Today is an awesome day, because we’re reviewing the X-T20 by Fujifilm…And I’m super happy about it! (if you couldn’t already tell by the title)
Fuji X-T20 Review
I’m sure you’ve seen it by now, I have been using the Fuji X-T20 professionally and recreationally for around 5 or 6 months. I snagged one of the first available copies of this camera body at my local camera shop (along with the XF18-55 and XF50mm f2) and I couldn’t have been happier with my choices.
Fast forward to present day:
I have two Fuji X-T20’s (more on that in a bit) and a modest collection of XF Lenses. I have also gladly sold off my Nikon and Sony gear. So, given how invested I am in this camera system I figured it was high-time to share my thoughts about it.
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF50mm F2 Lens
This camera simply works!
Right off the bat, I want you to know this review is NOT going to be full of specs and technical lingo. That’s just not who I am, or how I operate as a creative. I personally like for my gear to be simple to use and get out of the way so I don’t have to think about it while I’m working. And the Fujifilm X-T20 does just that.
It is so simple to use, stable in its operation and allows me to work without any hassle. I personally attribute the X-T20’s ease of use to their fantastic physical dials and buttons. They put everything at your fingertips for drive modes, aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation. In addition, Fuji gives you wheels/function buttons that are easily programmable for your ISO or other frequently used settings.
It’s amazing to me that I can physically adjust all of my settings, even when the camera is off, without having to dig through clunky menus. And heck, even when I do have to dig through quick menus or full menus on the X-T20, Fuji has made them quick and easy to use.
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF35mm F2 Lens
My Switch to Fuji
I wish I could say that I have some grand and epic “camera switch” story. But it’s honestly pretty simple. I have a buddy, Bryan who’s an X-Photographer and he helped navigate me towards the camera that best fit my needs. I had expressed multiple times that my prior gear just wasn’t cutting it for me. It always left me wanting more from a technical and creative standpoint.
So one morning, I was on my way to the camera shop and I give Bryan a call. He broke all of the Fuji gear down for me, told me some specs/high-points about Fuji cameras and even made some recommendations for my initial lens purchases.
I knew based on Bryan’s landscape work that the X-T20 was going to be a workhorse for me. But I didn’t know it’d be as amazing as it is. (see some of Bryan’s work here)
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF35mm F2 Lens
A camera that feels like it’s built for Creativity
There’s something special about the Fujifilm X-T20 and Fuji cameras/lenses in general. It can’t really be described until you pick one up and start using it for a week or so. But it feels like it’s built for creative work.
Some cameras are just…Well, cameras. They collect light and output images. The Fuji X-T20, on the other hand, makes you think. It makes you slow down and remember that photography is an artform. I’ve never felt that with a camera before. And honestly, that alone is reason enough for me, as a full-time Creative, to own the X-T20 and remain with the Fuji System.
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF55-200 Lens
My progression since switching to Fuji
The Fuji X-T20 has helped me progress as a photographer. With this camera, I don’t have to worry about ISO vs noise, image quality, colors or any of that. This camera simply works and when I do my part, it puts out amazing images. This allows me to have confidence that I can step into any setting (given I’ve chosen the proper lens) and beautifully execute the shot I’m envisioning. This kind of confidence is reassuring and allows me to focus on the images I’m creating. Rather than playing a teeter-totter game with a camera/system that isn’t up to par.
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF35mm F2 Lens
So nice, I bought it twice
I mentioned this above, but I have two X-T20’s. I have an all-black one and a silver one. The reason? I share my Fuji photography kit with my wife now. She shoots a lot of backup photography for me, which helps to support article content like this one. Once I saw how fantastic the X-T20 had performed for me, I bought a second one for her. I quickly sold all of my other gear and invested directly into more XF Lenses for us.
(sidenote: my wife loves the Fuji X-T20 just as much as I do)
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF35mm F2 Lens
For us, sharing the same camera body gives us similar results out of camera, which is great for keeping my content cohesive. Our muscle memory is trained for the same camera body and dials. And it’s nice to know that we can share batteries and lenses as well. It really was a no-brainer to get her the same camera as I use. (This can also be seen as a testament to how much I have loved the X-T20)
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF35mm F2 Lens
Fantastic XF lenses
Buying a camera body is obviously a big choice and I’ve already established that I fully endorse the X-T20. But your next big step is going to be glass (lenses). Sure, the $900 you spend on your camera body is not pocket change by any means. But just wait ’till you’re looking at lenses that cost that much and more.
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF18-55 Lens
I personally own a small handful of Fujinon Lenses at this current moment and I’ve been ecstatic with each one. Whether it’s been my $400 35mm f2 or my $900 23mm f1.4. They have all produced stunning results that myself and my clients have been more than happy with. It’s my humble opinion that Fuji glass is head & shoulders above the competition and the prices are very reasonable for the return you receive in your images.
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF23mm f1.4 Lens
I hands down recommend the Fuji X-T20
I have been truly blown away by this little camera and how well it has performed for me. (or should I say, how well both of them have performed?) If you’re in the market for a professional mirrorless camera, I would hands-down recommend the Fuji X-T20.
*I have purchased all of my Fuji gear out of pocket. I have received no discounts for it and have no obligations to anyone involved in this article.
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF50mm f2 Lens
Now, let’s see some more images:
Pictures speak way louder than words for me. Especially when I am thinking about buying a new camera or lens. So, let me close this Fujifilm X-T20 Review with 7 of my favorite images that I’ve created since using this camera. (well…ones that I’ve not already included, lol)
Fuji X-T20 & XF35mm f2 Lens
Fuji X-T20 & XF18-55 Lens
Fuji X-T20 & XF35mm f2 Lens
Fuji X-T20 & XF55-200 Lens
Fuji X-T20 & XF50mm f2 Lens
Fuji X-T20 & XF55-200 Lens
Fuji X-T20 & XF55-200 Lens
Until Next Time .
Thanks for dropping by and giving my Fuji X-T20 review a read! If you have any questions about the X-T20, Fujifilm or Photography in general, drop me a comment below! And don’t forget to give me a follow over on Instagram and a like on Facebook.
Amazon Affiliates: If you’re feeling kind, please consider purchasing an X-T20 for yourself from my Amazon Affiliate links throughout this article (or above) at no extra cost to you. I get a small kickback from your purchase(s) and it helps me to keep producing content just like this.
Read Next: Fujifilm 16mm 2.8 Lens (a great lens for this camera) | All of my Fujifilm Content • Photography Blog
Above image shot with: Fuji X-T20 & XF23mm f1.4 Lens
