It’s not often we see remarkable changes in camera configurations to deliver something truly unique, but here we are in 2025 with Fujifilm releasing the affectionately termed 'X Half', X-HF1 . This half-frame rangefinder style compact camera is built differently. To fully understand the uniqueness Olllie Jones from Georges worked alongside Sienna Traino and Kaiabrienen to hear their thoughts and find out what makes this camera stand-out from the rest.

So, come on journey of discovery in this detailed review to hear more about what the new 1-inch sensor combined with a 32mm prime lens delivers.

The cornerstone of the X-HF1 is its Film Camera Mode, which reimagines digital photography through the lens of traditional film. Users select a preset frame count (36, 54, or 72), simulating a roll of film, with the 2.4-inch, 0.92-million-dot touchscreen LCD displaying remaining shots. Live view is disabled in this mode, requiring composition through the Reverse Galilean optical viewfinder (90% frame coverage, 0.38x magnification), optimised for portrait orientation.

A tactile Frame Advance Lever must be wound after each shot, mimicking the mechanical feel of analogue cameras. Images are not viewable until the “roll” is complete, at which point a Digital Contact Sheet presents a gallery of all frames, with individual JPEG (Exif Ver.2.31) or DCF files saved. This mode supports 13 Film Simulation modes, such as PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, and ACROS, alongside analogue-inspired filters like light leaks and expired film. A customisable Grain Effect (strong/weak, large/small) adds textured depth, enhancing the film-like aesthetic.

The Fujifilm X-HF1 is crafted for a diverse range of creative individuals who value both aesthetic innovation and functional versatility. Content creators and influencers, particularly those focused on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, will appreciate the camera’s 3:4 vertical framing and smartphone-inspired ergonomics, which streamline portrait-oriented photography and video. Fashion photographers will find the 1-inch sensor, 32mm prime lens, and Face/Eye Detection autofocus ideal for capturing sharp, vibrant portraits with Fujifilm’s signature colour reproduction.

Street photographers and travel vloggers benefit from the ultra-light 240g body and Film Camera Mode, which encourages spontaneous, distraction-free shooting with a nostalgic flair. Additionally, enthusiasts of analogue photography will be drawn to the tactile Frame Advance Lever and Digital Contact Sheet, which recreate the film experience in a digital format. The X-HF1’s 2-in-1 creation feature and app integration further appeal to storytellers seeking to craft unique, narrative-driven content, making it a versatile tool for creatives across genres.

Exclusive to Film Camera Mode, the “2 photos one frame 2:1” feature allows two images to be composed in a single 2:1 aspect ratio frame, supporting stills (e.g., 7296 x 4864 for large files) or video (e.g., 2160 x 1440 at 24p). This enables creative pairings, such as a portrait with a landscape or a still with a video, fostering narrative-driven compositions. The Frame Advance Lever requires manual advancement between shots, reinforcing the deliberate process. The X-HF1 app enhances this feature, allowing customisation of the dividing line’s colour and size, image position swapping, and gallery curation with two background colours and six frame styles. This makes the X-HF1 a compelling tool for visual storytelling.

The X-HF1 features a 1-inch sensor (13.3mm x 8.8mm) with 17.74 million effective pixels, paired with a FUJINON 32mm prime lens (35mm equivalent, f/2.8-f/11, 3-blade aperture diaphragm). The lens, with six elements in five groups (three aspherical), delivers sharp images at a minimum focus distance of 0.1m. Autofocus is swift, using TTL contrast AF with single-point, zone, and wide/tracking modes, plus Face and Eye Detection for portraits. A manual Focus Ring offers precise control.

The camera supports multiple aspect ratios, including 3:4 vertical, 4:3, 3:2, and 1:1, with resolutions up to 7296 x 4864 in 2-in-1 mode. Sensitivity spans ISO 200 to 12800 (1/3 step), and exposure modes include Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Speed Priority AE, and Manual Exposure, with exposure compensation of -3.0EV to +3.0EV for stills and -2.0EV to +2.0EV for movies. The mechanical lens shutter ranges from 15 minutes to 1/2000sec.

For video, the X-HF1 supports Full HD (2160 x 1440) at 24p, with high-speed options up to 48p at bitrates of 10Mbps, 20Mbps, or 50Mbps. File formats include MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Linear PCM stereo) and MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, AAC). A continuous LED light integrated into the flash system ensures consistent illumination for high-quality footage in low light. The camera performs best with UHS-I SDXC memory cards handling the data demands of high-resolution video and rapid stills processing.

At 240g, the X-HF1 is an ultra-portable companion, powered by the NP-W126S Li-ion battery, offering up to 880 frames per charge when using the optical viewfinder. Its smartphone-inspired vertical design, with a cold shoe and USB-C port, prioritises intuitive handling. The 3:4 vertical framing and optional date stamp (toggleable via setup) cater to portrait-oriented creators. Wireless connectivity and Bluetooth enables seamless image transfer to the X-HF1 app, while compatibility with instax Link printers (mini Link 2, mini Link 3, SQUARE Link, or Link WIDE) supports instant analogue prints, merging digital and physical media.

Beyond Film Camera Mode, the X-HF1 offers advanced filters like Toy Camera, Miniature, and Fisheye, alongside Pixel Shift Multi Shot modes for enhanced detail. White balance options include Auto, manual colour temperature (2500K-10000K), and presets like Daylight and Underwater. The Portrait Enhancer (strong/medium/weak) refines skin tones, ideal for portraiture. These tools, combined with Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes, provide extensive creative flexibility.

From what we see, the Fujifilm X-HF1 is a masterful blend of analogue nostalgia and digital innovation. Its Film Camera Mode, with the Frame Advance Lever and Digital Contact Sheet, delivers an immersive, film-like experience, while the 2-in-1 creation feature unlocks creative storytelling. The 1-inch sensor and 32mm prime lens produce sharp, vibrant images, enhanced by Film Simulation modes and analogue-inspired filters. Video capabilities, bolstered by the integrated LED light, ensure high-quality output, supported by robust battery life and UHS-I SDXC compatibility. At 240g, the X-HF1 is a portable, creative powerhouse, ideal for content creators, fashion photographers, and analogue enthusiasts alike, inviting users to craft authentic, resonant stories.

The Fujifilm X-HF1 performs best with SDXC UHS-I memory cards (up to 2TB), which support the high data demands of its high-resolution stills and Full HD video recording, ensuring smooth and reliable performance.

Yes, the X-HF1 is suitable for professional use, particularly for portrait and fashion photography. Its 1-inch sensor, 32mm prime lens, and Face/Eye Detection autofocus deliver sharp, high-quality images, while Film Simulation modes and advanced filters offer creative flexibility for professional-grade output.

The X-HF1 supports Full HD video recording (2160 x 1440 or 1080 x 1440) at 24p, with high-speed options up to 48p at bitrates of 10Mbps, 20Mbps, or 50Mbps. The integrated LED light ensures consistent illumination, making it ideal for high-quality video content creation.

Film Camera Mode mimics traditional film photography by limiting frame counts (36, 54, or 72), disabling live view, and requiring manual advancement via the Frame Advance Lever. This fosters a deliberate, immersive process, with a Digital Contact Sheet preserving the nostalgic experience in a digital format.

Yes, the X-HF1 features a cold shoe for mounting accessories like external microphones or lights. It also connects to instax Link printers for instant analogue prints and supports wireless image transfer via the X-HF1 app over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.