Fujifilm X Half: A vintage soul in a digital shell

If you have ever missed the look and feel of old film cameras – the soft tones, the grain, the charm of imperfections – Fujifilm's new X Half might feel like something made just for you. Arriving in late June, this pint-sized 18-megapixel camera offers a refreshing break from the over-sharp, overly polished images we have come to expect from modern smartphones. It is digital, yes, but everything about it feels delightfully analog.

At just 240 grams, the X Half slips easily into a small bag or jacket pocket. Its fixed 32mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens and smaller 1-inch-type sensor may not be about technical brilliance, but they deliver photos with real personality.

According to The Verge, you will not find RAW support here – only JPEGs, just as you see them when you click the shutter. The X Half is about shooting deliberately and enjoying the moment.

One standout feature is its second screen – not for previews, but for selecting from 13 built-in film simulations. Whether you love bold colours or faded memories, you can shoot in a style that fits your mood. There is no electronic viewfinder either, only a classic optical one, keeping things simple and focused.

A companion app takes the retro vibe further. It lets you pair images into diptychs, build contact sheets, and even "advance film" with a virtual lever. You can add effects like light leaks or a '90s-style timestamp – but remember, since there is no RAW, those choices are final.

At $849.99, the X Half is not cheap. But if you long for a more playful, thoughtful way to take pictures – one that puts fun above perfection – this could be just the camera to carry with you.