When comparing Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 vs Lomo'Instant Automat, the Slant community recommends Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 for most people. In the question“What are the best instant cameras under $150?” Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is ranked 3rd while Lomo'Instant Automat is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is:
This camera does a decent job of taking good quality photos without any additional tweaking. It generally does pretty well at setting the exposure needed, resulting in accurately exposed pictures. The flash will fire automatically in dim conditions, even if it is not turned on.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Good picture quality in automatic mode
This camera does a decent job of taking good quality photos without any additional tweaking. It generally does pretty well at setting the exposure needed, resulting in accurately exposed pictures. The flash will fire automatically in dim conditions, even if it is not turned on.
Pro Can adjust exposure compensation
The Instax Wide 300 has button for adjusting exposure compensation.
Pro Large prints
Photos the size of the credit card have become popular with these instant cameras, but the Instax prints larger photos, reminiscent of old instant film cameras.
Pro Mechanical lens cover
Has a lens cover that automatically closes when the camera is off.
Pro Comes with an attachment for taking selfies
This camera comes with an attachment for taking selfies.
Pro Great automatic performance
This camera's ambient light meter does a great job getting the proper exposure and shutter speed in most situations, particularly in indoor environments.
Pro Unlimited exposures on the same film
Multiple exposure mode allows you to take unlimited exposures on one film, which is rare for a camera in this price range.
Pro Affordable film
This camera uses the Fuji Instax film standard. While the images are small, measuring 2.4x1.8 inches, the film is the cheapest in the market costing around 60-80 US cents per picture. There is also a B&W film available, but is twice as expensive.
Pro Full flash control
The Automat offers full flash control, even when in automatic mode.
Pro IR remote control
The lens cover doubles as an IR remote controller for the camera.
Pro Available in a great bundle deal
Lomography offers a bundle deal for this camera. It adds several lens add-ons, coloured flash gels and a Splitzer for multiple exposures. It does not add a lot to the cost, so it makes sense to buy the bundle, unless you have the accessories already. Alternatively, the accessories (without the camera itself) can be bought as a set, separately.
Pro Comes with cards featuring photography hints
The Automat comes with "inspiration cards" with hints and tips to improve your shooting skills.
Pro Bulb mode for long exposures
The Automat has a bulb mode for long exposures, up to 30 seconds, and you can use the flash while in bulb mode.
Cons
Con Large, when compared to some of its competitors
The camera, while thin, is still large when compared to other cameras, due to its use of Instax Wide films and 4 AA type batteries for power.
Con Not comfortable to use with glasses
The viewfinder sticks out on the left side of the camera and is too tiny to comfortably look into while wearing glasses.
Con Defaults to the closer focus when shut off
Each time the camera is shut off, it goes back to the default 0.3m - 3m focus setting, which can be confusing and annoying.
Con Easy to understand controls.
The Instax Wide 300 only includes the basic controls. The shutter button is easy to access in landscape or portrait mode. There are only two buttons on the back, one to switch enable/disable the flash and a button for adjusting exposure compensation. A back display shows film count and current shooting mode. The focus mode can be changed by twisting the lens.
Con Counter-intuitive focusing mechanism
There are two focus settings: 0.9 - 3m or 3m to infinity. While the camera does a decent job at taking pictures in these modes, it does become confusing when the subject is approximately 3 meters away and you have to guess the mode that you need to use.
Con No autofocus
This camera doesn't have autofocus.
Con Sometimes the picture gets overexposed
In some cases the camera tends to overexpose the picture, necessitating adjusting the exposure control to darken the image.
Con Automatic mode has issues with high dynamic range pictures
This camera's automatic mode can struggle when dealing with contrasty outdoor scenes, such as dark buildings against bright skies. For what it's worth, you can correct the exposure manually to choose between capturing either the darker or the brighter areas of the scene.
Con Batteries can be hard to find
The camera is powered by CR2 type batteries that are long lasting and compact, but may be hard to find.
