Fujifilm’s new Instax Square Link is the latest in the company’s range of pocketable instant photo printers. These printers are made with the same film cartridges used in the Instax instant cameras. They can produce high-quality prints in seconds and have a popular retro look.
As a direct replacement for 2017’s Instax Share SP-3, the new printer brings some welcome updates. Not all changes are good.
This article will explain the differences between these two models and help you decide which one to buy or whether it is time to upgrade.
Fujifilm’s Instax Square Link is available alongside the Instax Share SP-3.
The Main Differences in a Glance
The Instax Square Link now offers:
- Redesigned, lighter and more compact body
- Improved print output with the new ‘rich’ print mode
- Bluetooth Connection instead of WiFi
- A USB-C charging port
- New battery with lower capacity but faster charging time
- All-new smartphone app featuring improved features
InstaxShare SP-3 Features
- Fujifilm mirrorless cameras can be connected directly to this computer
- Indicator lights
- Removable battery
Redesigned Body — smaller, lighter, but still missing indicators
Available in ‘ash white’ or ‘midnight green’, the Instax Square Link features a smaller and significantly lighter body with subtly curved lines that give it the appearance of a small pillow. The Tesla Cybertruck’s design inspiration is the Instax Share SP-3’s pointed and angular design. It comes in simple ‘black’ or ‘white’ versions.
One thing missing from the new printer’s design is the Instax Share SP-3’s row of LED indicator lights. Without having to download the companion app, these lights show how much film is left and how long it will take for them to run out.
Print Output – New color mode
Perhaps the most important change in print quality is the one that has occurred.
Both printers use Fujifilm’s Instax Square film, which produces 62mm x 62mm images framed on a durable 86mm by 72mm print. Technology and print resolution remain unchanged at 800×800 pixels with 256 colors available for each component of the red, green and blue color components.
However, many will prefer the output from the Instax Square Link which now adds Fujifilm’s new ‘Rich’ print mode. This delivers richer, more vibrant colors than the ‘classic’ Instax look, which remains available as an optional setting.
Bluetooth Connection
A second important change is the switching from Wi-Fi connection to Bluetooth. The Instax SP-3’s Wi-Fi connection could often prove a little cumbersome to set up. Instead, the Instax Square Link uses a simpler Bluetooth 4.2 connection.
USB-C Charging
The printer can also be charged via USB-C ports, rather than micro-USB like the Instax Share SP-3. Note that only Bluetooth connections via the companion app are supported for printing, you can’t print directly from a laptop with a USB cable.
New Battery – Lower capacity, faster charging
Where the Instax Share SP-3 came with a replaceable NP-50 rechargeable battery, the Instax Square Link comes with a fixed battery that can’t be replaced. This reduces the maximum number printed from 160 to 100 per charge. It is worth thinking about if you plan to use the printer while out on the streets or at events. The new camera charges much faster than the Instax Share SP-3, which takes three hours to recharge.
A brand new smartphone app
Each Instax printer includes its own smartphone app. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Instax Square Link app offers some new features that will allow you to edit and enhance your photos.
Both cameras’ apps allow you to edit, crop and save your photos, but the Instax Square Link also adds augmented reality features which let you add animated overlays and messages to your photos which become visible when viewed via the in-app camera.
These can be activated with a QR code. It is printed in the corner and can be scanned using any smartphone. To view the results, the viewer must first have the Instax Square Link App installed. Scanning the QR code will prompt them to install it if they don’t have it already. They don’t need to own an Instax printer to be able to do this, although there are several unnecessary and unskippable setup screens that must be navigated before they can start using it.
Also new is Fujifilm’s Instax Connect feature which allows the user to add personal messages to any image before sending it directly to any of their contacts. A notification will be sent to the recipient allowing them the option to print the image along with the message overlay. It can also be used to create reminders for your calendar.
Direct Camera Connection Removed
The Instax Share SP-3 has a key feature that is missing from the Instax Square Link, which allows you to print directly from any of Fujifilm’s digital cameras. Owners of supported cameras will be able to create instant prints using the Instax Share SP-3, without needing to download the smartphone app. Unfortunately, direct printing is not available with the new model.
Prices
The good news is that the Instax Square Link is significantly less expensive, retailing at £129.99$139.95 USD Vs £174.99/$199.95 USD for the Instax Share SP-3. However, the Instax Share SP-3 is no longer available on the US Instax site. Prices are already increasing as stocks decrease.
The bottom line
While the Instax Square Link prints vibrant photos, is cheaper, lighter, and more attractive than the Instax SP-3 printer, it lacks camera connectivity and an extended battery life. While the new printer will appeal to most users, it is not the best choice for everyone. However, if you are looking for any additional features, consider purchasing an Instax Share SP-3 right away.
Below are key specs for the two printer models:
Table of features in Instax Square Link Vs. Share SP-3
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