In a market flooded with smartphones and mirrorless giants, Fujifilm has done something refreshingly different. Enter the Fujifilm X Half—a compact digital camera that channels the charm of half-frame film photography while delivering a modern, tactile shooting experience that’s already catching the eye of Gen Z creators and analog enthusiasts alike.
It’s not just a camera. It’s a time machine, a statement piece, and a daily companion for those who crave a break from high-stakes editing and megapixel madness.
Fujifilm X Half Is Almost the Perfect Gen Z Camera
The Return of Half-Frame, Reimagined for 2025
Half-frame cameras were once a clever way to squeeze more shots out of a single roll of film. Today, Fujifilm brings that essence back—but with a digital twist. The X Half sports a Type 1, 18-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor, and pairs it with a fixed Fujinon 10.8mm f/2.8 lens, giving a 32mm full-frame equivalent field of view. It’s wide enough for street shots, lifestyle snaps, or on-the-go portraits.
Weighing just 240 grams and measuring 105.8mm x 64.3mm x 30mm, this camera is built for pockets, not backpacks. But despite its small frame, the Fujifilm X Half packs big creative potential—especially for those obsessed with nostalgia and vertical content.
Analog Aesthetics Meet Digital Convenience
From the moment you pick it up, the X Half tells you it’s not like other digital cameras. There’s a manual Frame Advance Lever—yes, you actually wind it between shots in Film Camera Mode, giving you the physical joy of analog shooting without ever loading a roll of film.
The rear of the camera is just as unique. Instead of one big screen, there are two separate LCDs, both touch-sensitive. One shows your Film Simulation choice and navigation controls. The other is a vertically oriented 2.4-inch, 0.92M-dot LCD—encouraging you to shoot vertical first, just like classic half-frame film cameras.
That’s not a coincidence. The X Half was designed to champion vertical storytelling in an age dominated by TikTok and Instagram reels.
FUJIFILM X half. Picture credit: B&H
The Magic of Film Camera Mode
Here’s where the X Half really shines. Switch to Film Camera Mode, and you’re transported. Select your preferred Film Simulation, pick a roll size (36, 54, or 72 shots), and then start shooting—frame by frame, complete with a wind after every capture.
Photos taken in this mode are “developed” in the X Half companion app, which also generates contact sheets and even lets you create 2-in-1 images, combining two vertical shots side by side. You can edit these split images too—adjust the dividing line color or switch sides.
Even if your SD card is pulled or you reset the camera mid-roll, don’t worry—images are saved digitally as normal. It’s the illusion of film, powered by smart design.
Film Simulation Mode: Pure Fujifilm DNA
True to Fujifilm heritage, the X Half comes with 13 Film Simulations, including classics like Provia, Velvia, Acros, and the new Reala Ace. But Fujifilm goes further: the camera features three creative filters inspired by film flaws—Light Leak, Halation, and Expired Film—as well as eight Instax-style filters.
The camera shoots only JPEGs—a deliberate choice to maintain the spirit of film. There’s no RAW format here. It’s about embracing imperfection, committing to the moment, and sharing memories as they are, not after hours of editing.
For extra texture, there’s also a Grain Effect setting and an optional Date Stamp, adding that 90s-style timestamp in the bottom corner of your photos and videos.
Tech That Stays Out of the Way
Despite the vintage vibes, the X Half is no slouch when it comes to usability. The manual lens dial adjusts between f/2.8 to f/11 via a three-blade diaphragm, while autofocus—powered by a contrast detection system—supports both single and continuous modes. There’s also a manual focus ring for full creative control.
Connectivity? Covered. The camera includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and even syncs directly with Instax printers for instant prints. It supports SD cards, and while the cold shoe doesn’t offer electronic connections, it adds options for third-party accessories.
Even the flash—an LED on the front—is brighter than what you’d find on a smartphone.
The Gen Z Digital Camera Moment
According to Fujifilm, the X Half was created with a new generation in mind—one that’s deliberately stepping away from digital overload in favor of mindful content creation. As Victor Ha, VP of Electronic Imaging at Fujifilm North America puts it:
“This aligns perfectly with the growing trend of users, especially among Gen Z, who want dedicated devices to use alongside their smart devices as they try to find the balance between minimizing distractions, while documenting and sharing their lives online.”
The X Half isn’t about technical perfection—it’s about intentionality, nostalgia, and joy.
Price, Colors, and Availability
The Fujifilm X Half will be available in three finishes—silver, gray, and black—and is expected to launch in late June 2025. The retail price is $849.99 USD (or $998.99 CAD).
Final Thoughts: A Camera You’ll Want to Carry Every Day
In an era where smartphones dominate photography and megapixels are marketing weapons, the Fujifilm X Half takes a bold step in the opposite direction. It’s not trying to replace your phone or your full-frame beast—it’s trying to revive your love for photography.
With its tactile controls, nostalgic visuals, and thoughtfully limited features, this half-frame digital camera might just be the most fun you’ll have taking pictures in 2025.
