Fujifilm Announces 3 Solutions

Fujifilm North America Corp., Electronic Imaging Division, has announced the Fujifilm X Half and X-E5 cameras and the Fujinon XF 23mm F2.8 R WR lens.

The X Half compact digital camera (pictured above) weighs 8½ ounces (including battery and memory card) and maintains the form and function of the X Series with its use of an aperture ring, Frame Advance Lever and other controls that celebrate the functionality of traditional analog photography. The in-camera 2-in-1 feature allows users to combine vertical stills and movies with a simple winding of the Frame Advance Lever. Users can also create 2-in-1 images with selected still-image combinations through the dedicated X Half smartphone app.

The camera is equipped with 13 Film Simulations that emulate classic Fujifilm analog film varieties, as well as three new filters: Light Leak, which creates a slightly exposed look; Halation, a halo effect that appears around light sources; and Expired Film, which mimics the grainy look of older analog film. Also included are eight filters from the Instax instant-camera series, as well as a Grain Effect option that adds various textures of grain to the entire image.

The Fujifilm X Half camera lists for $849.99.

The Fujifilm X-E5 rangefinder-style mirrorless digital camera weighs approximately 16 ounces (including battery and memory card) and features a customizable Film Simulation dial, in-body image stabilization and enhanced viewfinder capabilities. For the first time in the history of the X Series, the top plate is machined from a single piece of aluminum.

In addition to providing quick access to Film Simulation modes, the FS dial features three additional positions that allow users to create and save their own recipes to FS1, FS2 or FS3. The camera also offers a new Surround View function that displays a black, semi-transparent or outlined area outside the image; while looking through the viewfinder, users can easily switch between these three options using the Control Lever, which offers additional customizable functions, including changing aspect ratios and adjusting the digital-teleconverter magnification.

A new IBIS algorithm and upgraded gyro sensor work together to increase responsiveness tocamera shake across five axes. This offers a benefit of up to 7 stops at the center and 6 stops at the periphery. A digital teleconverter function allows for 1.4x and 2.0x zoom options. The rear tilting monitor can be flipped upward and forward facing up to 180 degrees, enabling a wide variety of compositions. With a back-illuminated 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, the X-E5 is capable of shooting in 6.2K/30P. An improved pixel structure allows light to be recorded more efficiently on the imaging sensor, unlocking ISO 125 as a native sensitivity. (On the previous model, this was only available as an extended option.) Additionally, the electronic shutter can be set to a maximum shutter speed of 1/180,000^th/second. The camera features AI-based subject-detection autofocus.

The X-E5 is available in both black and silver versions and lists for $1,699.95. It will begin shipping in late summer 2025.

The Fujinon XF23mmF2.8 R WR lens adopts eight elements in six groups, including two aspherical lenses. It has been made optically compact through Fujifilm’s latest lens development, which reduces size by increasing the number of metal components to make parts thinner while maintaining durability. Weighing about 3 ounces, the lens features an 11-blade aperture diaphragm that delivers smooth, circular bokeh for excellent subject separation, particularly at wider apertures. A DC motor is integrated into the lens to achieve high-speed AF.

Knurling at the base of the lens allows for a secure grip when changing lenses. The manual-focus ring is equipped with high-frequency position detection. A fixed spacer between the manual-focus and aperture rings makes for easier adjustment of either setting when composing through the viewfinder. With nine sealing points, the lens is dust- and moisture-resistant to temperatures as low as 14°F.

The Fujinon XF23mm will be available in late 2025 and will list for $499.95.

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