Fujifilm launches its most advanced and creative instant camera
We could almost hear a clamor thundering “finally!” in the ranks of instant photo lovers: Fujifilm has (finally!) deigned to move upmarket for its Instax cameras. And today gives birth to the Instax WIDE Evo. A digital sensor box, which can in turn serve as an instant camera or photo printer via the application. And who does all this (finally!) on Instax Wide paper.
The concept already existed at Fujifilm, with the Mini EVO And SQ20instant digital sensor cameras that output photos in Instax Mini and Instax Square (square) format respectively.
But the Instax WIDE Evo goes further. Besides its Wide format, which allows it to print larger images, the device offers better quality equipment. And many more creative features and settings.
Technological improvements
On the sensor side, the small 5 Mpx sensors of previous generations of hybrid devices – including digital sensor devices here printing images on instant silver film – have given way to a new 16 Mpx sensor.
This surplus of pixels allows the camera to keep more defined shots (on the optional SD card). But this also allows the box to be more versatile in framing: the box actually records in this definition of 16 Mpix in its wide angle mode – and always 5 Mpx in the classic mode.
Speaking of the sensor, it is not only more defined, but also larger (1/3'', compared to 1/5'' in the past). And its optics are now equivalent to 16mm in wide-angle mode (still equivalent to 28mm in normal mode).
The rest of the components are also progressing, with Bluetooth BLE 5.1 faster and less energy-consuming than the previous 4.2. And a screen that goes from 3 inches to 3.5 inches diagonally.
But what should make the difference with this new device is the greatly expanded range of creative functions.
Dials and settings
In addition to the ability to alternate between 16mm/28mm (equivalent) framing, the Instax WIDE Evo offers four creative settings.
The first is that of the film effect, which allows you to select 10 renderings ranging from normal to black and white, including sepia and magenta. Here, Fujifilm has developed six new emulsions compared to previous versions.
The second is that of optical effects, already present on the Instax mini Evo. From light leaks to monochrome blur to prism simulation.
In addition, these optical effects can be configured via a ring around the optical barrel on four intensity levels.
Eventually, Fujifilm added five film skin styles. Which, added to the default rendering, bring the number of styles available to six.
In total, we benefit from 2400 styles available for shooting. A departure from classic film instant photography, where the presence or absence of a flash and the possible over/underexposure were the only creative variables.
Unique ergonomics and power of the app
With a funny shutter lever on the front – which fixes the mix in focus when pressed halfway – and its numerous dials and levers, the Fujifilm Instax WIDE Evo Wide is a UFO. Which looks, from the back, like a digital back; from the front, to a photographic chamber.
Taking advantage of its unique place in the world of photography which gives it virtual control over quality instant photography, Fujifilm is today launching a device with a unique look and ergonomics.
A box that transforms on demand into an instant Bluetooth printer via the Wide EVO app (currently in the testing phase, which Les Numériques is in the process of handling). A dedicated Android/iOS app which allows not only access to images captured from the device, but also to (re)print them, print photos present on your terminal, share them on social networks or even control the device remotely.
In addition to these creative functions and an interconnection with Instagram, Fujifilm has connected its app to the network and developed an image discovery flow, to try to unite a community around its camera.
The only regret: the app is, like the box, incapable of reproducing the creative effects of the box. The creative effects therefore produce a unique (JPEG) image!
The Fujifilm Instax WIDE Evo will be available from February 4 for €379.99.
On the same date, Fujifilm will also launch the marketing of the dedicated case (€44.99) and the Instax Wide film with brushed metal edge (€10.99 per cartridge of ten films).
