This thing is TINY! The latest Fujifilm X half landed on my desk and I legit did a double-take when I cracked the box; it’s smaller than my coffee mug and way lighter than my go-to X-Series bodies. Fujifilm loaned me a unit for a family-filled weekend, so consider this a straitforard “first-impressions” rundown of the pre-production unit, not a full review of the final sample. A couple days of shooting, a few gigs of card space, and plenty of random moments later — here are the hits, the quirks, and who I think this tiny half-frame actually makes sense for. Let’s jump in.
The Fujifilm X half Camera: First Impressions & Who It's For
Fujifilm is changing the game yet again. The X half premium compact camera flips tradition with a vertical 18MP sensor that stitches photo + video into one 3:4 frame. Here's everything you need to know.
It’s… Different
In a world of copy and paste camera specs and endless tech jargon, Fujifilm swerved big time, and I’m here for it.
The new X half lets you split the frame and blend two shots, whether photos or video clips. Add some tactile manual levers, a Film Mode, and 25 film simulations plus creative filters, and you have a travel-ready camera designed for content creators and film nerds who want an easy way to capture fun shots without the price of Kodak film stock.
Vertical Sensor & 3:4 Aspect Ratios
Let’s address the elephant in the room, because it’s a big one.
Some folks will have strong feelings about a vertical sensor that lets you squeeze two different frames into one. Personally, I see it as Fujifilm’s clear nod to cult-favorite half-frame film bodies like the Pentax 17 and Kodak Ektar H35.
For today’s creator, the move makes sense. I shoot big-budget films for SunnySixteen, yet I still need quick vertical clips for Reels and TikTok. (I recently shot an all-vertical iPhone campaign for Home Depot that paid the bills, so this format isn’t going anywhere — whether you love it or hate it.) With the X half, you just point, shoot, and upload without much friction or thinking.
Spec-wise, you’re working with an 18MP sensor locked to a native 3:4 ratio. And while that’s smaller than Fujifilm’s own X100VI, or rivals like the Ricoh GR IIIX, it’s on par with an iPhone while giving you far more manual control.
The optical viewfinder is vertical too, paired with a 10.8mm lens (roughly a 24–28mm equivalent), which is plenty wide for vlogs, selfies, landscapes, and lifestyle shots.
I’m not aware of any other digital camera shipping with a truly vertical sensor. It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it shows Fujifilm is willing to step outside the norm to try something genuinely different.
This debut could open a whole new era of digital cameras.
Just Like a Film Camera
It handles a lot like a classic 35mm body (no surprise for Fujifilm) but because it’s digital, it’s way more forgiving and simple enough for the kids to use. We took the X half to the local zoo for a sunny day with the animals, and it was truly the better choice over my heavier pro rigs. I don’t need a full-blown mirrorless like the FX3 or X-H2S for family outings. This little thing ticks every necessary box and feels sturdy enough that I’m comfortable letting the kids snap their own shots.
Top Lever Works for Half-Frame Shots
The top lever mirrors what you’d find on a typical 35mm SLR or rangefinder, just in digital form. Press the shutter for your first exposure, pull the lever, and capture the other half of the frame. You can pair two videos, two stills, or mix one of each — the combos are endless and give you double the story in a single file. And unlike traditional half-frame film cameras, you can weave video into the narrative, not just photos.
Film Mode
Someone finally did it. Someone nailed digital-meets-analog.
Fujifilm’s new Film Mode gives you a film-like shooting experience without the rolls. Once you flip it on, you lose image preview, rely on your preset exposure, and pick a “roll” length of 36, 54, or 72 frames. You’re forced to shoot through the OVF only, advance the frame with the top lever, and slow down — just like real film.
Choose your film simulation before you enter Film Mode, because once you’re in, you’re locked until the roll is “finished.”
Film Simulations & Film-Like Effects
The camera packs 13 classic Fujifilm film simulations plus 12 creative filters: double-exposure, heavy grain, light leaks, and more. I didn’t have ages to experiment, but it’s great knowing those looks are baked in, saving a step (or three) in post.
Brings In Character
This kind of camera hones in on the analog shooting experience: anticipation, patience, and commitment to each shot. It serves a purpose beyond technical limitations and draws the photographer back to the camera as a relationship rather than just another tool. I've been shooting photos and videos for over a decade, personally and professionally, so it's nice to be reminded of why I picked up a camera in the first place, especially when the iPhone does such a good job at capturing the shoot more quickly.
Build & Ergonomics
First off, aside from the size, it’s an awesome camera to hold. Despite its pocket-sized frame, it sports that standard Fujifilm quality and feels premium as you toggle the click dials and levers.
You get two touchscreens: the main LCD for framing and menus, and a smaller screen dedicated to switching film simulations as you scroll.
Up front, the aperture ring turns smoothly from f/2 to f/11 and never sticks, even on a hot day.
Overall, the body stays refreshingly simple considering the creative results it delivers. Tap ISO or shutter speed in still or movie mode, adjust, and shoot. Few cameras feel this straightforward yet different.
Who Would Use This Camera?
There’s no question this body is aimed directly at film lovers and modern content creators.
With its analog-like shooting experience (thanks to Film Mode!) and a deep library of sims and filters, it may be the most affordable “film” camera you can buy, yet it offers almost endless creative options through its half frame tricks and the freedom of not burning through pricey Kodak rolls. The vertical sensor is also great for instant sharing, no matter the gimmicks you thinks it’s trying to pull. It's definitely more affordable than other Fujifilm X-series cameras with similar philosophies and that it offers digital convenience at a price that factors in the typical costs of film development.
The X half offers unique features not found in other film or digital cameras at its price point, such as the ability to create diptychs with both photos and videos and a dedicated film mode straight out of the camera. Others require editing and post-production, whereas the X half makes it simpler from the get-go.
It won’t replace a pro’s main rig or satisfy the most hard-core analog purists (they’ll still reach for real film, I’m sure), but for everyday shooters who want something fun and different, it hits the spot.
Price & Market Competitors
At a little over $800, the X half sits in a sweet spot for a digital body with the Fujifilm legacy badge. It goes up against Pentax’s new half frame film camera at roughly $500, but that Pentax can’t shoot video or blend frames in-camera. Depending on your budget, the sticker may feel steep, yet for a digital that nails the look of film while adding modern conveniences, it feels about right in 2025.
