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.

Recent Videos

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

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

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