It seems that in recent times Fujifilm wants to recover that unique feeling of shooting with a classic camera, but in digital format and with certain modern touches. Thus, it has decided to launch the X-Half, a compact camera that arouses quite a bit of curiosity due to its combination of digital technology and nods to the analog pastIts aesthetics, handling, and approach place it in a peculiar position, halfway between a toy camera and a tribute to traditional medium-format photography.
La X-Half It arrives with the intention of offering a different experience to those looking for something more than megapixels and technical features. It is not an advanced compact nor the heir of the X100Its driving force lies in experience, process, and that hint of nostalgia that appeals to even the youngest users, accustomed to mobile phones but also fascinated by the charm of analog.
A unique design, vertical sensor and lots of personality
The first thing that catches your eye about the Fujifilm X-Half is its vertical format. This is possible thanks to a 1-inch type sensor placed vertically, which implies that Photos are captured in portrait orientation when the camera is held in a standard positionHorizontal images are only achieved by rotating the camera. This approach is reminiscent of the legendary half-frame cameras, but updated for the digital environment.
In terms of design, The camera is light (about 240-250 grams) and is available in three different finishes, all with that retro feel so fashionable these days. Although the finishes don't reach the premium level of more expensive models, the effort to offer something with personality is appreciated.
Technical characteristics and instructions for use
It has a fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens, equivalent to a classic 35mm in full frame, ideal for urban photography and spontaneous portraits. The sensor is backlit and offers an effective resolution of about 18 megapixels, although the exact specifications suggest that it could be a cropped sensor from the standard 20 MP.
The interface is simple, with physical controls such as the aperture ring, although the operation is mainly oriented to Automatic mode. On optical viewfinder It's straightforward, with no digital information; the top shoe is cold and barely features a small LED flash on the front, plus a USB-C port as its only physical connection.
La rear LCD screen It's optimized for vertical composition and allows you to control various functions using touch gestures. Touch control adds to the physical feel of operation, reinforced by elements such as the mechanical lever located on the rear.
Film Simulations and Creative Filters
One of the main claims is the variety of film simulations: until 13 different modes, selectable from the secondary screen. Added to this are Effects such as grain, light leak, halation, and film burn-out, all designed to imitate the visual character of chemical photography.
The camera only allows you to save images in JPEG; does not support RAW format. The generated files have a weight between 5 and 7 megabytes by photography.
Film camera mode and diptych function
La physical interaction It is a differentiating element. The rear lever It performs two key functions: on the one hand, it activates the diptych modeIn which two vertical captures are merged into one horizontal image; the user chooses the thickness and color of the dividing line, as well as the order of taking. On the other hand, the lever is used in the movie camera mode, which simulates the traditional process: film simulation is selected before starting and then a limited sequence of shots is taken (36, 54 or 72 photos) without previewing the result, using only the optical viewfinder.
Once the virtual "reel" is complete—or if you decide to finish earlier—you need to "develop" the photos. This process is done from the mobile app, where the images are transferred and stored, along with the contact sheet which reproduces the look of a classic development process. Everything is also stored on the memory card.
Connectivity, autonomy and user experience
La Fujifilm X-Half integrates with the application X half app via Bluetooth, allowing you to transfer photos to your smartphone or print them directly on Instax printers. You can also order personalized products or create digital contact sheets. It also includes digital date stamp in the images, in the purest vintage style.
Autonomy has become one of its strong points, reaching up to 880 shots per chargeThe use of the optical viewfinder and the limited intervention of the digital screen contribute to this efficiency. Operation is simple and straightforward, ideal for those who want to experiment with processes similar to film photography.
Price, target audience and final valuation
The launch price is around 800 Euros, which places it in a complex range when compared to other advanced digital models. The X-Half, however, directs its proposal to users more interested in experience and playfulness than in technical perfectionAlthough it includes video recording, the resolution is limited, not even reaching Full HD and without stabilization, so that aspect is more anecdotal.
It's interesting to see how Fujifilm reinvents its catalog with such unconventional products, trying to appeal to both retro enthusiasts and new fans curious about unusual photography. The X-Half isn't for everyone, but it could be a breath of fresh air in a market that often seems to revolve around the same concepts.
Its main appeal lies in offering a creative experience that combines nostalgia and modernity, standing out for its vertical orientation options, movie mode, and physical interaction, which clearly differentiate it from most traditional compact cameras, consolidating its position as an interesting option for those seeking unconventional inspiration.
