After so many camera releases, is the Instax Wide 400 necessary?

As someone who would describe herself as both creative and nostalgic, I've loved the Instax brand for quite some time now. I've written about getting my first Instax Mini as a teenager, shared my thoughts on the Instax Pal, and waxed lyrical about how much I love the Instax Mini 99.

While I am an instant-film fanatic, I was sceptical when I heard that Instax had another new release, the Instax Wide 400. After so many different cameras, I wondered what else this one could offer other than a wider lens. Landscape photography was my first thought, and while I couldn't coax any friends into pictures, the frames are definitely wide enough to get a photo of a big group of people. 

After playing with it for a week, here are my honest thoughts on the Instax Wide 400.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera

$229.95 on Kogan$239.68 on Amazon

Like most of Instax's newer models, the Wide 400 has some cool features that are new to the instant-film game.

Self-timer

While self-timers are becoming more popular on instant models, this has been the easiest one to use thus far. It has a dial, and when the camera is on, you just click it to the right to allocate seconds. The increments are four, six, eight, and 10 seconds, which isn't written on the dial, but you can figure it out easily enough with the instruction booklet.

Selfie-mode

The Instax Wide has a detachable selfie lens. It's a tiny plastic cap with a mirror extending from the side, so you can attach it when you need it and put it away when you don't.

It took me a while to realise how to attach it, but that's because it pops into place so easily that I was certain there'd be a trick to it.

READ MORE: An instant film fan reviews the new Instax Mini 99

Auto-exposure

This Instax model has automatic exposure and flash control, so you don't have to guess at the flash settings. This is pretty advanced for an Instant camera, and I'm still not 100 per cent certain I trust it. However, I did take most of my photos at sunset, so it's unsurprising that some are darker than others (light fading, etc.). But this one was particularly glowy, and I love the colours in it. So, thank you to auto-exposure!

Downsides

• Batteries: The Instax Wide 400 camera takes four AA batteries, with the initial four coming in the box. While this is pretty standard, I loved that the Instax Mini 99 had a rechargeable battery.

• Bulk: It's a little heavier than some of the Instax models I've tried! I don't think this is a bad thing, just something to note if you're taking it on a hike or packing it for a trip.

• User-friendliness: With auto-exposure, I actually felt like it was harder to nail the photos I was taking. I tried to be extra aware of light given I couldn't set the flash, but I think this is fine if you have a bit of practice with the camera.

The verdict

I do love this camera, the same way I love all of Instax's products. Despite often thinking they've outdone themselves and can't possibly improve again, I find more space in my heart to love their new releases.

However, I wasn't feeling it with this one after trialling the Mini 99, which I think comes down to the circumstances under which the photos were taken. I have a vision of myself taking this camera out in the summer when everything is more social and I'm trying to fit five of my friends in one instant-picture frame. I think it's perfect for group shots, landscapes, and quirky images where you need a wider frame (see my houseplants?). 

So, is it worth it?

I always think Instax cameras are worth the investment, but the choice of camera always comes down to price and preference. I would buy the Instax Wide 400 if you want something more advanced than an Instax Mini12. The Instax Wide just has more capacity to take better (and wider) photos. I love the size of the prints and how you could fit a bunch of people in the frame.

However, it's worth noting it costs more than the Instax Mini12, which continues to be one of the brand's most affordable models at $119. The Instax Wide 400 is $239.68 on Amazon, while the Instax Mini 99 (still my number-one choice) is even more expensive coming in at $271.70.

Check out more Instax cameras below

instax Mini99 Instant Camera Black

Get yours for $271.70

Instax Mini12 Instant Camera

$99 on Amazon$119 on The Iconic

Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera

$269 on AmazonStarter bundle $329 here

Instax Liplay Instant Camera

$219.95 on Amazon$249 on The Iconic

READ MORE: Take beautiful instant photos with these top Polaroid cameras