instax WIDE 400 review: Fujifilm's FIRST wide camera in ten years! 

My instax WIDE 400 review - Fujifilm's first wide camera in 10 years! Order the instax WIDE 400 from Amazon: amzn.to/4c0f1ux or B&H: bhpho.to/3KPfWSC Sell your used gear to MPB at: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Buy used gear from MPB at: prf.hn/l/YLqwRAP Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: ru-vid.com Polaroid Hoodie from: www.themainesouvenirshop.com Equipment used for producing my videos DJI Osmo Pocket 3: click.dji.com/AIOhqT-LWUFDq-bGk8hD4Q?pm=link Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): amzn.to/3PrKbPV Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Ugh, Fujifilm... What a missed opportunity! For ten years we have been begging for a Wide camera with more controls, such as flash override, double exposure etc. And we got this, while the Mini 90 and 99 have more features. AND the selfie mode is not built-in, like on the latest Mini and Square cameras. The 500AF from 1999 is still more capable than the 400. On the bright side, this should mean Fujifilm is not planning to discontinue Instax Wide in the near future.

I was expecting all the features of the mini 99 in the new wide camera... sad times...

Pentax 17 and Instax WIDE 400 announced on the same day? I'm sensing a pattern.

I go through boxes & boxes of instax wide a month & was really hoping to be able to buy a new camera with more features. This is a step backwards, turning on the flash is absolutely essential for instax wide portraits. I was hoping for a Evo type or something for an easier experience.

Well that's a let down on Fujifilm's end. They peaked with the 500AF then decided to take a step back then even stepped further back again. As much as I love my 300 and what it can do. I still want something more and this sure as heck isn't gonna cover that.

I got mine a couple days ago and i love it. Its a no brainer, just point & shoot and get a great picture. I think Fujifilm made the right choice here making a simple instant camera for the masses.

This camera looks like something printed out at home with a 3D printer.

If I had a social life, or friends, I'd love this camera.

I used to own the original wide version and loved it. I've got an album in the loft that documents a lot of my early 20's in this wide format, which I'm so grateful for as the digital photos I took back then have long been lost. The biggest downside was the bulk and the cost of prints. Great to see an updated version of this camera, though. Brilliant video as always Gordon - I hope you're well mate!

What a weird downgrade from the Wide 300. Instax is such a money maker for Fujifilm. I have a wide printer that I’ve run hundreds of prints through. I’m going to keep on using the printer and never bother with the Instax wide camera.

New sub here. I love the mini instax evo because it is a digital camera that can also print. Would be wonderful if they did this again in the other sizes. Great video!

Thanks for reviewing

I’m definitely still with my Fujifilm INSTAX 500AF that I imported from Japan. I doubt it will ever be surpassed I terms of the INSTAX wide format.

I'm new to Instax shooting, and use their GFX line as my main camera system. I did pre-order the 400, and I feel having zero control over anything other than basic focal ranges will be fun in its own way. Also, how helpful was exposure value adjustment, being you probably wouldn't know which way it would need to be adjusted until you fired off a print? Mostly getting this for an instant photowalk group in my area, and models I work have expressed that they like getting prints while on shoots. We'll see though, and hopefully I won't feel like I wasted money.

As someone who knows nothing about photography and just wants to point, shoot, this simpler approach actually appeals a lot! I always struggle with getting the exposure and flash controls of the mini 90 right.

Companies keep dumbing down cameras instead of making their layouts modern with all the settings needed. Odd choices. Hope it works out. Did any instax users want more automatic system and fewer options?

A self timer is great! Finally.

I like the twist to power on feature due to my 300 powering on with the accidental flick of the switch

I actually just ordered one anyway even with how simple it is. I have 3 young kids and Im just trying to fit hopefully everyone in the picture and click:). The quality of your shots seems good enough for my beginner skills! Looking forward to try it for our upcoming pregnancy photoshoot:) Thanks for the review!

Oh man, what a missed opportunity. I was looking forward to this camera, now I'm looking to the new polaroid instead.

Pentax 17 and the Instax Wide 400 had a huge opportunity to get the film community excited and pumped up, but only left a bitter sweet taste and the feeling of a let down due to a huge void that could have been filled easily.. I'm sticking to my 300 where I managed to figure out a way to get a timer.

I just bought this camera. I have the 300 as well. I am not a fan of the photo quality of the 300, but love the Wide printer. I am considering returning the 400 if it’s not worth keeping. I haven’t opened the box. 🤔

I have a theory: If they release a more advanced camera later, let's call it the Instax Wide 600, the higher price of that camera needs to be justified by it being more advanced than the base model. Perhaps the 300 is already "too advanced" when compared to the future 600 model so people don't feel the need to upgrade. So by selling the 400 until the old 300 stock runs out, the Instax 600 will be compared to the 400, therefore making it look way more advanced and the price justified. The ugly color also fits this theory when the 600 is released in a more professional looking black.

Doesn't make me regret getting the Wide printer last year

This type of "fun" camera isn't my thing but judging from the comments, this Fuji Instax Wide 400 has gone down almost as well as the Canon R100!

Interesting! I wonder if there can be a way to use these paper print packs as a film substitute in a 6x9 medium format camera via some kind of instant film back, maybe a 3d printed one. Keep up the good work!

I too was hoping Fuji would step up their game. I am enjoying the quality of the Polaroid I-2 body, though the film is still so-so vs Instax. The Nons SL645 produces sharp results, proving the lenses are the weak link for Instax, but is a bit slow for quickly moving toddlers.

I wish they would do a more retro design akin to the mini 90, but I do like the look for the basic wide model (more than the new square camera design). and honestly, wish this one had multiple exposures

Great review as always. A bit "meh" camera though. I'll stick with my Instax Wide printer for now.

I love my Wide 300 but I also enjoy automatic cameras...BUT I will wait until the price drops or buy it used.

what a bummer on not opting for a more manual control camera like polaroid did with the i2, its what we wanted 😥

The mini gets all the innovation - evo, 99 etc. I’d love a glass-lensed high spec square or wide (or both)

Wouldn't it be possible, since it's a fixed lens, to have a light-meter on the camera? Then you could have an EV indicator, as well. Then with control over shutter speed and aperture, you could get the exposure correct, all analogue. THAT would make for a great instant camera.

Thanks for the review on this Gordon. When you brought up it actually lost the manual controls to lighten or darker the exposure I was surprised. I’m convinced at this point that the instax team is trying force people to buy the printer by releasing terrible camera options for their wide film. Time to find my wide 200 a backup. It has the best manual control set up of all the wide cameras hands down.

Thanks Gordon! Bummer Fuji didn't do anything more with this camera...

Photos are beautiful!

I was hoping they released something like the Mini 99 for Instax Wide 😢

Can it be said that the "loss" of exposure compensation dials happened because Instax has a new light meter / sensors built in? I think Instax also abandoned those setting options on Mini or Square models after they got better light meterin, but I am not sure. In this case it wouldn't be that bad, as Instax surely aims at getting the best photos out automatically. I think the dials were never there for people to individually exposue their pictures in the first place. They were just a necessity Instax thought they needed to implement to get good pictures.

Does the same size film for the 300 fit for the new 400 🤔🤔🤔🤔 from one day to another the pictures from my 300 would come out blank/white (wasting my film) after I had just bought 3 more packs of film. Interested in buying the new 400 after finding out the 300 was discontinued

I spoke with Fuji Instax a number of months ago about their move to remove any buttons that offer control over exposure or flash: they simply aren't interested in making new cameras with these features anymore, so expect to see more cameras like this where we are locked into whatever settings the automatic exposure offers us. I bought the square version of this camera, and was severely disappointed at how under-exposed my shots were. Unless you're outside shooting in broad daylight, these new cameras just suck.

Fuji instant film is way better than Polaroid. And yes, I have both.

If they put all of the features from the instax SQ6 (macro, landscape, & double exposure) onto the instax WIDE, then I will be having one.

In this announcement, I am happy only with batteries instead of a non-removable battery. And I buy the previous model😅

I got high expectations for this camera after the release of the mini 99, totally disappointed.

I'm super happy with my instax wide printer and shooting with my phone. Better to have a little control over exposure and what gets printed. Call me a control freak. Maybe i'll get a camera case that looks like a box of film- just for the vibe.

manually opening and closing the lens should save a ton of battery right?

Is black and white wide film available for this camera?

I know they are going for simplicity, but I'll love a professional body with manual control, something like InstantKon RF70.

pretty disappointed with the extra controls gone. appreciate the new viewfinder but ill stay with the 300 for now and wait for a wide evo if that ever eventuates.

Fujifilm take Fuji SQ1 and and extended for a wide format nothing more, what a waste of opportunity, I hope I don't have to wait 10 more years for a real wide format camera

Disappointed that this still takes 4x AAs instead of 2 and that it still uses a close up lens. That’s why I held off from buying the wide 300 for so long, I just expected modern refinement.

Somehow this seems IMO to further validate that the Fuji execs have decided to pursue a MVP strategy for this whole gen of camera products when the opportunity was wide open to really innovate and take more risks by putting out more developed, advance products. Hopefully there is better leadership herein at Fuji if the industry as a whole will survive the current software wave

Well, darn, I was hoping for a new wide camera with more controls. Oh, well. I am glad this means they're still supporting the wide format. I have the wide 300 and love it with all its clunkiness and simplicity. It's one of my favorite cameras. The wide printer would be fun, so maybe that's next. Thanks for your review!! :)

Thanks for the candid review. I hope it’s a matter of time until we see a more advanced SQ9x and Wide-9xx, sooner rather than later. The wide print’s larger aspect ratio is so striking that it would be a shame not to use a better capture device paired with a wide printer, at least for now.

Great review. Disappointing sequel from Fuji though...

It seems that upgrade was given to a bunch of intermediate school students as a summer job project...

Thanks Gordon for another good review. I'm very disappointed in Fuji. I love wide format and I really enjoy the 300, but I just expected more from Fuji with this one. If it had been a hydrid or better still a model that had more controls like the 99, I would have probably bought one. Wide supporters have been asking Fuji for years for a more capable Wide camera. They obviously dont listen. Sad.

That's a gigantic Instax 😮

Would love for Fuji to release an Instax version of the Polaroid I-2.

I will keep my wide 300, sounds like a much better choice.

For years, people have been calling for an updated Instax Wide camera with more control, but instead we get this and it’s even worse than the 300. I don’t understand what Fuji were thinking when they designed this.

Very,very disappointed by this from Fuji. I have 2x300wides that are both sadly broken. Both turned on in a camera bag whilst getting them out too shoot. So I was really hoping that the 400 would of been an update and fixed that problem,of always swiping the on button,but for them set back It doesn’t seem worth it all. Absolutely gutted! And I agree with what you said in this video. If you want to just point and shoot and just treat it like a big mini then great but hopefully they will bring out maybe a 450 😂. Self timer/zoom on button Just as a side note if by some miracle does anyone know if there is a repair place in the uk that does actual fix 300? Would be greatly appreciated if anyone does

Im glad i decided to go with a printer

I've always liked the idea of the wide Instax but was turned off by the one camera Fuji offered due to it being basically a point-and-shoot when it seems like the perfect film to use with a camera with lots of adjustments. So after 10 years, they come out with a new version with even less flexibility. Hard pass again. It seems Lomography remains the only reasonable option for this film

It took Fuji TEN YEARS to make a Wide camera worse than its predecessor? What a complete failure. I much prefer my Lomo instant wide. They are our only hope for a new Wide that’s actually good.

Great review Sir! I really enjoyed seeing the close-up shots you were able to take with the wide 400. It's a shame it doesn't have built-in close-up functionality like the newer mini cameras, but the accessory seems to work well. I think for people who want a wide format Instax camera, this is a great option, especially considering the price point.. ✌️

I am waiting for a hybrid wide... huhuhu

A missed opportunity for Fujifilm here. This camera is crying out for a decent lens. Now with less control, I'm sure remaining stock of wide 300 models will be snapped up very quickly. I think I'll stick with my 100 model that I picked up off ebay for £9 a few years ago.

OMG! This is it? Let me fake a smile… just heard a song - “why do I keep f*!#in’ up?”🤭 My X-M1 gives me peace of mind.

Damn they couldn't just make a wide mini evo or other varieties with upgraded components. It was the best instax they have imo, just needed a new improved version

Same as the loss of manual features from the previous SQ6 to the current square. They obviously are not considering serious photographers' needs.

It sucks that we have to go with 3rd party 3d printed mods to make instax work with interchangeable lenses, external flash, and full manual control.

As exciting as the Instal Pal. But better AF than the XH2s, I bet.

A significant downgrade. Disappointing. Thanks for another honest review.

Insane price per print

I bought a cheap half frame camera on aliexpress the other day but this is also very tempting if some used. 35mm film is too bloody expensive and the developing very unreliable. (and also damn expensive) Meanwhile instax film is rather cheap and instant......

I would not buy it simply because they moved the viewfinder window from the left side to the right side. I'll stick with my Wide 300 model

I really was hoping Fujifilm would drop an Instax camera with fully manual modes such as the Polaroid I-2.

These cameras really need a Bluetooth trigger, just like a 'phone ..... a self-timer really doesn't cut it any more, that dash back to the chosen spot and then trying to look unhurried and sensible.

Oh dear me, I love nearly all the Fuji Instax range but after a 10 year wait this new 400 seems like a massive step backwards. Will continue to use my Wide printer instead ..... If Fuji had launched a modern, even better, version of the 500AF then despite being obviously more expensive it would have been a huge seller. Come on Fuji listen to what people want !

So sad that the cost per print is 5 times higher than it should be.

Never get your hopes up

SAME cameras since launch. Exposure time 1/200 max, might as well buy one used for 30-50$ and film the rest of the money. What exactly is new ? The colors ? Woooooow

nice! instax is a fun camera first, i wont miss any manual control.

They should've added autofocus and autoexposure. That'd make it way less frustrating for most people at very little added cost.

Was about to buy an Instax 300 I stopped when I seen this video...back to the 300 I think

This is Fuji's way of saying they're not interested in supporting the Wide format anymore. They threw us a bone with this, but it's a laughable attempt at an Instax Wide, at best. Fuji had an opportunity here to do something really magical with the Wide format, and they made their stance known.

the fact that they took away some "features" from the Wide 300..is really disappointing...sticking to the Wide 300 for now..lol

Just like the upgrade we had with the Instax Mini 99 coming from the Instax 90, I was expecting something similar from the Instax Wide 300, but this one feels so disappointing, the color looks sad and cheap, even the Wide 300 looks much better, it had an LCD screen with basic info, In sorry to say this, but this feels like a downgrade

Gotta love that North Korean industrial design.....

Considering Fujifilm make some of the nicest looking cameras available... Why do they also insist on making ugly Instax cameras? I know the Instax line does well regardless, but it would do even better if the cameras were aesthetically pleasing and made from better materials.

I think they missed an opportunity. I get impression no one is at the steering wheel for Fujifilm Instax cameras in terms of direction or vision. Maybe they going to do a Polaroid. We need a hybrid Square and Wide camera. With a toggle button to go traditional instant print or hybrid digital cheat. It really is a shame as instant cameras are so popular at the moment but there isn’t a camera that really is modern and takes them to the next level. Good honest review and you could read the disappointment in your voice although very politely, cheers.

that's a big HELL NA

First :D Dam, it was long ago I used to watch your vids, when you used to zoom in on same area in all vids. That was quite some time ago. (16 years, dam!)

What a shame, honestly. They could do so much more with the wide format.

Seriously don't see the point. Has been forever but it's not even an upgrade. Only good thing is the self timer

Theres an "instant photography world" 🤔🤔🤔

The worst problem of these cameras is the economy. Cost of cartridges especially. 1€ per shot is really disgusting. It needs some 3rd party suppliers to create some competition and push price at least to 1/3 level. Maybe in western countries this is not an issue, but here in mid/east Europe spending 1€ for tiny photo is too much. Then another issue is the design. I received Instax 300 Wide as a reward in one raffle for free, but c'mon. In local shops it costs around €130-140 like some proper digital compact camera with zoom lens, AF, display etc. But that simple ugly plastic construction with almost zero functionality barely deserves €30 price tag. Some normal ergonomically shaped camera with metal covers will be much better and might justify those €130. (I bought barely used Olympus Stylus 1s for the same money.)

Hmmm kinda disappointed about this wide 400. Glad I could get my hands on a wide 300 and I have the wide printer so I will stick to that.