Meet the Fujifilm X half - A Fresh Take on Digital Photography with a Soul from the Past

Meet the Fujifilm X half
A Fresh Take on Digital Photography with a Soul from the Past

Fujifilm has long been known for blending modern innovation with vintage charm, and with their latest creation, the X half, they’ve taken that philosophy to an entirely new level. This camera isn’t just another compact device in a sea of spec-heavy digital options. It’s a reimagination of what photography can feel like when soul and simplicity are given centre stage. The X half takes cues from the analogue era and remixes them for today’s image-driven, mobile-first world, resulting in something delightfully different and refreshingly fun.

A Sensor Built for Sharing
At its heart, the X half features a one-inch vertical sensor, designed to capture naturally portrait-oriented images in a native 3:4 ratio. This orientation might sound unfamiliar to seasoned photographers, but for those of us glued to smartphones, it makes perfect sense. It feels instantly intuitive, like picking up a compact film camera, but with modern quality and convenience. Of course, if you’d prefer to shoot landscape, simply rotate the camera. For those still curious about resolution, despite Fujifilm’s focus on experience over numbers, you can shoot up to 17.74 megapixels and record Full HD video too.

A Lens That Echoes Simpler Times
Fitted with a fixed 32mm equivalent lens, the X half harks back to the field of view found in Fujifilm’s beloved QuickSnap one time use cameras. It’s just wide enough for everyday shooting, but not so wide that it massively distorts your scenes. That fixed nature also forces you to move with intention, walk closer, step back, reframe, rather than lazily relying on a zoom. The image quality, needless to say, is a massive step up from any throwaway film camera, but the essence, that slightly unpredictable charm, remains.

Portable, Pocketable, Playful
In terms of size, the X half is astonishingly compact, weighing just 240 grams and measuring 105.8mm wide by 30mm deep. For reference, it’s only a few grams heavier than my Samsung phone, which is pretty remarkable. This is a camera you’ll happily take everywhere, whether it’s a weekend away or just a trip to the coffee shop. The small form factor makes it a genuinely pocketable creative companion, not one that ends up left behind due to bulk.

Touchscreens, Levers and Minimal Fuss
The design of the X half is minimalist, with very few physical buttons cluttering its body. Instead, controls are handled primarily through the two rear touchscreens. The main vertical screen is used for menus and image preview, while a smaller sub-LCD lets you quickly select film simulations and effects. An optical viewfinder, built-in LED fill light, and manual aperture ring (ranging from f/2.8 to f/11 or Auto) round out the controls. It’s a streamlined design that respects your creative focus without overwhelming you.

Double the Fun with Two-in-One Composition
Fujifilm hasn’t forgotten the joys of the half-frame format either. The X half lets you create two-in-one compositions in-camera, a nod to how classic half-frame film cameras allowed you to merge two shots into a single image. Using a lovely tactile digital film wind lever (yes, really), you capture the first image, wind on, and then take your second. You can mix stills with stills, or stills with short video clips, resulting in an instant, shareable visual story. The camera also lets you choose the layout direction before shooting, deciding whether your first shot goes on the left or right.

Film Simulations and Retro Effects
It wouldn’t be a Fujifilm camera without their iconic film simulations, and the X half comes loaded with 13 of the brand’s most beloved profiles, including Reala ACE, Classic Chrome, Provia, Velvia, and Acros (my personal favourite). These simulations offer distinctive moods and tones straight out of the camera, perfect for those who want great results without endless editing.

Beyond these, there are analogue-inspired filters designed to evoke the imperfections and quirks of vintage film. Think light leaks, expired film effects, grain, halation, and even a retro date stamp. It’s worth noting, however, that the X half only shoots in JPEG, so whatever look you apply is baked into the image for good. This is all about embracing the moment and letting go of perfectionism.

Film Camera Mode: Going Fully Old School
Swipe down on the main touchscreen and you’ll discover Film Camera Mode, where digital photography takes a charming detour. This mode disables the screen entirely, leaving only the optical viewfinder for composing your shots. You choose a digital "roll of film", 36, 54, or 72 exposures, and shoot just as you would on an old film camera. After each shot, you use the lever to wind on.

Once finished, you transfer the roll to the dedicated app, where your images are developed into a digital contact sheet. You can exit the mode at any time, but honestly, it’s a beautiful way to slow down and engage more deeply with your photography. In an era of instant everything, it’s nice to be a little more mindful.

Video, Battery and Sharing
The X half may have a retro vibe, but it’s still a digital-first device. Full HD video clips can be recorded and even combined with stills using the two-in-one mode. Each medium can have its own film simulation profile, allowing you to craft uniquely layered visuals.

Underneath, you’ll find a standard tripod mount, a compartment housing the NP-W126 battery, capable of delivering up to 880 shots using the viewfinder, and a full-size SD card slot. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you connect wirelessly to the Fujifilm app, and this is also Fujifilm’s first compact camera to offer direct support for all current Instax Link printers. Whether it’s the Mini Link 2 or the Link Wide, printing your photos instantly is now just a few taps away.

Final Thoughts: A Different Kind of Delight
In a world where cameras are often judged by spec sheets and feature creep, the Fujifilm X half is a breath of fresh air. It strips photography back to what matters: mood, memory, and the joy of the moment. This isn’t a camera for pixel peepers or spec chasers, it’s a creative tool designed for those who want to feel something when they shoot. It’s a concept, a throwback, and a genuinely fun way to rediscover photography.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the seriousness of modern gear, the X half might just be your perfect antidote. I’m absolutely on board with it, and I think you should give it a go too.

Check out our full video below.