Fujifilm is about to launch a new camera that leans heavily into the retro feel of film photography — and it’s doing it in a truly digital way. Arriving in late June, the X Half is a compact and stylish addition to the X-series lineup, built for those who love the charm of old-school film but want the convenience of digital. Priced at US$849.99, this 18-megapixel camera is designed around fun, simplicity, and portability.
Unlike most digital cameras, the X Half doesn’t let you shoot in RAW. Instead, it sticks strictly to JPG format — a choice about embracing the “what you see is what you get” mindset. It’s made for photographers who want to enjoy snapping and sharing photos without the need for editing software or post-production tweaks.
Built for casual shooting and easy carrying
The X Half has you covered if you’re after a lightweight, go-anywhere camera. It weighs just 8.5 ounces (240 grams) and is small enough to fit into most handbags or a coat pocket. Its fixed 32mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens is paired with a glass element featuring aspherical corrections — not the sharpest in the world, but full of what Fujifilm describes as “character.”
The X Half is inspired by traditional half-frame film cameras like the Pentax 17, which typically shoot at 18mm x 24mm. But Fujifilm puts its twist on the format, using a smaller 1-inch-type sensor (8.8mm x 13.3mm), roughly half the size of the APS-C sensors found in cameras like the X100VI or X-T5.
Frame your shots using either the traditional optical viewfinder or a 2.4-inch touchscreen, which is fixed in portrait orientation. Although it mimics the feel of old film cameras, it’s still a digital device, so you get autofocus, basic 1080 x 1440 video recording, and app support for creative extras.
Film-inspired features and a nostalgic twist
Fujifilm has packed in some charming touches to drive home the film-style experience. There’s a dedicated secondary screen just for picking from 13 built-in film simulations, offering popular colour profiles like Classic Chrome and Velvia. You won’t be able to switch them out later, though — once you’ve picked a film sim and hit the shutter, that look is locked into your JPG.
Want to go further? You can add fun effects such as light leaks, expired film tones, or a retro time and date stamp in the corner — just like you’d see on prints from the 1990s.
The camera works with a new X Half smartphone app, which launched shortly after the camera itself. With it, you can create digital diptychs (side-by-side photos or videos) or mix a photo with a video clip. The app’s Film Camera Mode even lets you group your shots into sets of 36, 54, or 72, simulating rolls of film. Each contact sheet will include the film simulation name, giving it a scrapbook-style feel.
Even a fake film advance lever feature makes you swipe between shots when using Film Camera Mode — just like winding a real film roll. It’s all part of the fun and throwback charm that Fujifilm is aiming for.
A camera made for creative fun — at a price
The X Half is designed for younger creators and hobbyists who love the imperfect beauty of film but want the ease of digital. It’s not about high-end image quality or professional use. Instead, it’s about capturing memories in a playful, nostalgic way — much like a disposable film camera but without the waste.
Still, it’s worth asking: will the price tag hold people back? At US$849.99, it’s far costlier than digital alternatives like the US$70 Camp Snap or even an actual film camera, which can be picked up for US$10 to US$20. But for those looking for a blend of style, creativity, and digital convenience, the X Half could still offer a unique and joyful experience.
