Fujifilm is tipped to launch several mirrorless cameras in 2025, including the X-E5 and an intriguing medium format compact camera called the GFX100RF. But if you’re looking for a cheap sidekick built for pure fun, the rumored Instax Wide Evo could be the most exciting of the bunch.
According to Fuji Rumorsthe Instax Wide Evo will be launching “soon”, and the formula sounds pretty simple. Take the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo (a hybrid instant camera that combines digital and film shooting), cross it with a Fujifilm Instax Wide 400, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Promisingly, Fuji Rumors’ sources claim that this Instax Wide Evo “will be considered the best-looking Instax camera ever made.” That’s subjective, but I think the Instax Mini Evo is still the most stylish instant camera out there.
Yes, it’s made of plastic, but the leather-and-chrome rangefinder-style design is the closest thing to an instant version of a Fujifilm X-Pro camera.
At this point, spec rumors are sparse – we don’t know yet if it will carry over the 35mm equivalent lens, auto flash, self-timer and other features from the Mini Evo. But an additional detail in the rumors is that there will be a “film rewind knob” on the housing, which you can turn when you want to print your photos.
That all sounds very nice, but it’s the overall concept of a stylish, versatile Instax Wide camera that I’m looking forward to…
Why I want the Instax Wide Evo
Instax film comes in three sizes (Mini, Square, and Wide), and I’ve always preferred the large format because it’s the closest thing to an actual photo rather than a small souvenir sticker. Wide is actually the size of two Mini prints with a photo size of 8.6 x 10.8 cm (or 3.4 x 4.2 inches).
The problem is that Fujifilm only has one wide-angle camera – and as our Instax Wide 400 review shows, it’s not the most complete or prettiest thing. An Instax Wide Evo could solve these problems nicely while also solving one of the main disadvantages of large format: the rising cost of film.
The advantage of a ‘hybrid’ instant camera like the Evo series is that, because the images are captured digitally and then printed, you can choose which ones to print – which is useful as 20-shot packs cost $24.99 / £16, 99 each cost. Sure, it’s not quite the pure experience of exposing film directly and waiting for it to develop, but it’s much more practical, especially if you’re a parent.
I recommended the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo to a friend who wanted an instant camera for his child, and they love it. The experience is still fun and intuitive compared to simpler Instax models. And there’s the added benefit of being able to connect the camera to other smartphones so it can act as a Bluetooth printer at parties.
The icing on the cake would be if the Instax Wide Evo could also print directly from my Fujifilm X-T5 camera, but that’s not guaranteed. For some reason, Fujifilm has limited direct printing to a few camera models, leaving the rest to use the smartphone app.
Still, that wouldn’t be a deal breaker and I would almost certainly buy an Instax Wide Evo if it lives up to the rumors. And it looks like we won’t have to wait long to find out.