Which Fuji?

Fujifilm X-S20 vs X-M5: full comparison

The X-S20 leads on more headline specs, but the X-M5 counters on a lighter 355g body.

Also searched as XS20 vs XM5, and in the other order as XM5 vs XS20.

Not sure which one fits? Take the Fujifilm camera quiz and we will score both bodies against your answers.

Read the full Fujifilm X-S20 review →Read the full Fujifilm X-M5 review →

The short version

The Fujifilm X-S20 and Fujifilm X-M5 are Fujifilm APS-C bodies from different lines — the X-S and the X-M. The X-M5 is the newer of the two, arriving in 2024. At launch the X-S20 was 1,299 USD and the X-M5 799 USD, making the X-M5 the more affordable of the two.

On paper the X-S20 is the stronger body of the two. It gives you 7-stop in-body stabilization, a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder, and 750-shot battery life.

The X-M5 isn't far behind. It hits back with a lighter 355g body.

So which one? If you want 7-stop in-body stabilization, get the X-S20. If a lighter 355g body is closer to what you actually need, the X-M5 is the smarter buy. And the X-M5 costs less — 799 USD at launch.

Where the X-S20 wins

  • +7-stop in-body stabilization
  • +a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder
  • +750-shot battery life

Where the X-M5 wins

  • +a lighter 355g body

Who should buy the X-S20 or X-M5?

Buy the X-S20 if…

Pick the X-S20 if 7-stop in-body stabilization, a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder matters to you. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-S handling. Read the full X-S20 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.

Buy the X-M5 if…

Pick the X-M5 if a lighter 355g body matters to you. It also launched cheaper at 799 USD. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-M handling. Read the full X-M5 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.

X-S20 vs X-M5: pros and cons

Fujifilm X-S20Fujifilm X-M5
  • 750-shot CIPA battery from the NP-W235
  • 7-stop IBIS in a 491g body
  • 6K/30p with F-Log2 and AI subject AF
  • Fully articulating flip screen
  • Cheapest Fujifilm that shoots 6K, at 799 USD
  • Same AI subject tracking as cameras twice the price
  • Screen turns to face you, three microphones built in
  • Lightest camera in the current range at 355g
  • Single SD UHS-II slot and no weather sealing
  • EVF is only 2.36M dots
  • No viewfinder and nothing to steady the body
  • One card slot, and it is the slow kind
  • Video focus wanders when you talk to the camera

Pros and cons mirror the in-house X-S20 review and X-M5 review.

X-S20 vs X-M5: full specs

SpecProduct photo of the Fujifilm X-S20X-S20
2023 · $1,299
A silver Fujifilm X-M5 on a restaurant table, seen from above, showing the film simulation dial, the mode dial with its Vlog position, the MIC button and the vari-angle screen folded out.X-M5
2024 · $799
General
Release year20232024
Launch price1,299 USD799 USD
StatusCurrentCurrent
Sensor & Image
Megapixels26.1 MP26.1 MP
Sensor generationX-Trans IVX-Trans IV
ProcessorX-Processor 5X-Processor 5
ISO range160–12800160–12800
Autofocus & Burst
AF points425425
Subject detectionaiai
Burst (fps)88
Video
Max video6K 30p6K 30p
CodecH.265, H.264H.265, H.264
Log profileF-Log2F-Log2
Physical
Stabilization7 stopsNone
ViewfinderEVF (2.36M dot)None
LCD3" flip touch3" flip touch
Weather sealedNoNo
Weight491g355g
Storage
Card slots11
Card typesSD UHS-IISD UHS-I
Power
BatteryNP-W235NP-W126S
Battery life (CIPA)750 shots330 shots
Software
Film sims89

Highlighted cells are best in class between these two. Specs sourced from public Fujifilm product pages.

In-depth reviews

For the full long-form review of each camera, see the Fujifilm X-S20 review and the Fujifilm X-M5 review. Each one carries the full spec breakdown, pros and cons, and where this body sits in the current Fujifilm lineup.