Fujifilm X half: The Tiny Camera That Brings Back the Joy of Shooting

The Fujifilm X half is one of the most unusual digital cameras Fujifilm has released in years — and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It’s tiny, vertical-only, film-inspired, and intentionally simple. This is not your typical “spec sheet” camera. It’s a camera designed to make you want to pick it up and shoot, and that’s exactly why I wanted to spend my time with it.

After using the it in my everyday life with my family and bringing it along to multiple weddings, I’ve gotten a clear sense of where it shines, who it’s actually for, and how it fits into a professional photographer’s kit. This is my honest, real-world Fujifilm X half review, from the perspective of someone who shoots for a living.

First Impressions on the Fujifilm X half

If you’re not familiar with it, the Fujifilm X half is a vertical-shooting digital camera designed to feel like a point-and-shoot film camera. It’s tiny. It’s light. It has an optical viewfinder. There’s a little crank on the back that mimics advancing film. Even the rear display looks like a film roll showing your simulation.

It’s quirky in the absolute best way.

As soon as I started using it, it snapped me out of “settings mode” and into “just take the photo” mode. There’s something liberating about not treating every moment like a test, not worrying about perfection, and just capture the moment as it happens. It makes photography feel instinctive again.

The Features That Make It Fun to Shoot

Vertical Viewfinder and Rear LCD

I know a lot of photographers love talking about specs but this camera isn’t about that. It’s about creating for the sake of creating. The X half isn’t trying to compete with your professional gear. A few things stood out immediately:

Vertical-only shooting

It’s built for the way we actually share photos now, especially on mobile, which makes every frame feel instantly ready for the feed.

Fujifilm film simulations + grain

Classic Fuji color science with a smaller sensor gives the images a natural, film-esque character straight out of camera.

Frame Advance Lever - simulating classic film cameras

The crank and optical viewfinder

These little touches make digital shooting feel hands-on and tactile, almost like using a tiny 35mm film camera.

Film mode

Load a “roll,” shoot your 36 frames, and resist the urge to check the screen until the end. It slows you down in the best way and makes every click feel intentional.

Film mode might be my favorite part. It forces you to slow down, commit to your choices, and feel a little of that anticipation film photographers know so well. When you’re done, you “develop” the roll through the Fujifilm app. It’s playful, nostalgic, and surprisingly grounding.

Using the Fujifilm X half for Wedding Photography

Even though it’s not a professional camera, the Fujifilm X half has found a small but meaningful role in my wedding work. I bring it as a third camera for candid moments, guest reactions, and behind-the-scenes snapshots.

The real star, though, is pairing it with my Instax Mini printer. Since the X half shoots vertically and Instax Mini prints are vertical too, they match perfectly. I can snap a moment, print it instantly, and hand it to a couple or guest as a little keepsake. It adds this extra level of warmth to the day, and it’s so easy to incorporate into the workflow. My couples absolutely love having those tiny prints as part of their memories.

Using the Fujifilm X half for Everyday Life

The Fujifilm X half does something most of my other cameras don’t: it actually makes me want to bring it along. As a wedding photographer, my main cameras are powerful and heavy. When I’m off the clock, the last thing I want is to carry a full kit around.

I took it to a balloon festival with my family, handed it to my daughter, and she immediately loved it. That’s when I knew Fujifilm nailed exactly what this camera is meant to be: approachable, fun, and perfect for everyday memories.

It reminds me of how I started: just taking photos around the house, not caring if they were “portfolio worthy,” just capturing whatever made me feel something.

Using the X half for Street Photography

My Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm X half isn’t a specs-driven camera or a replacement for your professional kit. It’s a reminder of what photography feels like when you strip away the pressure — slowing down, paying attention, and capturing moments simply because they moved you.

If you want something small, nostalgic, and genuinely fun to shoot with, this camera is worth a try. It’s become my go-to everyday carry and an unexpected creative tool at weddings.

And if you’re drawn to the film-like vibe it creates, keep an eye out for my upcoming Natural Films Preset, designed to give your Fujifilm RAW images that same textured, organic look.