Fujifilm X-Half: Half the Size, Twice the Story

Point and Shoot – The Simplest Joy of Photography 

Remember when photography was about capturing moments rather than obsessing over megapixels? Fujifilm certainly does, and their brand new X-Half camera design proves it. 

This delightful little camera brings back the pure joy of shooting—that wonderful feeling when you’re just having fun capturing life as it happens. It’s photography without the pressure, without the complexity, just the simple pleasure of seeing something interesting and pressing the shutter.  

However, it does seem a tad expensive for what essentially is a toy camera. Inspired by half-frame film cameras of yesteryear, the X-Half isn’t a reproduction of any particular vintage model. Instead, it’s a fresh concept built around a simple premise: photography should be FUN.   A point and shoot – No stress, no overthinking—just snap, smile, and repeat.

Vertical by Design

The first thing you’ll notice about the X-Half is its orientation. In a brilliant design nod to how we consume images today, this camera is designed for vertical shooting.  Yes – vertical.  

The 1-inch sensor (equivalent to half of an APS-C sensor) is positioned vertically with a native 4:3 aspect ratio—perfectly formatted for your phone and social media.

This isn’t just a horizontal camera you turn sideways—everything from the optical viewfinder to the LCD screen is vertically oriented. Fuji looked at how people shoot today and designed a camera specifically for that purpose. I’m guessing we’ll see more vertically oriented cameras in the future.  

Pocketable Power

At just 240 grams (including battery and SD card), the X-Half is truly an everyday carry camera. Comparing it to a Rollei 35 SE in size, it disappears into a jacket pocket or even pants pockets (unless you’re wearing skinny jeans).

This is a camera you’ll take absolutely everywhere.   It seems like a great tool to take a visual diary of your life without the burden of hefting around a full-size camera. 

The fixed 10.8mm lens (32mm equivalent in 35mm terms) offers a field of view identical – except vertical – to those beloved disposable cameras—perfect for snapshots and everyday documentation. 

With an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/11, it’s versatile enough for most lighting conditions, especially with ISO capabilities from 200 to 12,800.

Two-in-One Storytelling

Perhaps the most interesting (and gimmicky) feature is the camera’s ability to create diptychs in-camera. The X-Half can pair two images side by side with various dividing lines (thick black, thin black, or white). Take one picture, use the wind lever (yes, there’s an actual wind lever!), and then take your second shot.

Even more creative options open up when you see that you can pair:

• Two photos together
• A photo with a video
• Two videos together

This doubles the storytelling capability of every shot, allowing you to create visual relationships between images instantly.  Clearly this was designed for social sharing situations. 

I could see things like capturing the before and after of a surprise, the cause and effect of an action, or simply two contrasting scenes that speak to each other. It’s creative photography that happens right in the moment—no editing software required.

Film Camera Mode: Digital Photography with constraints

For those who miss the discipline and anticipation of film, the X-Half includes a “Film Camera Mode” that transforms the shooting experience. 

Select a film simulation or filter effect, choose your “roll” length (36, 54, or 72 shots), and the camera limits you to using only the optical viewfinder—no LCD preview, no playback until you’ve “developed” your roll.

As you shoot, you must advance the film using the wind lever between each exposure, creating a tactile experience reminiscent of film cameras. When you’ve shot the entire roll, the camera tells you it’s “rewinding,” and you can transfer the images to your phone via the dedicated X-Half app.

Here’s where the “magic” happens: the photos appear first as orange negatives that gradually “develop” into full-color images on your phone. 

The app even creates digital contact sheets complete with edge codes indicating which film simulation you used. It’s a beautiful marriage of nostalgia and modern technology.  It’s not serious, but amusing nonetheless.

Film Simulations and Creative Effects

The X-Half comes loaded with 13 of Fujifilm’s most popular film simulations, including:

• Velvia
• Classic Chrome
• Classic Neg
• Real Ace
• Nostalgic Neg
• Acros

But Fujifilm has gone further with special creative filters, including three new ones:

• Light Leak: Creates random light leaks that you can’t preview—each is a surprise after you take the shot
• Expired Film: Offers three different color casts and deliberately underexposes to mimic aged film
• Halation: Adds that dreamy glow around highlights that film lovers love

There’s also a revised grain effect and the option to add date stamps to your images, channeling the charm of point-and-shoot cameras from decades past.  It’s terrible, yet still fun as a documentation.

Simplified Controls

The X-Half strips away complexity with a minimalist control scheme. Physical controls are limited to:

• On/off switch
• Shutter release button (threaded for cable release)
• Exposure compensation dial
• Wind lever
• Still/movie switch
• Playback button
• Aperture and focus rings

Everything else is controlled through an intuitive touch interface with swipe gestures:

• Swipe up: Quick menu
• Swipe down: Pairing mode or Film Camera mode
• Swipe left: Main menu
• Swipe right: Film simulations or filter effects

A secondary touch panel provides additional controls, supposed to make the camera fast and intuitive to use.

The X-Half App

The dedicated X-Half app extends the camera’s capabilities with:

• Wireless image transfer
• Additional two-in-one creation options
• Gallery and album views
• Digital “development” of Film Camera mode shots
• Direct printing to Instax Link printers (Mini Link 2, Mini Link 3, Square Link, and Instax Link Wide)

Video Capabilities

While primarily designed for stills, the X-Half includes HD video recording at 24p. The built-in LED flash doubles as a continuous light for video work, providing versatility in a tiny package.

Battery Life

Using the standard NPW 126S battery, the X-Half delivers approximately 880 frames per charge when using the optical viewfinder. In Film Camera mode with 72 shots, that’s over 10 “rolls of film” before needing a recharge. The camera can also be charged via USB-C.

Technical Specifications

• Sensor: 1-inch Bayer sensor, 17.8 megapixels
• Lens: Fixed 10.8mm (32mm equivalent), f/2.8-f/11
• ISO: 200-12,800
• Shutter speed: Up to 1/2000 second, down to 15 minutes for long exposures
• Flash: Built-in LED
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Rear LCD: Touch-enabled
• Storage: SD card
• Connection: USB-C port
• Weight: 240g with battery and SD card
• Available colors: Charcoal Silver, Silver, and Black
• File format: JPEG only (no RAW)
• Metering: TTL 256-zone metering
• Focusing: TTL contrast autofocus
• Tripod socket: Yes
• Cold shoe: Yes

Availability

The Fujifilm X-Half is scheduled to ship June 17th.  For us in the states, it’s seeming to be about 850.00.  I think what completes this camera would be an instax printer as well so you could print these out on the spot to hand to people or to put in an album.  (https://bhpho.to/3FcWD6H)

Why the X-Half Matters

In a world where cameras keep getting bigger, more complex, and more technically impressive, the X-Half takes a refreshing step in the other direction.  It’s an advanced toy camera – built for sharing, usability and fun.  

It’s certainly not about having the most megapixels or the fastest burst rate—it’s about shooting in a casual style.  

By combining nostalgic elements with modern functionality, Fujifilm has created something that feels simultaneously familiar and revolutionary.  The verticality of the sensor is the first step in seeing more manufacturers creating cameras for how people are sharing image.

The X-Half is a camera that reminds us photography isn’t about carrying the best gear—it’s about capturing life wherever you find it, and sharing it.

And isn’t that what photography is supposed to be about?