Fujifilm Instax is one of the best and most popular instant camera brands out there. Here’s is the complete beginner’s guide on absolutely everything you wanted to know about Instax.
What is Instax?
Instax is a brand of instant camera devices and films made by Fujifilm. It is the most popular Instant photography brand in the world, even more successful than Polaroid.
The Instax technology is the same as Polaroid and even triggered a lawsuit that would later be resolved amicably. While the principle is the same, Fuji has a different color science so the images do not look the same and all Instax films are smaller than the original Polaroid frame.
What is Instax film?
Instax film is the brand of film that the Instax cameras use. There are 4 variants: Pivi, Mini, Square and Wide. The Pivi has long been abandoned so only 3 films are available right now. There is too much to cover about film here so make sure to check out our Instax film guide.
Pros and cons
There’s a lot of good reasons to shoot Instax cameras. But there are a few drawbacks. Namely that every time you shoot, there’s a monetary cost to it. Your phone has thousands of images in it and it doesn’t cost you anything.
Depending on the format you shoot, the minimum you will spend on each film is $0.65. This adds up quickly, hence one of the most economical solutions is the Fujifilm Liplay that doesn’t force you to print. Shoot, get the image right and print when you are ready. Check out the Liplay review fore more.
Moreover, even if the costs of printing doesn’t phase you, each image is unique and definite, so if you want to give a friend a print, you either have to shoot two similar images or go home empty handed.
Are Instax cameras digital? Can it save pictures?
No, 99% of Instax cameras are analog and require film to function. There are 3 exceptions to this: The Instax mini Liplay and the older SQ10 an SQ20. These are hybrids that can save digital image and print Instax film. These are the only 3 that have a digital preview screen, and can save to memory card.
The most advanced is the Liplay that has Bluetooth and can double as an Instax printer for your phone.
Why is Instax so popular?
There are a few reasons why Instax is popular. For the most part it is because Instagram has pushed the “look” of analog/instant photography into the mass market and it is one of the easiest ways to shoot film without the hassle of development.
Age range for Fujifilm Instax
It is something special to have kids experience the joy of seeing a picture appear in front of their eyes. So while there are no particular age range for Instax, the minimum age is about 10 years old. It is truly for anyone 10-99. The younger generation gets to experience what older generations had back then and the older generation gets to relive the glory days of Polaroid.
How many Instax cameras are there?
There are about 25 Instax cameras released by Fujifilm. Most of the cameras are Mini, then Square and lastly Wide. Older models work with modern day film as nothing has changed in this front. If you take into account third party cameras and rebranded Instax cameras, then you have about 40 Instax cameras.