Cameras with interchangeable lenses in the test: Fujifilm X

Highlights: With large sensors and interchangeable lenses, digital cameras surpass the photo capabilities of smartphones. We compared what models between 790 and 1899 euros can achieve. Fujifilm X-S20 can simulate a variety of analog Fuji films with their specific color properties. The camera records videos with a resolution of up to 6.2K and 30 frames per second; at 4K resolution it is 60 frames perSecond. Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon and Sony models were also tested in the test.

With large sensors and interchangeable lenses, digital cameras surpass the photo capabilities of smartphones. We compared what models between 790 and 1899 euros can achieve.

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The five camera models tested from Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Canon and Sony

Photo:

Gerd Blank

An old photographer's phrase goes: "The best camera is always the one you have with you." Because you almost always carry it with you, it is often the camera on a smartphone. I also use it to take photos on the go, send them to friends or upload them to Instagram. I have thousands of recordings like this on my phone. But only a few of them are more than an illustrated memory. Sure, that's definitely my fault, with a little more effort you can take great photos with current smartphones. But in general - and certainly not just for me: pictures that I take with a real digital camera with interchangeable lenses get better.

Because smartphones offer little space for lenses and photo sensors, image enhancement algorithms and artificial intelligence have to improve the image quality - and often do it surprisingly well. Apple calls this “computational photography” in its iPhones. On the other hand, you can install large sensors in cameras and use large lenses with them that can capture much more light than the small lenses of smartphones. The megapixel rating, on the other hand, says little about the quality. The size of the sensor is more important because large sensors can capture more light, which is not only helpful at dusk.

Psychology is at least as important as technology. With a smartphone, you usually take photos casually, between two WhatsApp messages and an Instagram post. When you pick up a camera, your attention is entirely on the subject you want to capture at that moment. And cameras with interchangeable lenses offer the most options for this, among other things because you can use the appropriate lens depending on the situation.

For this test I selected current models in different price ranges. They show: Hobby photography is not cheap. But if you choose your new smartphone primarily because of its cameras, you are guaranteed to find a better digital camera in terms of its photographic capabilities for the price of a current cell phone.

Fujifilm X-S20

The design of the X-S20 looks like a greeting from the past. This includes the thick handle on the right side. The most important controls, such as the release button including the switch-on lever and the mode dial, are also located there. There is also a button for the ISO setting, although I would prefer a dial.

The large touchscreen on the back of the housing, which weighs less than 500 grams, can be swiveled and folded down. The screen is particularly useful for setting the focus point; other functions can be accessed more easily with the mechanical buttons or via the app. The viewfinder is a little too close to the display. The camera takes images with at least 26 megapixels. Fujifilm uses a so-called X-Trans sensor, on which the sensor pixels are arranged differently than in most other cameras. The technique is intended to help avoid moiré effects and color casts.

A special feature: The X-S20 can simulate a variety of analog Fuji films with their specific color properties. These virtual films appear much more intense and real than simple effect filters. If you prefer to edit your recordings later, you can also choose a neutral setting. The camera records videos with a resolution of up to 6.2K and 30 frames per second; at 4K resolution it is 60 frames per second. External microphones can be connected for better sound.

The image quality is excellent: the colors are intense, the high black level emphasizes the contrasts. With the test lens I was able to achieve beautiful bokeh effects without any effort, with the transition to the blur area appearing very smooth. I really like the film simulations. Purists will probably forego this function and prefer to edit the images afterwards using a program such as Photoshop.

According to the manufacturer, under optimal conditions you can take more than 700 shots with one battery charge. A charger is not included. I really enjoyed the fast autofocus with subject recognition when I photographed my raging dog. Worth mentioning here is the vlog mode, with which the X-S20 can also be used as a webcam or streaming camera thanks to practical presets. The camera can be fine-tuned and controlled remotely using the associated app. Photos and videos can be transferred from the camera to the smartphone via WiFi.

Conclusion

With the X-S20, Fujifilm has produced a high-quality and versatile camera in a beautiful retro design. The built-in sensor is powerful, the focus is precise and fast. The simulated films in particular are great fun and ensure exciting results for photos and videos. The camera is particularly suitable for those who want to produce attractive looks directly while taking photos without any subsequent image processing. For comparison: the RRP of the camera (without lens) is roughly equivalent to that of an iPhone 15 Pro with 256 GB of storage.

Sony A6700

There is certainly no shortage of cameras at Sony. With its compact design, the A6700 fits in with the other models in the 6000 series, but technically belongs to the higher-quality 7 series. The case weighs just under 500 grams and is well balanced. However, the handle is quite small. The matte surface looks high-quality, but attracts dust.

There are only a few controls on the top with the trigger, function and menu wheel. The back doesn't seem overloaded either with its few function keys. But this also shows that almost all functions have to be set on the screen. Fans of manual photography will not be happy with the A6700. The three-inch touchscreen, on the other hand, is fun to use and can be swiveled, tilted and folded down to protect the display.

Conclusion

The Sony A6700 offers a good combination of size, features and performance. However, manual settings often require you to delve deeply into complex on-screen menus. When it comes to moving subjects, the A6700 impresses with its fast autofocus.

Canon R50

At 330 grams, Canon's R50 is so light that at first I thought I was holding a toy in my hand. Thanks to its bulging curves, I was able to grip the camera easily with my rather large hands, even though the grip is very narrow.

The top is sparsely occupied with function keys and adjustment wheels. The three-inch touchscreen displays motifs neatly and can be swiveled, tilted and folded down. A good thing for people who wear glasses: the viewfinder has a diopter adjustment.

Conclusion

The R50 offers many functions as well as good image and video quality at a reasonable entry-level price. Thanks to a large selection of lenses, it can grow with increasing demands. The workmanship does not appear to be of very high quality, but it is robust. Because it is so light, it is ideal for vacations.

Nikon Z fc

Visually, the Nikon Z fc looks like a relic from the 1970s. What is striking is the central viewfinder, which makes it appear almost symmetrical. The case looks luxurious. Unfortunately, it doesn't feel that way.

At least lovers of analog photography will get their money's worth when it comes to operation: In addition to the shutter button, power button and function wheels, there are also adjustment wheels for exposure time, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity on the top. The current aperture number is shown on a mini display. The back is dominated by the round viewfinder, under which the three-inch tilting and rotating touchscreen is located.

The large CMOS image sensor takes 21 megapixel photos and videos at up to 30 frames per second in 4K resolution. The recordings can be edited in the camera with 20 filters and effects. I particularly like the black and white filters, whose intensity can be changed. The autofocus works quickly and precisely, so I was able to capture moving subjects in sharp focus. The intense color representation gives the recordings a very dynamic look. Different skin tones are realistically reproduced. In the test, the Nikon was able to impress when taking portraits.

Photos and videos can be transferred to your smartphone via an app and the camera can also be controlled remotely.

Conclusion

With its retro look, the Nikon looks more luxurious than it feels. But it scores with strong image and video performance and a variety of lenses with which you can upgrade it. Anyone who wants to manually set parameters such as exposure time or ISO sensitivity will love the camera. That's why the Z fc is more suitable for people who are familiar with the basics of photography.

Panasonic Lumix G9M2

Compared to the Canon R50, the Lumix G9M2 from Panasonic looks huge. At around 660 grams, it is also heavy, but balanced so that it fits well in the hand with its massive handle and feels high quality. At a price of almost 2000 euros (without lens) you can also expect excellent workmanship.

On the top there is the shutter button, various function wheels and buttons for white balance and ISO setting. The fine adjustments are made on the three-inch, swivel, rotate and fold touchscreen.

The sensor takes photos with around 26 megapixels and videos with up to 30 frames per second in 4K. The G9M2 can be equipped with two SD cards. Recordings can also be saved on an external SSD that is connected via USB.

Equipped in this way, it is well equipped for professional use. Panasonic's long-standing collaboration with Leica pays off in terms of the quality of the lenses, but also in the fine-tuning of the software filters. This became particularly clear in the test with black and white photos with an almost analogue-looking contrast. The automatic settings already enable images of high quality, which can be improved further by manually adjusting exposure, aperture and ISO values. The intense color representation is great and almost unadulterated. With the fast and precise autofocus, even moving subjects are captured sharply - which is a big plus when recording videos.

The multitude of functions results in a complex and full settings menu that only becomes clear with a lot of practice. It's easier to control it using a smartphone app, which can also be used to transfer images and videos to mobile devices.

Conclusion

The G9M2 is something like Panasonic's gold standard. Due to high-quality workmanship, high image quality and a variety of functions, ambitious amateurs and perhaps even professionals can enjoy it for many years. This may also put the very high purchase price into perspective.

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Cameras with interchangeable lenses in the test: Fujifilm X

Fujifilm X-S20

Conclusion

Sony A6700

Conclusion

Canon R50

Conclusion

Nikon Z fc

Conclusion

Panasonic Lumix G9M2

Conclusion

Background: Product testing in the testing department

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