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Not too long ago, we wrote a piece about Nikon and Fujifilm both discontinuing their famous cameras and lenses. It now appears that Fujifilm has discontinued another device, a camera, this time, overseas. The reason, of course, is not yet revealed. However, reports state that the biggest camera shops in Japan are only selling second-hand models of the camera, and not the new ones. Here’s a look at the camera, and what it could mean.
In a report by Fujifilm Rumors (via D.C Life), Fujifilm is no longer producing the X-S20, a device that was launched in 2023. Japanese camera stores such as Yodobashi Camera, Map Camera, and Camera Kitamura only show second-hand models and a few accessories. Usually, if a camera is discontinued in one place, the aftermath follows other regions too. At the time of writing this piece, Amazon is selling new X-S20 models, and so is Adorama. However, we aren’t sure when the discontinuation will appear on the US markets.
However, it is unlikely that just two years after the launch, a camera would be discontinued. One of the reasons could be its reception, which was not as great. The Fujifilm X-S20 featured a 26MP sensor but lacked weather sealing. There is also a new vlog mode and a mode dial. But that is as far as its uniqueness goes. In our review of the camera, we said, “The XS20 does nothing for photographers that they can’t get with another camera. Yes, it has scene recognition for animals and stuff. But Fujifilm makes it so difficult to access that you shouldn’t even bother.” This only shows that many who are interested in photography would not go for it. And so, the crowd the company caters to naturally shrinks down.
In fact, we have seen the X-S20 trend on Google over the past few months. However, the demand for other cameras is far more significant. Such as the X100V and the X100VI. That’s because of the camera’s performance and popularity online and social media.
So, while the X-S20 has divided audiences, it is safe to say the demand is still there. We also do not know if the company will launch a new camera in the X-S lineup, or whether this will be the end of the series. On the other hand, the X-S10 was a far better entry-level Fujifilm camera, which we liked. However, the device does not have as many followers as its successor.
In addition, there are also rumors of the launch of the half-frame Fujifilm camera, and they also announced the X-M5, both of which are becoming popular amongst users. However, we aren’t sure if that will be a lineup on its own or whether it will be a successor to the X-S series. Fujifilm has teased the device on YouTube already, with some speculating its launch on May 22.
Either way, the discontinuation of the X-S20 means that the company can focus on devices that are popular, like the X100VI. Furthermore, they can use that product time to also work on research and development of perhaps the X-S30, or X-Pro 4. Until then, do keep an eye out. Maybe Fujifilm has something up its sleeves for us.
