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Tom's Guide
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I tested the Fujifilm X half for two weeks — and some might think this one feature is a gimmick but it's my favorite
Do you like film photography? Me too. Do you enjoy populating your Instagram feed with film photos? Me too! There's something charming about analog photography, and in recent years, we've seen a rise in its popularity, a trend that's making a comeback (like oversized blazers and baggy jeans). It's then only natural that camera manufacturers get with the times and make modern film cameras. Fujifilm has done just that... but in a way none of us expected. I'm talking about the Fujifilm X half, a one-of-a-kind camera that's unlike any other in its current lineup, and it goes off the beaten track by combining digital and film photography. The Fujifilm X half is an interesting camera as it's nothing like any other camera in the brand's lineup. It's small and compact and it features a 17.7MP 1-inch sensor that actually takes lovely photos. You get access to Fuji's 13 most popular film simulation recipes and filters, and the camera has a dedicated Film Camera Mode which doesn't let you see photos until you connect it to your phone. Long battery life is the cherry on top of the cake. What do I mean by that, you ask? Well, the X half takes regular photos like any digital camera but it also has a dedicated Film Camera Mode which emulates the feeling of analog. When I spent a couple hours with the camera pre-launch, a couple Tom's Guide readers pointed out that this was gimmick. Now that I've reviewed the camera, I say: so what? It's fun, it's so much fun, and I'm here to tell you why. Toggling Film Camera Mode on the Fujifilm X half is a piece of cake. There are two touchscreen displays on the back: the rounded, vertical touchscreen let's you swap between 13 film simulation recipes and several filters, while the rectangular 4x3 screen gives you access to the camera's settings and gallery. To enable Film Camera Mode, simply swipe down on the rectangular screen and tap on it. You then select your roll (36 shots, for instance) and film simulation or filter, adjusting ISO and et voilà! The screen displays a shot counter and you'll need to use the lever on the right-hand side to advance the roll — as you would on a traditional film camera. Also, like other film cameras, you won't be able to see the photos you've taken until you exhaust the roll, connect the camera to your smartphone and use the X half app to 'develop' the film. And you know what? I had a lot of fun with this. Watching your 'film roll' load on your phone and the little animation that shows every photo 'developing' is throughly enjoyable. Analog photography's fundamentals apply here too. Some photos turn out great, some photos are unusable and some are imperfect, and I love that. The X half's photos turn out lovely with a film-life effects (thanks to the film sims), and you can increase the grain effect too. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I've loved testing the Fujifilm X half. I think it's a nifty little camera (literally, it's so small) for anyone who wants access to Fuji's fantastic film simulation recipes and filters, and wants to take a no-frills camera to a concert, festival or while traveling. But purists will have you believing it's a toy camera and it isn't worth the money. Look, I get it. It isn't really film photography. The X half isn't the cheapest either, retailing for $849 / £690. Its sensor takes only 17MP photos, and video is limited to FHD/48p. No, this isn't a stacked camera when it comes to pure imaging capabilities, but why does everything need to be? Fujifilm's ethos here is that specs aren't always everything, and I see that. It isn't always about how many megapixels you have at your disposal or whether the camera has in-body image stabilization. Sometimes, and this time especially, it's about a stripped back camera that even a child could use. The X half is pure fun, nothing more, nothing less.
Tom's Guide
18-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I tested the Fujifilm X half — and it proves that specs aren't as important as having fun
It isn't very often that I come across a camera that amuses me or tickles my fancy, but the Fujifilm X half has done just that. It's a very interesting camera, and it's unlike most other cameras in the brand's current lineup. It combines both digital and analog photography by introducing a Film Camera Mode that doesn't let you view your photos until you 'develop' them on your smartphone. Neat! Fuji's beautiful color science is on full display as you have access to the brand's most popular film simulation recipes, as well as an array of filters. Its twin displays are clever and well implemented, although I wish some features (like the dim monitor) were better. And while the camera takes good photos, it can't shoot in RAW. It doesn't come cheap either, given the above. Is it one of the best cameras for you? Read my full Fujifilm X half review to find out. Specs Fujifilm X half Price $849 / £690 Sensor 17.7MP 1-inch CMOS Processor Not specified Stabilization None AF system Contrast detection Focus modes Single AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus Viewfinder OVF Display 2.4-inch Color LCD touchscreen, approx. 0.92 million dots ISO range 200-12,800 Max video resolution FHD/48p Ports USB-C, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Wireless/Bluetooth Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Max shooting speed 1fps Max shutter speed 15m to 1/2000s (stills) | 1/24s to 1/2000s (video) Battery life (Stills, CIPA) 880 shots Battery life (Video, CIPA) 95 minutes (FHD/24p) | 85 minutes (FHD/48p) Size 4.16 x 2.53 x 1.8 inches Weight 6.73oz (body only) Announced in June 2025, the Fujifilm X half is unlike any other camera in the brand's lineup. It's a fixed-lens digital camera with a dedicated film photography mode that makes photography simple and intuitive, and the camera's all about having fun. It retails for $849 / £690, and is available in three colorways: Black, Charcoal and Silver. There aren't any other cameras like the X half as, like I said, it blends digital and analog photography. It takes vertical, half-frame photos so one may compare it to film cameras like the Pentax 17 ($499) and the Kodak Ektar H35 ($49). It's also nearly as expensive as an interchangeable lens camera like the Fujifilm X-M5 ($799). So why wouldn't you just buy the X-M5 instead? If you want a pocketable, compact camera that you can get past security at concerts; or a camera that doesn't require you to know the ins and outs of photography yet still takes good photos — you'd get the X half. The Fujifilm X half is a very small camera, and I think it looks great — although I do wish its body was made of metal rather than plastic. Still, it's cute and eye-catching. It's available in three colors: Black, Charcoal and Silver. I tested the Black model which looks great, but I also spent a couple hours with the other colorways, and the Charcoal is my favorite. The camera measures just 4.16 x 2.53 x 1.8 inches, so it's highly pocketable, and it weighs barely anything at 6.73oz. Carrying it in my jacket's pocket and even my jeans' back pocket was easy. In fact, it's a whole ounce lighter than my Google Pixel 7 Pro! It's a great camera to handle too. Given its compact size, I used it easily with just one hand to take photos and capture video footage. I have medium-sized hands and had no problems using the camera with both hands either. Unsurprisingly given the Fujifilm X half's size and purpose, its ports are minimal. There's a USB-C port on the left-hand edge for data transfer and charging. There's no 3.5mm input or output or micro HDMI support. The camera's bottom plate houses the battery pack and one SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card, both of which are located behind a hatch. And that's about it. Like I said, it's a no-frills camera meant for beginners and casual photographers. The Fujifilm X half sports twin LCD touchscreens. The main monitor is a 2.4-inch Color LCD touchscreen with a resolution of approximately 0.92 million dots. In my testing, this touchscreen was highly responsive, but I wish it was a smidge brighter as I struggled to see it in direct sunlight. I also wish it was slightly bigger as it only takes up a third of the space on the back panel, but it's on purpose as it fills up with a half-frame 4:3 shot. The other vertical, rounded touchscreen is located next to the main monitor. It enables you to swap between film simulation recipes as well as advanced filters, such as fisheye, light leak, expired film, etc. Again, it proved very responsive and I didn't notice any lag between changing the settings — I thoroughly enjoyed using it. I primarily used the Fujifilm X half's monitor to take photos and didn't find myself naturally reaching for the viewfinder, as the camera's very small. The OVF is really basic and doesn't display any useful information — it feels redundant on this camera. The LED lamp next to the viewfinder is handy, though, as it switches between red and green depending on whether the camera is buffering and saving a video to the SD card and the like. At this price point, most cameras aren't weather-sealed. For instance, the Fujifilm X-M5 isn't weather-sealed and neither is the Fujifilm X half. I'd advise against using it in heavy rain or in very dusty or sandy conditions. It's a shame, as this camera is very easy to travel with, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. There aren't many physical controls on the Fujifilm X half as its touchscreen enables you to change every setting. I found it easy to use and quick to swap between different exposure and shutter speed settings via swipes and taps. Swiping down on the main touchscreen lets you pair the camera with a smartphone and enter Film Camera Mode. Tapping on the latter basically turns the X half into a film camera. You get to select the number of shots (36, 54, 72), toggle date stamp on or off, and choose the exposure mode. The main touchscreen will then show you a shot counter. And just like on a film camera, you won't be able to see the photos until you exhaust the roll and connect the camera to your phone and use the X half app to 'develop' the photos. The app itself is extremely easy to use with a clean interface, and there is some joy to be had in watching your photos come through on your phone. This isn't really film photography, as purists will rightly argue, but I still think it's a lot of fun! I liked not being able to see the photos I'd taken until I 'developed' the roll. Some photos came out imperfect, as is the nature of film, and I loved that. It quickly became my favorite feature. Located on the top plate is a lever that lets you take a second photo and stitches them into one composition, creating a diptych and letting you tell a two-part story — like a half-frame film camera. You also need to use this lever to advance the 'film roll' when in Film Camera Mode. Although this is fun, it's finicky because there were a few instances where I had to do it twice to advance the film. The Fujifilm X half's autofocus system utilizes contrast detection to focus on humans' eyes and faces. You can choose for the camera to prioritize the left, right or both eyes, or faces. There's no subject detection for animals, birds or vehicles. On humans, though, it works as intended, as you can see in the gallery above. Quick to focus, the X half promptly locked onto my colleague's face in the first photo, and the resulting photo is sharp. Similarly, it focuses well on my face in the selfie I took (even though I'm not in the centre of the frame). I was also impressed that the X half locked onto the two people on a river boat, as can be seen in the third photo. The Fujifilm X half features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that captures 17.7MP images. As with most other Fuji cameras, color reproduction is faithful and you get access to 13 film simulation recipes for extra creativity (while on Fuji's more premium cameras like the Fujifilm X-T50, you get access to 20+). Given its compact size and good image quality, the X half and its 32mm prime lens are best suited to travel, street and candid portraits. In bright conditions, the X half takes stunning photos with popping colors, even in the Provia Standard color profile. Shadows and highlights are balanced well, with a nice amount of contrast, as you can see in the photos in the gallery above. You can also see plenty of detail in the flowers and leaves which is very commendable for a camera of its size. As I mentioned up top, there are 13 film simulation recipes to choose from. The photos in the gallery above were shot in Nostalgic Neg, Acros and Velvia Vivid. I love Nostalgic Neg so I'm really pleased it has made an appearance on the X half. Fuji says that it has only added its most popular film sims to this camera, which includes Astia and the newest Reala Ace. Alongside film sims, you have access to several filters, such as Light Leak, Toy, Mini, Expired Film, Vignette, Mirror, Double Exposure and more. You can see a few examples above of Double Exposure, Mirror, Green Expired Film and Toy. You can't use these in conjunction with the film sims, though. Still, they allow you to get more creative and experiment with different styles. Double Exposure is a classic and still remains my favorite even after testing all of the others on the X half. One of the Fujifilm X half's drawbacks is that it cannot shoot RAW images, so once you click the shutter for a JPEG, that's it — your color profile is baked in and you'll have much les freedom in post production than with RAW files. When I test a camera's ISO performance, I compare the RAW file against the straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) JPEG as this lets us compare how well a camera's in-camera noise processing performs versus the unprocessed RAW file. As I didn't have that option with the X half, I'll just analyze how well the noise processing worked on JPEGs. The X half has an ISO range of 200-12,800. As is the nature of the camera, keeping in line with the film feel, the photos it takes are slightly grainy anyway, although noise naturally gets worse at high ISO values too. But are they sharp? The photos in the gallery above were shot at ISO6,400, 8,000, 10,000 and 12,800. The first two shots are fairly sharp as you can make out the boundaries of every sticker in the Lego F1 car. However, at ISO10,000 and 12,800, there is a loss in sharpness around the car's nose and in the driver's helmet — this is from the camera's processors smoothing out noise, sacrificing definition. It's important to remember that this camera is very small and has a 1-inch sensor. Such small sensors generally struggle at high ISO values. The Fujifilm X half is a hybrid camera as it can shoot FHD video at either 24p or 48p in 4:2:0 8-bit depth, which means the camera can capture a total of 16.77 million colors. You can see what sample video looks like above. Even video footage has a film-like feel to it which may appeal to a lot of people who want to maintain a certain social media aesthetic. What I love about the X half is that you can stitch two videos together, as you can with photos, creating a moving diptych. It follows the same procedure: take a video and then use the lever on the top plate to record another. What's even better is that you can do this with a photo and a video. There's a lot of potential in a feature like that. Of course, there's no in-body or electronic stabilization so you'll have to be very still to capture shake-free handheld footage, or use a tripod. The Fujifilm X half has a mahoosive battery life. It utilizes the NP-W126S Li-ion battery pack — the same as the one in the Fujifilm X100VI ($1,599) — and according to CIPA numbers, the X half can take 880 stills on a single charge. For video, when recording at FHD/24p, you can achieve 95 minutes and this drops to 85 minutes when shooting at 48p. Regardless, that's fantastic. CIPA ratings are derived under very strict testing conditions, and real-world results will always differ. I put the camera through a battery test where I kept taking photos indoors with the monitor, without changing film sims or filters, and I took nearly 950 photos before the camera died. That's a great number as you won't need to worry about running out of juice on a long road trip or at a festival. If you want a simple-to-use camera that's highly responsive and doesn't require you to know the ins and outs of photography, the Fujifilm X half is for you. It's extremely easy to use with its twin touchscreen displays, and I'm a big fan of the dedicated Film Camera Mode. If you want to feel like you're using a film camera, this setting basically doesn't let you see the photos you've taken until you 'develop' them on your smartphone — clever and fun. With long battery life and film simulation recipes and filters available at your fingertips, the X half lets you get creative while still remaining hassle-free. It's the perfect camera for concerts, festivals, candid portraits, and more… as long as you don't mind the steep price tag as it costs nearly as much as an interchangeable lens camera like the Fujifilm X-M5. Also, I wish the screen was a touch brighter and the camera shot RAW images. Regardless, if you can afford it and want a simple, cutesy camera to accompany your professional gear, the X half is a fantastic choice. It proves that specs aren't always everything — sometimes it's about having fun.
Tatler Asia
14-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
The new Fujifilm X half digital camera may be half the size but is double the fun
Above The Fujifilm X half comes in three colourways: completely black; black with silver or charcoal with silver accents Above Weighing a mere 240g, the X half is light, lean, and pocketable (Photo: Ben Savage) Design is where Fujifilm always excels and the X half is no exception. In a world where digital cameras tend to look like utilitarian black boxes, the X half, which comes completely black, or in black with silver or charcoal silver accents, is a considered blend of form and function with just the right touch of retro charm. Weighing a mere 240g and with a slightly slimmer chassis than most of the X series cameras, the X half is light, lean, and pocketable, making it ideal for city explorers and style‑conscious travellers who love to pack light. Its tactile dials, engraved etchings and soft leatherette grip lend it a vintage‑inspired elegance, evoking a nostalgic thrill of the analogue age. Whether slung across your body or resting on a table, the X half looks effortlessly chic; more objet d'art than gadget. But rest assured that beneath that stylish façade is a capable and intuitive camera packed with smart features. Photo 1 of 5 Fujifilm X half's half‑frame format lets you split a single photo into two frames Photo 2 of 5 A suite of creative filters–such as Light Leak–adds character to your photos Photo 3 of 5 A cinematic snap of El Retiro Park, captured with the Acros film simulation The X half strikes a rare balance between playful and professional, and despite its impressive spec sheet, it is designed to be effortless. Even first‑time Fujifilm users and amateur photography enthusiasts will find it a breeze to navigate, thanks to its eschew of the complicated layout of buttons that typically characterises digital cameras for thoughtfully designed control dials and an intuitive menu system that is accessed primarily via the main vertical LCD touchscreen on the rear. The magic of the X half, though, is a half‑frame format alluded to in its name, which allows you to split a single photo into two vertically oriented frames—a nod to the film‑era economy that also translates into creative liberty here. Simply snap a shot, pull the frame advance lever, then take your second shot to compose a cinematic sequence, two frames at a time. In case you missed it: Why the new Fujifilm GFX100 is the ultimate investment camera Fujifilm's renowned film simulations are built into the X half as well, and they are more beautiful than ever. With quick swipes on the touchscreen panel, I found myself debating between the 13 options, including the vivid tonal accuracy of Provia, the nostalgic, slightly desaturated grit of Classic Chrome, and the rich, monochromatic Acros that is perfect for capturing the interplay of light and shadow. The X half also comes with a suite of creative filters to give photos added character sans post‑editing apps. The light leak, grain, halation and expired‑film effects in particular inject analogue‑style flair, and will feel like a warm nod to the past for those who remember shooting on disposable film. Above The Film Camera Mode, which lets you choose your roll length (36, 54 or 72 images), shoot your images without reviewing them and then 'develop' the roll in the accompanying Fujifilm app There is even the option of actioning on that nostalgia with the Film Camera Mode, which lets you choose your roll length (36, 54 or 72 images), shoot your images without reviewing them and then 'develop' the roll in the accompanying app. Digital natives might find the lack of control disarming, but where is the fun without some delayed gratification? With the X half, Fujifilm has managed to make photography feel new again. I found a certain joy in the shooting experience: just snap and repeat—without getting bogged down by endless settings or jargon. With its array of filters and film simulations, this compact powerhouse encourages experimentation, spontaneity and the kind of creative freedom not often associated with digital photography. Not just for avid photographers, the X half is also for storytellers and creatives who crave a slower, more considered way of seeing the world behind the lens. NOW READ What makes Fujifilm's GFX100 II a technical tour de force for photography enthusiasts Fujifilm X-Series designer Masazumi Imai on what makes a well-designed camera A photographer's guide to taking a great wrist shot Credits Images: Fujifilm Photography: Shairah Thoufeekh
Nylon
03-06-2025
- Nylon
Fujifilm introduces the X half digital camera
Inspired by half-frame cameras, the Fujifilm X half is your answer to new creative expressions and photographic experiences in a compact, lightweight camera. Image courtesy of Fujifilm. Built with a rear LCD monitor that is ideal for vertical composition, you will be able to take photos and videos vertically, at a 3:4 aspect ratio, as well as combine two still images or movies into one composition in-camera for richer storytelling capabilities with the 2-in-1 feature. In addition to the optical viewfinder which simulates the film photography experience, the camera also features a popular 'Film Simulation' and 'Grain Effect', which reproduces the unique grain texture of film photos, along with new filters that include light leak and halation, to provide you with a wide range of creative expressions. Image courtesy of Fujifilm. Its lightweight design and aesthetics, together with the easy-to-use touch controls on the rear LCD, means that you are ready to shoot anywhere, anytime too! Along with the new dedicated X half app, you will be able to easily pair your camera with Bluetooth mobile devices to transfer still images and movies to your smartphone, as well as send images to instax Link series smartphone printers. The Fujifilm X half is priced at $999 and is now available for pre-order till 15 June at authorised dealers.
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- The Citizen
Fujifilm launches X Half camera to make photography fun again
The X Half's simplicity is very much the point. With the proliferation of mobile cameras, which have taken massive leaps in photographic technology, Fujifilm South Africa is reinventing what it calls the 'charm of film photography' in a digital format with the Fujifilm X half (X-HF1). The X half compact camera introduced physical features such as a frame advance lever and optical viewfinder, plus digital ones, including Film Camera Mode. Notable feature Perhaps the most notable is the camera's eschewing of horizontal aspect ratios, rather opting for 3:4 vertical framing. Both images and videos are captured vertically, and this is reflected in the vertical orientation of the optical viewfinder and LCD display at the back. The X half compact camera evolved from the concept of classic half-frame cameras, which were capable of shooting at half the size of 35mm film, allowing for two images per frame. ALSO READ: Fujifilm unveils Instax Mini 41 instant camera with retro feel Whose it for? The FujiFilm X Half has no electric or hybrid viewfinder, no stabilisation and it can't even take RAW photos. So, who is it for? The camera is for film photographers who want the convenience of digital cameras, as you can store images on an SD card. It's essentially a modern film camera, and feels like it has been inspired by the Pentax 17. The X half's purpose is to offer a pared-back, no-frills analogue and digital experience and make photography fun again. Memories It's small, light and is designed to give you no excuses, you should be able to bring it with you everywhere, but so is the mobile phone that you carry in your pocket. However, this is a camera for taking scrappy, quick photos, capturing memories and making photography fun. Designed with travelling in mind, the X half features a compact 240g body that evokes the charm of a classic rangefinder camera. Availability and pricing The Fujifilm X half compact camera digitally recreates and evolves the analogue photographic shooting experience unique to half-frame film cameras. The X half will be arriving in South Africa during June 2025 for a recommended retail price of R14 999. NOW READ: Huawei unveils new Watch Fit 4 series and Watch 5 in Berlin
