Instax Cameras: Where Are They Manufactured?

Instax is a brand of instant cameras and instant films marketed by Fujifilm. The first Instax camera, the Instax Mini 10, was released in 1998. Since then, Fujifilm has released a range of Instax Mini, Square, and Wide cameras, as well as printers and films in various formats. The Instax system is a popular choice for instant photography, with sales of Instax cameras rising over the years.

Instax cameras are made by Fujifilm

Instax Mini cameras use credit card-sized film and are perfect for everyday use. The Instax Mini 12, for example, features a soap bubble redesign and comes in pastel colours. The Instax Mini Evo, meanwhile, is a hybrid instant camera that allows users to edit their photos before printing them.

Instax Square cameras use square-format film and deliver the best conventional image quality. The SQ40, for instance, features a sleek and sophisticated design and takes pristine photographs.

Instax Wide cameras produce the biggest and widest prints, making them ideal for group shots and landscapes. The Instax Wide 300, for example, uses Instax Wide film that is perfect for capturing the majesty of a mountain or fitting the entire wedding party into the frame.

In addition to cameras, Fujifilm also offers a range of Instax Mini and Square printers, such as the Instax Link WIDE, which allows users to print images straight from their computers.

The first Instax camera was released in 1998

The Instax Mini 10 was the first camera in the Instax range, which has since expanded to include a variety of instant still cameras and instant films. The Instax Mini 10 was designed to use Instax Mini film, which produces credit card-sized photos with dimensions of 54 mm × 86 mm (2.1 in × 3.4 in).

The Instax Mini 10 was likely styled similarly to the Instax Mini 9, which was released in 2021 and is described as having a "soap-bubble redesign and new pastel colours." The Instax Mini 9 is also known for its "candy-coloured and cutesy design."

The Instax Mini 10 was likely an analog camera, as most Instax cameras are, and all of the Instax cameras that followed the Mini 10 were analog until the release of the Instax Mini Evo in 2024.

The Instax Mini 10 was the first of many Instax cameras to come, with Fujifilm releasing multiple new instant cameras each year. The Instax range gained significant popularity in 2012 with the release of the Instax Mini 8, and in 2017, 7.7 million Instax units were sold.

There are multiple types of Instax film

Instax is a brand of instant still cameras and instant films marketed by Fujifilm. The first Instax camera and film, the Instax Mini 10 and Instax Mini film, were released on November 10, 1998. Since then, Fujifilm has expanded the range of Instax cameras and film formats.

Mini

The Instax Mini film is the most popular or classic Fujifilm option and is perfect for everyday shooting and capturing fun moments. It is about the size of a credit card, measuring 54 mm × 86 mm, and fits perfectly in your pocket or wallet. The image size for Mini film is 46 mm × 62 mm. It is available in colour, black and white, and themed designs.

Square

The Instax Square format was introduced later and is more in line with the traditional square instant format, like classic Polaroid films. It measures 86 mm × 72 mm and is perfect for portraits, landscapes, and still life photography. The image size for Square film is 62 mm × 62 mm. It is available in colour and black and white.

Wide

The Instax Wide Film is the final Fujifilm Instant film option. It measures 108 mm × 86 mm, making it ideal for taking photos with families and large groups, or for landscape photography where you want to capture more detail. The image size for Wide film is 99 mm × 62 mm. It is available in colour and black and white.

In addition to these main formats, Instax also offers limited-edition designs that add colourful borders and patterns to your photos.

Instax cameras come in different sizes

Instax cameras and their accompanying films come in three different sizes: Mini, Square, and Wide. The Mini is the smallest of the three, with image dimensions of 46 mm × 62 mm (or 1.8 in × 2.4 in), and is comparable to the size of a credit card. The Square format has an image size of 62 mm × 62 mm (2.4 in × 2.4 in), which is a perfect 1:1 aspect ratio. Finally, the Wide format yields image dimensions of 99 mm × 62 mm (3.9 in × 2.4 in), making it nearly twice the size of the Mini format. Despite the differences in width, all three formats share the same height.

The Mini is the most common type of Instax camera and is also the smallest and easiest to use. It is a great option for beginners and those on a budget, as the camera and film are very affordable. The Mini is perfect for events like weddings and parties, where guests can take home photos as keepsakes. Additionally, its use of standard AA batteries makes it convenient, as you don't need to worry about charging batteries beforehand. The Mini also excels at arm's-length selfie shots.

The Square format is a newer addition to the Instax family and is known for its iconic square design that fits into any interior. It is slightly larger than the Mini and is comparable to the size of a vintage Polaroid frame, though still smaller. The Square format is effective for creating artistic photos, with its 1:1 aspect ratio allowing you to capture the subject, background, and atmosphere with ease.

The Wide format is the largest of the three sizes and is perfect for those who want bigger prints, such as group shots or landscapes. It is comparable to the size of a traditional Polaroid frame. However, due to its bulky design and lack of a self-timer or mirror, it may not be ideal for selfies.

In addition to the different sizes, Instax cameras also come in a variety of colours, making them perfect for self-expression and gifting.

There are other instant camera brands

Instax is a brand of instant still cameras and instant films marketed by Fujifilm. However, there are other instant camera brands available on the market. These include:

• Polaroid: Polaroid is one of the biggest brands in instant cameras, alongside Instax. Polaroid cameras take one or two types of film: the larger I-Type, which produces square-format photos, and the newer 'Go' film, used by its tiny Polaroid Go camera. You can choose between colour and black-and-white film, along with a range of different border colours. Polaroid film tends to be pricier than Instax, with a pack of eight colour Polaroid I-Type shots costing around the same as two packs of ten Instax Mini film.
• Leica: Leica makes the Sofort 2, a premium instant camera with a stylish design. It's more expensive than similar cameras, but it does have a two-year warranty.
• Kodak: Kodak offers a range of instant cameras, including the Mini Shot 3 Retro, which has a fun companion app for adding frames, stickers and filters to your photos. Kodak also uses cheaper film than Polaroid and Instax.
• Canon: Canon's Ivy Cliq+ is a pocket-sized instant camera and Bluetooth printer hybrid. It's slow to start up and print photos, but it's sensibly priced and easy to use.

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