws with good exposure latitude mean when you duff up an exposure, you can recover the shot in editing. Also, when dealing with contrasty lighting, there is a chance to push and pull the shadows and highlights to get a full tonal range. The X-S20 has an autobracketing feature, which was used for these seven images. The Raws were then exposure corrected in Lightroom. This stone arch, Wied il-Mielaħ on Gozo, presented contrast with the bright sky and shadowy rocks. The XF8mm lens was used on the X-S20, and correct exposure was 1/110sec at f/11 and ISO 200.
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Big test
– and large JPEGs simultaneously, while for video I tried 4K and 6.2K modes recording to internal memory. To be honest, the camera coped admirably with everything I threw at it. Exposures were consistently spot on with only a couple suffering from mild underexposure, which was no surprise in the high-contrast light. Focusing in stills and video was mostly perfect and subject detection worked well. And white-balance was accurate shooting in either daylight or artificial interior lighting. I mostly shot using the XF8mm and XF18-55mm, but the sternest test in terms of focal length came from the XF55-200mm telezoom. The X-S20’s AF system, featuring AI deep learning and subject detection, proved speedy and responsive. AF tracking was good with pedestrians and cars on the Maltese streets, but I didn’t get to test the system with more challenging subjects such as flying birds using a longer lens. Face and eye detection performed great and were quite tenacious once acquired. They also coped well when the subject turned its head away and back again, with AF quickly latching back on. The step forward in auto mode using auto subject detection is interesting. Of course, while some key features are locked down, it was
PERFORMANCE: ISO
respectably sensitive and accurate at recognising subjects, including sky and green foliage, and then applying a suitable Film Simulation setting according to what the camera thinks the scene needs. For less experienced shooters, this auto mode is a nice trick feature to have on hand, though enthusiasts would probably prefer to take control. Two days and a little shy of 2000 pictures does not a summer make, and more time spent testing the AF system, especially subject detection and tracking skills, would have been beneficial. But it is what it is, and the X-S20 coped really well with the situations it faced – which included getting covered in sea spray a couple of times – proving itself to be a lovely camera that was a pleasure to use, granting excellent results. PN VLOGGING CONTROL Use vlog mode and six functions can be accessed with the touch monitor
We’ve seen the Fujifilm X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor in several cameras, so we know it’s a high-performing unit. In the X-S20, it’s been partnered with the X-Processor 5. Our night scene was shot on a tripod-mounted X-S20 with XF18-55mm. The base exposure at ISO 160 was 18secs at f/11. These Raws were processed in Adobe Lightroom with manual noise reduction only and the Luminance NR slider at 25. Digital noise on our Raw shots started appearing from ISO 1000 onwards, but was not a significant negative factor when viewed at 100% until ISO 4000 and beyond. Checking the JPEGs shot simultaneously alongside the Raws, the camera’s noise reduction skills meant that the ISO 4000 file was cleaner. In summation, if you need to dip into the X-S20’s high- ISO skills, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the outcome, and with more considered editing – perhaps using Lightroom’s Denoise AI – you can achieve remarkably clean and crisp results.
160
800
Final word
Verdict The X-S20 has all the ammunition to be a winner for Fujifilm. It’s portable, great for stills, highly featured for video and a fine camera to use. Of course, it turns in excellent results too, and while it costs £1249 body only – so £300 more expensive than the same-resolution X-S10 – it succeeds on the value-for-money front if you want a high-spec device for movies and vlogging. 23 /25 FEATURES The X-S20 is a modest step from the X-S10 for still photography, but a giant leap for video capture with an awesome feature set
1600
3200
6400
12,800
24 /25 HANDLING
It feels great in the hand, everything works positively and you can fine-tune key controls
24 /25 PERFORMANCE
256,000
512,000
The sensor has proved itself before, and now coupled with the latest Fujifilm processor, its skills have been heightened further
24 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
It is very difficult to argue that the X-S20 is anything but compellingly great value
95 /100 OVERALL
A capable APS-C camera for stills and movies with IBIS, good resolution, great handling and supported by an exquisite lens range
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
PROS Compact, great battery life, video features and price, USB-C charging, UHS-II slot, good continuous shooting, AF has potential CONS No weather-sealing, same sensor as the X-S10, some users might miss the backup of dual SD cards
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
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