Update November 2024: Fuji’s has refreshed their entire line of cameras so I’ve updated this guide with all-new recommendations and photos.
Fuji Instax is easily most popular instant film format out there, surpassing even once-dominant Polaroid. You’ve probably seen Instax cameras at parties, weddings, and events as people capture analogue memories in the age of smartphone photography. Fuji’s great cameras and low-cost film make it a great entry point in the world of analogue film photography.
The rise of Fuji Instax started decades ago when Polaroid successfully sued Kodak in 1985 for copying their instant film patents. Fuji played nice with Polaroid for the licenses they needed to create their own instant film format. Time passed, and when Polaroid discontinued their instant film in 2008, Fuji was suddenly the only instant film game in town. While Polaroid and the Impossible Project struggled for years to recreate the instant film they threw away, Fuji’s Instax line shot up in popularity as consumers looked for an alternative to digital photos. Even as Polaroid has returned, Instax’s dominance shows no sign of going away.
Fuji has produced a wide variety of cameras for every type of photographer. Looking to buy a camera for yourself or as a gift? Read on for my recommendations and a quick primer on the format.
From left to right: Instax Mini, Square, and Wide
The Three Kinds of Fuji Instax Films
Fuji Instax instant films come in three sizes, the wallet-sized Instax ‘mini’ format, the slightly larger Instax Square format, and the largest Instax ‘Wide’ format. Instax Wide is almost exactly twice the size of Instax Mini, and comparable to the size of a traditional Polaroid frame. All three sizes share the same height, it’s just a matter of how wide the film is cut.
Fujifilm makes many different cameras for both formats, and other companies like Lomography and even Leica make cameras that utilize Instax film. Instax Mini cameras are the most common, and are also far smaller and easier to use than Instax Square and Wide cameras. However, I find that Instax Mini is best for events, parties, and weddings, while the larger formats are better for photographers as they provide larger images for scanning.
Right Instax Wide, Left Polaroid. Both handle colors differently, with Instax providing a more neutral look while Polaroid tends to exaggerate and distort colors (which can be fun!)
Specific Camera Recommendations
Best Overall Camera for Beginners – Instax Mini 12
The Instax Mini 12 is the best entry-level instant film camera period. It’s not the most beautiful camera in the world (I find it’s bulbous curves to be somewhat of a step back from previous years) but the control scheme is dead simple and exposure is excellent. It takes common AA batteries that you can find anywhere. It’s just an excellent camera and anybody just starting out with instant film will have a blast with it.
There are many other Instax Mini cameras out there, most more expensive, but skip them. Many of them are actually worse or have unnecessary features. The only Instax Mini camera worth stepping up to is the far more expensive Instax Mini 99, but beginners don’t need what that camera brings to the table.
If you’re wondering how to set up and use the Instax Mini 12 after setting it up, I have a full video guide.
Check out my full review of the Instax Mini 12. Find it on Amazon.
Best Camera for Events and Weddings – Instax Mini 12 and Instax Square SQ1
Fuji Instax Mini film shines in events like weddings and parties, where guests can take home photos as keepsakes. The affordability of the film makes it easy to shoot lots of photos, and the Instax Mini 12 camera is cheap enough that if one gets damaged it’s no big deal.
Also making it great for events is the fact that the Instax Mini 12uses standard AA batteries. You don’t need to worry about charging up a bunch of lithium ion batteries the night before, just pop in some fresh batteries and you’re good to go.
The Mini 12 is the way to go for most people, but if you really want a larger square frame that looks more like vintage Polaroid, the SQ1 is a great camera that does essentially the same thing without breaking the bank. Just be ready to spend a bit more money. .
Check out my full review of the Instax Mini 12 and Instax Square SQ1. Find the Instax Mini 12 on Amazon. Find the Instax Square SQ1 on Amazon.
Best Premium Instax Camera for Enthusiasts
For photographers and people who already love instant film, the new Instax Mini 99 has some fantastic innovations and special features. Featuring a much more premium build quality than Fuji’s other cameras, the Instax Mini 99 is a looker, too.
The coolest Instax Mini 99 feature is a selection of ‘looks’ your can apply to your images. These aren’t simple filters, either. Fuji cleverly put four LEDs inside the camera where they add color to the image while shooting for some awesome results.
Check out my full review of the Instax Mini 99. Find the Instax Mini 99 on Amazon.
The SQ40 costs more and just adds a chalky rubber coat, so I’d stick with the SQ1 or SQ6.
Best Fuji Instax Square Camera – Fuji Instax SQ1 (or SQ6 if you can find it)
The Fuji Instax Square format is the newest addition to the Instax film family, slotting right between Mini and Wide in size. The cameras share more characteristics with the Mini format and are fun and small. Instax Square frames look more like vintage Polaroid, but they are significantly smaller than an actual Polaroid frame.
Don’t be taken in by the strange SQ10/SQ20 digital cameras that ‘print’ an image. If you’re shooting analogue film, shoot real analogue film. The SQ1 is the current entry-level Instax Square camera, and for most people it is the one to get.
If you can find one, the SQ6 is my favorite Instax Square camera, featuring additional controls and a much nicer build quality. Unfortunately, Fuji has seemingly discontinued this camera.
SQ1 Full Review. Find the SQ1 on Amazon. Read the full review of the SQ6 and pick it up on Amazon.
Best Fuji Instax Wide Camera – Fuji Instax Wide 400
You’ll notice that Fuji Instax Wide cameras have been missing from most of this list so far. Unfortunately, despite being a fantastic film format, there are no great cameras available for Fuji Instax Wide. The least bad of the bunch is the Fuji Instax Wide 400 camera, which with a little practice, can produce some fantastic images. Unfortunately, it’s hobbled by a user-hostile manual focus lens and awkward body size. The Fuji Instax Wide 300 and 210 are older variants that are fine if you can find them cheap.
For art, landscape, and fashion, I find that the Fuji Instax mini format is simply too small for me to use. That’s why, despite being one of my least favorite cameras, the Fuji Instax Wide 400 sees the most use from me of all my Instax cameras.
My full review of the Fuji Instax Wide 400. Buy the Fuji Instax Wide on Amazon.
Left to right: Fuji Instax Mini, Instax Square, and Polaroid
Purchasing Film for Fuji Instax
You can find Fuji Instax in a variety of different color frames and in both monochrome and color variations. I personally love the monochrome formula Fuji uses, as it’s very flattering and looks great in a wide variety of challenging lighting conditions. Below are links to where you can buy the various formats.
Instax Mini Color
Instax Mini Monochrome
Instax Square Color
Instax Square Monochrome
Instax Wide Color
Instax Wide Monochrome
Interested in jumping into the Polaroid side of instant film? I have a buying guide for those cameras.
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