The Fujifilm X half is a compact 240 g digital camera with a vintage design, equipped with a 1” sensor and optimized for vertical shooting. Its standout feature is the innovative “2-in-1” mode, which lets users merge two images (photo or video) into a single composition directly from the camera.
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Fujifilm X half: the unexpected compact camera
At Fujifilm, compact cameras are gaining momentum. After focusing on APS-C (X100VI) and medium format (GFX 100RF), the Japanese manufacturer delivers a very surprising small-sensor camera: the Fujifilm X half.
Its small size and vintage style immediately catch the eye. It can be seen as a bridge between old-school (film) disposable cameras and the brand’s digital models. The focus is more on the experience and ease of use than on technical specifications.
Here are the technical specifications of the Fujifilm X half:
- Sensor: 1″ (13.3 x 8.8 mm) CMOS, 17.7 MP
- Low-pass filter: N/A
- Processor: N/A
- Lens: 10.8 mm f/2.8 (eq. 32 mm)
- Optical formula: 6 elements in 5 groups (including 3 aspherical elements)
- Stabilization: N/A
- Minimum focusing distance: 10 cm
- Viewfinder: tunnel-type, 0.38x
- LCD screen: 2.4″ TFT touchscreen, 920,000 dots
- Autofocus: contrast detection
- AF points: 9
- AF coverage: N/A
- Auto detection & tracking: N/A
- AF range: N/A
- ISO sensitivity (photo/video): 200 – 12,800
- Burst mode: N/A
- Shutter speed: 30 s – 1/2000 s (leaf shutter)
- Video: FHD (2160 x 2160 px *2) at 24, 28, 36 or 48 fps
- Video color profiles: N/A
- Storage: 1 x SD UHS-I
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery: NP-W126S, 1260 mAh
- Battery life: 880 shots / 85 min
- USB charging: yes, USB-C
- Weather-sealing: N/A
- Dimensions: 105.8 x 64.3 x 45.8 mm
- Weight: 240 g (with battery and memory card)
- Launch price: €799
1-inch Sensor and Combine Mode
The most surprising feature of the X half is undoubtedly its 1-inch type sensor (4:3 ratio), 17.7 MP, mounted vertically. It is paired with a 32 mm f/2.8 equivalent lens—the same focal length as disposable cameras, according to Fujifilm.
The camera can capture photos one by one in a 3:4 format (3648 × 4864 pixels) ; but by flipping a small lever, you can activate the “combine” mode, which merges two shots into a single composition. This allows you to create diptychs, with two different images displayed side by side in a 3:2 format (7296 x 4864 pixels).
The camera’s concept is strongly reminiscent of half-frame film cameras—as well as the Pentax 17 launched in 2024. It also invites users to experiment with double exposure.
Fujifilm doesn’t elaborate much on the camera’s technical aspects. It’s worth noting that the X half does not support RAW capture, which makes sense given it’s designed primarily for use with creative filters (toy camera, miniature, fisheye, light leaks, etc.) and Fujifilm’s signature film simulations.
Only 13 film simulations are available—which suggests that the camera likely uses an older generation image processor.
Autofocus: Simplicity First
The Fujifilm X half aims to be as simple to use as possible. Accordingly, its autofocus system is minimalistic. It features contrast-detection AF with just 9 selectable points.
No advanced tracking modes here, though the camera does support human eye detection.
Original Video Mode
Surprisingly, the X half can shoot short video clips in Full HD (2160 x 1440 px) at up to 48 fps. Here too, you can combine two clips side by side for a creative, unusual video result.
An Ultra-Compact Camera
The Fujifilm X half lives up to its “compact” name! At just 10 cm wide, 6.4 cm high, and 4.5 cm thick, with a weight of only 240 g, this camera is made to go everywhere with you. Fujifilm even highlights the fact that you can slip it into a jeans pocket.
Likewise, the various manual controls make the camera easy to use. You’ll find an exposure compensation dial, topped with the signature lever that activates combine mode—strongly reminiscent of a film advance lever.
On the back, you’ll find a playback button and a photo/video toggle. The manufacturer has included a 2.4-inch vertical touchscreen (920,000 dots, non-articulating).
To its left, Fujifilm has placed a second display in the form of a pill-shaped screen, used to show the currently selected film simulation. A detail reminiscent of film compacts—and also the X-Pro 3, which featured a similar screen. This second display also serves as a mini trackpad for navigating menu pages.
Beyond the screen, for added “nostalgia,” framing is done via a tunnel-type viewfinder (0.38x magnification), similar to what’s used in Instax cameras. However, Fujifilm has not specified whether it includes parallax correction. A small flash is also included.
If you’re after an even more authentic experience, it’s possible to disable the live view and “shoot a digital roll” of 36, 54, or 72 exposures. The results are revealed only after completing the sequence. A “faux” contact sheet is also available.
In this mode, the display changes to mimic the screens of film cameras. You also need to use the lever between shots to “advance the film.”
On the front, a slim control ring lets you adjust the aperture (from f/2.8 to f/11). There’s also a focus ring. The USB-C port (for charging or file transfer) and flash toggle switch are located on the left side of the body.
The camera has a slot for UHS-I SD cards, located underneath near the battery compartment. It uses the NP-W126S battery, already found in models like the X100 series. Thanks to the lack of an EVF, small display, and efficient sensor, battery life is a comfortable 880 shots—likely more in real-world use.
Fun and Connected
This kind of camera is made to pair with social media. Just like the latest Instax models, Fujifilm is releasing a dedicated app, simply called X half.
Within the app, you can combine your chosen photos or video clips, regardless of the capture order. The app also supports sending content to an Instax Link printer, making it easy to share your creations in tangible form.
Below is a selection of photos taken with the Fujifilm X half (provided by the brand):
Price and Availability of the Fujifilm X half
The Fujifilm X half is available for pre-order at a price of $849. Deliveries are expected to begin on June 12, 2025. It comes in three colors: black, silver, and charcoal.
The camera is available from B&H in specialized camera stores.
Our First Impressions of the Fujifilm X half
With the X half, Fujifilm introduces a truly unexpected camera. Its compact size, attractive finish, and vintage look make it undeniably appealing, designed for a fun and friendly shooting experience. It can be seen as the (digital) companion to Instax cameras, ready to capture quirky little diptychs (or single shots) made for social sharing.
Granted, some users may lament its small sensor size or its modest resolution (17 MP). But clearly, this camera is not meant to be a conventional digital camera, where images are destined to be viewed (and edited) on a large screen.
That said, its €799 price tag does feel quite steep—especially considering that for just €100 more, you could buy a X-M5, which is almost as compact but far more powerful and versatile. While the two cameras follow very different philosophies, the comparison is hard to avoid…
The Fujifilm X half seems like a beautiful object and would make a (very) nice gift—perfect for anyone wanting to take higher-quality photos than with an instant camera. But will that be enough to justify the purchase?
