When we did House of Fun, I fell in love with the Fujifilm Instax SQ40 because the images it produced were rather good. Having a larger real estate than the Instax Mini and the optics is rather impressive. At our local camera, I was told that a new instax wide is coming and I was pretty much set on getting one.
It’s not easy to get hold of one from this side of the world due to a certain global issue although not a problem in most parts of Asia. The unboxing experience is really exciting especially for a camera of this price. Looks are subjective but this is a good looking camera, no need for the extra mile to get photos of such with the Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo. When not in use, I suspect it works well as an ornament to its owner.
PRO
Old school design
User friendly menu
Autofocus
Boundless creativity
CON
Startup speed
Shutter lag
SPECIFICATION
1/3-inch CMOS
16mm f/2.4
490 grams
A$ 599
45 Images Internal Memory
90 seconds Film Developing Time
RELATED ENTRIES
ANALOGUE: Mamiya 7ii
ANALOGUE: Leica M6
ANALOGUE: Destination Shoot
Design and use of material is remarkable for a camera for this money. An ultra-wide f/2.4 lens, a printer and a colour screen all in one for under $600? In this such a compact footprint is to me extraordinary value. On-board flash, built-in battery, micro SD card slot and the list goes on for the Fujifilm Wide Evo.
So 16 megapixel (memory card required) on wide angle mode and when turned off goes down to 5MP. Doing so might be frequent as composing with a 16 mm focal length isn’t as easy as 28 mm focal length. The reduced resolution should not be an issue when it comes to printing images on Instax Wide sheets but something to complaint about when blown up on a computer screen. After all, this sensor size is similar to a CCTV’s and likely maxed out for its print use.
Ten film simulations, ten effects and the focus dial to make something very individual is not for me as I am a boring person who keeps everything on normal. I might give some of them a go when encouraged otherwise I am not too excited for this bit of features. Connect the Fujfilm Instax Wide Evo to a phone to view all the photos that have been taken more clearly and it too can work as a remote shutter release.
People say pictures are now being endlessly customisable takes the fun away from shooting film is valid hence they can buy the Fujifilm Instax 210. In the pursuit of evolution, this is a good cross of digitisation and analogue which is the only way forward. I had a 210, gave it away and I would not buy another so this release is ideal to get more people and I into instant photography.
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​Loading pictures, switching between filters and autofocus is decently fast but powering the Instax Wide Evo on is certainly slow. The on/off switch is not the easiest to find so that combined with a slow start-up is not ideal for capturing things at the decisive moment. Other than these niggles, there is a lag when the shutter is pressed and image is being written onto the SD card so taking the next frame is a wait and sometimes leaves you wondering if the photo has been taken or not.
When connected to a computer via USB-C port, it only charges the camera. It would be good if it works as a storage system where photos can be accessed. Body, dial and switches can feel tighter and more tactile but I am not expecting Leica quality in an instant camera. The shutter button that annoys everyone? I am going to give it time as it has yet to anger me.
Like the rest of Fujifilm’s Instax lineup, this Wide Evo packs a lot of fun in a small lightweight package. If you shoot film photographs, an instant camera is essential because you have something to look at after a shoot while waiting for negatives to be developed. People involved in the shoot are able to act upon or improve with an image in hand. Regardless of which Instax you choose, a good time is almost guaranteed to be had.
