One of the disappointing aspects of the upcoming Fujifilm X half, which was just announced a couple days ago, is the video capabilities. Instead of allowing 9:16 1080p, the camera produces a 3:4 1080p video, which is less than HD once cropped to 9:16 for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. It could have been an appealing feature for social media content creators, but the implementation fell short for that purpose.
One easy fix for this is to simply allow 9:16 1080p via a firmware update by taking full use of the sensor height. I don’t think that would be an especially difficult firmware to implement (could even be released by the time the camera is shipped), and would make the X half much more useful for video; however, one issue is still the mic. The built-in mic is so-so (as built-in mics typically are), and there is no option for an external mic. So either you deal with the quality of the built-in microphone, or you record the audio separately and sync it in software.
Another solution, which would be harder for Fujifilm to do but would better match the camera’s analog concept (and likely would excite some people), is to make an 8mm mode. Fujifilm could either make a lofi 4:3 crop from the 3:4 readout, or they could make you rotate the camera 90º to take full advantage of the resolution. I think either way would be acceptable, or even better is to offer the choice. In this mode, the camera would add sprockets to the edge, and simulate 8mm video camera aesthetics. Also in this mode, no sound is recorded. Clips created in this mode would look similar to the YouTube video below:
This would be a much more difficult firmware to create, but in-camera 8mm simulation would definitely be welcomed by some, and turn a disappointing feature into something that might actually get used. It would be viewed positively for the most part, I think, by those who purchase the camera. It’s doubtful that such a firmware could be made ready before the camera ships, but it could be a cool update for later in the summer. Or, should Fujifilm not want to create such a firmware update, if a successor eventually comes someday in the future, this is something to strongly consider for that camera. I do think there would be interest in an 8mm-like video feature, and the X half seems like an excellent candidate for it.
Also, the Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly case for the Fujifilm X100-series cameras is (and has been) out of stock on Amazon and directly from Evergreen Cases; however, it is still in stock at B&H, for those who might be interested.
Could a firmware update provide RAW capabilities?
Sure, I think they certainly could, especially if enough people ask for it.
So, still raving about this oh so fantastic camera?
Even though you think I’m wrong about how well it will sell to the gen TikTok and all the others thinking the market needs a toy like this…. only time will tell
:-))
I don’t know how a post criticizing an aspect about the camera is considered “raving”… did you even read the article?
And, yes, the camera will sell very well. It’s already doing so. I talked with several big camera stores who all stated it has strong preorders, and Amazon has already stopped taking new preorders because of demand. I have zero doubts about it: Fujifilm will sell every copy they manufacture, and won’t need to drop the price to do so. It’s going to be a hit, and bring a lot of newcomers into the X-system. I don’t see the problem with this, why that would be a problem in any way, shape or form.