Fujifilm Instax Square Link Vs Instax Share SP-3: What’s The Difference?
Fujifilm’s new Instax Square Link is the latest in the company’s range of pocketable instant photo printers. These printers use the same cartridges that the highly successful Instax instant camera to produce great prints with retro looks in just a matter of seconds.
As a direct replacement for 2017’s Instax Share SP-3, the new printer brings some welcome updates. Not all changes have been good.
To help you choose which model to purchase or whether you need to upgrade, here are the differences.
Fujifilm’s Instax Square Link is available alongside the Instax ShareSP-3.
A quick overview of the main differences
Instax Square Link now available:
- Redesigned and lighter body.
- Improved print output with the new ‘rich’ print mode
- Bluetooth connection instead of WiFi
- A USB-C charging port
- A new battery that has a lower charge but a faster charging time
- A brand new smartphone app that offers improved features
Instax Share SP-3 Features:
- Fujifilm mirrorless cameras can be connected directly to this computer
- Indicator lights
- Removable battery
The Redesigned Body is smaller, lighter and still lacks 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 was inspired by the Instax Share SP-3’s pointed and angular shape. 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 what battery life remains.
Print Output: New color mode
The most important change is in the print quality.
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 update is to switch from WiFi connectivity to Bluetooth. The Instax SP-3’s Wi-Fi connection could often prove a little cumbersome to set up. Now, Instax Square Link works via a simple Bluetooth 4.2 link.
USB-C Charging
New printers can also be charged via USB-C ports, rather than the micro-USB used by 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.
A new battery – faster charging, lower capacity
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. The maximum print speed is reduced from 160 to 100 with a single recharge. It is worth thinking about if you intend to use the printer when out and about as well as at events. The charge times for the Instax Share SP-3 are three hours, and the time it takes to charge the camera with the new model is only 80 minutes.
All New Smartphone App
Each Instax printer includes its own app for smartphones. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, Instax Square Link adds new features to allow users to share, edit and enhance their 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.
You activate them by scanning a QR code printed in the corner. Any smartphone can scan it to trigger the effects. To see the effects, the viewer will need to have Instax Square Link 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 of printing the image along with the message overlay. The calendar reminds can be set up.
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 from any of the Fujifilm digital cameras. This feature allows users of compatible cameras to print instant prints directly from their Instax Share SP-3s without needing to open the app on their smartphone. Direct printing has been discontinued on this 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. But, Instax Share SP-3 is no longer available on the US Instax website. Prices are already rising due to stock shortages.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Although the Instax Square Link produces more vivid photos and is less expensive than the Instax SP-3, it’s smaller and lighter, and has a shorter battery life. While the printer’s new features will appeal to most people, you should consider purchasing an Instax Share SP-3 if your needs are more specific.
Below are key specs for the printer models:
Instax Square link Vs. ShareSP-3 Table
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