Fujifilm Instax Wide 300

2025

➥ Design & Build Quality

➥ Key Features

➥ Performance

➥ Pros & Cons

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 (commonly referred to as the Instax Wide 400) is one of the few instant cameras that offers wide-format prints, making it a popular choice for users who want larger, more detailed photos compared to the smaller Instax Mini film. Known for its simple operation, retro design, and larger prints, the Instax Wide 300 is aimed at those who enjoy the tangible, instant gratification of film but want more room to capture their moments. Here’s an in-depth review:

Design & Build Quality

The Instax Wide 300 is undeniably bulky, especially when compared to other Instax models. Its large size can make it less portable, but this is to accommodate the wide-format film. Despite its size, the camera is easy to grip thanks to its ergonomic design and comfortable handgrip. The plastic build feels sturdy, although it may come across as somewhat utilitarian compared to the more stylish offerings in the Instax lineup.

The camera features a built-in optical viewfinder, a pop-up flash, and a simple control layout, making it easy to use for both beginners and casual photographers. While it lacks the sleek design of more modern cameras, its retro aesthetic has a charm of its own, especially for those who love vintage-styled gear.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2

Key Features

Wide-Format Prints: The Instax Wide 300 uses Instax Wide film, which produces significantly larger prints (86mm x 108mm) compared to the smaller Instax Mini film. This is one of its biggest selling points, as the wide-format photos offer more detail and a better canvas for group shots or landscapes.
Automatic Flash: The camera comes with a built-in flash that automatically adjusts its intensity based on the ambient lighting. There is also a flash-on-demand button, allowing users to manually trigger the flash for fill-in light in bright conditions.
Adjustable Focal Length: The Instax Wide 300 has a two-step focusing system with settings for close (0.9m – 3m) and distant (3m – infinity) subjects. This gives users a bit more flexibility when shooting at different distances, though it doesn’t offer the manual control some might want.
Exposure Compensation: The camera features a light-dark control dial, which allows you to adjust the exposure slightly to make your photos brighter or darker. This simple adjustment adds some creative control over how your images turn out.
Optical Viewfinder: While the viewfinder is small and can be somewhat tricky to align perfectly with what the final photo captures, it is functional and sufficient for framing shots.

Tripod Socket: A nice touch for those who want to shoot in more controlled environments, the tripod socket helps when you need extra stability, especially for long-exposure shots.

Key Features

Small Format Instant Prints: The Polaroid Go uses Polaroid Go film, which produces square prints that are about half the size of traditional Polaroid photos. The film size (66.6mm x 53.9mm) is much smaller than the classic Polaroid format, making the prints cute and compact, perfect for scrapbooking, journaling, or sharing with friends.
★★★★★
Total Rating (5.00)
Design & Build Quality
Rechargeable Battery: The camera comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, which is a major convenience for frequent shooters. The battery is charged via a USB cable and can last through several packs of film, making it efficient for day-to-day use without needing to constantly replace batteries.
★★★★★
Total Rating (5.00)
Double Exposure Mode: One of the standout features of the Polaroid Go is its double exposure capability. This allows you to overlay two images on a single frame, opening up creative possibilities for artistic, surreal, or playful shots. It's a nice feature for photographers who like to experiment with their instant photography.
★★★★★
Total Rating (5.00)
Selfie Mirror: The Go Generation 2 includes a built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera, making it easier to frame self-portraits. It’s a small but thoughtful addition for those who enjoy taking selfies with their instant camera.
★★★★★
Total Rating (5.00)
Flash and Exposure Control: The camera comes with an automatic flash that adjusts based on lighting conditions. There’s also a small exposure control button that lets you make slight adjustments to the brightness of your photos, giving you a bit more control over the final result.
★★★★★
Total Rating (5.00)
Compact Viewfinder: The viewfinder is small but functional, allowing you to frame your shots with relative accuracy. Given the camera’s compact size, it works well for casual snapshots, though the viewfinder can sometimes feel a bit limiting when trying to capture more detailed compositions.
★★★★★
Total Rating (5.00)

Performance

Image Quality: The larger format of the Instax Wide film gives photos a unique aesthetic, with vibrant colors and more detail compared to smaller instant prints. The size makes it perfect for group photos, landscapes, or moments where more detail is appreciated. The camera performs best in well-lit conditions, producing vivid, sharp images. In low-light situations, the flash does a good job of filling in, but the images can appear slightly washed out, and the details might not be as crisp.
Focusing & Framing: The two-step focus is fairly basic but works well enough for casual photography. However, it’s not a precision camera, and close-up shots may lack the sharpness some users might expect. The viewfinder can also be a bit misleading in terms of framing, so it’s important to leave extra room around your subject, as what you see through the viewfinder isn’t always what gets printed.
Film Development: Like other Instax cameras, the Wide 300 produces prints quickly, with the photo emerging from the top of the camera in seconds and fully developing within a minute or two. The prints have a classic instant film look, with slight imperfections and softness that add to the analog charm

Pros

Produces large, wide-format prints that are more detailed and suitable for group shots or landscapes
Simple to use, with automatic exposure and flash for easy point-and-shoot functionality
Exposure compensation dial for slight control over brightness
Reliable performance in well-lit conditions
Sturdy build with a comfortable grip

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cons

Bulky and less portable compared to other instant cameras
Viewfinder can be difficult to align perfectly with the final image, leading to framing issues
Lacks advanced features like multiple exposures or long exposure (bulb) mode
Close-up shots can lack sharpness
Instax Wide film is more expensive than Mini film, making frequent use costly
Uses four AA batteries instead of a rechargeable battery, which can be less convenient for some users

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300

Verdict

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is the perfect choice for users who want larger instant prints and enjoy the simplicity of point-and-shoot photography. Its wide-format film gives it an edge over the smaller Instax models, providing more room to capture group shots, events, and scenic views with a classic, retro feel.

However, its bulky design and basic feature set may limit its appeal to more advanced photographers. The camera lacks some of the creative features found in other instant cameras, like multiple exposures or manual control over settings, and the framing with the optical viewfinder can be hit-or-miss.

Overall, the Instax Wide 300 is best for casual photographers who prioritize larger prints and simple operation over portability and advanced features. If you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable instant camera that delivers wide-format prints with a nostalgic feel, the Instax Wide 300 is an excellent option. Just be prepared for the cost of film, which can add up with regular use.

Battery Life

The Instax Wide 300 is powered by four AA batteries, which can last for several packs of film. While it’s not the most eco-friendly or convenient option compared to cameras with rechargeable batteries, AA batteries are widely available, and the camera doesn’t drain them too quickly