From the time I was an assistant in NYC, polaroids were a tool, a photo sharing item, and yes, an art form.

Here is a Polaroid shot on a Hasselblad back testing the lighting from back in the day. Like waaaay back in the day!

We have progressed, and Fuji has taken up the mantle of instant photos. Sure, it’s nice to have a digital copy of your photos. Having a physical print of an image is a whole other thing!
Fuji Instax has given life to this category in a full ranging line-up.

It’s true there are some other options out there as well! Here are just 3 possibilities:

*Instax Wide EVO

*Instax Wide Smartphone Printer

*HP Sprocket 200

By the way, BH Photo does expedited shipping so you’ll get your camera/printer in time for the holidays!!

This year the Instax Wide EVO is a clear winner for the Instax crowd.
I’m in that crowd!

With a sleek design, and textured surface, this camera has so many features for your instant photo experience. The ability to

It has a 16MP Sensor, Fixed 16mm f/2.4 lens., built in flash, You have choices of about 20 different color features,  5 diff design modes like film strip or date/time stamp (and full control over your exposure!) Yes, you are seeing a mirrored circle on the front for your selfie pleasure.

Usually, one of the downsides of instant photography in the past, is that once the print comes out, it’s a one and done. That hasn’t been the case for a while. And this camera also takes a micro-SD to store all the images, and connects via Bluetooth to an app on your phone, then txt/email an image.
So print, save to micro-sd, and share to an app. Choices.
But the experience of a print in the hand is everything. This camera can also be used as a printer, using photos from your phone ported through the app.

You get about 100 exposures per charge.
I would recco spending a pack of 10 photos to get your preferences down pat. Or save to the micro SD, and BT to the app.So many creative choices. Yes, there is internal memory that stores about 45 photos, without a micro-sd card

The controls are right where you want them, and all your creative choices are visible on the true to size screen on the back.
You still get that satisfaction of the print appearing to move up from the screen to a physical print in your hand!

Sells for about $410.

One feature I wish was included was QR code printing and custom sketch application.

Those features are available on the Instax Wide Smartphone Printer.

Imagine handing out a photo from your archive, or that you just took with a QR code leading to your contact info, or maybe Linktree.

You can also doodle or add design that you created added onto a photo. See above.

The Wide Printer sells for about $190

Now there are simpler systems.
The HP Sprocket 200 is an unassuming rectangle that prints directly from your phone, and the print are thin and can also be stickers!
Very fun, and  simple.
All connected fast and easy to Bluetooth, and the image was adjustable in the app before printing. As you can see these prints are smaller than the Instax Wide above.

To be fair about the same size as Fuji Instax mini.
About $90.

The overall concept of instant photos is one that we all can relate to. Sure, sending a digital image is one thing. But…..

I almost feel the same way about physical business cards vs. digital cards.

A well designed card that you can hold in your hand will probably get remembered more that a digital contact card added to a phone will.

OK, fine. Maybe I’m just old school like that. I love having and giving instant photos!