instax mini 12 camera, LILAC PURPLE

Product Information

It's an issue we've seen in other instant cameras, though, so it's more of a learning curve for the photographer than a failing of the camera.

With Instant photography, there is a certain compulsive nature to it. Capture a moment and enjoy it together there and then. Take your keepsake with you. Give one away, share the joy. You'll notice that the lens is labelled with a 60mm focal length, which in this format translates to around 35mm - that's a moderately wide angle of view. When it comes to battery life, the Mini 12 takes two AA batteries (included) so there’s no need to recharge every night. You’ll just need to swap the batteries out when they do die. Fujifilm states you’ll get around 100 shots per set of batteries, and this matches up with experiences I have had with previous cameras of this ilk. App On the lens itself is a small mirror that can be used as a guide for selfies. This selfie mirror is a surprisingly helpful aid, but again because of the lens position you'll consciously need to tweak of angle of the camera to frame yourself in the centre. And with the camera turned on you, those tweaks are reversed as you look at the camera. The super bubbly INSTAX mini 12 is bursting with joy, creativity and colour. Not only is this iconic instant camera available in five eye-poppingly pleasing tones – Pastel Blue, Mint Green, Blossom Pink, Lilac Purple and Clay White – it’s fully loaded with easy-to-use modes and controls.Thankfully, with the improved flash and the more accurate close-up framing together with full auto-exposure on board, good photos are a much more regular experience from Fujifilm's most affordable Instax camera. Even so, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is undeniably a camera that's both fun to look at and fun to use, delivering a satisfyingly analog experience in a mostly digital world with a minimum of fuss.

I appreciated that this is a camera that's meant to be as simple as possible to use, but an option to deactivate the flash manually would be helpful for those times when you want to work with natural light only. Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment), recycle time: 6.5 seconds or less (when using new batteries), effective flash range: 0.3 to 2.7 mOf course, you never know exactly what you will get, especially when it comes to framing, but you at least get something close enough. Beginners should really take the time to read the instruction manual and also be prepared for some framing frustrations when first using the camera. The Instax Mini 12 is Fujifilm's new entry-level model in its extensive range of instant photography cameras, replacing the three-year-old Instax Mini 11. With an airy, cloud-like, and almost “inflated” design/look, MINI 12 carries over the main features of MINI 11, including Close-Up Mode and Auto Exposure adjustment capabilities, but also adds the new Parallax Correction feature, in which the camera’s viewfinder aligns with the lens when using Close-Up Mode, minimizing object shifts, to produce a centered photo. MINI 12 also features automatic flash control, which optimizes image quality in bright or low light situations. The lens structure is designed to provide intuitive steps both for powering the camera on/off and for accessing the popular Close-Up Mode with a simple twist of the lens. Push the lens barrel release and it extrudes using a spring mechanism, with the built-in flash activating automatically.

Coming soon, INSTAX users will be able to use the INSTAX UP! App to stay informed about the latest INSTAX updates, tips, and other creative content. The front grip is narrower, and there's now a ridged thumb grip on the rear for easier one-handed use. Beyond the lens barrel release, which also acts as a power on switch for the built-in flash, the only other button is the shutter release. The camera is a little slippery in the hand, with its smooth finish and curved edges not offering a great deal of grip. It's a fiddly camera to hold, especially when taking selfies, and I would love to see a more pronounced thumb grip, and/or or some kind of rougher texture on the exterior. Thankfully, a color-matched wrist strap is supplied; use it, as otherwise you’re bound to drop this camera at some point. I personally found I still had trouble centring close-ups and standard shots with the viewfinder, but then instant photography isn’t really about getting the most perfectly framed shots every time. Performance and image qualityBut that’s not all the Close-up mode is good at. When activated, the adjustable viewfinder neatly pairs up with the lens, so what you see if what you get. (FYI the fancy term for this is parallax correction.) Because when you’re this close, there’s no room for error. It's because the auto exposure system can now vary the shutter speed between 1/2 and 1/250, so it should be able to capture the right amount of light in all shooting scenarios. This is a big step up from the Mini 9's fixed 1/60 shutter speed, and helps massively when shooting indoors.