Fujifilm has announced the latest instant camera in its Instax Mini line: the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12. The Instax Mini 12 is a new iteration of the Instax Mini 11 – our current top instant camera pick – and will be available in mid-March for $79.95.
Save for some minor feature and design updates, the Instax Mini 11 and Instax Mini 12 look pretty much the same. However, the structure of the lens is the most surprising change. You can now, for example, twist the lens to enter Close-Up Mode instead of pushing a button, as you would with a traditional point-and-shoot. I just started testing the camera, but based on my first impression, it makes zooming a little more fun and intuitive as a result.
You can also turn the instant camera on and off by simply twisting the lens to clearly marked “on” and “off” settings. Previously, you had to click a button on the side to turn the camera on and pop the lens and then push it back to turn the camera off. That’s not exactly intuitive, and I think that, combined with the lack of clear “on” and “off” labels, might make it difficult for kids to use the Instax Mini 11.
However, while I like the fact that turning off the camera is now more intuitive, I prefer to use the button on the Instax Mini 11 to turn it on. That’s because Close-Up mode is close to the “on” and “off” settings. This makes it easy to accidentally turn off the Instax Mini 12, which I did while trying to switch the lens to Close-Up Mode. Maybe, though, things will improve after I test the camera and adjust to the change.
Fujifilm has also made some changes to the flash that are worth pointing out. Although, unfortunately, you still can’t turn off the flash, Fujifilm says that the new automatic flash control should better optimize image quality in bright and low-light environments. I’ll have to do more testing to see if that claim is true, but I’m hoping it’s one of my main issues with the otherwise good follow-up.
Finally, as mentioned before, the Instax Mini 12 has some design changes. Most noticeably, the body is more rectangular than square, although it has the same rounded edges as its predecessor. It also lacks the curved edges of the Instax Mini 11 and is less wide, making it easier to hold while taking photos. In addition, Fujifilm has replaced the black colorway with a new and fun mint green shade that will appeal more to the youth.
In addition to the Instax Mini 12, Fujifilm has announced the launch of a new free downloadable INSTAX UP! smartphone app to be released soon. Users can digitally scan, import, organize, and save their images in the app no matter what Instax print or camera they own, meaning users of the Instax Mini 12 can use it too.
I’ll soon update our instant camera guide after I’ve tested the Instax Mini 12 and added my thoughts on how it stacks up against rivals from Polaroid and Kodak, so stay tuned.