Fujifilm Unveils the X half: A Digital Compact Camera That Revives the Magic of Half-Frame Film

Fujifilm has officially announced the X half, a premium compact digital camera that pays homage to the beloved half-frame film cameras of the past. With the X half, Fujifilm combines its storied history of analog film with cutting-edge digital imaging technology, resulting in a unique device that is less about technical specifications and more about the joy of image-making.

Fujifilm X half Digital Camera at B&H.

Rekindling the Half-Frame Spirit

The X half is designed for photographers who appreciate both nostalgia and innovation. With an 18-megapixel Type 1 backside-illuminated sensor enclosed within a sleek, ultra-portable body, the X half stands out for its vertical 3:4 aspect ratio and fixed 10.8mm f/2.8 FUJINON aspherical lens (offering a 32mm equivalent field of view). This combination evokes the spontaneity of traditional half-frame cameras in a compact form factor that fits effortlessly into any pocket or bag.

Victor Ha, Vice President of Fujifilm North America’s Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, describes the X half as a rekindling of love for compact cameras, now blended with modern sensibilities. There is a growing movement, especially among Gen Z, toward dedicated creative tools that enable living in the moment, minimizing distractions, and documenting life with intention. The X half caters perfectly to this ethos.

Tactile Analog Experience in a Digital Age

What truly sets the X half apart is its tactile approach to shooting. Echoing the feel of classic film cameras, the X half is equipped with an analog-style frame advance lever. In the innovative “Film Camera Mode,” users select one of 13 film simulations—such as Provia, Velvia, Acros, or Reala Ace—and then choose a virtual “roll” length of 36, 54, or 72 frames. Each shot requires advancing the lever, and images cannot be reviewed until the roll is “finished,” just as with real film.

Once the roll is complete, images are revealed and “developed” via the dedicated Fujifilm app, which also generates a digital contact sheet mimicking traditional film processing. Importantly, should the camera reset or the SD card be removed, the original photos remain safely stored as standard JPEGs.

This hands-on process is complemented by a distinctly different rear design. The X half features two touch-sensitive LCD screens. The smaller, right-side screen displays the selected film simulation and navigation controls, while the vertically-oriented 2.4-inch main display reflects the camera’s vertical shooting design, encouraging portrait-orientation photos that echo half-frame classics.

Filmic Functionality for Modern Creatives

The X half doesn’t just simulate film visually—it integrates beloved features from film cameras into the digital workflow. In Film Camera Mode, the rear LCD is minimal, displaying only essential shooting information, and previews are disabled until development. The camera also includes a “Grain Effect” for textured, film-like images, and a “Date Stamp” option reminiscent of point-and-shoot cameras of the ’80s and ’90s. Three exclusive creative filters—Light Leak, Halation, and Expired Film—offer further opportunities for analog-like creativity, joined by eight filters from the Instax instant camera line.

A unique “2-in-1” shooting feature allows the creation of diptychs: two sequential frames are combined into a single vertical image, an homage to the classic half-frame presentation style. Customization options for border color, style, and width are available both in-camera and through the X half smartphone app, which also enables image editing and quick sharing or print via Instax printers.

Designed for Sharing and Connectivity

Recognizing the importance of social sharing, especially in today’s creative culture, the X half offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, WiFi, and USB-C. Its video capability, in an unusual 144 x 108 vertical format, is ideally suited for platforms like Instagram Stories or TikTok. The built-in stereo mic enhances the camera’s creative potential for vloggers.

Physically, the X half weighs a mere 240 grams (including battery and SD card) and measures 105.8mm x 64.3mm x 30mm, making it about two-thirds the size of Fujifilm’s X100VI. There is a cold shoe mount for accessories and a powerful LED front-facing flash for low-light shooting.

A Modern Classic Arriving in 2025

Available in three classic finishes—silver, gray, and black—the Fujifilm X half is set for release in late June 2025 at a retail price of $849.99 USD ($998.99 CAD). While the X half cannot shoot RAW, focusing instead on in-camera film-style rendering, it promises a uniquely analog yet modern experience: pure photographic fun and creative inspiration for anyone yearning to slow down and savor the art of photography.

With the X half, Fujifilm has masterfully blended heritage and innovation, offering a digital camera that captures the heart and soul of film—the perfect companion for a new generation of storytellers.