Video mode
The X20 can record video at resolutions as high as 1080/60p with stereo sound. The 36 Mbps bit rate is among the highest you'll find on a compact camera, so a high speed SD card is a must. The recording time at this resolution is limited to 14 minutes. If you don't need video at that resolution, 720/60p and VGA options are also available.
Annoyingly, the X20 lacks a dedicated movie recording button, so you must set the mode dial to the movie position before you start recording. Once there, you'll find movie recording to be a point-and-shoot experience, with no manual exposure controls available. The only thing you can adjust is the level of the built-in or external microphone. No wind filter is available.
Like many compact cameras these days, the X20 also has a 'high speed' movie mode. The camera can record at 80, 150, or 250 fps at low resolutions (640 x 480 and below). These videos are played back at normal speed, which makes everything move in slow motion.
Sample 1
The X20's 60 fps frame rate allows for the smooth motion that you'll see in the following clip:
| 1920x1080 60p 36Mbps, H.264, 20 sec, 96.6 MB Click here to download original file |
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Sample 2
This next clip illustrates how the X20's difficulties with all things green comes out in videos, and not just stills.
| 1920x1080 60p 36Mbps, H.264, 20 sec, 58.3 MB Click here to download original file |
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Sample 3
This clip shows the AF hunting in the middle of the clip, with minimal camera movement. The movie ends up blurry in the end, with the camera unable to re-acquire focus. You'll also notice some moiré effects on the white fence.
| 1920x1080 60p 36Mbps, H.264, 20 sec, 63.0 MB Click here to download original file |
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