The world of photography is well-acquainted with nostalgia, but Fujifilm’s new X Half does more than tip its hat to the past. It leans in, combining analog appeal with digital convenience in a manner that is raising eyebrows and generating buzz. Small, innovative, and unapologetically unique, the X Half brings a breath of fresh air to photography today.
A Pocket-Sized Companion for Everyday Moments
The first thing you’ll be struck by with the Fujifilm X Half is its compact size. It’s small, light, and goes with you wherever life goes. As The Verge says, “the camera is designed to give you no excuses—you should be able to bring it with you everywhere.” But portability is only part of the story. The X Half encourages you to slow down, be present, and savor the moment without being seduced by tech-driven distractions.
Simple by Choice
Under the bonnet, the X Half is bare-bones. It has a vertically stacked 1-inch sensor (cropped to 18MP for a 3:4 aspect ratio), a fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens, and a pared-down control design. There is no electronic viewfinder, no RAW support, and no hot shoe. But that’s the point. As The Verge explains, the X Half’s bare-bones approach is its defining feature—it’s meant for spontaneous photos and memory-creation, not perfection.
The bare-bones interface, simplified menus, and narrow customizations translate into less hassle and more gunplay. It’s perfect for those who prioritize immediacy and fun over tech finery.
Classic Looks, Creative Tools
One of Fujifilm’s biggest selling points has always been its film simulations, and the X Half does not disappoint. It comes with 13 of Fujifilm’s most classic looks—Provia, Velvia, Acros, Classic Chrome, and so on—plus creative filters such as light leaks, mirror mode, selective color, and dynamic tone. As per Tom’s Guide, “No Fujifilm camera is complete without the brand’s signature film simulations, and the X Half is no different.”
These apps allow users to play, experiment, and accept imperfections—all while capturing visually appealing images in-camera.
Film Camera Mode: A Digital Throwback
One of the X Half’s best features is its “Film Camera Mode,” which simulates the process of taking photos with analog film. You select your virtual roll of film (36, 54, or 72 exposures), select a film simulation, and shoot through the optical viewfinder. You crank the film advance lever after each exposure—yes, actually. And like with real film, you don’t get to see your photos until the roll is “developed” in Fujifilm’s stand-alone app.
As Fuji X Weekly describes it, “You cannot see your pictures until after the roll is finished and ‘developed’ in their new app that is just for this camera.” This inherent delay reintroduces a sense of anticipation and surprise that digital photography has pretty much lost.
Diptychs: Storytelling in Pairs
The X Half also adds a playful, creative touch with its diptych capability, enabling you to pair two images—static or dynamic—side by side. It’s a lighthearted nod to analog-era creativity, inviting users to construct narratives with juxtapositions of images. You even begin the diptych series by hand-cranking the film lever, further enhancing the tactile appeal. The Verge describes it as a “quirky, endearing feature that invites experimentation.”
Imperfect by Design
Of course, the X Half isn’t flawless. A few users have commented that the touchscreen can sometimes lag, and saving diptychs, particularly those with video, is slow. But these are hangups characteristic of the camera’s more deliberate, slower pace. They’re designed to have you appreciate the process, not just the result.
Who’s It For?
The X Half is designed specifically for photography enthusiasts who enjoy the analog look but want the convenience of digital. It’s also an excellent device for social media content creators, given its vertical format and ability to share instantly. As Fuji X Weekly suggests, it will be appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences already familiar with the retro look of older digital and film cameras.
At $849, it’s a premium price for a camera without RAW or pro-level specs. But what you’re paying for is experience: a unique, tactile, and creative approach to photography that stands out in a sea of spec-heavy devices.
A Playful Step Forward—By Looking Back
With the X Half, Fujifilm is not in the megapixel madness or filling with the latest technology. Instead, it’s delivering a camera about feeling, fun, and freedom. In Fuji X Weekly’s words, “I applaud Fujifilm for daring to be different and going way outside the box.”.
No matter if you’re an old-school film buff, a digital native discovering the joy of slow photography, or simply someone who’d love to make taking pictures fun again, the X Half is for you. Amidst an age of hyper-optimized cameras, it’s a reminder that the best gear is the kind that inspires you to shoot.