Fujifilm's X Half is an $850 digital camera with an analog film aesthetic
Fujifilm has already released one unusual camera this year in the GFX100 RF medium format compact, but it's latest model may be the most offbeat yet. The $850 X Half is an 18-megapixel digital compact camera, but it uses half of a 1-inch sensor to shoot 3:4 vertical photos. To drive home the retro vibe, it has a rear screen dedicated to displaying the camera's 13 film simulation modes and can only shoot JPEG and not RAW images.
The name comes from "half-frame" cameras popular in the '60s, like the famous Olympus Pen F, that use a 35mm film frame sawed in half (18mm x 24mm in size). The backside-illuminated sensor on Fujifilm's X Half is, well, half that size in both dimensions (8.8mm x 13.3mm) or a quarter the area. It's also the smallest sensor on any recent Fujifilm digital camera, as the X-series uses the APS-C format and GFX models medium format. In fact, the X Half has the same 3:4 vertical ratio as Fuji's Instax Mini instant cameras — so you can make prints using an Instax Mini printer via the new dedicated X Half smartphone app.
The X Half naturally uses Fujifilm's film simulation and grain effect modes. Among the new ones are "light leak" for a blown-out quality that happens when film get exposed to light inadvertently, "expired film" and "halation," an effect caused by light bouncing off film emulsion layers. To really get you into that analog film mood, you can switch to the new Film Camera Mode that limits your view to the optical viewfinder, makes you pull a frame advance lever for each new shot and only lets you see the photos once they're "developed" through the X Half app. It even produces a "contact sheet" layout for 36, 54 or 72 images.
Another feature is 2-in-1 images that let you combine two still images or movies into one composition in-camera for extra artistic possibilities (using the film advance lever again). That also means the X Half can shoot video as well as photos, with a vertical or square size (up to 2,160 x 2,160) that looks ideal for social media — especially with film simulations applied. Also exuding nostalgic vibes is the "Date Stamp" function that lets you imprint dates in the bottom right of images, just like on old-school Kodak-style film camera.
On top of the main rear 2.40inch LCD 3:4 monitor, the X Half has an optical rather than an electronic viewfinder, adding another analog touch (and the accompanying parallax distortion errors). The camera itself is small enough to slide into a pocket and weighs just 210 grams (7.4 ounces). Other features include a built-in flash, massive 880 frame battery life and SD UHS-I card slot.
The X Half looks like it could be coveted by social media users or anyone looking for a fun party or vacation camera. However, it's expensive considering that you can just get an Instax (or regular film camera and a lot of film) for a lot less. Fujifilm has definitely captured the photography zeitgeist before with models like the X100 VI, though, so I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a hit. The X Half is now on preorder for $850 (in black, charcoal silver and silver) with shipping set to start on June 12.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Engadget
2 days ago
- Engadget
Fujifilm GFX100RF review: A powerful and fun camera that's far from perfect
After watching its fixed-lens X100 VI camera do stratospheric sales numbers, Fujifilm decided to build a bigger and badder version that could go up against Leica's full-frame Q3. The result is the $4,899 GFX100RF, the first-ever 100-megapixel medium format compact camera. The GFX100RF has some novel features, like a crop dial that lets you choose aspect ratios ranging from vertical 3:4 to a panoramic 65:24. It can digitally zoom via a dedicated toggle and offers all the social media-friendly benefits of the X100 VI, including film simulations. You can even shoot medium-format 4K video. However, the GFX100RF has some flaws. Where Leica's Q3 has a fast 28mm f/1.7 lens and optical stabilization, Fujifilm's 35mm lens (28mm equivalent) here is limited to f4 and lacks any shake reduction, hurting the camera in low light. I've used the camera for nearly two weeks now and enjoyed it, but given the high price and quirks, it's definitely not for everyone. The GFX100RF is the world's first 100MP medium format compact camera. It offers incredible image quality and flexibility but isn't great in low light, and the high price makes it a niche product. $4,899 at B&H Photo Video Though it's Fujifilm's smallest medium-format camera, the GFX100RF is still a hefty unit at 735 grams. That's more than many full-frame mirrorless cameras and around the same weight as the Q3. The control layout is similar to the X100 VI with control dials on the front and back, along with exposure compensation, shutter speed and ISO controls on top. What's new is the aspect ratio dial that offers modes for 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 17:6, 3:4, 1:1, 7:6, 5:4 and 65:24 (the latter pays tribute to Fujifilm's TX-1 panoramic camera). The GFX100RF also has a toggle up front to select 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 63mm (full-frame equivalent) zoom levels. Those gradually lose resolution due to cropping, from 100MP at 28mm down to 20MP at 63mm. Bokeh is also reduced as the sensor size shrinks. The rear 2.1-million-dot, 3.15-inch display only tilts up and down, but that's fine for the camera's primary street photo role. Though sharp and detailed, the 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder unfortunately lacks the X100 VI's signature hybrid display that lets you switch between optical and electronic views. However, it does offer three modes to support the aspect ratio dial and make composition easier. One only shows the selected crop, another shows the full scene with a box around the crop and the third displays everything outside the crop at 50 percent opacity. Fujifilm's GFX100RF includes an innovative aspect ratio dial at back (Steve Dent for Engadget) Battery life on the GFX100RF is outstanding with up to 820 shots on a charge or about 100 minutes of 4K 30 fps video shooting. For me, that amounted to nearly two days of use, which is better than nearly every other (non-DSLR) camera I've tested. The camera also includes dual UHS-II memory card slots plus mic, headphone, microHDMI and USB-C ports. The latter allows not only data transfers and charging, but also SSD video recording. The GFX100RF is essentially a GFX100S II squeezed into a compact body, so performance is similar with up to 6 fps burst shooting speeds. However, each RAW file is up to 150MB in size and JPEGs are 70MB, so even at those slower speeds, you can fill your memory cards very quickly. That said, this camera definitely isn't designed for sports or wildlife, so I didn't use burst shooting often. The autofocus is reliable when shooting single photos, but it's a little laggy for bursts. Using the face and eye detect AI modes helps nail eye focus reliably, but it's not as fast as Sony and Canon's systems. It also supports animal, bird and vehicle tracking, which helped me capture sharp photos of ducks floating on the Seine river in Paris. The GFX100RF has both mechanical and silent electronic shutter modes. Rolling shutter skew is a big issue with this sensor in silent mode with fast moving subjects, though. Luckily, the mechanical shutter eliminates that and is nearly inaudible. The built-in ND filter can reduce light up to four stops, letting you shoot on sunny days while retaining some bokeh. However, the main problem is when there's not enough light. The minimum f4 aperture is simply inadequate and the lack of stabilization exacerbates the issue as you risk blurry photos at slow shutter speeds. In dim light you may need to pack a tripod, which isn't ideal for a compact camera. The aspect ratio and zoom options on the GFX100RF are handy and fun. Some curmudgeons may prefer to shoot full sensor 100MP photos and then just crop later in post production. But the GFX100RF lets you have your cake and eat it, too. You can apply all the crops, zooms and film simulations you want and save them as JPEGs for easy sharing. Then, if you need to go back and change something, you also have the full 100MP RAW image as a backup (though obviously, shooting both will fill your memory card more quickly). Shot at 4:3 aspect ratio, ISO 1600, 1/200th, f/10 As with the GFX100S II, the GFX100RF is a top performer when it comes to detail and sharpness. Colors are pleasing and RAW files retain high amounts of dynamic range, allowing for easy adjustment in Lightroom. And of course, Fujifilm's film simulations give you colorful, nostalgic options — like Reala Ace or the dramatic black and white look of Acros — straight out of the camera. The GFX100RF also delivers beautiful bokeh, with the f4 aperture equivalent to around f3 for a full-frame camera in terms of depth of field (but not light gathering). Like other GFX models, the large sensor produces more dramatic images than full frame for portraits, landscapes or street shots. Like I mentioned, things fall apart when the light dims, though. With no option below f4 and no stabilization, I relied on high ISOs to boost exposure. The GFX100RF isn't bad in this area, with controllable noise up to about ISO 8000, but that's not high enough considering the other factors. For these reasons, the GFX100RF is less versatile than it could be. The GFX100RF can handle 4K and widescreen DCI 4K at up to 30 fps with fairly high bit rates, as long as you have a fast UHS-II SD card. It can even shoot ProRes with at much higher data speeds, but for those, you'll need to record directly to an SSD via the USB Type-C port. Autofocus for video is decent but not incredibly fast, so ideally your subjects don't move too much. The AI-powered face and eye detection helps nail focus when filming people, but again, can fail if subjects dart around. Video has a dreamy quality and bokeh that only a large sensor can offer. Like the GFX100S II, the GFX100RF captures video using the full width of the sensor in most modes, albeit with pixel binning that reduces quality. The sharpest video comes with a 1.32x crop, but that reduces the image quality benefits of a large sensor. Video on the GFX100RF has one thing going for it that the photo side lacks: digital stabilization. This smooths out shakiness for handheld shots, but the excessive rolling shutter limits your ability to move the camera quickly. Colors are pleasing and easy to adjust, particularly when using Fujifilim's F-Log or F-Log2 10-bit modes to boost dynamic range. And of course, Reala Ace, Acros and other film simulations are available in video modes to create great looks straight out of the camera. Fujifilm's $4,899 GFX100RF is a powerful camera with incredible image quality that's hampered by a lack of low-light performance. It's also a niche and expensive product that, unlike Fujifilm's popular X100 VI, only appeals to a small group of photographers. Its primary rival in this space is Leica's Q3, which has a smaller 60MP full-frame sensor and higher $6,735 price tag. However, the Q3 has a much faster 28mm f/1.7 lens, less rolling shutter, a single SD UHS-II card slot and up to 8K video. It also has the Leica brand cachet, which does mean something to people spending this kind of money. The GFX100RF is fun to use, though, and introduces several innovations like the aspect ratio dial. Though it may never have a huge market, I think products like this push the industry in new directions and create conversations that draw new people into photography. So even though I'd never buy one, I'm glad the GFX100RF exists for those reasons.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Nikon will raise prices in June because of US tariffs
Nikon has revealed that it will increase its prices in the US due to the recent tariffs. The company has thus far been silent on the matter but released a brief statement on its site announcing the change. Nikon didn't provide specifics on what the price increase would look like, simply stating that "Due to the recent tariffs, a necessary price adjustment for products will take effect on June 23, 2025." Nikon's statement went on to say that it will be monitoring tariff developments and may further change pricing "as necessary to reflect the evolving market conditions." While the United States and China agreed to a 90-day suspension of most tariffs on May 12, the situation is still uncertain. It isn't surprising that Nikon is leaving room for more changes. Nikon is just the latest in a long list of brands announcing similar increases due to the US tariffs. Earlier this month, Sigma said its prices would increase by an unspecified amount on June 2 for US orders. Leica also announced substantial price increases in the US earlier this month. Those prices, which include a 20% increase on the Leica D-Lux 8 and Leica Lux Grip, are already in place. Sony hasn't made any official announcements, but some of the prices of its cameras and lenses have gone up on sites like B&H, as PetaPixel reported. On April 28, Canon released its Q1 financial results, which included a statement that it will be increasing prices on June 1. Canon assumed those pricing increases would be local to the US, but added, "if the tariff issue were to trigger a global recession, our assumptions will change." Blackmagic was one of the first to increase prices in the US because of the tariffs. Like Nikon and Sigma, it didn't specify the amount of the increase. Some brands have announced changes in production plans or availability instead of pricing increases. Tamron said it's shifting where its lenses are made because of the tariff situation. Fujifilm announced last month that it is pausing pre-orders of its X100VI, GFX100RF and X-M5 (Black) models. Of course, all things tariff-related are in flux. What happens after the 90-day "pause" is unclear, making it hard for companies to plan appropriately. The pricing increases from these brands could change substantially depending on what happens in the coming days and months.
WIRED
7 days ago
- WIRED
Fujifilm's X Half, a New OnePlus Tablet, and Fender's GarageBand Rival—Your Gear News of the Week
Plus: Coros has a repair program for its fitness trackers, there's a new The Last of Us collectible, and Paravel shuts up shop. Courtesy of Coros; OnePlus; Taylor Guitars All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. This week, Fujifilm announced a new digital half-frame compact camera called the X Half. Like half-frame film cameras, the X Half shoots vertical frames, but records to an 18-megapixel sensor instead. The lens is a 32mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8 aperture, which is close to the lenses of the X100 series cameras. The X Half looks like a combination of Fujifilm's popular X100VI and an old Rollie 35 film camera. It's small and stylish, which is part of the appeal here. The X Half is also designed to be fun rather than a "serious" camera (whatever that means). Serious camera fans, be warned: The X Half is JPG-only; there are no RAW files. Out of the box, there are 10 film simulations—just like Fujifilm's "serious" cameras—along with 18 filters to simulate things like light leaks or expired film. Since the files are JPGs, whatever filters you apply can't be unapplied in post. In another nod to film cameras, there is a Film Roll mode which allows you to lock in a film simulation or filter combo and then shoot 24, 26, or 72 images (like a roll of film) without being able to review the image on the rear screen or see anything about it until you dump the pics to the companion phone app. It won't be for everyone, but I'm looking forward to testing this one as we rarely see a camera that doesn't take itself too seriously. My only hesitation is the recommended price of $849, which is a little steep for something that doesn't offer RAW files. — Scott Gilbertson OnePlus Has a New Android Tablet The Android tablet market has been gradually growing since Google decided to give it some love in 2022—there are more options to choose from now than in years . OnePlus is keeping things chugging along with the OnePlus Pad 3—its predecessor is our favorite Android tablet, so there are high expectations for this slate. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, the high-end processor powering all the 2025 Android phones, this is a flagship tablet through and through. OnePlus hasn't shared the full details about the tablet yet, but it supports Open Canvas, the company's multitasking software. There are some integrations for Apple users, too—you can control a Mac remotely, and file share via drag and drop. You can also pair it with three accessories (sold separately): a Smart Keyboard, a Stylo 2 stylus, and a Folio Case. The Pad 3 comes in Storm Blue and will be available in the US and Canada beginning June 5. Pricing hasn't been shared yet, but it's not a stretch to imagine a higher MSRP than the $550 launch price of the OnePlus Pad 2. The company recently raised the price of the OnePlus Watch 3 to $550 (from $330) shortly after tariffs were announced, but then brought the MSRP down to $350—still an increase. It's a direct contender to Samsung's recently announced Tab S10 FE. Fender's GarageBand Rival Fender has announced a new cross-platform app called Fender Studio that will let users easily record, jam, and release music from anywhere. The free app is available for iOS, Android, PC, Linux, and macOS, and looks to take on Apple's GarageBand for free recording app supremacy. It can use your phone's microphone or any compatible interface, and includes modeling for classic amplifiers, effects pedals, and mixing plugins. You can even tune vocals and use a vocoder. This democratization of high-end recording follows Fender's acquisition of affordable recording brand PreSonus. PreSonus makes Studio One, another great piece of recording software, among our favorite digital audio workstations. With Fender Studio, users can get much of that same functionality, a boon for folks who don't want to splash out on fancy software to make demos or to record basic audio tracks. So far, it works great in my experience, with an easy-to-use interface that scales perfectly between PC, tablet, and cell phone. I like how similar it looks to Studio One, which has a clean and simple look, a key for recording software to be any good. — Parker Hall A Last of Us Guitar Taylor Guitars is making a limited run of replica model 314c acoustic guitars identical to the model used in HBO's The Last of Us . The guitar features Taylor's famous cutaway style, with a custom moth inlay on the third fret. It's a beautiful instrument that might end up being collectible someday, beyond fans of the show; the moth inlay is prettier than an HBO logo, and the tobacco sunburst and ivoroid accents give it a kind of modern vintage vibe. The guitar is available for purchase now for $2,799, and is built on demand with an expected delivery time of six to 10 weeks. They all come with a hard case. — Parker Hall Coros Introduces a Repair Program I consistently pick Garmin watches over Coros models in my Best Fitness Trackers guide. However, that margin is getting slimmer, and the news that you can now repair Coros devices gives the brand a boost. Coros' new repair program increases the lifespan of your expensive wearable. You can send in a damaged device, pay a nominal repair fee, and receive a refurbished replacement while your device is being repaired. Available repairs include replacing a broken screen, button, dial, or defective battery, and all Coros devices are eligible, including the latest Vertix 2S, all the Pace watches, and the solar-powered bike computer. Unlike comparable repair programs, like AppleCare, Coros owners do not have to pay into a separate warranty or coverage program in addition to the repair cost. Coros also posts the repair prices, with most well under $100. It's worth noting here that I've never had to fix a Coros device, and I've found them all to be pretty durable. But WIRED contributor Steph Pearson shattered her Coros Dura bike computer's screen while mountain biking, so the news that you can get it fixed for a reasonable price is welcome. — Adrienne So Paravel Goes Under Earlier this week, the official website for Paravel, a popular travel brand known for its stylish luggage, was taken offline without prior notice. Customers who recently ordered travel gear reported shipments canceled, with refunds provided only in some cases. Financial records indicate that the company filed for bankruptcy on May 19. Several third-party retailers still carry Paravel products (for now), including Amazon, Ssense, Net-a-Porter, and Bloomingdale's. You might be able to catch a discount while stock lasts. We've reached out to Paravel for comment. —Boutayna Chokrane
