INSTAX CAMERA BUYING GUIDE FROM EverythingInstax.com
OVERVIEW
This blog post is designed as a quick 3-minute entry level guide to Fujifilm Instax line of cameras. I have personally purchased and field tested all Fujifilm Instax cameras manufactured since 2008. For more detailed information on specific cameras, please visit our links and menu. Pictured above from, top to bottom and left to right: Mini 90, Mini 70, Mini 50S, Mini 25, Mini 9, Mini 8, Mini 7S, Wide 300 and Wide 210. Not pictured is the digital/film hybrid SQ10.
1ST (FILM FORMAT)
Instax cameras have three (3) formats:
Mini - Smallest and least expensive of the three (3) formats. Mini films are roughly the size of a standard United States credit card and cost around $0.65 USD/photo. Film is used in any Instax mini camera and also the Instax Share SP-1 & SP-2 printers. Film comes in 2-packs, 4-packs, 5-packs, 6-packs and 10-packs. TIP: The best deal on film is often the 6-pack and not the 10-pack. Do the math and figure out the best deal. Pricing on film is highly variable and changes daily. We frequently update the best price on Instax Mini film here.
Wide - Largest of the three (3) formats. Wide films are roughly the size of two (2) standard United States credit cards and costs around $0.85 USD/photo. Film is used in the Instax Wide 300 & discontinued 210 Wide cameras.
Square - The newest format introduced in 2017. The format is square and intended to mimic the ubiquitous Polaroid format of decades past. This format is the most expensive at around $1.30 USD/photo. The film is used only in the Instax SQ10 digital/film hybrid camera and soon to be released (Nov 2017) Instax Share SP-3 printer.
2ND (CAMERA CHOICE)
WIDE
If you want the wide format, you only have one camera and color choice. The Instax 300 Wide in black/gray, because as the 210 was discontinued in 2017. The cost runs about $85 USD and film is bwteen $0.75 - $0.85 USD per photo or $7.50 - $8.50 USD per pack (10 photos).
SQAURE
If you want the square format, you only have one camera and color choice. The digital/film hybrid SQ10 released in 2017. This camera is the most expensive Instax at about $275 USD and film is about $1.50 USD per photo or $15.00 USD pack (10 photos)
MINI
The mini format offers the most choice from both a cost and feature standpoint. There are 3 basic levels: Entry, Enthusiasts/Mid and Premium. While there are older versions of these cameras at each level, they are basically the same price as the newest versions and have less options. So, unless you are looking for a particular color, the Mini 9, Mini 70 and Mini 90 are your best options. See below for the difference between them:
ENTRY LEVEL
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is available in five (5) colors and uses 2 AA batteries, good for about 100 photos. There is an automatic flash, selfie mirror and five (5) shooting modes designed for different lighting conditions. There is no LCD display, tripod mount or timer. It is the best entry level Instax camera and has more features (like macro shooting and selfie mirror) then its predecessors the Mini 7S and Mini 8. Overall, it's good for kids or adults who may be using the camera infrequently or for a special event. If you are looking for more features and a slightly better build quality, you should consider the Mini 70 or Mini 90.
ENTHUSIASTS/MID LEVEL
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The Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 is available in six (6) colors and uses 2 CR2 batteries good for about 300 photos. There is an LCD display, controllable flash, selfie mirror, tripod mount, 10-second timer and five (5) shooting modes designed for different lighting conditions. In addition, you can manually adjust the exposure and take macro (close up shots) without the need for a separate macro lens. It is the best enthusiast/mid level Instax camera and has more features then its predecessors, the Mini 50S and Mini 25.
PREMIUM LEVEL
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is available in only two (2) colors and a comes with a rechargeable battery good for about 160 photos. There is an LCD display, controllable flash, tripod mount, 10-second timer and five (5) shooting modes designed for different lighting conditions. In addition you can manually adjust the exposure and take macro (close up shots) without the need for a separate macro lens. This camera produces the best quality picture of any Instax camera. The rechargeable battery can be a plus or minus depending on how you will use the camera. Retro styling and a robust build make this camera suitable for the more serious buyer. It also offers some cool artist modes including long exposure and double exposure.
THIRD (FEATURES)
If your decision is not based on format or cost, maybe it is based on a specific feature. Timer, tripod mount, selfie mirror, etc. Use the table below to further delve into the differences between cameras.
