Ultimate Fujifilm Instax Instant Film Camera and Printer Comparison - 2023

It's an entry-level model with a suggested retail price of $79 in the U.S. While it's on its way out due to the newer Mini 12 model, you can still find it. These cameras are excellent for beginners as they use Instax Mini film and are incredibly easy to operate with just one button. You take a picture, and the surprise of how it develops adds to the fun. They're perfect for gifts, kids of all ages, and even selfies with selfie and close-up modes. Film goes in the back, and while there are various versions with slight color and style changes, they're all great for getting started with instant photography.

It features a fresh design with straighter lines compared to the previous curved style, giving it a modern yet approachable look. The mint green colorway is a new addition. The camera has some subtle design enhancements like embossing and an Instax logo on the front. To turn it on and switch to close-up mode, you twist a part of the camera, which feels satisfying and well-made despite its plastic construction. The Mini 12 retains familiar features, including auto exposure and auto flash, with a one-button operation. It also has a selfie mode with a mirror on the front for easy selfies. The price is similar to the previous model, making it a good choice if you're considering an upgrade. However, note that these cameras typically do not come with film when you purchase them.

The Instax Mini 40 is priced at around $99 US or $129.99 Canadian, though prices can fluctuate. It's essentially a more stylish version of the Mini 12, featuring the same auto exposure and auto flash with a single-button operation. Its design resembles vintage cameras and offers a minimalist approach. The Mini 40 is ideal for those who appreciate a simple yet elegant look. It's available in black and maintains the user-friendly nature of the Mini 11.

The Instax Mini 90, priced at $179 US, is an older model that offers a wealth of creative features. It's available in brown and black. Unlike the simpler models, this one provides various shooting modes and customization options. On the back, you'll find buttons for timers, flash adjustments (you can even turn it off), macro shooting, and double exposure mode, allowing you to merge two photos onto a single piece of film. It also includes modes like red-eye flash and landscape. The Mini 90 is a departure from the direction of pure instant film cameras but still provides a fun and creative experience. Additionally, it uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, distinguishing it from models that use AA batteries, though it comes at a higher price point.

The Instax Mini Evo is a unique hybrid camera that can capture both digital and instant film photos. It features a full LCD screen on the back, allowing you to choose which photo to print from the internal memory (up to 45 photos) or an SD card. This digital capability helps conserve instant film, which can be costly. The camera offers numerous creative features, including various film modes and effects like double exposure, monochrome, collage, and light leaks, giving you more control over the final look of your photos. The print lever on the back provides a satisfying old-school film camera feel, and it includes dials to adjust different options. It has two shutter buttons for both landscape and portrait modes and supports remote shooting via a phone app. While you lose the surprise element of traditional instant film, the Mini Evo offers a wide range of options and can even print photos from your phone, making it a versatile choice, although it comes at a higher price point.

The Instax Square SQ1 is available in three stylish colors: white, Glacier blue, and terracotta Orange. Its design takes a more modern and mid-century modern approach compared to the vintage style of previous models. The suggested retail price for this camera is approximately $119.95 US or $159.99 Canadian. It uses square film, which offers a larger photo format compared to the Mini film. The square film provides a classic instant film look that many people appreciate, but it's important to note that it comes at a higher cost than the Mini film.

In terms of features, the SQ1 is similar to the Mini 12, serving as a basic entry-level camera. It includes auto exposure and auto flash, with a twist mechanism on the front to turn it on. The selfie mirror ensures you're framed correctly. However, it lacks some advanced features like tripod mounting and additional shooting modes. Currently, it's the only Instax model that shoots square film, but there's a square film printer available as well. It's possible that more square film cameras may be introduced in the future.

In terms of features, the Wide 300 offers a few additional functions compared to basic cameras. It has a power switch and two different focal ranges for close-up and landscape shots. The camera includes an LCD screen on the back with function buttons for adjusting exposure (lighten and darken) and flash settings. Unlike entry-level cameras, you have control over exposure and flash, allowing you to fine-tune your photos. The LCD also displays the number of exposures left. Additionally, it features a tripod mount for more stable shots, which is especially useful for landscape photography.

The Instax Mini Link 2 is a versatile printer that retails for $99.95 US or $129.99 Canadian. It comes in three different colors: clay white, soft pink, and space blue. This printer connects to your smartphone, allowing you to print photos directly from your mobile device. There's also a special Splatoon Edition with a unique accessory on top for Nintendo Switch players.

Operating the printer is straightforward; there's a power button on the front, and you can connect it to the dedicated Instax Mini Link 2 app, which offers various customization options. You can choose different frames, effects, and even add text to your photos. The printer is compatible with various types of Instax Mini film, including those with fun borders. A unique feature of the Mini Link 2 is "Instax Air," allowing you to draw on pictures and create augmented reality effects. The printer vibrates and makes sounds during this process, adding an element of fun and playfulness.

The Instax Square Link is a printer designed for Instax Square film, offering creative control over your photos. It retails for $139.95 US or $179.95 Canadian and comes in two colors: white and midnight green, featuring a sleek design. The printer connects to your smartphone via a dedicated app, allowing you to print photos directly from your mobile device.

Similar to the Mini Link 2, this printer also supports augmented reality (AR) features within the app. You can add text, backgrounds, special effects, and doodles to your photos in the app, and a QR code is generated for viewing the augmented reality content on a friend's or recipient's device. Additionally, you can print still frames from videos on your phone.

The printer has a function button for quickly reprinting the last photo you printed, which can be useful for doubling up on prints. However, please note that this memory is erased when the printer is powered off.

The Instax Link Wide is a printer designed specifically for Instax Wide film, offering an excellent option if you're a fan of the wider format but want a more portable and creative way to print photos. It retails for approximately $149 US or $189 Canadian and is available in two colors: white and gray. The printer comes with a stand that allows you to place it on a countertop or any convenient surface, making it easily accessible for printing.

In terms of operation, it's quite straightforward. You open the hinge at the back to load the Instax Wide film, and there's a button on the front to power it on. While it's a simple printer without many additional features, it serves as a practical and efficient way to print photos in the Instax Wide format.