Never in the history of Photography have we been taking more pictures than this very moment – yes, as you read this there are more people taking pictures than ever before in the history of the medium. But what happens to those pictures is an entirely different story, a select few make it onto social media where most just get lost in the ether of your phone. The latest INSTAX printer, the INSTAX Link Wide, is encouraging photographers to do more than just take pictures, but instead to give those pictures you take.
Tech Specs via Fujifilm
| Recording method | 3-color exposure with OLED |
| Film used | FUJIFILM INSTAX WIDE Instant Film (sold separately) |
| Number of Images per Film Pack | 10 images/pack |
| Image size | 2.4 in. x 3.9 in. / 62 mm x 99 mm |
| Supported image size | 800×1260 dots |
| Printing resolution | 12.5 dots/mm (318 dpi, 80µm dot pitch) |
| Printing levels | 256 levels per color (RGB) |
| Interface | Standard compliance: Bluetooth Ver. 4.2 (BLE) |
| Supported image format | JPEG, PNG, HEIF, DNG |
| Power supply | Lithium-ion battery (internal type: not removable) |
| Charging time | Approximately 80 to 120 minutes (Charging time depends on the temperature and battery remaining level) |
| Main unit dimensions | 5.5 in. x 5.0 in. x 1.3 in. / 139 mm x 127.5 mm x 33.7 mm (excluding projecting parts) |
Why We Like It
The truth is you should be printing more of the photos you take. If nothing else, it provides a medium by which you can easily give a keepsake or physical reminder of a shared memory. The INSTAX Link Wide helps by allowing you to shoot on your phone or on a compatible Fujifilm camera (like the S-X10). While not quite pocketable, it’s easy to toss in a bag and carry it with you. Quick charging and battery life for up to 100 prints make it easy to share in the moment and have plenty of juice for printing at home.
The wide, instant film format lends itself well to the Link Wide app’s editing features like Collage Prints, Sketch, and Handwriting. And if a static memory isn’t enough, the QR code functionality can help you add anything from websites to geotagging to voice notes – because why not. And if you’re sold but not sure about the white border that’s synonymous with instant film, Fujifilm also announced a new high-contrast, Black bordered film pack to go with their new portable photo printer.
Wrap It Up
Very simply, there’s something special about a tangible product. Being able to share moments with friends and family is one thing but have a physical memory of that moment is another. While studies show that taking more photographs has adversely affected the way we remember things, memories tied to objects last longer and have a more pleasant effect. The INSTAX Link Wide will be available in late October and is expected to retail for $149.99 (MSRP). The new Black INSTAX Wide instant film will also be available for $21.99 per pack of 10 exposures.
