Fujifilm X Half Anthracite

The Fujifilm X-Half is a modern camera with a nod to analogue photography. I take sharper photos with this camera than with my smartphone and I immediately give them creative effects, such as special filters or a diptych. The image quality is just not high enough for professional photography.

Compact size During a holiday I want to take better photos than with my smartphone, but I don't want to lug a heavy camera around. The Fujifilm X Half is very handy for this. Despite the fixed lens that protrudes, the camera fits in my jacket pocket or in a small bag. I would even take it with me when I go backpacking.

Film Simulations and filters I like it when I can post photos directly from the camera to social media, without having to edit them. The X Half has 13 built-in Film Simulations and 19 filters. With a Film Simulation, it looks like the photo was shot on an old-fashioned roll of film. This is my favourite mode, because the effect is subtle. I prefer to use Classic Chrome or Reala Ace and find that these photos no longer need post-processing. The filters give a slightly stronger effect to the photos. For example, I add a vignette or shoot a fisheye image.

Analogue camera mode The camera has 2 other unique modes. First, I shoot a diptych with the camera. First, I take one photo, then I pull the analogue lever forward and shoot the second photo. The camera immediately merges them into a diptych, but also saves the 2 photos separately. I really like the effect of such a diptych and I like to experiment with it. The camera also has a film camera mode, where it works like an analogue camera. I choose whether I take a 'roll' of 36, 54 or 72 photos, choose a Film Simulation and then the digital preview switches off. This way, you only view the images via the optical viewfinder. When the 'roll' is full, I send the photos to the app and view them all.

Image quality The X Half uses a vertical 1-inch sensor. This allows me to take vertical images without turning the camera, which is nice for social media. For horizontal images, I turn the camera a quarter turn. I find the photos and videos sharper than those of my smartphone, but I don't think the quality is good enough for professional photos, for example. That's why I recommend this camera especially if you're looking for a first camera that makes it easy to take creative images for social media.