What the Fujifilm X-Half Gets Right (and What It Doesn’t)

Every now and then, a camera shows up that is not attempting to wow you with features. That is precisely what the Fujifilm X-Half accomplishes. Following Dustin Abbott’s in-depth Fujifilm X-Half review, I was intrigued, yet a little bit conflicted. This is not your typical mirrorless launch. It is an idiosyncratic, nostalgia-filled language camera that exists as a throwback in every possible way, but in 2025.

From the beginning, Abbott establishes the tone: this is a “vibes” camera. Think less in terms of technical acuity or dynamic range and more in terms of fun, mood, and retro cool. Designed for lifestyle shooters or perhaps even someone just in need of a reprieve from phone cameras, the X-Half goes all in on vintage looks. It is small, light, and unapologetically tall, literally. Its entire design centers on shooting in vertical orientation.

Film Feel in a Digital Shell

Where things get most compelling is the Film Camera Mode. This mode is like filming film, you choose a film simulation, choose a roll size (36, 54, or 72), and once you begin filming, you cannot view your photos until you “develop” them via the companion app. You even get to “advance” the roll by way of a small lever. It is slightly gimmicky-sounding, but if you are looking for an experience, then this provides a sense of challenge and novelty that will appeal to some.

But let’s be brutally honest: the X-Half struggles on the technical side. Autofocus is sluggish, particularly in low light. The optical viewfinder is more of a peek-through window than a precision instrument. No RAW support, and dynamic range or ISO performance is limited. Abbott even admits that many of his images were out of focus because there is no feedback in film mode. That made me stop.

However, the colors? Fuji gets it right. With the correct film simulation, you can produce some very nice photos, particularly if perfection is not what you are pursuing. The camera also makes available the effects of halation, grain, and light leaks for the old-film look. And whereas the LCD is small and difficult to see outside, the touchscreen user interface is surprisingly responsive once you become accustomed to it.

The 1080×1440 vertical video mode and vertical LCD prove it: this camera is designed for a new type of shooter. It is for individuals who exist in stories, not specs. 

For me, it suits the needs of those who care more about the act of capturing a moment than sharpness at a pixel level.

Price and Availability

The Fujifilm X-Half will cost $849 US in the United States and approximately $1,000 CAD in Canada. It will be available in several stylish colors, charcoal silver, classic silver, and black. In terms of specs, it features a 1-inch 18MP CMOS sensor, a fixed Fujinon 10.8mm f/2.8 lens (32mm equivalent), and captures vertical Full HD video at 1080×1440. It features a 2.4-inch vertical LCD screen, a minimalist optical viewfinder, touchscreen controls, and support for the X-Half companion app. Storage comes in the form of an SD card, and battery life is an estimated up to 880 shots when using the OVF.

Key Specs

• Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 18MP (3648 x 4864 resolution)
• Lens: Fixed Fujinon 10.8mm f/2.8 (32mm full-frame equivalent)
• Display: 2.4″ vertical LCD + sub-screen, 920k-dot resolution
• Viewfinder: Optical viewfinder with 0.38x magnification and 90% coverage
• Image Format: JPEG only (no RAW support)
• Film Simulation Modes: 13 simulations, 26 filters
• Special Features: Film Camera Mode, Diptych (2-in-1 image) mode
• Video: Vertical Full HD (1080×1440), 24fps and 48fps
• Autofocus: 9-point contrast AF, with basic eye detection
• Storage: 1x SD card slot
• Battery: NP-W126S, rated up to 880 shots (using OVF)
• Connectivity: USB-C port for charging and image transfer
• Weight: 191g (body only), 240g with battery and card
• Build: Compact plastic body with cold shoe and minimal physical controls
• Price: $849 USD / $1,000 CAD (approx.)

Following the entire Fujifilm X-Half review, I was left to wonder if this camera is not for a person like me, or perhaps that is the idea. It pushes the definition of “good photography.” It has nothing to do with ISO capabilities or ideal bokeh. It is about how it makes you feel when you carry it around, take pictures with it, and look at those imperfect, memory-filled images afterwards.

So no, it won’t replace your primary camera. But it could well replace your phone on a weekend stroll. And perhaps that is enough.

[Fujifilm X-Half Review | All about the Vibe]

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