Fuji’s New X Half Is A “half-frame” Compact Shooter That Wants To Live In Your Smallest Pocket

Fujifilm has released some of the best cameras we’ve seen at Stuff in recent years, but the newly-announced X Half is something quite unexpected. The compact camera features a so-called “half-frame” sensor, though it’s smaller than the ones offered by other manufacturers.

The X Half was designed to evoke older film camera models but with a decidedly modern sensibility and a small enough frame that it can live in your pocket. The 240-gram weight also means that your belt or shoulders won’t work overtime keeping it supported.

X Half, Eddie!

Fuji’s compact camera uses a 3:4 aspect ratio, a consequence of its 1in 18MP 8.8 x 13.3mm sensor that shoots images at half the size of a standard 35mm sensor. Interchangable lenses aren’t a thing for the X Half but it does feature two rear displays — one reserved for the various “film effect” modifications shooters can select for their snaps.

It’s definitely aimed more at social photographers than pros, given that images are only captured in JPG. Those seeking RAW photos should look elsewhere, despite Fuji’s R15,400 ($850) price tag for this little camera. You’re paying for the miniaturisation and the retro features here, like the old-school frame advance lever that lives on the upper right side of the camera’s rear. This lever can be used for Fuji’s 2-in-1 feature, to create side-by-side or diptych images.

The small size, optical viewfinder (you can also use the 2.4in touchscreen to frame shots), and other retro bits are aided by the various film effects, which can be digitally converted into a film strip format. The effect, viewed via Fuji’s companion app, is similar to what is seen in old cinema reels or camera negatives.

Local availability for the X Half isn’t known yet, but we’re certain it’ll turn up shortly after it appears in other markets. If nothing else, we’re keen to give its unusual take on compact photography a go.