Fujifilm X-Half review – A fun but expensive throwback to the ’90s

On paper, the Fujifilm X-Half doesn’t make much sense. It’s a pocket-sized camera that channels the essence of a Fujifilm DSLR into a lightweight frame reminiscent of a disposable camera—yet it comes with a premium price tag. It’s undeniably fun to use, with a quirky “film advance” crank, a sharp 32mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, and a generous selection of filters. But don’t expect a hybrid viewfinder or a hotshoe mount.

And yet, despite its limitations, there’s something undeniably charming about the X-Half. Its stripped-back approach to photography and nostalgic design make it a joy to use—just not one that feels worth its R15,000 asking price.

So what’s the story here? Once you dive in, you’ll find that the X-Half’s party trick is its ability to shoot two-in-one diptychs using a vertically-mounted one-inch sensor. It’s a nod to the half-frame film cameras of yesteryear—like those from Kodak and Olympus—reimagined for the smartphone generation and portrait shooters.

Cranking the top-mounted lever captures two images side-by-side in a single frame, though you can opt for single shots if you prefer. As expected from Fujifilm, you get an elegant suite of film simulation filters—Provia, Velvia, and Eterna among them—that add personality before you even press the shutter. The optical viewfinder does a decent job of framing your shots, even if it lacks precision.

In terms of image quality, the X-Half thrives outdoors. Photos are serviceable, leaning into a lo-fi aesthetic with grain and muted colours that look like they were plucked straight from your gran’s photo album. It’s a vibe that will appeal to some, but not to me personally. You can tweak this retro look via additional grain, white balance, and long exposure settings—all of which also affect the filters.

The included Film Mode is another fun twist, limiting you to 36, 54, or 72 shots per “roll” and locking previews until you’ve “developed” the roll via the companion app. Combined with the manual film advance lever, it turns photography into a challenge—and a playful one at that.

Video recording is supported, but it feels like an afterthought. It’s there, technically, but you’re better off using your phone unless you’re specifically looking to wrestle with the X-Half’s limitations for a creative project.

Ultimately, the Fujifilm X-Half is a camera that invites you to embrace imperfection. It encourages you to shoot freely, ignore technical constraints, and just enjoy the process, and creativity, of capturing moments. That ethos is commendable.

But I wish the camera did a better job at living up to it foundational principles. It’s sluggish, even with a high-end memory card, and lacking in modern features. For the price, Fujifilm could’ve packed in more power—or at least improved performance. Right now, it feels like an expensive toy—fun for hikes or concerts, sure, but outclassed by more capable (and often cheaper) point-and-shoot options from Fujifilm and its rivals.