The X Factor

I’ve noticed recently a yearning to unplug and return to more atomised technology. My nephew rocks a dumbphone and a digital camera he found in an op shop for a few dollars, swinging the full might of his uni student spending power. For those with a stable job Fuji has a much classier, versatile option for people who want all the benefit of shooting on film with none of the downsides. Enter the X-Half Inspired by classic half-frame cameras, it reimagines the photography experience with fresh creative possibilities and a touch of nostalgic charm.

Weighing 240 grams this thing feels as good as it looks. The back features two touchscreens, first a tall 3:4 screen for navigating menus, settings, and previewing images. Beside it on the left is a second skinny touchscreen for quickly flicking through different film and filter modes to achieve different results. The benefit of splitting off the filter and film selection into it’s own screen is that you can see the effects being applied in real time on the primary screen. The business end is a 1-inch back-illuminated sensor and a 32mm F2.8 (35mm equivalent) prime lens, that is friendly enough for newcomers to go wild with, and complicated enough for professionals to squeeze a bit more out of.

Everything from the Frame Advance Lever on the top for taking two in one shots to the date being baked into the bottom corner of the photo makes you want to play more with your compositions, and harken back to simpler times.

Recorded video is of great quality, and it has a surprisingly effective mic, which I wasn’t expecting at all. I definitely recommend looking up a few tutorials to get so much more out of this camera. It’s more powerful than it lets on.

Fujifilm.com RRP$1,449