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Film photography

Instant Camera Film Formats Explained: Instax and Polaroid

Instax Mini, Square and Wide and Polaroid i-Type, 600, SX-70 and Go film compared by print size, cost per shot, compatible cameras and image style.

Quick answer

Instant cameras use film made for their system. Fujifilm Instax comes in Mini, Square and Wide, with consistent color and lower cost per shot. Polaroid uses i-Type, 600, SX-70 and Go film, with larger classic square prints and a softer, more variable look. Choose the camera by the print size and look you like, then always buy the matching film.

Pick the print you want, then the camera.

Formats compared

Film Print size (image, approx.) Cameras
Instax Mini 46 x 62 mm Instax Mini cameras
Instax Square 62 x 62 mm Instax Square cameras
Instax Wide 99 x 62 mm Instax Wide cameras
Polaroid i-Type 79 x 79 mm Newer Polaroid cameras
Polaroid 600 79 x 79 mm Vintage 600 cameras and newer
Polaroid SX-70 79 x 79 mm SX-70 cameras
Polaroid Go 47 x 46 mm Polaroid Go

Look and cost

  • Instax: reliable color, lower cost per shot.
  • Polaroid: classic large square, softer, more variable results.

Tips

Shield prints from bright light as they develop, and keep film at moderate temperatures.

See choosing film. Browse film photography.

Common questions

Can Instax film work in a Polaroid camera?

No. Each camera uses only its own film format.

What is the difference between i-Type and 600 film?

600 film has a battery in the pack for older cameras; i-Type has no battery and works in newer cameras with their own battery.

How should I store instant film?

Cool and dry, often in the fridge, and let it reach room temperature before shooting.