I tried Fujifilm's X-Half– the film-inspired camera that's transformed my Instagram feed

I’m someone who edits every photo I take. I can’t help it, whether it’s a shot of a beauty product I'm trialling for work or a snap of my gorgeous baby nieces, I’m straight into my Tezza app, tweaking contrast and slapping on a filter until it looks magical. But recently, I’ve been feeling a bit burnt out on phone photos, and I've wanted to go back to taking a camera out with me to capture moments (more for curated Instagram snaps, rather than full Facebook albums this time, though!). My aim was to find something that takes high-quality photos but isn't intimidating with 45 different dials. The Fujifilm X-Half promised all of that, and, spoiler alert, it delivered.

Designed to mimic the feel of classic half-frame film cameras, the X-Half shoots pictures and videos vertically in a 3:4 format, perfect for Instagram, Reels and anything TikTok-friendly. It’s tiny, super lightweight (240g) and the retro styling makes it feel more like a fashion accessory than a camera, in the best possible way. It only launched in June, but I'm already predicting it's about to be the 'it' camera for influencers and content creators.

But don’t let the aesthetic fool you because this little thing has some hi-tech features. It has a 32mm F2.8 (35mm equivalent) prime lens that’s wide enough for everyday shooting and Fujifilm’s signature Film Simulation modes that give you dreamy, vintage-style edits without needing an app.

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My favourite modes were Classic Chrome for a slightly faded, moody look and Velvia when I wanted my greens and blues to punch. There’s also a film roll mode that lets you shoot a certain number of photos and only see them after they’re 'developed' in the app. I'll be honest, I haven't used that setting much, but it's a really fun option.

You also get Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for easy image transfers to your phone, a touchscreen LCD and a little manual-style lever on the top that you wind for 2-in-1 photos. It’s not necessary, no, but it's definitely a fun feature.

• Vintage, tactile design
• Film Simulations look effective straight out of the camera
• Perfect vertical format for socials
• Good quality images for social
• In-camera 'film roll' mode adds nostalgic charm
• Compact and lightweight
• Easy film shooting
• Easy to get to grips with the shooting modes after a bit of practice
• You can send images to instax™ Link series smartphone printers

• Fixed lens – no zoom
• No RAW shooting
• On the pricier side at £699
• It doesn't come with a charger, which is disappointing for the price
• Battery life isn’t amazing if you shoot a lot

I've been using the camera for a couple of weeks now, and I'm amazed to say I haven't used an editing app since I got it. I love how my images look, and it's really made me fall back in love with photography again. Is the camera perfect? No. The lack of zoom was a big downer for me, but I got over it fairly quickly. I also do think it should have come with a charging cable and plug for the price, but I did have a compatible wire already, so it wasn't a deal-breaker for me.

Would I recommend it? If you’re a professional photographer or love shooting RAW and getting technical, this probably isn’t for you. If that's the case, I'd recommend you go for something like Canon's EOS R50, £619– great for beginners to intermediate users who want a stylish step up from smartphone photos with solid video specs. But if you’re like me, someone who loves capturing everyday moments, wants better quality than your phone, and loves a bit of retro charm, the X-Half is a joy. Pop it on your Christmas or birthday wish-lists, you won't be disappointed!