Fuji X20 or X100s

You're comparing a prime lens camera to a zoom compact so it's probably not a good comparison. I would choose the Fuji XE-1 which allows you to use primes or a zoom. The X20 will be a great camera according to the specs, I have one on order to upgrade from my X10. It's a very versatile camera and takes beautiful images. The X100s with its APS-C sized sensor and superb lens also produces superb images but it is a single prime and so not nearly as versatile.

I think you have to decide based on wether you typically shoot with primes or with a a zoom. You'll get more exercise with the X100s as  you have to use the sneaker zoom feature.

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Michael

As an only camera, the X20 is so much more versatile. Unless your main use is making large enlargements (in which case you would want FF anyway), in every other way the X20 has more bang for the buck.

You wouldn't make enlargements from an APS-C? Why not?

Yes, I would make enlargements from either camera.

Sneaker zoom!!! --- Something to think about.

For the type of photography you are suggesting, my preference would be the X100s.  Since I aquired my X100 2 yrs ago my DSLR system with all my lenses is gathering dust.  Certainly the DSLR is more flexible, but the trade off is a much more compact system and tactile controls that are much easier to use  ...having an aperture dial on the lens barrel and a shutter speed dial makes the process so much easier.

Now, if I were to be shooting a subject that demanded a long lens, such as wildlife or sports, I would drag out the DSLR kit.  However, for most everything else I don't find the fixed 23mm (35mm equivalent) to be a handicap.  It's instinctive to just move into position to frame the shot you want as opposed to zooming the lens to frame your image.

Obviously, for really close portraits, you need to need to frame a bit wider then crop in post.  Given the bigger sensor and higher resolution that's not a problem.

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http://www.mikespentaxianblog.blogspot.com/

get both

If the budget would allow it, I would get both in a heartbeat.  But I'll have to settle on one or the other for now.  Reviewing my camera purchase history, I seem to only buy a new camera every four or five years ( not counting cell phones of course).  So I may just go for the X100s, so I don't have to wonder how great it would have been to own one.  I'll deal with the sneaker zoom if need be.

The question is do you need a zoom or not

The X100(s) has a fixed focal of 23mm semi wide

It is mainly designed for street photography "à la Cartie Bresson" and lanscape

It supposes that you can moçve to go close to your target or on the contrary go to a distance for wider view

It has advantages : build dynamic perspective and disadvantages : need to move

Only can answer the question if this will fit your needs

In terms of IQ the X100 is much better thna X10 and probably X20 due to a better sensor

Very different cameras indeed

Another sensible choice would be XE1 + 18-55mm which is about 200$ more than X100S

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Good judgment comes from experience
Experience comes from bad judgment

I personally would make any enlargements that I could possibly use from either camera. My point was that the larger sensor in the X100 gives it an advantage over the X20 in that regard, although if really large prints were a goal then one would look toward an even bigger sensor for maximum IQ.

Thanks, great advice.  I'm leaning X100s.

I have the X10, X100 and X-Pro 1 and each of these cameras have their own advantages.

I have been enjoying the X100 as my fist serious camera aside of a DSLR for the past 2 years. But when I would have to make your decision, I think the X100(s) would be last on my list for the required task.

The fixed 23mm (35mm equivalent FOV) is very limiting for interior architecture. You can't always sneaker zoom your way out of this limitation as there isn't infinite space to walk back and the FOV will never capture the whole picture from a certain POV the way a wide angle lens can.

I have tried and managed to make use of the X100 pano feature in some of these situations, but it requires a lot of skill and luck on the Fuji (as opposed to the easy swipe pano mode in the iPhone 5).

Here are a few examples: http://fujixfiles.blogspot.com/2012/07/is-x100-enough-camera-for-traveling-my.html

The X10 (X20) on the other hand is very versatile with also good IQ. The X20 will have an even finer resolving sensor than my already good X10 and besides the better field of view range of an equivalent 28-112mm on a 35mm camera you also have the advantage of the 4:3 vs. 3:2 format range. This will give you an even wider apperance of your images:

Take a look at the first two interior architecture shots in my blogpost taken with the X10:

http://fujixfiles.blogspot.com/2012/10/fuji-x10-and-firmware-20-review-and.html

And if you are able to shoot the curch interior with a tripod you will not have to push the X20 into a high ISO territory. And the smaller sensor will give you more DOF at similar aperture compared to an APS-C sensor. This can be a low light advantage, too. Imagine the X20 at f2 while the X100s might need to be stopped down to f4 to get enough DOF into the shot.

And focus traking and face detection focus can also be useful for street and family photos

So between these two and for your intended purpose, I would probaly go for the X20.

However, I would also chime in with some others here and suggest the X-E1 with the 18-55mm lens as an alternative to look at. You would be much more flexible with later lens additions and extend the range of your camera according to changing needs. And the camera + lens bundle rebate could be in a close price range with the new (and not heavily discounted) X100s

Cheers,
Smatty
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Why not get a used x100 and a new x20? That should be right around the same price for x100s. Then when you save up a little more you could sell the x100 and get the s.

IMHO, you need a serious wideangle lens for churches. Fuji does not provide that.

If the camera needs to be compact, I'd have a close look at an Olympus E-PL5 with 9-18 mm wideangle lens.

Or take a DSLR (the smallest Nikon, for example) with a Sigma 8-16 mm lens. That plus any standard zoom will be much better up to the task.

I shoot a lot of homes (exteriors and interiors).  The problem is space.  When you are limited in how far you can back up, space becomes a problem.  Also, composition becomes more difficult with cameras that do not have articulating LCDs.  It is not to say, that I would not use my X-E1 or even the X10 for shoots, it is that is just easier, simpler, faster to use a DSLR with a wide zoom and an articulating LCD.  I also throw in a bubble level on the camera to check verticals and horizontals.  With that said, if you are going to be shooting in tight spaces, wider is better and certainly the X20 is wider.  However, if you are shooting in natural light, you will need to do time exposures and the X20 may not handle noise as well as the X100s.  I think if you are going to use Fuji, you should include the X-E1 with the zoom and the option to buy the 14mm and/or wait to see the 10-24 that is suppose to come out later this year.

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www.digitalphotonut.zenfolio.com

great idea.  Any thoughts on how to find a used X100?

if you are up to it, get the x100s + a wide converter. although you can do the same with the x20 + wide converter which could give you a lot more headroom. annoying isn't it.

but if you want my opinion about this, I'd stick with the X20. the reason I didn't consider it is that I need a more specialized camera for lowlight which is not the X20. long exposure, ultrawide shots, family portraits, landscapes and with enough exposure, the X20 can't be beat with it's AF, deep DOF and zoom flexibility.

Thanks much.  You've given me a lot to consider.  Had no idea the X10 could take such great shots.  I put your train station photos up on my Imac as a screen saver for a few minutes to look at the detail.  Amazing, you are extremely creative.  Hope to learn more as I go along.  Your suggestion of the Xe1 was also much appreciated.  I'm starting to consider this as a very viable option.  In the end I realize it is the skill of the person behind the lens as much as the equipment.

I have much to learn.

Yes , you are right.  I had several suggestions that mention the Xe1 or Dslr as a viable answer.  Thanks for giving me so much to consider.  It will help me make a better decision.  I can only afford to do this once right now.

I would say that the skill of the photographer outnumbers the quality of the equipment by a few scales of magnitude. Good photographers can take more interesting and pleasing photos with a point & shoot camera than I can with the most expensive medium format camera!

I think that the X-E1 plus 18-55mm discounted kit should be somewhere around 1300 USD. And the new X100s around 1200 USD.

Cheers,
Smatty
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