Fuji Instax SP1 (+ size comparison)

Fuji released a printer that is ink-less and uses the regular instax film at the CES2014. It connects to your phone (iPhone or android) via wifi signals.

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All lighted up after being turned on.

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Take a look at the size in comparison to the film. As you can see, it is really compact. And it is wireless. It uses 2 CR2 batteries that is included in the pack. (ALWAYS remember to pack spares on a trip!) according to the eBay seller, it should print 100 sheets before dying out.

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All bright and shiny! It has a white pearl finish for the body.

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I’ve previously did an entry of another Fuji Instax product. The Fuji Instax Mini 90 – Neo Classic. This camera has been really good. The quality is pretty amazing on the pictures taken by this camera.

Based on size comparison between the both, they are quite similar.

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The SP1 is a little thinner because there’s no additional lens in front of it.

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The width is quite similar.

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The best thing about this SP1 is that you don’t have to carry it around with you. You can just go around with your mobile/cell phone and print it when you get home. It’s great when I’m sitting around trying to fill up my scrap book, and all I have to do is to connect it, and print. There’s also less chances for mistakes, and you can crop a certain part from a photo that you would like to be printed.

The SP1 has additional functions, such as putting additional text onto the picture as well. You can also print a number on it. For example 1/x prints. Which is pretty cool. And it can also make prints that has the location and temperature.

The SP1, will also allow you to slap on a filter or use a filter on your phone that you like, then get it printed.

What’s good about the Neo-Classic is that actually having a picture pop up when you take it. Just a good feeling about it. When you take a photo for someone else, it pops up and everyone goes “OOOOOHHHHHH” and “what is that?”. Great way to meet people and strike up a conversation. Great for parties too.

The weight is similar between the 2.

So far, I have yet to test 2 pics in a similar lighting condition. But so far, it seems like the Neo-Classic takes sharper photos.

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So here is the comparison pic.

This is the original from my phone that I used.

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And these are the photos. The one on the left is from the SP1 and the right is the Neo-Classic. As you can see, the Neo-Classic is sharper and the background (carpet) is more similar to the actual carpet (which is in the background)

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So, in conclusion, the Neo-Classic is sharper, while the SP1 is more accurate and convenient.

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I also have the Fuji Instax Mini50s (aka: Piano Black) and the Fuji Instax 210 (the double sized pic, larger one)

This is a size comparison of the Mini50s with the SP1 and Neo-Classic.

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The photos by the Neo-Classic is a lot clearer and sharper than the Mini50s. The Mini50s was a lot clearer than the standard Fuji Instax that Fuji released (instax mini 7s and 8). Even the Mini8 which is newer than the Mini50s, did not produce photo quality that was as sharp as the Mini50s.

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This is the Fuji instax 210 in size, vs the Neo-Classic and SP1.

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The photo quality sharpness, nothing seems to beat the Neo-Classic at the moment. But the Instax 210, is on a separate playing field. This is one of the situations where you can say “size matters”. And yes, with a larger photo space, you can take in a lot more. Great for big group shots and things with a lot of background and scenery.

The biggest problem I have with the Instax 210 is battery. When the battery is low, the photos will be a little lighter too. So, remember to charge often, I use rechargeable AA x 4. At the same time, it’s not really a problem, cause you can pick up AA batteries anywhere.

Big and bulky is another issue, but I have big bags. At least now with the SP1, I won’t have to carry both the Instax 210 and a mini and a mobile phone. Just need the mobile and if I want, the Instax 210 too.

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Printed from SP1 with a filter

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Original pic

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Size matters! The top scenic pic was taken with the Mini 50s (Piano Black) and the bottom is with the Instax 210 (large one). They are of 2 different locations, the Mini is from a beach house overlooking a beach, while the large 210 is off a cliff. I find that with the Instax 210, you will be able to take in a lot more in a photo.

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Film border choices!

Plenty more to choose from for the mini. There are heaps more out there. These are just the ones I have left.

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You can get them from the holgadget website. Best to do a bit of shopping around for the best prices of course. There’s Amazon.com and eBay as well. As for eBay, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller.

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I hope this helps anyone who is looking to buy an instant camera or printer. Perfect for parties, remembering a vacation, scrap booking and sharing your life with your special other 1/2.

Enjoy!

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Update:

As per request, a rundown on the SP1 app.

This is how the app looks like on the iPhone 5. Some of it is pretty self explanatory, but I’ll break it down.

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So the 1st one is what’s called a “real time template”. It prints the date, time, location and temperature straight onto the pic. There’s no saving this pic on your phone. It’s a 1 off. (Not sure if the “reprint” button works, yet to test that one out)

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Next up is the camera, photo album, Facebook/Instagram function.

This is how it looks like normally.

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There’s 2 different filters. But nothing to worry about, since it’s on your phone, you can always download other filters, save the pics, and use it normally.

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You can next pic functions like adding title and text. The borders come in different colours, so don’t let the cyan throw you off.

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If you have square pics, you can pick plain top and bottoms to go with it.

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A cute function I like is the “limited edition pic” where you can do like a 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 pic. Etc…

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Hope this helps!

Edit to add: 15 May 2014

Fuji responded to my email regarding “lightening and darkening images” they are great! Now they have an update for the printer. I have yet to try it, but it looks like it auto adjusts photos’s lighting before printing.

Enjoy!