The different Instax film formats: Mini, Square and Wide

Instax, developed by Fujifilm, occupies a leading position in the instant camera market. The Instax range offers a variety of film formats, including Instax Mini, Instax Square and Instax Wide.

The Instax Mini format, as its name suggests, is small, about the size of a credit card. The Square format is the Instax square format. The Instax Wide format is wider and larger.

The various Instax formats are available not only in instant cameras such as the Instax Mini 99, Square SQ40 or Wide 400, but also in instant printers such as the Mini Link 2, Square Link and Link Wide.

Explore with us the three Instax film formats: Mini, Square and Wide.

Discover the compatibility of each film with the corresponding Instax cameras and instant printers, the differences between each format and their respective advantages, as well as the ideal situations for using each of them.

1. Instax Mini format

The Instax Mini format is one of three film formats offered by Instax. It is designed for use with compatible instant cameras, such as the Instax Mini 99, Mini 40, Mini Evo and Mini Link 2 instant printers.

Instax Mini films are distinguished by their small, credit-card-like size, ideal for slipping into a wallet or cell phone case.

Instax cameras using this film are equipped with a portrait-type lens, ideal for photographing portraits of two people. Although the photo size is relatively small, there’s something unique about this format.

Developed photos are 54mm x 85mm in size, with an image area of 46mm x 62mm. Mini format films are also the cheapest of the 3 Instax formats, with a 2×10 pack priced at €16.99.

For a more detailed explanation of the different Instax Mini cameras, take a look at our comparative article on the Mini range of instant cameras.

2. Instax Square format

The Square format, launched by Fujifilm in 2017, quickly became a success due to its resemblance to the Polaroid format, only smaller.

The Square format is a square format with a 1:1 aspect ratio. It is designed for use with compatible instant cameras, such as the Instax SQ1 or Instax SQ40 or the Square Link instant printer. This more generous size enables you to capture finer details and offers a larger surface for expressing your creativity.

Developed photos are 86mm x 72mm in size, with an image area of 62mm x 62mm. Square format films cost €18.99 for the 2×10 pack.

3. Instax Wide format

The Wide format is the largest of the Instax films. Unlike the Mini, which has been very popular, the Wide has not been as successful, and Fujifilm had only offered one camera model for this format, the Instax Wide 300. Instax recently updated the Wide range with the brand-new Wide 400.

The Link Wide instant printer has also recently been launched. Photos taken with the Wide format can be in horizontal or landscape format. This makes it ideal for larger group photos. Instant cameras using this film are also equipped with a wider lens.

Instax Wide photos measure 108 mm x 85 mm, with an image area of 99 mm x 62 mm. For Wide format film, a 2×10 pack costs €18.99.

4. Comparison of Instax photo sizes

Mini, Square and Wide formats. The Mini and Square formats are as tall as the Wide format, but the Wide is wider.

If you photograph a subject with the 3 different formats, you’ll be able to see the difference between them straight away. From left to right in the second image, there’s a photo in Instax Square format, a second in Mini format, and the third in Wide format.

The focal length of each Instax instant camera format is different, giving you a wider or narrower view. The Square has a longer focal length than the Mini, and the Wide has a longer focal length than both the Mini and the Square. So you get a much wider view when you have an Instax Wide like the Wide 400 or the Link Wide.

Mini and Square format films are also available in a variety of colors and patterns, giving you the opportunity to create more creative and playful photos.

So which Instax format should you choose: Mini, Square or Wide?

When you buy an Instax, you need to choose between Instax Mini, Instax Square or Instax Wide . To help you choose the ideal Instax format, you need to consider your personal preferences and how you intend to use your instant camera.

The Mini format is compact and portable, ideal for taking spontaneous photos with you wherever you go.

The Square format offers an artistic aesthetic thanks to its balanced frame and larger image area, enabling detailed, creative compositions.

As for the Wide format, it’s perfect for group photos or landscapes, offering a larger image area.

In short, choose the Instax format that best suits your intended use and the photos you want to take.