Half-Frame...but Digital
Recreating the idea of a half-frame film camera in digital form, the FUJIFILM X half is an especially sleek and portable point-and-shoot with a unique vertical 1" sensor design, fixed wide-angle prime lens, and several film-reminiscent shooting functions meant to replicate the enjoyment and decisiveness of shooting film.
Riffing on the half-frame concept from the film world, the X half features an appropriately sleek 1" sensor, which is vertically oriented, that produces 18MP 3:4 stills and videos. This sensor works alongside the Film Simulation modes to produce filmic and expressive images and is benefitted by a +/-3 EV exposure compensation dial and manual exposure control settings that are adjustable via the lens's aperture ring and from the rear touchscreen.
Another nod to the film world, the X half can be configured to record in Film Camera Mode: a shooting style that requires you to choose one specific Film Simulation setting and a 36, 54, or 72-shot "roll" of film, with the results only visible after you've finished the roll and digitally "developed" your shots using the FUJIFILM app or transferred the files to your computer. Also, after finishing your roll, the camera will automatically produce an additional contact sheet image, fit with film strip borders, to review all of your shots at a glance.
When working in this mode, the rear LCD will only display a frame counter, an AF/MF toggle, an option to imprint a timestamp onto the images (a la a point-and-shoot film camera), and a zone focusing scale if working with manual focus—image previews and reviews are disabled. You'll need to use the built-in Frame Advance Lever to advance frames, and this shooting method requires you to frame your compositions solely using the optical window viewfinder and use either autofocus with no confirmation or zone focus manually.
Integral to and pairing perfectly with the Film Camera Mode, the X half heavily emphasizes the use of their Film Simulation modes while shooting. The secondary sub LCD next to the main rear LCD mimics the look of a rear window on a film camera to check which kind of film you have loaded, and this small touchscreen display also allows you to intuitively cycle through the different Film Simulation modes by swiping up or down.
There are 13 distinct Film Simulations, including the ultra-vibrant Velvia, the nostalgic Classic Chrome, and the artistic black-and-white Acros; and the Grain Effect setting allows you to adjust the apparent graininess of each film type. Additionally, there are 26 filters to add on top of the Film Simulations, all inspired by the distinct traits of film, including Light Leak, Halation, Expired Film, and Double Exposure.
A common method of sharing half-frame film photos is to show two sequential frames next to each other as a diptych; since two half frames comprise a single full frame, this method makes it easier for film trimming, printing, and sharing. Mimicking this, the X half has a 2-in-1 function to automatically create in-camera diptychs from two sequential exposures—either photo or video. After shooting the first frame, use the Frame Advance Lever to activate this mode and then the second subsequent frame will form the finished diptych, resulting in a single file. Custom settings allow you to adjust the background color, border width, and border style of the diptych composition.
- Fixed FUJINON Aspherical 10.8mm f/2.8 lens offers a 32mm equivalent focal length—this versatile wide-angle field of view suits everyday shooting and working with a variety of subjects.
- Manual aperture ring surrounds the lens and incorporates a tab to make aperture switching easier. Also, there's an 'A' position on the ring to force the camera into shutter-speed priority or program exposure modes.
- Front focusing ring for manually adjusting focus down to a minimum 4" distance. When working in the Film Mode, this ring can still shift focus with the set distance shown on the zone focusing scale.
- Optical window viewfinder is placed in the corner to mimic the look of a rangefinder; this simple finder matches the field of view and aspect ratio and does not offer any shooting or focusing information. There is an eye sensor that automatically turns off the rear LCD when using the viewfinder.
- Rear LCD is vertically oriented to match the vertical sensor and features a touchscreen design to navigate the menu and configure shooting settings.
- Located next to the main LCD is a smaller pill-shaped sub LCD touchscreen that commonly displays the chosen Film Simulation mode in use; when in the menu, it is used for navigation.
- The camera lacks a Menu button, opting instead to use swiping methods on the rear touchscreen to access the menu—swiping down from the top reveals the Film Camera Mode and wireless connection options; swiping from the right accesses the main menu, with category options selectable from the separate sub LCD display; and swiping up from the bottom opens a quick menu for faster settings switching on select parameters.
- Shutter button on the top plate is surrounded by an exposure compensation dial, allowing for +/-3 EV adjustment. Also, the shutter release button is threaded to accept conventional cable releases.
- Integrated Frame Advance Lever mimics the function of winding on a film camera. When shooting in the Film Camera Mode, this lever lets you advance to the next frame and, when shooting normally, is used to active the 2-in-1 shooting mode. Additionally, when pressed into the body, the last photo is displayed on the LCD for review without entering the playback mode.
- Built-in LED flash to illuminate subjects in low-light conditions.
- Cold shoe on the top plate can be used to hold optional accessories, such as external lights.
- Single SD memory card slot.
- Powered by an NP-W126S rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- USB-C port on the side of the camera can be used for battery charging, file transferring, and for audio monitoring via headphones.
While clearly paying homage to a film photography camera, this camera can also be used to record video that's perfectly formatted for sharing straight to social media, thanks to its vertical orientation and small file size. The unique sensor records 1080 x 1440 at 24 fps, there are dedicated slow-motion settings up to 200%, and there's a built-in stereo mic on top of the camera.
