Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo review: Nostalgia gets a digital upgrade

Time of India

30-07-2025

Rating: 3.5/5
There was a time when every photo you took had meaning. No second chances, no overthinking—just one click, and you hoped for the best. The
Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo
brings a bit of that magic back, with a modern twist.
Launched at Rs 47,999, it's part retro, part digital, and entirely focused on making memories that you can hold on to. But, does Fujifilm's latest instant camera justify the price?
Over the past few weeks, we've been testing this camera, clicking, tweaking, and cranking out wide-format prints. We even took it along on a short trip to Shimla. Here's what we think about the
Instax Wide Evo
camera:
Design and Display
The
Fujifilm
Instax Wide Evo carries a modern design language compared to earlier Instax models. It comes in a matte black finish with metallic elements that give it a more premium feel.
The body is sturdy, but the camera can feel a little bulky for some. However, we didn't feel uncomfortable carrying it on a trip. During our time with the camera, both at home and while travelling, it fits easily into a small backpack.
Physical controls play a central role in the user experience. Two dials on both sides let you switch between ten lens effects and ten film filters. There's also a dedicated print lever on the right side that mimics a mechanical crank. It doesn't add new functionality, but it reinforces the camera's analogue-inspired operation subtly.
At the front, you get the shutter button, which also gives a retro feeling. Below the lens, there's another button that can be used to enable or disable the wide-angle mode.
At the back, there's a 3-inch LCD screen, which makes this model noticeably different from fully analogue instant cameras. It allows you to preview, adjust, and delete shots before printing, reducing the chances of wasting film, which is pretty expensive. The screen lacks touch capability, while the camera's functions can be controlled by the array of buttons placed below the screen.
However, the screen is bright enough for indoor usage, though visibility outdoors, especially under direct sunlight, can be somewhat limited. Still, we were able to review shots comfortably during cloudy afternoons.
Right above the display, there's a switch that opens up the space where you can load the films. Above that is a button that you can use to add different styling, like a cinematic frame, date stamp, and a film strip. On the left, there's the power switch, USB Type-C charging port, a microSD port, and another button to reset the effects.
Performance and features
The camera uses Fujifilm's wide-format film, producing prints that measure 3.4 x 4.3 inches. Compared to the smaller Mini format, these larger prints allow for more detail in group photos and landscapes. During testing, we found this format particularly useful while capturing scenic views and group portraits.
The hybrid shooting system lets you take multiple shots digitally and print only the ones you prefer. This feature helps save on film costs, mainly since each pack only contains 10 sheets. There's a short delay between captures, but it's manageable for general use.
Creative options are a significant focus of this camera. The Wide Evo supports 100 effect combinations, from filters like Monochrome and Sepia to overlays like Light Leak and Colour Gradient.
The new 'Degree Control' setting allows you to adjust the intensity of each effect, offering more flexibility. We used this frequently to fine-tune contrast and saturation while shooting in varying light conditions.
The camera also supports smartphone printing. You can send photos from your phone to the device via the Instax app and print them using Instax film.
Transfers take a few seconds, and while the feature isn't as fast as a dedicated printer, it worked consistently throughout our usage.
Battery
The Instax Wide Evo features a built-in rechargeable battery with USB-C charging support. It took roughly 2.5 hours to go from zero to full charge.
On a full charge, we managed to shoot and preview close to 100 photos and print over 30 of them without needing to plug in.
The fact that printing is manual (via the crank) also helps conserve battery, as each shot doesn't automatically trigger a print. The camera also conserves battery by automatically going into sleep mode when left idle for a few minutes.
Print Quality
Printed photos maintain the signature Instax aesthetic—slightly soft, with warm colour tones. The camera doesn't aim for high-resolution clarity but focuses more on mood and style.
Most of our prints, whether of foggy hills or street-side cafés in Shimla, carried a distinct analogue texture that worked well for personal keepsakes.
A new film option called 'Brushed Metallics' adds a slight shimmer to prints. It's priced at Rs 1,299 for 10 sheets, so it's best saved for special moments.
Standard Instax Wide film costs around Rs 1,099 per pack, and both offer the exact image size with slightly different finishes.
It's worth noting that some images are slightly cropped during printing, so leaving space around key subjects while composing the shot helps avoid unintended cuts.
Verdict
The Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo is a niche product that blends digital convenience with analogue appeal. With a launch price of Rs 47, 999, it may not be an impulse buy, especially when factoring in the film cost.
But for users who enjoy printing selective, high-impact moments with creative effects, the camera offers a unique mix of control and charm.
It isn't intended to replace a smartphone or mirrorless camera. Instead, it carves out a space of its own—ideal for those who value instantly printed photos and want a bit more say in how each one turns out.
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