I hope you're ready to capture moments in wide format – I've prepared a review of the new instant camera Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 especially for you, which has replaced the beloved Instax 210 model. I'll tell you and show you what this new instant monster Instax 300 is all about, how it differs from its predecessor, and the secrets you need to know to take an incredibly cool shot. Here we go :)
I'll start with the design of the instant camera. This is where the biggest changes have occurred. The Instax Wide 300 is more square-shaped, and it feels pleasant and easy to hold thanks to the improved grip, which in turn makes the shooting process even more enjoyable. The camera's size is just as "large" as previous models, although this is, of course, a rather subjective matter.
Another difference between the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 and its predecessor, the Instax Wide 210, is the tripod socket.
And that’s probably where the differences between these two models end. The Instax Wide 300 is not a radical change but a "new life" for the old model in a modern design. Like the 210 model, the Instax 300 is a great camera that produces beautiful wide-format instant shots. Next, I’ll talk a bit more about the magic this not-so-small "little one" can perform.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is the only camera in the Instax lineup that shoots in wide format (cartridges, or as they are also called, film Fujifilm Instax Wide). With the wide format shots you can get with this camera, you can let your imagination run wild during shooting, and most importantly – take group photos that will definitely fit all your friends (compared to the Instax Mini format cameras).
The automatic flash in the camera always gives you confidence that your shot will turn out well in any conditions. The camera also has a fill flash that can be turned on with a special button near the LCD screen.
The camera is very, very easy to use. It turns on easily: just pull the protrusion on the Power button, the lens immediately extends – and voilà, you’re ready to shoot! There aren’t many controls on the camera: the fill flash button I mentioned earlier, an exposure adjustment button to make the shot lighter or darker, and a special ring on the lens to change the focus mode. The shutter speed is automatically adjusted from 1/64 s to 1/200 s.
I was very interested in the exposure adjustment feature and decided to play with it a bit. As I mentioned above, exposure adjustment allows you to make the frame a bit lighter or darker with the Lighter and Darker modes. We took two portraits using this feature. The Dark mode produces nice darkened colors. Unfortunately, the Lighter mode overexposed the face quite a bit, but the photo still turned out interesting; I like this unusual effect, though I won’t shoot portraits with this mode again. The focus mode has only one setting: "Lighter" and "Darker".
Shot with Lighter function
Shot with Darker function
Shot taken from a distance of 4 meters
The camera comes with a macro lens for shooting objects from a distance of 40-50 cm; the lens is equipped with a small mirror to make it easier for you to take selfies. I was very curious to see how the camera would perform with this lens during macro shooting. As you can see, the camera clearly highlighted the subject – the foreground flowers and the bee; everything else is out of focus and slightly blurred. I’m satisfied with the result.
Many people wonder: besides the external changes, is there any difference in photo quality between the Instax 300 and Instax 210 models? I took identical shots with both cameras, and as you can see, there is absolutely no difference. Both cameras deliver good photo quality; the pictures are sharp and bright.
Shot with Instax Wide 210 camera
Shot with Instax Wide 300 camera
You can watch the magic of instant photos developing, taken with the Instax Wide 300 camera, in our video:
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 runs on four AA batteries, which come included with the camera.
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 camera, as I noted earlier, is very easy to operate, which is a huge plus because you’ll spend less time wondering "which mode should I use and how to set everything up?" I think this wide-format camera is perfect for shooting portraits and landscapes. And on trips, the Instax Wide 300 is simply a must-have! Just imagine the amazing shots and memories you’ll be able to bring back with you. Especially since millions of photos on your phone are often too lazy to print :)
Review prepared by Olena Protsak