Fujifilm X Half Camera Embraces Analog Style Without RAW Shooting

Fujifilm’s latest release, the X Half, is a fascinating blend of digital technology and analog nostalgia. Launching in late June 2025, this compact camera is designed to evoke the charm of vintage film photography while embracing modern conveniences. But it takes a bold step away from typical digital cameras by not supporting RAW image capture, instead focusing solely on JPGs to deliver a true what-you-see-is-what-you-get experience.

Unlike traditional half-frame cameras that use 35mm film formats, Fujifilm’s X Half features a 1-inch sensor measuring 8.8mm by 13.3mm. This sensor size is roughly half the dimensions of the APS-C sensors found in Fujifilm’s other popular models like the X100VI and X-T5, making it a unique technical interpretation of the half-frame concept.

The camera’s design is equally distinctive. It sports a vertical-oriented optical viewfinder and two small rear screens, one dedicated exclusively to selecting from 13 different film simulations. This setup emphasizes Fujifilm’s commitment to delivering an analog-style shooting experience, complete with tactile controls and visual cues reminiscent of classic film cameras.

Weighing just 240 grams (8.5 ounces), the X Half is highly portable, comparable in size to a disposable camera. Yet it offers a fixed 32mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens with glass optics and aspherical corrections. While the lens may not be the sharpest—Fujifilm North America’s Justin Stailey describes it as having “some character”—it adds to the camera’s vintage charm rather than detracting from it.

The X Half also includes an LED flash suitable for photos and video lighting, though its cold shoe only supports optical triggering for external flashes. Video capabilities are modest, offering basic 1080 x 1440 resolution, reinforcing the camera’s primary focus on still photography with a nostalgic feel.

Connectivity is enhanced through a dedicated smartphone app, launching shortly after the camera. This app unlocks creative features such as creating two-up diptychs—side-by-side images or videos—and a Film Camera Mode that simulates the experience of shooting on film by grouping images into contact sheets branded with the chosen film simulation. The app even includes a faux film advance lever, requiring users to “advance” the film between shots, deepening the analog immersion.

Additional filters let users add effects like light leaks, expired film looks, or ’90s-style time and date stamps. Since the camera only saves JPGs, these effects and film simulations are baked into the final image, meaning there’s no option to revert or edit them later as you would with RAW files. This design choice aligns with the camera’s philosophy of embracing imperfections and committing to the moment.

Priced at $849.99, the X Half targets younger photo enthusiasts drawn to the vintage film aesthetic and the tactile joy of analog photography. While alternatives like disposable cameras or affordable digital options exist, Fujifilm’s offering stands out by blending classic design with modern digital convenience and creative app integration.

In a world saturated with ultra-high-resolution digital cameras and endless post-processing options, the X Half invites photographers to slow down and embrace the unpredictability and charm of analog-style shooting. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best creativity comes from constraints and commitment to a vision.

Why the X Half Matters in Today’s Digital Photography Landscape

The X Half’s deliberate omission of RAW shooting and its focus on JPGs with embedded film simulations challenge the modern photographer’s obsession with perfection and endless editing. It’s a digital camera that encourages decisiveness and creativity within limits, much like shooting on actual film. This approach resonates with a growing community of creatives who value authenticity and the tactile experience over technical specs.

Moreover, the integration of a companion app that mimics film camera behaviors—like contact sheets and film advance levers—blurs the line between analog and digital, offering a playful and educational tool for new photographers. It’s a clever fusion that could inspire future camera designs and software features aimed at rekindling the joy of photography as a craft.

In essence, the Fujifilm X Half is more than just a camera; it’s a statement about how technology can honor tradition while offering new ways to engage with creativity. For those willing to embrace its quirks and limitations, it promises a unique photographic journey that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Will this analog-inspired digital camera carve out a new niche among photography enthusiasts, or will it remain a niche curiosity? Either way, Fujifilm’s X Half challenges us to rethink what a digital camera can be when it embraces imperfection and nostalgia.