• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S1 advantages over Fujifilm X20

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 250 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 56 mm
    Thinner
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Fujifilm X20 advantages over Nikon S1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/1000 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S1
Nikon S1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm X20

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X10

Nikon S1
Fujifilm X10
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S1 vs Fujifilm X10

Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm X10
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch

Compare Fujifilm X20 vs Fujifilm X10

Compared to Nikon J1

Nikon S1
Nikon J1
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon S1 vs Nikon J1

Fujifilm X20
Nikon J1
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compare Fujifilm X20 vs Nikon J1

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon S1
Nikon J2
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon S1 vs Nikon J2

Fujifilm X20
Nikon J2
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compare Fujifilm X20 vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon S1
Nikon J4
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon S1 vs Nikon J4

Fujifilm X20
Nikon J4
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Fujifilm X20 vs Nikon J4

Compared to Fujifilm X30

Nikon S1
Fujifilm X30
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon S1 vs Fujifilm X30

Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm X30
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Fujifilm X20 vs Fujifilm X30

Compare Other Cameras?