The new Fujifilm X half digital camera may be half the size but is double the fun

Tatler Asia

2 days ago

Above The Fujifilm X half comes in three colourways: completely black; black with silver or charcoal with silver accents
Above Weighing a mere 240g, the X half is light, lean, and pocketable (Photo: Ben Savage)
Design is where Fujifilm always excels and the X half is no exception. In a world where digital cameras tend to look like utilitarian black boxes, the X half, which comes completely black, or in black with silver or charcoal silver accents, is a considered blend of form and function with just the right touch of retro charm. Weighing a mere 240g and with a slightly slimmer chassis than most of the X series cameras, the X half is light, lean, and pocketable, making it ideal for city explorers and style‑conscious travellers who love to pack light.
Its tactile dials, engraved etchings and soft leatherette grip lend it a vintage‑inspired elegance, evoking a nostalgic thrill of the analogue age. Whether slung across your body or resting on a table, the X half looks effortlessly chic; more objet d'art than gadget. But rest assured that beneath that stylish façade is a capable and intuitive camera packed with smart features.
Photo 1 of 5 Fujifilm X half's half‑frame format lets you split a single photo into two frames
Photo 2 of 5 A suite of creative filters–such as Light Leak–adds character to your photos
Photo 3 of 5 A cinematic snap of El Retiro Park, captured with the Acros film simulation
The X half strikes a rare balance between playful and professional, and despite its impressive spec sheet, it is designed to be effortless. Even first‑time Fujifilm users and amateur photography enthusiasts will find it a breeze to navigate, thanks to its eschew of the complicated layout of buttons that typically characterises digital cameras for thoughtfully designed control dials and an intuitive menu system that is accessed primarily via the main vertical LCD touchscreen on the rear.
The magic of the X half, though, is a half‑frame format alluded to in its name, which allows you to split a single photo into two vertically oriented frames—a nod to the film‑era economy that also translates into creative liberty here. Simply snap a shot, pull the frame advance lever, then take your second shot to compose a cinematic sequence, two frames at a time.
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Fujifilm's renowned film simulations are built into the X half as well, and they are more beautiful than ever. With quick swipes on the touchscreen panel, I found myself debating between the 13 options, including the vivid tonal accuracy of Provia, the nostalgic, slightly desaturated grit of Classic Chrome, and the rich, monochromatic Acros that is perfect for capturing the interplay of light and shadow. The X half also comes with a suite of creative filters to give photos added character sans post‑editing apps. The light leak, grain, halation and expired‑film effects in particular inject analogue‑style flair, and will feel like a warm nod to the past for those who remember shooting on disposable film.
Above The Film Camera Mode, which lets you choose your roll length (36, 54 or 72 images), shoot your images without reviewing them and then 'develop' the roll in the accompanying Fujifilm app
There is even the option of actioning on that nostalgia with the Film Camera Mode, which lets you choose your roll length (36, 54 or 72 images), shoot your images without reviewing them and then 'develop' the roll in the accompanying app. Digital natives might find the lack of control disarming, but where is the fun without some delayed gratification?
With the X half, Fujifilm has managed to make photography feel new again. I found a certain joy in the shooting experience: just snap and repeat—without getting bogged down by endless settings or jargon. With its array of filters and film simulations, this compact powerhouse encourages experimentation, spontaneity and the kind of creative freedom not often associated with digital photography. Not just for avid photographers, the X half is also for storytellers and creatives who crave a slower, more considered way of seeing the world behind the lens.
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Credits
Images: Fujifilm
Photography: Shairah Thoufeekh