Is This Tiny Camera a Retro Gimmick or a Genius Throwback?

At first glance, it seems like a novelty—­a quirky, retro-inspired device that leans heavily into nostalgia, maybe a little too heavily. But dig a little deeper, and you might find that this strange little camera actually has something compelling to offer.

In her video, tech guru Becca Farsace puts the pocket-sized Fujifilm X half through its paces—one that’s clearly inspired by vintage half-frame point-and-shoots. She admits to being skeptical at first, but what follows is a surprisingly nuanced review that mixes affection with frustration. Among the biggest disappointments is the film advance lever, something that also takes me by surprise. For a company like Fujifilm, renowned for tactile, analog-inspired controls, it’s something you’d expect them to get right. It seems that there is no satisfying resistance, and instead of enhancing the experience, it seems to become an annoyance—ironic, given how integral that interaction is to the film-era charm the camera tries to capture.

As Farsace mentions, this is only the first generation, so maybe this is something that Fujifilm will look to address in the future.

Watch the full video to get the complete breakdown. Then tell us: Would you buy a digital camera that forces you to slow down and shoot like it’s 1995? And with a price tag of $850, who is this camera for? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.