Fujifilm unveils X half camera inspired by vintage design

Fujifilm has launched the X half compact digital camera, drawing on the aesthetics of classic half-frame cameras and integrating features designed for digital photography.

The X half is the latest model in Fujifilm's X Series, using the company's colour reproduction technology to deliver image quality in a lightweight, compact form.

Hayato Ueno, the designer of the Fujifilm X half, commented, "Specs and tech aren't everything. I designed this camera so that you can express yourself in a different way."

The X half camera is optimised for vertical composition, featuring a rear LCD monitor specifically crafted for shooting still images and movies in a 3:4 aspect ratio. This setup is intended to make vertical shooting, particularly for social media formats, more accessible.

One of the unique features of the camera is its "2-in-1" function, which enables users to combine two still images or short movies into a single composition directly within the camera, allowing for expanded creative expression. This composition can also be modified in the dedicated X half app, where users can adjust dividing lines and swap images as desired, although the app does not support combining movies.

The camera utilises an optical viewfinder designed to evoke the response and feel of vintage film cameras, while Film Simulation features such as Grain Effect and Date Stamp add to the analogue-style photography experience. Additional filters, including Light Leak and Halation, are included to capture moods and vintage aesthetics reminiscent of older film photographs.

Weighing 240g, the X half is engineered for portability and ease of use, with intuitive touch controls on the rear LCD. The design features an aperture ring, frame advance lever, and other physical controls that echo those of traditional cameras. The camera contains a 1-inch back-illuminated sensor paired with a 32mm F2.8 (35mm equivalent) prime lens—a focal length identical to Fujifilm's QuickSnap one-time-use cameras.

The dedicated X half app enhances the photography experience, facilitating image viewing, sharing, and printing. Through Bluetooth connectivity, images and movies can be transferred to a smartphone, where they can be viewed in different formats or printed directly to instaxTM Link series smartphone printers. The app also allows users to create 2-in-1 images using their favourite stills and supports basic editing functions.

For those interested in recreating the film photography process, the Film Camera Mode is intended to simulate analogue shooting. Users can frame shots through the optical viewfinder, advance the frame after each image using a top plate lever, and delay image review until a complete roll is finished and digitally developed in the app.

The X half is equipped with 13 Film Simulations, such as REALA ACE, offering different colour profiles tailored to varying subjects and scenes. The camera also features three new filters—Light Leak, Halation, and Expired Film—in addition to eight filters from the instaxTM series. These options are designed to expand the creative choices available for both stills and movies.

The Grain Effect function enables users to apply varying levels of natural-looking grain to photos and videos to mimic classic film grain textures. The Date Stamp function allows for date and time imprints in the style of film photos, appearing in the bottom right-hand corner of images.

The X half's compact design does not require interchangeable lenses, aiming to provide convenience for everyday use. The body is constructed to maintain the quality standards of the X Series with a tactile interface. Swiping and flicking on the rear LCD monitors allows users to adjust camera settings and switch between film simulations efficiently.

The camera is fitted with a battery that supports up to 880 frames when using the optical viewfinder, aiming to provide sufficient battery life for extended shooting sessions.