Introduction to the Fujifilm X Half
The first thing that stands out about the Fujifilm X Half is its incredibly small and lightweight design. This camera is meant to be carried everywhere, providing no excuses to miss any moment. After spending a few hours exploring Los Angeles with it, the appeal of having it constantly by your side becomes clear.
Specifications and Initial Impressions
On paper, the Fujifilm X Half might not impress, with its $850 price tag, 1-inch sensor capable of 18MP photos, lack of electronic or hybrid viewfinder, no stabilization, no hot shoe, and the inability to take RAW photos. These omissions make it easy to dismiss the camera at first glance. However, the X Half’s simplicity is a deliberate design choice, aiming to provide a unique photography experience focused on capturing memories and quick, scrappy photos, often enhanced by film simulations, filters, and grain effects.
Camera Performance and Features
The camera features a fixed 32mm equivalent f/2.8 lens, which performs well, offering acceptable dynamic range, sharp edges, and some bokeh when planned for. However, the real charm of the X Half lies in its film simulations and filters, including halation, mirror mode, selective color, dynamic tone, fish eye, and more. A unique feature is the "light leak" filter, which adds random light leaks to your photos, making each shot unpredictable and exciting.
Unique Features: Digital Film Advance and Modes
A standout feature of the X Half is the digital "film advance" lever on top, integral to its 2-in-1 diptychs and film mode. Diptychs allow merging two images side by side, replicating a film camera experience in a digital form. The film mode locks out modern features, forcing a more analog approach to photography, where you must advance your "film" between shots, can’t preview your photos until the "roll" is finished, and are locked into a specific look. This mode is particularly enjoyable, as it changes how you interact with the camera, making the experience more deliberate and engaging.
User Experience and Performance Issues
While the X Half offers a unique and refreshing photography experience, it does come with some drawbacks. The camera can feel slow, with noticeable delays in write speeds, even with a fast SD card. This slowness is particularly evident when creating diptychs or using the film mode, where you have to wait for the previous photo to save before proceeding. Additionally, the main touchscreen can be less responsive than expected, with some inputs requiring multiple attempts to register.
Conclusion
Despite its limitations and performance issues, the Fujifilm X Half is a charming camera that offers a delightful and refreshing photography experience. Its unique features, such as the digital film advance lever and film mode, set it apart from other cameras on the market. While there are more capable cameras available at a similar price point, the X Half’s focus on simplicity, joy, and a more analog experience makes it a brilliant little camera for those looking for something different. Its ability to encourage a more thoughtful and playful approach to photography is undeniable, making it a great choice for anyone seeking to reignite their passion for capturing moments.
