The Fujifilm X Half is unlike any camera we’ve tested this year. It’s simultaneously nostalgic and forward-thinking, simple yet creative, tiny yet capable. After spending several weeks with this pint-sized powerhouse, we’ve discovered a camera that prioritizes joy over specs – and mostly succeeds.
Design and Build Quality
At just 240g and roughly the size of a large smartphone, the X Half is genuinely pocketable. The build quality feels solid despite the plastic construction, with a charming retro aesthetic that draws constant attention. Available in black, charcoal silver, and silver, each finish exudes classic camera charm.
The vertical orientation feels natural immediately – like holding your phone to take a photo, but with proper camera controls. The film advance lever isn’t just decorative; it has real mechanical feedback that adds to the tactile experience, even if it lacks the satisfying ratchet of real film cameras.
Pros:
- Ultra-compact and lightweight
- Solid build quality despite plastic construction
- Genuinely pocketable without sacrificing camera aesthetics
- Intuitive vertical orientation
Cons:
- Film advance lever feels somewhat toyish
- No weather sealing
- Cold shoe mount lacks center pin for electronic flashes
Image Quality
The 1-inch sensor delivers respectable image quality that punches above its weight class. While it won’t match larger APS-C sensors, the X Half produces sharp, detailed images with excellent color reproduction – thanks largely to Fujifilm’s legendary film simulations.
The 32mm equivalent f/2.8 lens provides a versatile focal length perfect for street photography and general use. The modest aperture means shallow depth of field is limited, but the lens is sharp across the frame and focuses reliably down to 10cm.
Low light performance is adequate but not exceptional. The base ISO of 200 and maximum of 12,800 means you’ll see noise creeping in around ISO 1600, but the film simulations help mask this with their characteristic grain structure.
- Sharp, detailed images in good light
- Excellent color reproduction via film simulations
- Limited shallow depth of field capabilities
- Adequate but not exceptional low light performance
Film Simulations and Creative Features
This is where the X Half truly shines. The 13 included film simulations represent Fujifilm’s greatest hits – from the punchy colors of Velvia to the muted tones of Classic Chrome. Each simulation feels carefully tuned for the camera’s sensor and intended use.
The 18 creative filters add genuine artistic flair. Unlike digital gimmicks, effects like Light Leak and Expired Film feel authentic, with randomized elements that create unique results each time. The Halation filter, in particular, produces beautiful color fringing that mimics vintage lens characteristics.
- Excellent selection of film simulations
- Authentic-feeling creative filters with random elements
- Easy switching via an intuitive touch interface
Film Camera Mode: Nostalgic Magic
Film Camera Mode transforms the X Half into something special. Loading a virtual roll of 36, 54, or 72 exposures, then shooting without preview until “developing” in the app recreates the anticipation and deliberate pace of film photography.
The experience isn’t perfect – autofocus can be laggy, and you must remember to advance the film lever between shots. But these quirks add to the authenticity rather than detract from it. The companion app’s developing process, complete with contact sheets and sprocket holes, delivers genuine nostalgic joy.
- Authentic recreation of film photography workflow
- Excellent companion app experience
- Some performance quirks that enhance authenticity
- Successfully recreates the anticipation of film development
2-in-1 Photography
The ability to combine two shots into diptychs opens creative possibilities we didn’t expect to use but found surprisingly addictive. Whether showing before/after, different perspectives, or complementary compositions, the 2-in-1 mode encourages more thoughtful photography.
The mechanical film advance lever makes this feature feel intentional rather than digital trickery. Both individual images are saved alongside the combined version, maintaining full flexibility.
Performance and Usability
The X Half deliberately prioritizes simplicity over speed. Autofocus is adequate but not snappy, startup time is leisurely, and the overall pace encourages slower, more thoughtful photography.
The dual-screen interface works well once you adapt to it. The main 2.4″ LCD is small but sharp enough for composition, while the film simulation window provides quick access to creative controls. Touch responsiveness could be better – slow, deliberate gestures work better than quick swipes.
Battery life is excellent at 880 shots, easily lasting full days of shooting. The NP-W126S battery charges via USB-C and provides reliable all-day performance.
- Deliberately slow pace suits the camera’s philosophy
- Excellent battery life
- Touch interface requires patience
- Not suitable for action or fast-moving subjects
Video Capabilities
Video feels like an afterthought. The 1080p vertical format at 24fps is novel but limited. Quality is adequate for social media but nothing special. The lack of stabilization and fixed 24fps makes this unsuitable for serious video work.
- Novel vertical format
- Limited frame rate options
- No stabilization
- Best ignored in favor of photo capabilities
Value and Competition
The X Half exists in a unique category. It’s not trying to be a mini X100 or budget mirrorless alternative – it’s something entirely different. The closest comparisons are Fujifilm’s own Instax cameras or vintage half-frame film cameras, neither of which offer the same digital convenience.
At its retail price, the X Half asks you to pay for the experience rather than pure specifications. If you value creative inspiration, nostalgic charm, and genuine fun over technical excellence, that equation works. If you prioritize image quality per dollar, look elsewhere.
Who Should Buy the X Half?
Perfect for:
- Film photography enthusiasts wanting digital convenience
- Social media creators seeking unique vertical content
- Street photographers wanting maximum portability
- Anyone prioritizing creative inspiration over technical specs
- Gift buyers seeking something truly unique
Not ideal for:
- Photographers prioritizing image quality above all
- Action or sports photography
- Professional video work
- Those wanting extensive manual controls
Final Verdict
The Fujifilm X Half succeeds brilliantly at its primary mission: making photography fun again. It’s a camera that prioritizes joy over specifications, experience over performance, and creativity over technical perfection.
Yes, it’s expensive for what you get in pure specs. Yes, the performance can be laggy. Yes, it’s JPEG-only. But none of that matters if the X Half inspires you to take more photos and experiment more creatively.
This isn’t a camera for everyone, but for the right photographer, it’s absolutely magical. The X Half proves that sometimes the best camera isn’t the most advanced – it’s the one that makes you excited to go out and shoot.
Buy The Fujifilm X Half
