A Camera That Thinks in Portrait Mode
It’s not every day a camera turns your whole creative process sideways — literally. But Fujifilm just did that with the X Half, a digital throwback with a vertical soul and a film-era heart. In a world obsessed with 3:2 sensors and 4K specs, the X Half bets big on vibes, simplicity, and vertical storytelling. And you know what? It kinda rocks.
If you’ve ever wished your camera felt like a pocket-sized photo diary from the 1980s, but powered by 2025 tech — this might be it.
Key Specifications
• Sensor: 18.0MP 1-inch CMOS (13.3×8.8mm), vertical orientation
• Lens: Fixed 10.8mm f/2.8 (equivalent to 28mm full-frame)
• ISO Range: ISO 100–12,800 (expandable)
• Screen: Vertical 2.8” LCD, 3:4 aspect ratio
• Secondary Display: Retro-style sub LCD for settings
• Film Simulations: 13 built-in Fuji film looks
• Video: 1080 × 1440 at 24p (portrait format)
• Viewfinder: Optical tunnel-type window
• Image Format: JPEG only, no RAW support
• Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 2TB
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, Fujifilm XApp support
• Weight: 241g
• Battery: NP-60S rechargeable (USB-C charging)
Living with the Specs
The core of the X Half is a vertically oriented 1-inch sensor — a bold move that rewires how you frame shots. Combined with a 28mm-equivalent lens and Fujifilm’s signature film simulations, it’s built to tell everyday stories in vertical slices.
Let’s be clear: this is not your do-it-all travel camera. It’s a mood machine. The lack of RAW forces you to trust Fujifilm’s color science — and honestly, with their film simulations, that’s not a bad bet. From Classic Chrome to Velvia, each preset feels like a distinct emotion.
The video mode is more of an easter egg than a focus: 1080×1440 resolution at 24fps in vertical — great for TikTok or Reels, not much more. No 4K, no mic input, no log profile.
“Designed to Be Held Like a Book” — A Look at the Body
• Retro-style aluminum alloy body with faux leather
• Vertical grip design for natural portrait orientation
• Manual dials for shutter, aperture, exposure
• Faux film-advance lever for retro-tactile interaction
• Sub-LCD shows exposure and film simulation
• Optical tunnel viewfinder with no EVF overlay
The camera’s feel is pure analog fantasy. You grip it vertically, like an old diary or cassette tape. The faux advance lever? Pure aesthetic — it doesn’t advance film, but it gives a kick of nostalgia every time you flip it. This is a product where design is the story.
Everything is thoughtfully minimal — no unnecessary buttons, no flippy screens, just an LCD made for one thing: composing your shot vertically, like you’re framing a magazine cover.
How It Performs — Real Talk
The Fujifilm X Half is for those moments — coffee steam curling in morning light, street portraits at golden hour, the candid smile before someone realizes you’re taking a picture.
The JPEG-only output is a statement: you shoot it, you live with it. And that’s the point. The simplicity is strangely freeing. No menus full of focus peaking or zebra stripes. Just dials, a frame, and your gut.
Battery life is modest (around 300 shots), but charging via USB-C is painless. The app support is limited — you can sync photos, apply filters, and share — but don’t expect remote shooting wizardry.
How It Stacks Up
Fujifilm X Half vs. Ricoh GR IIIx
• The GR IIIx offers RAW, IBIS, and street-ready performance — more power, less personality
• X Half wins on charm, creative constraint, and film-style fun
Fujifilm X Half vs. Leica Sofort 2
• The Sofort 2 is instant film — fun but bulky, and not digital
• X Half gives you that film nostalgia without the cost-per-frame
Verdict: If you want control and flexibility, go Ricoh. If you want a smile every time you shoot, go Fuji.
What Others Say
“This is a camera that’s less about specs and more about soul.” — The Verge
“Fujifilm X Half is one of the most creative and confusing cameras in years — and I love it.” — PetaPixel
FAQ
• Can the Fujifilm X Half shoot RAW photos?
No, it only supports JPEG output.
• Does it have image stabilization?
No, there is no IBIS or lens-based stabilization.
• Can I use it for landscape photography?
Technically yes, but it’s optimized for vertical compositions.
• Is the lens interchangeable?
No, it features a fixed 10.8mm f/2.8 lens.
Cons
• No RAW photo support
• No 4K or serious video options
• Fixed lens limits flexibility
• Niche appeal — not for everyone
• Pricey for a JPEG-only shooter
Price and Availability
$850
The Fujifilm X Half is now available for preorder at the following retailers:
Available in multiple retro-inspired colorways including black, silver, and pastel blue.
Final Verdict
Fujifilm X Half is not here to replace your main camera. It’s here to remind you why you love photography. It’s a deliberate, stylish, wonderfully strange little camera with just enough digital convenience and a ton of personality.
If you’re chasing the perfect TikTok aesthetic, want to romanticize daily life, or just miss the simplicity of your dad’s old film camera — this is for you.
Rating: 4.1 / 5
