The X Half uses a 17.8MP Type 1 BSI CMOS image sensor with a 3:4 aspect ratio and a 10.8mm F2.8 prime lens, which has a 32mm-equivalent full-frame angle of view. The lens proves to be sharp in Imatest, scoring in the excellent range for this sensor class and resolution at F/2.8 (2,550 lines) and outstanding from F/4-5.6 (2,750-3,000 lines). When the camera hits focus, it delivers sharp results. It’s possible to get soft backgrounds when focusing fairly close and using the wide open F/2.8 f-stop, though the bokeh effect isn’t as pronounced as what you get with the portrait mode with a recent iPhone or with a larger-sensor compact like the X100VI or Ricoh GR IIIx.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
The sensor supports an ISO 200-12800 sensitivity range, with three Auto ISO modes with different top settings (ISO 800, 3200, 12800) available. By default, the X Half is set to stay in the ISO 200-800 range, so you’ll need to change the sensitivity setting to access the camera’s higher range. The camera delivers its best picture quality at lower ISO settings, so it’s wise to only use the higher register in dimly lit interiors. Pictures show the clearest detail and least amount of noise from ISO 200-400, look quite good from ISO 800-1600, but soften and show grainy noise from ISO 3200-12800.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
The X Half does not support Raw capture but includes several Film Simulation profiles to give photos a finished look, plus a fun set of creative filters. I like the ease of which you can change the tone of a photo. The camera has 10 profiles to choose from, with optional film grain if you want, plus more than two dozen creative filters, including the mirror effect I used for the 2-in-1 collage below.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
All of the Film Simulations and many filters also work for video. The X Half records vertical 3:4 aspect movies at 1,080-by-1,440 resolution and 24fps. It’s good enough for casual and social media clips—the vertical format is ideal for Instagram Reels and TikTok. There’s no stabilization, so you’ll have to take care to hold the camera steady when recording, and I noticed the focus hunts back and forth on occasion.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
On a purely technical level, the X Half pales compared with other Type 1 sensor cameras like the Sony ZV-1 Mark II when it comes to imaging power and prowess. Most cameras marketed to photo enthusiasts include Raw imaging, image stabilization, zoom lenses, and 10-bit color sampling for movies.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
The X Half makes its sales pitch more on the experience. So yes, while I can take images with my iPhone that (subjectively) look better than what I can manage with the X Half, that’s not really the point. This camera is for creators who want to get closer to the film experience, and the optical viewfinder, bevy of analog-inspired Film Simulations reinforce that. In that regard, it’s a success. You can even embed a digital date stamp into images, just as you could with consumer 35mm cameras from the ’90s.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
