Fujifilm's X Half Camera brings back the essence of half-frame photography with a smartphone-inspired upgrade
Fujifilm Introduces the X Half: A Digital Camera Inspired by Vintage-Style Photography
In an unexpected move, Fujifilm has unveiled the X Half, a digital camera that consciously limits users, echoing the essence of analog photography. This compact device, drawing inspiration from Fujifilm's iconic FUJICA Half from 1963, is designed to evoke the charm of bygone era shooters.
The X Half, a vertically-oriented camera, emulates the half-frame format, allowing users to double their picture count from a single roll of film. It was a cultural phenomenon in Japan, characterized by casual street photography and everyday life captures. Fujifilm seeks to revive the spirit of this beloved relic, updated with modern functionality.
The shooting experience becomes distinctively tactile, with a frame advance lever, Film Camera Mode, and contact sheets that imitate film development via the accompanying smartphone app. The side-by-side diptychs, vertical orientation, and 1-inch sensor form a cohesive vertical shooting experience, reminiscent of the way we hold our devices today.
Compared to other X-series cameras, the X Half presents a more limited physical control setup, with fewer dedicated dials and buttons. However, its analog-inspired features, such as the 32mm equivalent lens, Light Leak, Halation, and Expired Film effects, offer a different level of creativity that might compensate for the diminished tactility.
The 1-inch sensor delivers 17.7 effective megapixels after cropping for the 3:4 format, providing ample resolution for social sharing and moderate-sized prints. Video capabilities are directed towards storytelling rather than serious content creation. Battery life promises 880 shots per charge, impressive for a camera that tips the scale at just 8.46oz.
The Fujifilm X Half is available in silver, charcoal, and black, for $850 starting in late June. The device aims to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the nostalgic charm of film photography while enjoying the convenience of modern digital technology.
Key Features:- Vintage Inspiration: Half-frame photography doubles the total picture count by exposing half the film frame.- Film Camera Mode: Captures the experience of shooting with film cameras, complete with rolls and dates.- Film Simulations: Offers 13 Film Simulations, such as Velvia, Classic Chrome, and Acros, to mimic film aesthetics.- Filters: Includes 26 filters inspired by film characteristics, like Light Leak and Double Exposure.
Technical Specifications:- Sensor: 18-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor.- Lens: Fixed 10.8mm f/2.8 lens (35mm equivalent of 32mm), with manual control dial and aperture range from f/2.8 to f/11.- Video Capabilities: Records vertical video at 1080 x 1440 resolution at 24 fps, with slow-motion settings up to 200%.
The Fujifilm X Half, inspired by vintage-style photography, meticulously incorporates features such as a frame advance lever, Film Camera Mode, and contact sheets, evoking the tactile experience of using film cameras. These analog-inspired elements are complemented by modern gadgets, like smartphones, as the accompanying app imitates film development, maintaining a cohesive style that mirrors our smartphone usage today.
