I’ve received a lot of questions lately about the Fujifilm X-M5 and X-S20. Specifically, people want to know what generation these two cameras fall under, and which Film Simulation Recipes they should use on their model. I’m not sure why this question has been asked so much lately, but there has definitely been a noticeable spike. Let’s get right into the answer, which is simple and complicated.
Both the X-M5 and X-S20 feature the same 26-megapixel X-Trans IV sensor found in the previous-generation models, such as the X-Pro3, X100V, X-T4, and X-T30 II. So it might seem obvious: they must be fourth-generation cameras, right? Not quite. Despite the sensor, both the X-M5 and X-S20 have the new X-Processor 5, the same as the X-T5, X100VI, X-H2, and X-T50, among others. In other words, these two cameras have a foot in both the X-Trans IV and X-Trans V worlds.
While sensor generation typically defines the era of Fujifilm cameras, it’s not just about the sensor itself—it’s also about the image processor, the firmware, and the JPEG engine. The X-Processor 5 brings with it some new Film Simulations, and a slightly divergent rendering (namely, the color blue on Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Eterna, and Eterna Bleach Bypass). Even though the sensor on the X-M5 and X-S20 are from the prior generation, the JPEG options and rendering are more in line with the latest generation.
The most appropriate Film Simulation Recipes for the X-M5 and X-S20 are X-Trans V and not X-Trans IV. Recipes designed for X-Trans IV that use Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Eterna, and Eterna Bleach Bypass might not look quite right, and will need a Color Chrome FX Blue adjustment. If the X-Trans IV Recipe (that uses one of those four Film Sims) calls for Color Chrome FX Blue set to Strong, use Weak instead; if it calls for Weak, use Off instead. With that simple adjustment, those X-Trans IV Recipes are fully compatible with the X-M5 and X-S20, as are all X-Trans IV (except those intended for the X-T3/X-T30) that aren’t based on those four Film Simulations.
While it’s a bit convoluted, the answers aren’t terribly complicated. Even though the X-M5 and X-S20 are a bit both X-Trans IV & V, they are indeed fifth-generation models. The Recipes that are most appropriate for these two cameras are the ones intended for X-Trans V cameras, like the X-H2s, X-T5, X100VI, etc., etc., but some X-Trans IV Recipes—those that don’t use Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Eterna, and Eterna Bleach Bypass—are also fully compatible, and some are made compatible simply by reducing Color Chrome FX Blue down by one. Clear as mud? I hope this makes sense for those wondering which Recipes to use on their camera.
As you say “clear as mud”. So should the FujiXWeekly app be updated somehow to filter on processor? And did the sensor, other than pixel size, ever do anything different when it came to color rendition? I would have to think it does as there is now an HR and HS variant for the X-Trans V sensor.
For the last five years I have been using an X-T30 and have a list of favorite film recipes; a lot of them are X-T30 (and X-T3 and GFX100) only. I kept on wishing for a firmware update to give me the same capabilities as the X-T30II, but now I no longer need to as I accidentally swamped my X-T30 with salt water and FujiFilm declared it DOA when I sent it to them for repair, but they did gave me a 25% discount on a new camera body, so an X-S20 is on its way.
With that said, all of my favorite X-T30 film recipes have color chrome effect blue set to off, so even though the sensor is the same between the X-T30 and X-S20, I take it I am back to experimenting and leaving some (if not all) my favorite film recipes behind? Or is it just the ones that are unique to the X-T30? Which of my favorites that would be Kodachrome 64 and McCurry Kodachrome, but they have a variant, and Velvia v2 (my go-to for hiking in the woods), Cyanotype (just because), Jeff Davenport Night (my go-to for after dark), and Lomography Color 100.
On the bright side, I should now be able to save the white balance shift for each film recipe?
I think the sensor and processor each can make a difference, but more important than that is how Fujifilm programmed it. Fujifilm fine-tuned the colors, luminosity, etc., etc., on the X-S20 and X-M5 to match it most closely with the 40mp X-Trans V sensor and X-Processor 5.
As for using X-T30 Recipes on the X-S20, there are three issues that need to be addressed: Color Chrome FX Blue, Grain, and Clarity.
For CCEB, obviously Off is the same as the setting not existing; however, Fujifilm programmed the color blue a little deeper on fifth-generation models for Classic Chrome, Classic Negative, Eterna, and Eterna Bleach Bypass. Not much you can do about it, so you have to be ok with the results being slightly different.
The X-T30 lacked Grain size (Small or Large). You’ll have to decide which you prefer for each Recipe when using them on the X-S20. Small is the most similar.
Clarity should be set to 0 to match, but you might prefer -2 for some or +2 for others. Something to consider, but 0 is what will match.
For Cyanotype, Monochromatic Color works much differently, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to get that blue cast. Probably will need to experiment a little, though.
WB Shift can indeed be saved for each C1-C4 presets on your X-S20.
I hope this helps!