Instax Mini 12 Review – Everyone’s Favorite Instant Camera Gets a Makeover

It feels like the last time, but it's been almost three years since the Instax Mini 11 was launched in 2020. During this time, the brand has released updates for different ranges and has been consistent with its release schedule so as not to force fans to update too frequently. Earlier this year, Fujifilm launched the new Instax Mini 12 with some new features for fans.

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Conception and design

Without a side-by-side comparison, you'd think the Instax Mini 11 and 12 have the same design. However, a close-up view of the two shows that the Instax Mini 11 has a sleeker design than the previous version.

As a result, its rounded rectangle shape is more uniform. It's a matter of choosing between the function of the previous model to better fit your hand and the overall look of the new model. I prefer the sleeker look of the Instax Mini 12.

Not only is the new design sleeker, but it also makes it easier to design cases and accessories for the device. It was already difficult to fit the lens into a few cases on my Mini 11, which made it even more difficult due to the curvature on the right side. While it's still a small task to slide the lens in, it's much easier overall with the new line of cases.

However, the new pivoting lens is one of the most significant changes between the two models. On the Mini 11, all you had to do was press the button next to the lens to open it and activate the zoom function. On the Mini 12, this function has been integrated directly into the lens with its twist mount. Users can now simply twist the lens to zoom in and twist it in the opposite direction to retract it. This nifty new feature helps prevent accidental zoom switching when not necessary.

These changes are useful and appreciated, even if they don't seem very significant.

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Features of the Instax Mini 12

As we already mentioned, the Instax Mini 12 has undergone some changes compared to the previous generation. Also mentioned was the first shift from a tilt to a lens twist approach for zooming. There are a few other changes to note.

It may not be as intuitive, but Fujifilm has added auto flash to the Mini line. This was a permanent approach in previous versions, which has been changed slightly with the Mini 12. This means that it can detect light sensitivity thanks to a new sensor on the front, giving it Allows you to adjust the flash intensity when low light is detected.

The two sensors on the front have also been moved to a more central location. This may seem innocuous, but since many people complain that their fingers are often on top of the sensors, the design of the device is less intrusive.

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Performance

One of the first notable changes in the Instax Mini 12's performance is the improved viewfinder. The Mini 11 had problems because it wasn't always accurate in terms of what was visible in the frame and the final shot. This issue has been fixed by adding parallax correction, much to the delight of fans.

I've mentioned it twice already, but the new lens zoom in and out feature while shooting is a nice touch. It's much more practical, like classic cameras with zoom in and out. It's not as smooth as full-body cameras, but it works well. The first rotation turns the device on and the second rotates to zoom.

Adjusting the zoom mode allows you to take selfies better. The small front mirror is still on the front of the Mini 11. It works well enough to be useful. This mirror, along with the improved viewfinder, will save many prints that do not print as desired.

The camera has a shutter speed between 0.5 seconds and 1/250 seconds, depending on the light sensor. This speed is associated with the ISO 800 sensitivity of the Instax Mini film. As a result, the camera does not perform optimally in bright sunlight, which tends to cause slight overexposure. This is, however, a trait common to all previous models, so if you're not new to this, you won't need to worry too much about it. The best results are obtained on slightly cloudy days, for a perfect balance between brightness and colors.

While not exclusive to the Instax Mini 12, Fujifilm has also launched a new app to coincide with the device's release. The Instax Up now allows users to store their images taken on their Instax devices, which are then imported to their smartphone and can be shared on the cloud or on their social media apps. I think this is a very useful app for many people because it allows you to mark locations and use various filters to streamline images at a later date. Unfortunately, you won't be able to print these or any other images stored in the cloud on the Mini 12, like you would on the Mini Evo or Link devices.

If there is one aspect that could be improved, it is the use of AA batteries. As several other Instax devices already offer built-in rechargeable batteries, the brand has the know-how and technology necessary to integrate them into the Mini range. Certainly, this represents a small cost to the consumer, but it is better than regularly replacing batteries, which can also be economically wasteful.

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Why buy the Instax Mini 12

The Instax Mini 12 has improved several features and added some more for good measure. Although it lacks some of the features of higher-end models, it was designed to be a portable, on-the-go instant camera. It continues to serve this function well and is a big enough improvement over the Mini 11 to warrant an upgrade.

Another important aspect of the launch of the new Instax Mini 12 is its price. Fujifilm has managed to keep it at €1,499, an increase of around R200 over its predecessor. Despite the Rand/Dollar exchange rate, the price remains competitive and affordable for many fans of the Instax Mini range. The Instax range has always been excellent value for money and continues this with the latest version.