Fujifilm has introduced the Instax WIDE Evo, a new hybrid instant camera aimed at users who want greater control over their instant photography experience without sacrificing ease of use. Launching across the Middle East, the WIDE Evo builds on the success of the compact mini Evo by supporting the larger Instax WIDE film format—approximately double the size of the mini prints—and adding a range of expanded features for more expressive shooting.
The Instax WIDE Evo allows users to preview their photos using the built-in LCD screen before printing, a feature familiar to hybrid instant camera users. It also doubles as a smartphone printer, offering versatility beyond in-camera captures. What sets this model apart is its combination of ten lens effects and ten film effects, which can be layered to create up to 100 unique shooting combinations. For the first time in the Instax lineup, the WIDE Evo includes a “Degree Control” dial, giving users the ability to fine-tune lens effects like color gradation and light intensity across 100 levels—a notable step toward greater creative flexibility.
Fujifilm has also added two new features tailored to the wide-format experience: “Film Style” for framing photos with one of six border designs, and “Wide Angle Mode,” which enables broader shots to take full advantage of the larger film size. These additions are clearly intended to position the WIDE Evo as more than just a fun snapshot device—it’s a deliberate move toward more nuanced photographic expression within the instant camera space.
The camera’s design reinforces this approach. With a textured black body and metallic highlights, the WIDE Evo adopts a retro-inspired aesthetic while offering analog-style operation through manual dials and a mechanical print crank. The tactile experience aligns with the brand’s broader appeal to users who enjoy the physical process of photography alongside digital convenience.
Coinciding with the camera’s release, Fujifilm is also launching a new Instax WIDE film variant called “Brushed Metallics.” This film features a dark gradient metallic border that adds a distinct visual edge to prints, appealing to users seeking a more stylish finish for their photos.
Fujifilm is also integrating social features via a dedicated app for iOS and Android. The app includes a “Discover Feed,” where users can explore images posted by other WIDE Evo users worldwide, along with the specific filter combinations used. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to favorite these effect setups and replicate them on their own devices. Additionally, the app enables smartphone printing, editing, and easy sharing to social media platforms.
With a retail price of USD 349 (excluding VAT), the Instax WIDE Evo is now available in key MENA markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, and Egypt through major retailers like Amazon, noon, Grandstores, and others. Pricing and availability may vary by country and seller.
While the camera is clearly aimed at enthusiasts who want more from their instant photography, Fujifilm stops short of overhauling the genre. The Instax WIDE Evo maintains the playful, on-the-go ethos of the brand but adds a level of refinement that could appeal to serious hobbyists. Whether that’s enough to justify the higher price tag will depend on how users value manual control and larger prints—but for those looking to elevate their instant photography, this hybrid model offers more room to experiment without stepping into fully digital territory.
