Fujifilm has released firmware version 2.00 for the X half, its compact digital camera inspired by half-frame film cameras. The update adds a new filter, more options for the camera’s film-style shooting mode and a set of speed improvements.

The headline addition is a SOFT GLOW filter. Fujifilm says it “softens tone in the highlights of the subject to enhance the beautiful glow”, which gives an effect similar to a diffusion filter or an older, softer lens. That suits the X half’s whole approach, which is built more around feel than technical perfection.

The second change will matter more to anyone who comes to the X half from film. Film Camera mode, which locks your settings and hides each shot until you’ve finished the “roll”, previously worked only in 36-frame lots. Version 2.00 adds 12- and 24-frame options. That makes the mode much easier to live with: a 12-exposure roll is ideal for a short walk or a single subject, and it brings the experience closer to how many of our darkroom students actually shoot film.

Performance has also been improved. Start-up is faster, autofocus lag is reduced (especially in low light and when the focus point changes between shots), and the delay between consecutive shots is shorter. Those were among the main complaints about the camera at launch, so it’s good to see Fujifilm deal with them in firmware rather than leaving them for a successor.

Fujifilm X half firmware 2.00: what’s new

Fujifilm X half firmware 2.00 availability

Firmware 2.00 is available now as a free download from Fujifilm’s X half firmware page. Fujifilm recommends using a freshly formatted memory card and a fully charged battery. The update takes up to about five minutes, and you can update straight to 2.00 from any earlier version.