Fujifilm has successfully pioneered a resurgence of interest in the instant film cameras which had been hugely popular in the 80s and 90s but almost went extinct with the arrival of inexpensive digital and ubiquitous phone cameras.
The instant film cameras have in recent years found a new audience with a social media-minded younger generation.
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini range is famed for its affordability, ease of use, and the fun immediate gratification users get from its small instant prints.
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I bring mine – a more retro-styled Mini Evo – to weddings and family gatherings and the instant prints are always a source of joy and a novelty in this primarily digital age.
The prints are also ideal for slipping in your wallet, scrapbook or putting on a pin board.
What's new in Instax Mini 12?
Fujifilm has released several generations of the Instax Mini, with the most recent iteration, the Instax Mini 11 first launched in 2020.
The new iteration is a fine-tuning of what came before rather than being a revolutionary upgrade. It is smaller and has a slenderer, more ergonomic, bubble-inspired shape but the design and build is still aimed at the younger market.
Weighing just 306g it is light enough to hold and carry around with you anywhere.
You still get firm favourite features such as the automatic flash and the small selfie mirror present on the front of the lens for lining up selfies and group shots perfectly.
The camera has a 60mm lens, which is a flattering perspective for the portraits that these cameras will primarily be used for.
The firm said you get improved auto exposure, and I would agree based on my test shots.
The headline new hardware feature of Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the new lens mechanism for powering on and off the camera, as well as entering the camera's 'close-up' photography mode.
Instead of the old push button lens release, the new lens smoothly twists to open the shutter and power up the camera while in motion.
An additional twist pops the lens a little further out for the close-up mode you use for selfies and macro photography.
It produces pleasing colourful Polaroid style prints with a vintage feel to them and you will get the best results in daylight conditions.
What film does Instax Mini 12 use?
Like its predecessors, the Mini 12 uses Instax Mini film. You can pick up packs of 20 prints at Boots for €19.99.
Images take about 15 seconds to print, and up to 90 seconds to fully develop depending on the environmental conditions.
There’s a big new software feature too, as the Instax Up! app in iOS and Android launched alongside this new camera enables users to scan their physical snaps, upload them to the app and do some basic colour corrections, crops and remove some reflections. You can then share the snapes on social media.
The camera is powered by two AA batteries which are included in the box.
Verdict
This is one of the best instant cameras on the market. The new hardware and software tweaks enhance what was already an effective and fun to use device.
Pricing and availability
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 comes in a series of pastel shades including Blossom Pink, Clay White, Lilac Purple, Pastel Blue and Mint Green and costs €89.95 at Harvey Norman.
Key specs
Dimensions: 104 x 66.6 x 122mm
Weight: 306g (without batteries, strap, and film)
Camera features: Real image finder, 0.37x, with target spot; programmed electronic shutter, 1/2 to 1/250 sec, slow synchro for lowlight; automatic exposure control Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800); constant firing flash with automatic light adjustment; 0.3m and beyond shooting range (close-up mode for 0.3 to 0.5m)
Batteries: Two x AA-size 1.5V alkaline
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