ConsFirst / Instant cameras

Fujifilm

Fujifilm Instax Wide 400: the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#6 of 8
$$Instax Wide/SquareScore 3.4/5
19%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (331 ratings); Sage Green listing.

The simple way to get the biggest Instax prints, recommended for group shots and weddings by Wirecutter and TechRadar. It's bulky and heavy, offers no exposure control, and has the highest Amazon low-star share (19%) in this group, with reports of units that stop working.

Film cost: Instax Wide film: about $0.90 for color and $1.50 for black-and-white (PCMag review); about $1 (Wirecutter); from $1.39 (TechRadar). Every shot is printed.

Top complaints

  • Big and heavy

    Wirecutter says it's significantly heavier and bulkier than its other picks. TechRadar calls it a bulky model, not a camera to take on a walk. PCMag lists the bulky frame as a con.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), TechRadar, PCMag review
  • Stops working or breaks

    Amazon's review summary says some owners report it stops working completely or produces blurry images, and some units broke after two to three months of use.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • No exposure control

    PCMag says there's no exposure compensation, no manual flash control, and no multiple-exposure or bulb mode. Mixed lighting gave overexposed highlights, and the lens flares against backlight.

    Source: PCMag review

What owners love

  • Big, impactful prints

    PCMag says Wide prints are about twice the size of Mini, with good detail and accurate color. Wirecutter and TechRadar say they're ideal for landscapes and group shots.

    Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT), TechRadar
  • Easy one-button operation

    Wirecutter says it's just as easy to use as the SQ40. PCMag praises its one-button simplicity. Amazon owners find it incredibly easy to use.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Handy extras for groups

    PCMag notes a self-timer, a tripod socket, strap risers for tilting the camera, a close-up lens with mirror, and AA batteries good for about 100 exposures.

    Source: PCMag review
Good for
  • Group shots and events
  • Landscape-format prints twice the size of Mini
  • One-button simplicity with a self-timer

Scores (tap for why)

  • Photo quality4.0
    Why 4.0?Largest prints with good detail and accurate color, but flare and narrow dynamic range (PCMag). Some Amazon owners report blurry images.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page
  • Ease of use4.0
    Why 4.0?One-button camera (PCMag, Wirecutter), but close-up framing takes trial and error and you must set the focus zone (PCMag).
    Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Film cost3.5
    Why 3.5?About $0.90 a color shot (PCMag) to about $1 (Wirecutter); TechRadar lists from $1.39. Cheaper than Polaroid.
    Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT), TechRadar
  • Features & control2.5
    Why 2.5?Self-timer, tripod socket and close-up lens, but no exposure compensation, flash control or bulb mode (PCMag).
    Source: PCMag review
  • Build & battery3.0
    Why 3.0?Premium-feeling plastic and about 100 shots per set of AAs (PCMag), but it weighs about 1.4 pounds (PCMag), and some Amazon owners report units failing within months.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • PCMag: 3.5 out of 5, called the most stylish Instax Wide camera. The cons are a bulky frame and no manual controls, multiple exposure or bulb mode. PCMag prefers Lomography's Wide cameras.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): 'Worth considering' if you prefer wide prints; about $1 per image, but significantly heavier and bulkier than its picks.
  • TechRadar: Best for weddings under 'also consider': bulky, but it makes complete sense for events.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked instant cameras whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in instant camerasFujifilm Instax Mini Evo

Tom's Guide's best instant camera overall and Wirecutter's upgrade pick: a digital camera with a built-in Instax printer, so you only print the shots you like. It costs much more than analog Minis, the shape is awkward for landscape shots, and some owners find prints pixelated.

Its catch: costs much more than analog minis#2 in instant camerasFujifilm Instax Mini 99

PCMag's top pick and TechRadar's best creative camera: the most capable all-analog Instax, with built-in color effects, bulb and sports modes, and exposure control. The battery has to come out to charge, the plastic lens needs flash indoors, and Wirecutter would rather spend the money on the Mini Evo.

Its catch: battery must be charged outside the camera#3 in instant camerasFujifilm Instax Mini 41

Wirecutter's budget pick and Tom's Guide's wedding pick: a grown-up-looking, dead-simple Mini camera with creamy prints. The flash fires on every shot, which can wash out large rooms or darken selfie backgrounds, and the viewfinder is tiny.

Its catch: flash fires every time

See all 8 instant cameras ranked →