Fujifilm X half: Digital compact camera in half format presented

Contents

The Fujifilm X half (model X-HF1) is positioned as a digital compact camera with a fixed lens, designed for taking photos and videos primarily in portrait format. It is aimed at photographers who want to combine the special shooting experience of analog half-format photography with the possibilities of modern digital technology.

Portrait format photography and analog handling

The X half captures photos and videos in a 3:4 aspect ratio, which corresponds to the standard portrait format of smartphones. The integrated 1-inch CMOS sensor delivers a resolution of 18 megapixels on an area of 11.7 mm × 8.8 mm. The fixed lens offers a focal length of 10.8 mm (equivalent to 32 mm 35 mm) and a lens speed of f/2.8.

With dimensions of 106 mm × 64 mm × 30 mm and a weight of 240 grams including battery and memory card, the camera is compact and lightweight.

A central feature of the X half is the "movie camera mode". In this mode, the user selects a film simulation and the number of images per "film roll" (36, 54 or 72 shots) before shooting. After each shot, the mechanical transport lever must be operated to release the next shot. The captured images only become visible in the associated app after the virtual roll has been "completed" and digitally developed.

In film camera mode, the touchscreen remains deactivated; image composition takes place exclusively via the optical viewfinder. To transfer the images prematurely, this mode can be ended by double-tapping the film mode display.

Film simulations and filters

As usual with Fujifilm, the camera offers a selection of 13 film simulations, including well-known profiles such as Provia, Velvia, Astia, Classic Chrome, Reala ACE, Nostalgic Neg., Sepia, Acros (with color filters), Eterna/Cinema and Classic Neg.

In addition, 18 creative filters are available, including effects such as Toy Camera, Vignetting, Light Leak, Halation, Expired Film, Miniature and more.

Important: Filters and film simulations cannot be combined with each other. The integrated 2-in-1 function allows two photos or videos to be combined directly into a diptych in the camera. Both the individual shots and the resulting combined image are stored on the memory card. The associated app can also be used to combine existing photos into new compositions.

For further design in the style of analog photography, the X half offers a grain effect that imitates the typical structure of analog film. Various grain strengths and sizes are available for this purpose. A date stamp function also makes it possible to superimpose the date the photo was taken directly onto the image, just like with classic analog compact cameras.

Operation

The rear of the camera is equipped with two touchscreens. The main monitor is a 2.4-inch LCD in portrait format with 920,000 pixels. The smaller sub-LCD is used to display the selected film simulation or the active filter. Interaction with the user interface is primarily done by swiping and tapping.

The integrated tunnel-style optical viewfinder offers an image field coverage of around 90 percent and a magnification of 0.38x.

The associated "X half App" acts as a central interface for transferring, editing, sharing and printing images. The app also supports the ordering of photo products and printing via compatible instax link printers. It should also be possible to create and save a "contact print" in the style of classic film strips.

Target group

Some photographers will have thought it was a belated April Fool's joke at the launch. The camera is compact, the housing is mainly made of plastic, but makes a high-quality impression in the product images. Operation is deliberately kept simple, focusing on just a few physical controls: Aperture ring, transport lever, exposure compensation dial, on/off switch and a functionless hot shoe.

This focus makes the camera interesting for users who want to convert the analog feel to digital. However, they are limited to JPEGs. The implementation with a cocking lever and waiting time for the full "film" decelerates, the camera is rather not intended for fast motifs or action photography. In summary, the Fujifilm X half positions itself as a lightweight, compact camera with deliberately simple operation. It aims to combine the feel of analog half-format photography with digital possibilities and creative functions such as film simulations, filters and 2-in-1 composition.

Price and availability

The Fujifilm X half will go on sale for 800 euros and will be available in black, silver and anthracite from June 2025.

Technical data at a glance

Technical data of the Fujifilm X half
Sensor	1 inch, 18 megapixel, BSI-CMOS, Bayer filter
Lens	10.8 mm (32 mm KB), F2.8-F11, 3 aspherical elements, fixed focus range from 10 cm
Formats	JPEG, no raw recording
Video	Resolutions up to 1440×2160 (Full HD, 3:4) and 2160×2160 (4K, 1:1), 23.98p, up to 50 Mbps, stereo sound
Autofocus	Contrast AF, single point (3x3 fields), face/eye detection, AF-S, AF-C, MF
ISO	200-12,800, three auto-ISO profiles
Shutter speeds	1/2000 s to 30 s (photo), 1/2000 s to 1/24 s (video)
Exposure control	Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Exposure compensation ±3 EV
Flash	LED2 hot shoe (without electrical contacts)
Battery	NP-W126S, approx. 880 pictures (CIPA)
Memory	SD/SDHC/SDXC (up to 2 TB, UHS-I)
Connections	USB-C (with charging function), no HDMI output, no microphone connection
Wireless	WiFi (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.2
Weight	240 g (with battery and memory card)
Colors	Black, silver, anthracite

(tho)