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Ultimate Guide to Instax Cameras and Printers

As digital technology advances rapidly, Fujifilm’s range of Instax cameras and smartphone printers stand out as an oasis of simplicity and fun. These instant cameras offer a brilliant means of enjoying and sharing printed memories, without the hassle of sending film off to be developed.

In this ultimate guide to Instax cameras and smartphone printers we explore the charm of the novel range designed by Fujifilm, uncovering their ease of use and the joy they bring to photography enthusiasts and casual snappers. Discover everything you need to know about how Instax cameras work, which instant film to use, and the amazing range of Instax smartphone printers which are equally fun to use.

Join us to re-discover the world of instant film and how you can share your prints with the world, and find out which is the best instant camera or printer to give as a gift to your kids, yourself, or the photo enthusiast in your life.

What is an instant camera?

Instant cameras are fun and easy to use for almost anyone, whether young or old. They use self-developing film to create a physical print, which is either done automatically, or when selected by the photographer. Cameras can be personalised, are novel looking and perfect for special occasions or as gifts.

Some Instax cameras offer a hybrid digital and film experience, enabling you to choose the photos, which you want printed. You can add special effects, choose different papers and frames, as well as share with family and friends via an App.

Instax Apps

Fuji provides the free instax mini Link app (Apple) and Android for mini Link / Link 2 printers, as well as instax SHARE and INSTAX UP! enabling you to scan printed photos and store them digitally. There’s also a free App for virtually every instant camera such as the instax mini Evo App, instax mini LiPlay app and so on.

With an app you can do a variety of things depending on the camera model, like create a QR code from recorded sound, remote control with the camera and send pictures from your smartphone to the camera, and print them out as instax prints.

Instax camera comparison

With so many Fujifilm Instax cameras in the lineup it can feel overwhelming when browsing, whether for yourself or as a gift. The table below demystifies the range so that you can pick the perfect instant camera to suit everyone, and the correct film that goes with it.

All of these options can be enjoyed by complete beginners, however with one-touch operation and automatic exposure Mini 12, Mini 40 and Square cameras are better suited to newcomers and younger kids, while the Mini Evo and Mini LiPlay have more advanced features to dive into.

Types of Fujifilm Instax film

There are three types of Instax film – mini, Square and Wide format We offer wide in colour with the Instax Wide Format Instant Film (Twinpack) and black and white – Instax Wide Format Film Monochrome (single pack).

1. Mini Film is compatible with all Instax mini cameras and printers such as mini 12, mini 40, mini 90, mini LiPlay, mini Evo, mini Link 2 and older mini devices. (Film Size: 86mm x 54mm, Image Size: 62mm x 46mm)
2. Square Film is compatible with all Instax Square cameras and printers including SQ1, SQ6, SQ20 or Square Link, as well as older instax square models. (Film Size: 86mm x 72mm, Image Size: 62mm x 62mm)
3. Wide film is compatible with all Instax Wide cameras and printers including SQ1, SQ6, SQ40 or Square Link, plus older models from the square range. (Film Size: 86mm x 108mm, Image Size: 62mm x 99mm)

Instax camera accessories

The ability to personalise and customise an instant camera enhances the experience, whether you're a young photographer or simply young at heart. Fujifilm makes a variety of accessories for different models, with colourful cases, straps and entire kits in bold complementary colours.

Instax mini printer comparison

Alongside instant cameras, Fujifilm makes compact printers, which print out your photos in a range of formats to share with friends and adorn your walls. These are extremely portable award winning wireless smartphone printers, that connect to your phone via an app, depending on the model.

The range of Instax cameras and printers support creativity at every level, make excellent gifts and have won awards thanks to being intuitive, fun and easy to operate. You can achieve extremely creative results whether you’re capturing a family photo and printing instantly, or printing out images from your smartphone at a later date.

With the latest hybrid instant cameras from Fuji you’ll be able to combine the pleasure of instant printing with contemporary technology from a digital camera that also has a built-in printer. You can ask your friends to download an app and share messages and doodles, which are hidden into prints from some of the smartphone printers, with a timely Merry Christmas, birthday messages and whatever you can imagine.

Discover our range of instant cameras and compact photo printers to find the perfect one to print, share and cherish your favourite photos today.

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By Nick Dautlich on 13/11/2023