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What do you do after successfully crowdfunding a tiny knife and a tiny pen? If you're London gear company Malboro & Kane, you combine them to form a clever gadget known as the SlashPen, which also features a screwdriver and a glass-breaking tip.
Category: Knives & Multitools, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Kickstarter, Knife, Kickstarter, Titanium, EDC
Sony has just announced the RX1R III enthusiast compact, now with a 61MP BSI CMOS sensor behind the same 35mm F2 lens as previous models.
In addition to the updated sensor, the camera's body has been redesigned, mounting the viewfinder into the top shoulder of the camera, rather than the pop-up unit used by the previous version. It uses the same 2.36M dot (1024 x 768px) panel but the internal finder is smaller, with magnification dropping to 0.7x (from 0.74x)
And, despite the visual similarities, the body has been completely redesigned, with the control dials and hotshoe now recessed into the top plate, so they sit flush with the top of the camera. The rear screen is now fixed, rather than tilting.
The viefinder is now integrated into the top corner of the camera and the rear screen is now fixed, rather than tilting.
Image: Sony
The Mark III includes the company's latest subject recognition AF modes, though the performance is still likely to be hindered by the lens design that has to move relatively large glass elements to focus. These are powered by the company's latest processor and dedicated "AI processing unit."
It has the same leaf shutter as previous RX1 modes, which tops out at 1/4000 at F5.6, is limited to 1/3200 at F4 and 1/2000 at F2, and it can flash up to these speeds. There's an e-shutter mode that extends to 1/8000 available at any aperture.
Image: SonyThe camera also gains two additional "film looks" from the FX2, in its Creative Looks menu for both stills and video. These are quite significant color and contrast shifts to mimic old filmstocks. FL2 and FL3 join the existing FL and IN (Instant) film looks.
In terms of video, there's no longer a dedicated [REC] button, so you don't have to think about video at all, if you don't want to. If you do choose to, the RX1R III can shoot up to 4K/30 with options such as S-Cinetone, Log capture and the ability to upload LUTs. There's no internal ND, so you'll need to buy a screw-in one if you plan to shoot video outdoors.
It uses the NP-FW50 battery, which is larger than the ones in the previous model. Sony says gives the camera a CIPA rating of 300 shots per charge, up from a rating of 220 on the previous model. It can also power and charge over the camera's USB-C socket.
The RX1R III will be available this month at a recommended price of $5099.99, a 54% increase over the RX1R II, when it launched in 2015. In Europe it'll retail for €4900 including tax or £4200 inc VAT in the UK.
Various accessories, including a grip, a case and a lens hood will be available separately.
Sony Electronics Introduces The RX1R III: The Flagship Full-Frame Premium Compact Camera With A Fixed LensSAN DIEGO, July 15, 2025 – Sony Electronics Inc. announces the RX1R III, the eagerly anticipated third generation of its RX1R series, featuring a 61-megapixel1 35 mm full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine, and a ZEISS® Sonnar T* 35 mm F2 lens.
"The RX1R III combines Sony’s design savvy with the latest innovations in imaging technology to produce a new flagship in our RX1R camera series that offers uncompromising full-frame quality in a premium compact camera body," said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The RX1R series has resonated greatly among discerning photographers, and we’re proud to now deliver the next generation of this popular camera model.”
A Focus On High-Quality PhotographyThe combination of the 61-megapixel1 full-frame Exmor R™ back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ XR™ image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface features AR (Anti-Reflection) coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to achieve superior image quality.
The integrated lens offers excellent image quality. By optimizing the position of the lens and the imaging surface one by one at the micron level, RX1R III achieves high optical performance in a compact form factor.
Dedicated To Creative FreedomTo ensure you always get your shot accurately and without effort, RX1R III is equipped with the latest AI-processing unit, a valued feature of top-of-the-line professional Sony AlphaTM cameras. The AI-processing unit can accurately recognize the shape and movement of subjects, human bodies, heads, and the position of eyes, tracking subjects even when their faces are not visible, and is available for both still images and videos2. Up to 693 densely arranged3 phase-detection AF (Auto-Focus) points cover approximately 78% (for still image shooting) of the image capture’s area.
While the camera has a fixed lens, users can tap into the versatility of three prime lenses thanks to the Step Crop Shooting4 function, which allows users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm5 via assigned buttons or dials. When shooting in RAW format, users can reselect the focal length during post-production. The lens’s macro ring enables instant switching to macro mode, allowing users to get as close as 20 cm (maximum magnification: 0.26x).
For creators who enjoy unique and personalized visuals, RX1R III offers twelve built-in Creative Looks. Adjustments to hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness can be applied not only to still images but also to videos. Most notable among the Creative Looks6, FL2 allows the capturing of a nostalgic expression with subdued colors, and FL3 allows for a more vibrant image.
Streamlined Design & Reliable HardwareMade of lightweight yet highly rigid magnesium alloy, the RX1R III design balances aesthetics and functionality. While maintaining excellent operability, the dials and Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe are embedded into the camera body and the top surface of the body features a flat design. The grip design and surface texture provide a secure and comfortable hold.
RX1R III is equipped with an electronic viewfinder featuring an approximately 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED with high resolution and high contrast, offering a magnification of approximately 0.70x.
RX1R III uses the rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50, allowing the capture of up to 300 still images7. It features a USB Type-C® port that allows rapid charging when connected to USB Power Delivery8 -compatible devices, or the addition of external power sources, such as mobile batteries, for extended shooting sessions.
Social ResponsibilityAligned with Sony's ambitious 'Road to Zero' initiative, this product supports the company's vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The Sony Group’s manufacturing facilities for imaging products, including the RX1R III, are operating at 100% renewable energy. The RX1R III packaging uses Sony's proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material9 instead of plastic10.
The camera system incorporates comprehensive accessibility options, including a Screen Reader function11 and Display Magnification, to support visually impaired users across an expanded range of menu items.
Optional AccessoriesTG-2 is a dedicated thumb grip that attaches to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe to provide stable holding and operability, including when operated with one hand. When attached to the body, the metal material and high-quality paint finish provide exceptional design unity.
LCS-RXL is a compact body case dedicated to this camera model intended to protect the camera from scratches and dirt and enhance its elegance with its refined texture material. The body case allows access to all ports—USB, HDMI, battery, memory card, and tripod attachment—without removal. The grip design improves the holding experience.
LHP-1 is a lens hood made specifically for this camera. It features a robust construction using lightweight and high-strength aluminum material, protecting the lens from impact and dirt. The bayonet mount allows for quick and secure attachment.
Pricing & Availability
The RX1R III will be available in July 2025 for approximately $5,099.99 USD and $6,299.99 CAD. The TG-2 for approximately $299.99 USD and $349.99 CAD, the LCS-RXL for approximately $249.99 USD and $224.99 CAD, and the LHP-1 for approximately $199.99 USD and $249.99 CAD, in August 2025. They will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
1Approximate effective
2Available subject settings are: Auto, Human, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane. Subject types other than the type specified may be erroneously recognized in some cases.
3It is number of AF measurement points during still image shooting. The number of points varies depending on the shooting mode.
4Not available for movies.
5When shooting JPEG images with a 3:2 aspect ratio, the resolution is as follows: At 35 mm: L size (60 megapixels), at 50 mm: M size (29 megapixels), at 70 mm: S size (15 megapixels)
6ST (Standard), PT (Portrait), NT (Neutral), VV (Vivid), VV2 (Vivid 2), FL (Film), FL2 (Film 2), FL3 (Film 3), IN (Instant), SH (Soft Highkey), BW (Black & White) and SE (Sepia).
7When using the viewfinder: 270 shots.
818W (9V/2A) USB PD power source is recommended.
9Paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and post-consumer recycled paper.
10Excluding materials used in coatings and adhesives.
11Supported languages differ according to country and region.
We published our full review of the Fujifilm X half yesterday, and it was perhaps the hardest-to-write review I've ever worked on. There were a number of factors that made it uniquely difficult.
The first is that it's not trying to be a serious camera and it's not designed for existing photographers or their needs, particularly. So how do you assess a camera that isn't particularly aiming to be a technically great camera? Harder still, how should DPReview, a publication often known for testing and technical analysis, review a camera whose specs and performance are tangential to its appeal?
Not being serious doesn't make it immune to criticism, by any means, but it means having to focus on where it fails at what it's trying to be, not at what it isn't.
The other big issue is the price. We'd been using the camera for a while before we were told the final price, so we had a blissful period of time when we could enjoy the experience without ever having to wonder whether we'd enjoyed it enough to justify the pricetag.
But, especially in the US, where the final figure was significantly higher than many of the numbers swirling around prior to launch, you can't ignore the price. In fact, it's so jarring as to make it difficult to make sense of the X half at all.
So nearly, yet not at allPricing at anything near the price of an enthusiast compact muddies the waters completely. It invites comparisons that seem to make sense if you look at the sensor size and X100-like aesthetic, and squint, but that absolutely don't, once you've try using a camera.
It's been so long since anyone other than Leica launched an enthusiast compact, it's hard to know what a contemporary launch figure would be. But pitching the X half $100 higher than 2019's Stacked-sensor G7X III understandably invites comparison.The feeds into the pent-up frustration felt by many keen photographers that no one seems to be addressing the enthusiast compact market. But no amount of wishful thinking will make the X half into that camera.
Which is why I haven't listed the lack of Raw capability as a 'Con' in the review. For my own use, I quite like the idea of an X half that could shoot Raw. Not because I think I'd get great results adding masks and adjustments, trying to optimize the output from Adobe Camera Raw, but because it would be nice to be able to switch the film simulation I'd used, after the fact.
But just because I'd like it doesn't mean I think Fujifilm should change the X half. Adding Raw wouldn't make the X half a better camera, it would just mean some enthusiast photographers would find out the hard (cash) way that the X half wasn't designed for them.
If you're already a keen photographer, how often are you really going to use the film advance lever? And if you're shooting Raw, does it matter which film sim you shoot with? Trying to use the X half as an enthusiast compact risks ignoring what makes it good and putting undue scrutiny on what it does badly.Judged by the standards of enthusiast cameras, the X half is dreadful. It has a slow, not-wholly reliable 9-point AF system. It doesn't have the DR modes or Color Chrome effect options to create 'recipes,' it's really fiddly to tap and swipe to change most settings or adjust the shutter speed. And a 'serious' approach risks both the film advance lever and film simulation window touchscreen that define the camera being rendered vestigial.
Adding Raw wouldn't do anything to fix this, it would just send even more hopelessly mixed messages and would inevitably see the camera get an absolute kicking from people (quite reasonably) judging it for what it wasn't originally designed to be.
On its own termsEven on its own terms, the X half is a decidedly imperfect camera. Its touchscreens aren't as responsive as they should be. The LED flash means you can't even get the 'retro' bleached-out indoor flash aesthetic that some of its users will want. The autofocus isn't as fast or reliable as you might like to think a modern camera would offer. And, again, it's really quite expensive.
But if you see its competition as the over-priced second-hand CoolPixs, PowerShots, CyberShots and Optios being dredged up on eBay, then the Fujifilm is vastly better. It's cute, to a degree that it attracts comments everywhere it goes, it's silly, gimmicky and joyous in equal measure; doubly so in Film Camera mode. And it's also meaningfully better than the other 'fun'/'retro' cameras with their smartphone sensors (but lacking the smarts) that have sprung up to cater to that audience.
Overall, the X half is a lot of fun: we came very close to giving it a Silver awardOverall, the X half is a lot of fun, and we came very close to giving it a Silver award. But the degree to which it can struggle to take photos of people (even when they're holding a pose for the camera) is a significant flaw in a camera trying to be carefree and fun. Particularly for an audience that isn't necessarily au fait with having to half-press and wait, then try to check whether the focus is on the right thing. And on a camera where, through the viewfinder, you're just having to rely on faith as to what it's focused on.
Like many of our readers, I'd love an updated enthusiast compact: a refreshed, more rugged G7 X, an RX100-like camera with better controls. But it wouldn't have been fair to review the X half on those terms, because that's not what it is. It's a camera whose 'film counter' has to wind back to zero before you can leave Film Camera mode. And I tried to review it on that basis.
Changing lenses outside can feel like a risky endeavor. After all, during the swap, your camera's interior will be exposed to the elements, potentially allowing dust, dirt or moisture to land on your sensor. Those resulting spots can be a pain to edit out, extending your editing time. It may also require a sensor cleaning session. While it may be tempting to avoid it altogether, sometimes you need a different lens, and there's no getting around the swap.
Sensor spots are unavoidable, but some simple habits can help keep your sensor as clean as possible when changing lenses. Whether you’re photographing on a rainy trail, a dusty park or a city street, the key is preparation and quick, careful action. Below, you'll find tips on changing your lenses safely, even in the great outdoors.
How to change lenses outside Keeping the lens mount pointed down will help prevent debris from getting into your camera.First and foremost, no matter where you are changing lenses, ensure your camera is off before starting. When active, the sensor can have an electric charge, which can attract dust. Plus, some mirrorless cameras have a shutter that protects the sensor when it's turned off; you won't be taking advantage of that feature with the camera on. DSLRs offer some protection by default with the mirror, but it's still a good idea to have the camera off. Then, it's time for some preparation so the swap can be as fast as possible.
Start by preparing the lens you want to put on. Loosen the rear lens cap, but leave it covering the lens. You don't want to expose the rear element to dust or moisture, as it can transfer inside your camera and onto your sensor. Keep it easily accessible so you aren't fumbling for it when it's time to make the change. It could be sitting upright in your open camera bag, on a picnic table or a sidewalk, just so long as it's in a safe location.
Get the lens you are switching to ready by loosening the rear lens cap and having it easily accessible.With the spare lens ready, turn the camera so the lens mount and sensor are pointing down. That way, you are using gravity to your advantage and preventing anything from falling onto the sensor. Release the lens currently on your camera and attach the other lens as quickly as possible. Finally, put the rear lens cap on the lens you removed to keep it clean.
Other considerations when changing lenses outsideWhile the general process of changing lenses isn't different if you're outside or inside, there are some additional considerations when outside. If it's windy out, you'll want to find a place that's somewhat protected from the wind. You could try to find a building to stand against, or even a large tree or rock. If nothing else, put your back to the wind and use your body as a shield.
The same technique applies if it's raining, though the risks are significantly higher. Only change lenses in wet environments if there's no dry place you can get to and it's absolutely unavoidable. An umbrella, poncho or rain jacket can help keep things dry while you swap lenses, but only when you have no other option.
Certain locations and environments are riskier than others, of course. Sand is extremely harsh on cameras, so it's best to limit lens changes at the beach or in other sandy locations. In such places, try to choose a versatile lens so that you don't need to swap. That's not to say you can't change lenses there; you'll just need to be extra careful, and it's best to avoid it when possible.
Pretty much all of the fantastic inventions from YouTube creator James Bruton are bizarre engineering oddities. But when the former toy maker says that one of his wacky omnidirectional rides "behaves weirdly" – a closer look is definitely warranted.
Category: Urban Transport, Transport
Tags: Bikes, Electric Vehicles, DIY, Omni-Directional, Self-balancing, Oddball
It's not every day that you come across a product where the standout feature is its ability to go kaput at a moment's notice. That's exactly what the Team Group P250Q SSD (solid state drive) is all about. This industrial storage drive for computers and servers can physically destroy itself at the push of a button, so your secrets go up in smoke before they fall into the wrong hands.
Category: Computers, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Data Storage, Spy Gear, Security
From St John’s wort to vitamin D, the range of over-the-counter supplements for mental health support and wellbeing continues to expand at a rate faster than scientists can validate their efficacy. Now, a new metastudy has assessed 64 different products reviewed in hundreds of studies to shed light on how useful they are in relieving depression.
Category: Diet & Nutrition, Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
Tags: Depression, Dietary supplements, Omega Garden Technology, Microbiome, Melatonin, Magnesium, clinical trials, Liverpool John Moores University
Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) consistently score lower on happiness and quality of life assessments, but it might not be the condition that's fueling this. New research suggests that one factor, insomnia severity, could also be making all other ADHD symptoms worse. This is the first time scientists have demonstrated that insomnia severity, rather than sleep quality or circadian rhythm shifts, directly impacts ADHD traits and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults.
Category: ADHD & Autism, Brain Health, Body & Mind
Tags: University of Southampton, ADHD, Developmental conditions, Insomnia, Depression, Sleep, cognitive-behavioral-therapy
To pocket clip or not to pocket clip? It's a question many a folding knife owner has considered at one point or another. Because, as convenient as a pocket clip is when carrying the knife, it can feel every bit as inconvenient when actually using it. Florida knife maker Peak Spec has the solution, and it calls it the Apex Ghostclip. Luckily for those interested, it's more than an apparition – or at least it's getting there.
Category: Knives & Multitools, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Outdoors and Camping, Knife, Multitools, Kickstarter
Black cats may be considered bad luck in many Western societies, however, one such sooty feline has brought good fortune to a team of scientists, playing a pivotal role in discovering a new virus capable of infecting humans. It's now the second novel pathogen Pepper has hunted down.
Category: Infectious Diseases, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: University of Florida, Cats, Virus, Respiratory health, Infections, Viruses and Bacteria
All product photos: Richard Butler
The Fujifilm X half is a JPEG-only compact camera with a fixed focal length and a vertically orientated sensor, designed to mimic the experience of shooting with a half-frame film camera. It prioritises fun over technical excellence.
Key featuresThe obvious reference point will, no doubt, be Fujifilm's own X100 series cameras, and we doubt Fujifilm will dislike the comparison, given their popularity. But, whereas the X100 cameras look a lot like miniature Leicas, the cute, boxy X half looks more like a Rollei 35.
The X half will have a recommended price of $849 and will be available in black, charcoal or silver. There's no obvious precedent for a camera like this and the uncertainty around the cost of importing items from China into the US makes it a little hard to make sense of, but it seems like a lot for a camera that's putting more effort into being fun than functional.
Index:Buy now:
$849 at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo What is it?The Fujifilm X half is a fixed-lens camera built around an 8.8 x 11.3mm sensor. Those dimensions may not sound familiar but it's essentially a 4:3 crop from a 20MP 3:2 Type 1 sensor, turned on its side.
So, when Fujifilm talks in terms of half frame, it's talking about the 3:4 shooting experience you get from shooting half a frame of 135 film, not about mimicking the same capture area that would give.
It has a 10.8mm F2.8 prime lens, and that sensor's 2.94x crop factor means this gives a 32mm equivalent field of view and an F8.2-equiv maximum aperture.
Flicking the film advance lever just after you've taken a shot (or when you're reviewing an image in playback mode) lets you combine that shot with the next one you take.
Left image: Provia film sim | F2.8 | 1/800 sec | ISO 200
Right image: Provia film sim | F2.8 | 1/1600 sec | ISO 200
Photos: Richard Butler
You can shoot individual 3:4 vertical images, swiping on the Film Simulation window on the back of the camera to change your virtual film stock. Alternatively, if you flick the film advance lever after taking a shot, you can combine your previous and next images to create a side-by-side diptych. Both individual images are saved to the memory card, in addition to the combined version.
Film Camera modeThe X half is best understood through its Film Camera mode. Engage the mode and you'll be asked how many exposures you want on your virtual film: 36, 54 or 72. If those second two numbers look unfamiliar, remember that this is styling itself as a half-frame camera, so you can fit 72 shots on a '36 exposure' film.
"Once you start shooting, you'll have to use the film advance lever after each shot: the camera won't take another photo until you do"When in film camera mode, you lose the live view on the back of the camera and have to compose via the optical viewfinder. You also lose the ability to swipe to change Film Simulation or filter: you're using a single roll of 'film,' after all.
And, once you start shooting, you'll have to remember to use the film advance lever after each shot: the camera won't take another photo until you do.
Once you've taken all your photos, you can connect your camera to the app and transfer the photos, at which point you get to see a contact sheet and watch the images 'develop.' That contact sheet image, complete with sprocket holes, frame numbering (with the images numbered as 01, 01A, 02, 02A and so forth), can also be downloaded.
If you lose interest in a project before the end of the roll, you can double-tap the film window screen and the camera will 'rewind' the roll, leaving you with a partially-complete film strip. Fujifilm also warns that removing the memory card or the battery can result in film camera mode being abandoned.
Filters and Film SimulationsOne of the X half's main selling points is likely to be Fujifilm's film simulation modes, and the camera includes ten of the most popular ones.
The X half also has a range of Filter modes, including Toy Camera, Vignetting, Light Leak, Halation and Expired Film. These give more extreme looks than the film simulations, but include some fun options such as giving the expired film mode a green or red tint, or the light leak mode that applies a one of a selection red/yellow bursts across each image at random, which are only visible in the final image. Filters can't be combined with Film Simulation modes.
ISO and AutofocusThe camera's base ISO is 200 and there are three pre-defined Auto ISO settings, you choice is essentially whether the camera stops at ISO 800, 3200 or 12,800.
In terms of autofocus, you have a choice of two AF area modes: a large central point or an AF area that can be moved to one of nine positions. There are eye and face detection options on top of this, and the camera will prioritize faces in your scene, regardless of the AF position.
Autofocus is somewhat laggy and distinctly slow, though, so we found the camera to be much more dependable in AF-S mode. This is not a camera for action or moving subjects, really.
VideoThe X half can shoot up to 1080/24 footage at up to 50Mbps, captured in a 3:2, 1080 x 1440 format. It can also shoot 2x slowmo footage. These video clips can be combined with still images in 2-in-1 diptychs, output as 2160 x 1440px MOV files. There's a 3.5mm-to-USB-C lead in the box, but this is for attaching headphones (?!?) rather than an external mic, as is the case on other Fujifilm models.
Body and handlingThe X half is small, boxy and really rather cute: both its size and looks attract attention. It's also pretty well built. It feels like a lot of it is plastic but it's thick enough that the camera doesn't feel flimsy. It's small enough to fit in a coat pocket, despite the protruding lens.
The lens has an aperture ring around it, controllable in whole stops and with an 'A' position at one end, passing control back to the camera body. There is no other control dial on the camera, so there's no way to gain 1/3EV control of the aperture.
The camera's shutter tops out at 1/2000 sec, so in bright light you'll need to remember to stop down; especially if you're using the viewfinder, where there's nothing to indicate that your shots will be overexposed.
The lens is covered with a soft plastic lens cap. It's not the prettiest or most convenient feature, but ends up highlighting a benefit to the lens design: it doesn't change length. As such you never have to worry about stripping the gears or damaging a motor if you turn the camera on in your pocket or with the cap still attached.
The top of the camera is decidedly simple: a large exposure comp dial, that photo advance lever and an power switch, which releases the level from its stowed position. There's also a cold shoe slot in the middle of the camera. We're not really sure why.
The whimsy continues on the back, with a film-window-style rounded LCD panel that displays the currently active Film Simulation mode or Filter effect. It's a touchscreen, so you can swipe up or down to change mode (unless you're in Film Camera mode).
Next to this is the main display, a small, portrait-orientation 2.4" 640 x 480px touchscreen. In regular shooting mode this shows a live view display, just as you'd expect. Swiping your finger across the screen brings up one of four menus.
Swipe rightSwipe down
Swipe right
Swipe up
Swipe left
Swiping down gives you the choice between connecting to a smartphone and entering Film Camera mode.
Swiping right lets you select whether you're in Film Simulation or Filter mode. There are icons at the bottom of the screen to let you determine which of these modes applies to stills or video shooting. You don't select which of the simulations of filters you're using, just which mode the camera is in.
Swiping up brings up a quick menu, detailing eight of the camera's core settings:
Finally, swiping left brings up the camera's main menu. It's a much-simplified variant of the one from other Fujifilm cameras, divided up into seven catagories: Shooting settings, Movie settings, IQ settings, AF/MF settings, Audio settings, Set up and Networking/USB settings. These catagories are navigated by swiping up and down on the film window, next to the main LCD.
The film advance leverOne of the only physical controls on the whole camera is the film advance lever. In normal camera mode its job is to engage 2-in-1 diptych mode, in Film Camera mode it acts as the film advance lever it mimics. Push the lever in towards the body in normal shooting mode and the camera will show you the last image you took, while the lever is held in. Again, we're not entirely sure why.
BatteryThe X half takes the same NP-W126S battery as Fujifilm's other small cameras. It's a relatively large battery for such a small camera, making up something like 1/7th of the camera's volume. This helps power the camera to a rating of 880 shots per charge, if you use the OVF. We've not seen a figure for shooting with live view.
This is enough that you'll essentially never have to worry about charging the battery. The camera can charge over its USB-C socket, so all you need to do is remember to plug it in from time-to-time.
Initial impressionsThe Fujifilm X half is, objectively, a profoundly silly camera. It is, after all, a digital camera with a film advance lever. But that's not to say it's a joke, necessarily.
Whether you think the X half is cute and fun or utterly ridiculous is likely to come down to what you think of its Film Camera mode. If you like the creative challenge and playfulness of a mode where you have to shoot a whole virtual roll's worth of images before 'developing' them on your phone, then you might well really enjoy the X half.
If you find the idea preposterous, worry about it only being able to produce JPEGs, or find yourself thinking 'it's basically half of Four Thirds, doesn't that make it 1/8th frame?' then it's fair to say this isn't the camera for you.
Even without using Film Camera mode, the ability to combine images (with a choice of dividers and widths) prompts you to think about pairs of images that will go well together.
Left image: Provia film sim | F2.8 | 1/125 sec | ISO 640
Right image: Provia film sim | F2.8 | 1/125 sec | ISO 640
Photos: Richard Butler
The X half will inevitably ride on the coat-tails of the hugely successful X100 series, but whereas that camera was beloved both by established photographers and newcomers enraptured by its stylish aesthetic and attractive color response; the X half's pull is likely to be much stronger for the latter group.
"Expecting you to crank the non-existent film forward is inherently ridiculous, but entertainingly so"The pictures aren't great and the camera is distinctly laggy in most of the things it does. If you're coming from a modern mirrorless camera, it might be a bit of a shock. If you've been buying old compacts on eBay, you'll probably feel right at home. And it seems likely that this is the intended audience for this camera: someone who appreciates a small camera with a sense of fun.
Because yes, the Film Camera mode is fun. Expecting you to crank the non-existent film forward is inherently ridiculous, but entertainingly so. Likewise the idea of a retro-feeling compact camera that can deliver Fujifilm's Film Simulation colors is a delightful prospect, even with the X half's drawbacks.
It's hard to get a sense, from pictures, of just how small the X half is. It's not much bigger than the palm of my hand.Our main concern is the price, though. Even after a surge of inflation that's left us all a little unsure how much our money is now worth, $849 feels like a lot for something so playfully flirting with frivolity. And, on our production camera, albeit with non-final firmware, the lagginess and autofocus speed risks taking some of that joy out of the experience.
The X half doesn't take itself too seriously, and that doesn't in itself make it a joke, but we worry its price tag risks being a punch-line that falls rather flat.
Buy now:
$849 at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Sample galleryPlease do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.Why just buy a gift card for games, if you can buy an actual handheld gaming console which is (roughly) the same shape and size? That's the thinking behind the Raspberry-Pi-packin' GamerCard, which has an interesting pedigree.
Category: Games, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Portable Gaming, Retro, Video Games, Raspberry Pi
Lamborghini has announced the Temerario road model will now get a race track twin, the Temerario GT3. The competition model was designed and developed by Lambo's Sant'Agata Bolognese factory.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Sports Cars, Supercars, Lamborghini, Racing
A couple of years ago, LG went viral with a mobile version of a "wireless private TV" announced in late 2021. An upgraded flavor of the StanbyME smart screen was uncovered at CES 2025 back in January, and is now being rolled out globally.
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
Breast cancer screening tech has come a long way in recent years, with improvements in accuracy and convenience in new methods. Now, researchers at the University of Buffalo are hoping to make it even easier with a detection technique that only requires patients to press up against a window for a minute to get accurate results in 3D.
Category: Cancer, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Breast cancer, Artificial Intelligence, Ultrasound, Photoacoustics, University of Buffalo
On the surface, Fujifilm's recently announced X-E5 looks like a very familiar setup in a new body. Its combination of 40MP BSI CMOS sensor and processor has shown up in several previous Fujifilm cameras, such as the X-T5, X-T50, X-H2 and X100VI. Theoretically, that means it should provide very similar results, but since we like to be thorough, we put a production copy in front of our test scene so we could make sure.
Our test scene is designed to simulate a variety of textures, colors, and detail types you'll encounter in the real world. It also has two illumination modes, full even light and low directional light, to see the effect of different lighting conditions.
Image ComparisonThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.As expected, the X-E5's Raw detail capture is identical to Fujifilm's other 40MP cameras, and it outperforms the 24MP Nikon Z5II and 26MP Sony a6700. Its images also have more detail than those from its 26MP predecessor, the X-E4.
Its base ISO noise performance is on par with the rest of the current-gen APS-C competition, and it's a bit cleaner than the X-E4; no surprise, given that its base ISO is 125 while its predecessors was 160. The full-frame Z5II, however, provides around a stop improvement in noise, which follows its increased sensor area.
These trends continue at mid to high ISOs, and the X-E5's lead in detail slips away past around ISO 1600.
The camera's JPEG engine isn't quite as good as its competitors at emphasizing fine details, even at base ISOs, so its lead isn't as apparent as it is in Raw. However, it continues Fujifilm's tradition of offering pleasing colors and does a decent job of retaining details even while reducing noise at higher ISOs, though its performance does suffer a bit in low-contrast areas.
Dynamic RangeThis sensor has always offered excellent dynamic range with low read noise, and it's no different in the X-E5.
Exposure Latitude | ISO Invariance
This means it offers plenty of room to bring up shadows in post, so you can make the most of its maximum dynamic range at base ISO. Its design also lets you choose to extend dynamic range when shooting in low-light scenes, as long as you're willing to use a lower ISO to reduce blown highlights.
As expected, the X-E5 doesn't offer anything new in terms of image quality, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. Fujifilm's current generation of cameras have long been strong contenders in that department, and if you're trying to decide between them you only have to consider form factor and feature sets. If you don't prefer the rangefinder-styling, you're not giving up image quality by going with an X-T50 or X-T5 instead.
The Gunyah is a remarkably small tiny house with a length of just of 5 m (16.5 ft). Despite its compact footprint, it sleeps up to four people and also comes with multiple options, including different layouts, a porch, and off-the-grid functionality.
Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors
Tags: Building and Construction, Tiny Footprint, House, Home, Micro-House
Fashion history was made this week when THE ORIGINAL Hermes Birkin handbag sold at auction for US$10.1 million, a record price twenty times greater than the previous record of $500,000 (a Hermes Kelly made famous by Princess Grace of Monaco who used it to hide her "baby bump").
Category: Collectibles, Lifestyle
Harley-Davidson’s boardroom troubles are there for everyone to see. Its all-electric spinoff, LiveWire, has been enduring losses for a while now, too. But that hasn’t stopped the brand from coming up with an all-new low-powered electric motorcycle platform.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: livewire, Harley Davidson, Electric Motorcycles, Battery Technology, Prototype
This portable dental blaster should probably be called a vapor flosser, as it fires surprisingly forceful bursts of up to 98% air through the gaps in your teeth, making efficient use of water as it blasts out debris.
Category: Around The Home, Lifestyle
Tags: Teeth, Toothbrush, Flossing, Dental
