Instant cameras capture the charm of timeless moments, letting you hold your memories right in your hands. These are perfect for anyone looking to create a physical collection of memories, ideal for personal decor or scrapbooks.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 400
Rs 14,999
What Is Good?
- Captures a wide field of view
- Good ergonomics
- Setup process is very straightforward
- Looks premium and chic
- Takes only few minutes to form the picture
- Retro and nostalgic
What Is Bad?
- Too bulky, not portable
- No manual controls
- Expensive
- Film cost to be accounted for
Typically, fitting a group into the frame has been a challenge for instant cameras, but the Instax Wide 400 addresses this with its unique wide-format shots. As one of the few options for larger prints, and Fujifilm’s first wide release in a decade, it’s bound to catch some attention.
But does it truly deliver enough value to justify its price? Let’s dig into my review.
Price and Availability
The Instax Wide 400 is available for Rs 14,999 and can be purchased from Fujifilm Instax’s official website, as well as on Amazon and Flipkart.
What’s Included and How to Get Started
The Instax Wide 400 instant camera package includes 4 AA batteries, a shoulder strap, a clip-on close-up lens, and a pack of 10 Instax wide instant film sheets.
Setting it up is a breeze and won’t take long. First, open the box and take out the camera. On the right side, you’ll spot the battery compartment. Open it, insert the 4 AA batteries provided, and close it up. You’ll know it’s working when the red light flashes three times.
Next, to load the film, turn the latch counterclockwise and pull it open gently. Place the film pack inside and close the compartment.
That’s it! Your camera is now ready for action. Twist the lens ring to either 0.9m for closer shots or 3.0m for more distant pictures.
Design and Build
When I first unboxed this camera, I was immediately struck by its bulk. Unlike the slim, pocket-sized instant cameras commonly found on the market, this one’s on the larger side with a noticeable heft. The green finish is eye-catching, but unfortunately, it’s the only colour option available. A few more colour choices would certainly make it more versatile for different tastes.
For those who bring a bag along wherever they go, this camera can tag along comfortably. But constantly carrying it in hand? Not so practical. Plus, it’s too big for most standard tech bags.
Despite the plastic material, it feels both sturdy and high-quality without the flashy design, which gives it a nice, understated charm. From an ergonomics point of view, the rounded corners do help in avoiding any pain to your wrists. The hand grip is designed with keeping usability in mind. The textures help you grip the camera properly to capture shake-free images. The placement of the shutter button is also apt, so taking photos quickly is not an issue.
This camera’s viewfinder sits at the far top-right corner, quite different from the central placement on most digital cameras, which makes it easy to align with your eye. With this right-side viewfinder, you have to stretch your eye over to frame your shot, and while it didn’t bother me, it could feel off for those used to a centered view. The viewfinder uses two circles to help you frame the shot better. Plus, having a self-timer is a game-changer—no one has to miss out on family photos by staying behind the camera.
How Does it Work
Start by rotating the lens to either 0.9m or 3.0m, depending on how far away your subject is. Point the camera at the subject, and then press the shutter on. Depending on the lighting condition, the flash will automatically activate.
Once you’ve taken the picture, the film will emerge from the top. Give it a gentle shake and position it with the black side facing up and the white side facing down. It’s essential to place it in a cool area away from direct light to ensure proper development.
Remember, once you load a film roll into the camera, keep it shielded from light until you’ve used it all. Exposing it prematurely could ruin the film and render it useless.
Picture and Print Quality
With only 10 film sheets at my disposal, I found myself eagerly waiting for the perfect moment to snap a shot.
The images take about 90 seconds to fully develop, so instead of rushing into the next click, I chose to wait and see how each photo turned out.
This instant camera excels at capturing a wide field of view, delivering a nostalgic retro vibe in every shot. It truly feels like I was handed a disposable camera from my parents’ youth to capture moments. Each photo is visually captivating and fits nearly every occasion.
The details hold up well, capturing colours that stay true to life, even though these prints often lean into a classic black-and-white feel. It’s worth noting that the quality here won’t match that of a digital camera; instead, consider these prints as mementos—a tangible way to preserve your moments.
However, when I attempted to photograph bright lights alongside darker areas in the same frame, I noticed a limited dynamic range. The camera tends to brighten everything up, causing the blacks to become quite dark. Sometimes, this led to moments where I could hardly identify what I had photographed. In well-lit conditions, some images may appear overexposed, to the point where certain details are lost. Yet, this trait can add a certain charm to the overall picture.
Even in low-light conditions, the camera does a commendable job of retaining details. One feature I particularly loved was the ease of taking selfies. I simply aimed the camera at myself, clicked the button, and the autofocus handled the rest, giving me a fantastic image without any fuss. Plus the shutter speed is impressive, and I encountered no issues in that department.
The self-timer feature is a welcome addition for group photos, allowing you to take pictures without needing someone else to operate the camera. The timer works flawlessly, with options for up to 10 seconds of delay.
Instax App
To share your prints on social media, download the Instax Up! app on your Android or iPhone. Once installed, set up your profile by following the prompts. After that, just scan the photo you want to post and make any edits to suit your style. When you’re done, compile your images into a collage and post on your favourite social platform.
This app is very simple, with no unnecessary steps. It’s designed for ease, so whether you’re 13 or 65, it’s straightforward and ready to use.
Verdict
I’ve always had a soft spot for instant Polaroid cameras—they’re just too cute. Still, spending Rs 14,999 on something that’s primarily just for the look might not be the wisest move. Plus, it’s not a one-and-done purchase; I’ll be shelling out regularly for film packs, with only 10 sheets included initially. Each film set costs about Rs 1,000, meaning you’re looking at Rs 100 per shot.
Beyond the cuteness, the Instax Wide 400 stands out in the Polaroid world. It has a premium feel and is incredibly easy to set up—so much so that a manual isn’t even necessary. Picture quality is solid, capturing nice details, though it doesn’t exactly fit the “compact” label. It brings a fun retro vibe but needs its own space due to its bulk.
All things considered, the Instax Wide 400 could have been a great pick if not for the ongoing Rs 1,000-per-pack film cost. That said, for those who love capturing life’s little moments with that nostalgic vibe, it’s a delightful option, especially with its expansive field of view.
