The liquid phase epitaxy growth and characterization of single crystal (210)-oriented thin garnet films with Bi substitution up to 1.5at.∕f.u. is reported. These epitaxial films exhibit an easy plane of magnetization which is inclined with respect to the film plane, making them uniquely suitable for garnet-based magneto-optic imagers (MOIs). In order to identify the optimal growth conditions to attain the highest sensitivity of such MOIs, the chemical composition of the films is discussed in relation with their magnetic and optic properties. It has been demonstrated that the increase in the amount of Pr tends to increase the in-plane orthorhombic anisotropy field HKi, while the rare-earth substitution by Bi has a strong effect on the canted orthorhombic anisotropy Kyz. The best MOI film had a saturation field of 130Oe and a sensitivity of 175deg∕A.