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Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 review: the best easy-to-use Instax Mini model

16 Oct

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
$ 60-70 | Instaxus.com

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a fresh entry-level instant camera from Fujifilm and a refinement of the Instax Mini 9 (there is no Mini 10). As the name suggests the camera makes use of the Instax Mini film format.

Improvements include a new ‘Selfie Mode’ and better auto exposure compared to its predecessor. But unlike its higher-end siblings, the Mini 25/26, Mini 70 and Mini 90, there are no additional creative exposure modes or special features to speak of. That said, the camera is simple to operate and capable of producing lovely images in a variety of lighting conditions.

Key specs:

  • Retractable 35mm equiv. F12.7 lens
  • Full-automatic exposure control (flash always fires)
  • Variable shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/250 sec and slow synchro flash for low light
  • Selfie mirror on front of lens
  • Selfie/close-up mode
  • Auto frame counter
  • Powered by two AA batteries (100 shots / 10 packs per fresh set of batteries)
  • Available in: Blush Pink, Ice White, Sky Blue, Lilac Purple, Charcoal Black

Operation

The Mini 11 comes with two accessory buttons you can affix to the shutter release via double sided tape (included). I attached the glow in the dark button (shown above).

The Instax Mini 11 is really straightforward to use, making it a great choice for kids. Simply press the button next to the lens to pop it out, switch the camera on and hit the shutter button by the viewfinder to take a photo; there are no other buttons to fumble with. When you’re done, push the lens back into the body to turn it off.

The Instax Mini 11 is really straightforward to use, making it a great choice for kids

The camera does a have a selfie mode as well as a small selfie mirror on the front of the lens. To engage the mode, pull the very front of the lens outward until the words ‘Selfie on’ appear (see image below); it admittedly took some digging through the instructions to figure this out.

Usability

Selfie mode = engaged.

The camera is, by default, held in the vertical orientation, making it good for portraiture. The viewfinder is a bit small, but that’s par for the course with these Instax Mini format cameras.

In use, I found the shutter button can be easy to bump accidentally, and given the high cost of film, that’s a bummer. Fujifilm does include two accessory shutter releases that affix to the button via double-sided tape – one glows in the dark! Installation is tricky, but once attached, I did find my self less likely to pop off an unintended frame.

The shutter button can be easy to bump accidentally and given the high cost of film, that’s a bummer

Another note about usability: the selfie mode mechanism is a bit hard to engage and feels like it could be a fail point of the camera. It takes a good bit of force to yank the lens forward into selfie mode and retracting the lens after selfie mode has been engaged is a fiddly affair.

The Instax Mini 11 is held in the vertical orientation.

Image quality

Selfie shot in the camera’s standard mode. Focus is a little soft, but the exposure is on the money. Selfie shot using the selfie mode. The subjects are sharp but the exposure is hot.

Image quality from the Mini 11 is good through-and-through. The camera handles balancing ambient light with its flash output with ease, in most shooting scenarios. The addition of variable shutter speeds and slow synchro flash definitely seem to give it more versatility in tricky lighting than Mini 9, which has a fixed shutter speed of 1/60 sec.

When shooting in bright daylight, the inability to turn off the flash from firing can be annoying. There’s also no infinity mode, so shots in which the subject is far away can look a tad soft (see examples in the gallery below).

Using the selfie mode can sometimes result in blown highlights

Like most Instax Mini cameras, the Mini 11 produces its best images in good and moderate lighting conditions with subjects at relatively close distances (within the maximum flash range of 2.7 m / 8.85 ft). Shots in very low light tend to come out darker than desired. This is where some sort of exposure compensation would be useful. The Mini 25/26 and Mini 70, for instance, both offer a ‘High Key’ mode that adds +2/3rds exposure compensation.

I’m tempted to say skip the selfie mode all together. From my testing, a selfie in normal mode seems to produce a better exposure, though focus may be a tad soft. Using the dedicated selfie mode can sometimes result in blown highlights. That being said, I did have some success using the selfie mode for close-up subjects, like the pup shot leading the gallery below (which was shot in a very dark room).

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Conclusion

Ultimately, the Instax Mini 11 is for those seeking the easiest-to-use instant camera for the most popular instant film format. The addition of more reliable auto exposure is appreciated. And though I have hesitations about the selfie mode, my guess is most folks who didn’t read the instructions will never even find it. And that’s just fine.

The Instax Mini 11 is for those seeking the easiest-to-use instant camera for the most popular instant film format

For those desiring something with more creative control, we highly recommend spending a few more bucks and getting the Instax Mini 70, which is more feature-rich and our choice as the best Instax Mini camera, for the most people.

What we like:

  • Very easy-to-use
  • Powered by two AA batteries
  • Improved auto exposure over predecessor

What we don’t like:

  • No creative modes or exposure compensation
  • Easy to accidentally hit shutter before installing accessory button
  • Mechanism to engage ‘Selfie Mode’ feels fragile
  • Flash always fires

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 review: simple square-format fun

16 Sep

Fujifilm Instax SQ1
$ 120 | Instaxus.com

With the launch of the SQ1, Fujifilm now has three models that use their square format Instax film. This is the most stripped-down of the three, in terms of operation.

The Fujifilm Instax SQ1 is a stylish and easy-to-operate instant camera that makes use of the brand’s Instax Square format film. This new camera is a lot like shooting with a bulkier version of the Instax Mini 9/10/11, since it lacks many of the advanced features found on earlier Instax square cameras like the SQ6 or the SQ10. But it still manages to produce appealing Instax images, even if the shooter only has a very basic understanding of photography.

Key Specifications

  • Retractable lens (65.75mm, F12.6)
  • Full-automatic exposure control (flash always fires)
  • Variable shutter speeds from 1.6 to 1/400 sec including slow synchro for low light
  • Selfie mirror on front of lens
  • Selfie/close-up mode
  • Auto frame counter
  • Powered by two CR2 lithium batteries
  • Available in: Terracotta Orange, Glacier Blue and Chalk White

Operation

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 operates on two CR2 batteries that you load into the back of the camera near the door where you load a pack of Instax Square film. On the back of the camera you’ll also find an automatic film counter showing you how many shots remain in your film pack and the camera’s viewfinder. Turn the camera on by rotating the lens to the ‘on’ position; if you are shooting a selfie or want a macro shot rotate the camera’s lens one more time to put it into ‘selfie’ mode (effective for subjects between 0.3 and 0.5m away).

Shooting with the Instax Square SQ1 is incredibly straightforward. Simply turn the camera on, look through the viewfinder and press the shutter on the front grip of the camera. If you’re shooting a selfie, use the small mirror on the front of the lens to frame the shot.

Usability

The viewfinder on the SQ1 is a tad small.

The SQ1 is bulkier than its Instax Mini counterparts, but that’s to be expected since it’s shooting on a much larger piece of film (Instax Square picture size is 62 x 62mm). The plastic build quality of the camera feels sturdy and the ribbed grip on the right hand side makes it comfortable to hold. Be mindful while handling the grip especially if the camera is turned on – the shutter is located on the grip and you might accidentally press it before you’ve framed the shot. Instax film isn’t exactly cheap and it can be frustrating to waste one of the 10 frames in a pack. That being said, some of my accidental shutter releases ended up creating pictures that I like quite a bit.

The shutter is located on the grip and you might accidentally press it before you’ve framed the shot

The SQ1 lacks some of the advanced features that you will find on the SQ6, like double exposures, landscape mode, lighten and darken modes, and a self-timer. It’s more similar to the entry-level Instax Mini cameras, with the big distinction being that it can shoot bigger pieces of square film.

Although the camera is larger than the varieties that shoot Instax Mini film, the SQ1 does feel more portable than 2018’s SQ6.

Image Quality

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You’ll get the best results from this camera when shooting outside in sunny conditions. But it does have a powerful-enough flash to work well once the sun sets. The auto-exposure occasionally did seem to struggle when shooting indoors with mixed lighting situations though. It’s the one time when I wished that the camera at least featured the lighter/darker setting found on some Instax models. Regardless of the lighting conditions, this camera’s simple lens is satisfyingly sharp (enough).

Conclusion

Although the Instax SQ1 lacks some of the features found on the more advanced SQ6 (which has an MSRP of $ 10 more), it’s incredibly easy to operate, has a stylish look, and produces Instax prints with mostly accurate exposures and eye-popping colors. The shutter placement takes some getting used to, but it’s comfortable in hand and not so bulky that you’ll leave it at home – and it’s certainly more fun to shoot with than the hybrid digital/analog SQ10. The simplicity of operating the SQ1 makes this an Instax Square camera that photographers and non-photographers will enjoy shooting with.

What we like

  • Easy-to-operate
  • Accurate exposures outdoors
  • Comfortable to hold and operate
  • Stylish look
  • Square format film

What we don’t like

  • Placement of shutter button
  • CR2 batteries can be difficult to find
  • No creative modes like double exposure or lighten/darken

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back lets you capture Instax Wide images with large format cameras

02 Sep

Lomography is back with the announcement of its latest, well, back. The LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back is the world’s first Instant Back for 4×5 cameras designed for Fujifilm Instax Wide film.

Developed in collaboration with large format photography professionals as a substitute for the peel-apart Polaroid film discontinued back in 2016, the LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back works with all Graflok-equipped 4×5 cameras and uses a light-tightened film ejection unit to push out the Instax Wide film shots after capture.

Below are a few sample photos, shared by Lomography:

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The device is constructed of plastic, is powered by four ‘AA’ batteries (LR6) and features an automated frame counter so you know how many shots are left. It measures in at 181mm (7.13”) tall, 120mm (4.72”) wide and 50mm (1.97”) deep, and weighs roughly 500g (1.1lbs).

Below is a guide on how to use the LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back:

The LomoGraflok is currently available to pre-order on the Lomography website for $ 134 (MSRP will be $ 149 once launched). The first units are expected to ship in April 2021.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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This 3D-printed accessory makes it possible to shoot split double exposures on Instax Mini 90 cameras

09 Aug

One of the accessories you can purchase for some of Lomography’s instant cameras is the Splitzer, an add-on component that makes it possible to shoot multiple exposures on the same frame. Unfortunately, the accessory isn’t available for the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90, but photographer Guillermo Hernandez has managed to create his own 3D-printed version for the popular camera.

Like the Splitzer, the 3D-printed component simply attaches to the front of the lens. To capture a double exposure, simply cover the half of the frame you don’t want exposed, take a shot, then rotate the Splitzer 180-degrees before taking another shot.

As you can see in the sample photos below, this allows you to create unique compositions wherein a single subjects can be in two places at once or frame the same object side-by-side.

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It’s undoubtedly a novel accessory, but it’s a fun way to get a little more out of a Fujifilm Instax camera. Hernandez is selling his Instax Mini 90 Splitzer in multiple colors for $ 5 on eBay with $ 3 shipping, but if you have access to a 3D printer and know some basic CAD tutorials you could probably whip up one yourself. Hernandez has other 3D-printed photo-related products on his eBay store, too.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm donates Instax cameras, film to hospitals in Europe to help staff connect with patients amid COVID-19

05 Jun

Fujifilm UK has announced it’s donated Instax instant cameras to 31 National Health Service (NHS) hospitals across the United Kingdom and 19 other hospitals across seven other countries to help hospital staff ‘share a smile’ with patients while still wearing their personal protective equipment (PPE).

With doctors, nurses and other hospital staff having to wear an extraordinary amount of PPE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients within the hospital are unable to have the more face-to-face interaction they’re more familiar with in less-chaotic times.

Left to right: [1-2] Healthcare workers at Florence Nightingale Group Hospitals, Turkey and [3] Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) di Vimercate, Monza, Italy

‘Those working on the frontline in hospitals must put on gloves, gown, face mask, visor or air hoods before entering a hospital unit or caring for a patient – creating a full suit covering almost every feature,’ says Fujifilm in its press release announcing the initiative. It goes on to say:

‘This can make it difficult to reassure a patient, who cannot see a smile or a friendly face. PPE removes an important element of the personal connection that is usually so important between a clinician and patient. It can also heighten an already worrying and intimidating situation and make patients in ICU wards feel even more isolated.’

So, in its search to figure out how it can help NHS staff and patients alike throughout the COVId-19 pandemic, Fujifilm found a clever way to keep interactions a little more personal and friendly than otherwise possible while wrapped up in PPE. Through its donated Instax cameras, the staff is able to snap a photo of themselves and attach it to their gowns.

Fujifilm says roughly 120 Instax cameras and 7,500 Instax prints have been sent to hospitals in the U.K., Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Russia, France and Denmark, with more expected to be shipped out to interested parties.

In addition to helping patients feel more connected with their caretakers, Fujifilm says it also has the added benefit of making inter-team communication easier and boosting morale, as it can be difficult to see who’s underneath all the PPE, especially considering hospitals have staff moving more frequently between floors and departments.

Fujifilm encourages any health teams interested in receiving a special Instax kit to contact them via email at comms_uk@fujifilm.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm’s new Instax Mini 11 features an ‘Automatic Exposure’ mode and dedicated ‘Selfie Mode’

27 Feb

Although not nearly as exciting as its new X-T4 camera, Fujifilm has also announced the Instax Mini 11, its latest-generation instant film camera.

The Instax Mini 11 looks very similar to its predecessor, the Mini 9 (don’t ask where 10 went), but it’s received a subtle facelift. Specifically, the camera is more rounded than before and uses a material around the lens that’s different from the material used in the rest of the camera body. The shutter button and the button used to extend the lens now have dimples as well, presumably to make it easier to locate the buttons by feel when shooting.

Aside from the slight design change, Fujifilm has also added an Automatic Exposure mode that adjusts the shutter speed and flash output based on the ambient lighting environment. Previously, the only option was to choose from a selection of presets that were changed by twisting a ring around the lens.

Fujifilm has also added a new Selfie Mode that, according to Fujifilm, ‘makes it super easy to take selfies and close-up pictures.’ A small convex mirror on the front of the camera makes composing selfies a bit easier as well (this has been on previous-generation Instax Mini cameras).

The Mini 11 also comes in different color options: Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White and Lilac Purple. The Instax Mini 11 is set to ship in mid-March with an MSRP of $ 69.95. In addition to the new camera, Fujifilm has also unveiled two new Instax film varieties: Instax Mini Blue Marble film and Instax Square White Marble film.

{pressrelease}

Fujifilm Unveils Its next Generation Instant Camera: The New Instax Mini 11 Is Here!

Valhalla, N.Y., February 25, 2020 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of INSTAX® Mini 11 (Mini 11), the latest innovation in its long line of popular INSTAX instant cameras and Smartphone printers.

The INSTAX® Mini 11 has been designed for optimal portability along with a fresh, trendy look. Available in five new colors, the Mini 11 boasts the following new features and benefits:

Automatic Exposure function for better pictures day or night

The “Automatic Exposure” function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, and optimizes the shutter speed and flash output according to the condition. It allows even novice INSTAX® users to take photos that are automatically properly exposed regardless of conditions, producing high-quality instant photo prints on the spot.

Selfie Mode for quick and easy selfies

Users can activate the Selfie Mode, perfect for taking selfies and close-up shots, by simply pulling out the front end edge of the lens after powering the camera on. This makes it super easy to take selfies and close-up pictures.

Custom, interchangeable shutter buttons for style and personalization

The Mini 11 comes with two replaceable and stylish shutter button stickers; a fun and easy way to change the button’s look and to personalize the camera.

Updated design with attention to detail

Mini 11’s rounder, softer, modern look is a direct homage to its Mini 9 predecessor. Contrasting design elements on the Mini 11 are achieved by using a different material around the lens from the rest of the camera body. The Mini 11 is available in five pastel, pale-tone colors – Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White, and Lilac Purple.

Also accompanying the launch of this exciting new instant camera are two new INSTAX instant film varieties; INSTAX® Mini Blue Marble film and INSTAX® Square White Marble film. Both have marble-patterned print frames transforming everyday photos into unique, fun keepsakes.

Fujifilm’s INSTAX® Mini 11 instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 69.95 USD ($ 89.99 CDN) and is expected to be available for purchase mid-March, 2020.

{/pressrelease}

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Jollylook Mini Auto is an updated Instax Mini camera with auto exposure and more

29 Jan

Three years after launching its first Jollylook Instant Camera, the company is back at it with a new and improved version.

The new version is called the Jollylook Mini Auto. As its name suggests, this updated version features automatic exposure, a built-in flash and an adjustable aperture (F16, F22, F32, F45, F64 and pinhole). Other improvements include the addition of a multiple exposure option, as well as the inclusion of a polarizing filter.

The camera and flash are powered by a rechargeable (microUSB) lithium-ion battery that’s rated for up to 80 images when the flash is used at 50%). Using an onboard light sensor, the shutter speed is automatically set with a range between 1/200 of a second to 60 seconds, as well as a bulb setting.

The camera is constructed of a new laminated fiberboard and the optics are constructed of acrylic. The Fujifilm Instax Mini film it uses is ejected through a manual crank mechanism.

Admittedly, Jollylook’s first Kickstarter proved underwhelming, with slow delivery and subpar build quality, based on the initial reviews. So, even more so than usual, we urge you to be cautious about funding this project. Still though, it’s a neat little device that might well be worth a little fun after its initial crowdfunding campaign ends and it’s available to the general public.

A few sample photos taken with the camera.

If you’re feeling brave though, head on over to the Kickstarter campaign to find out more information and to secure your pledge. The ‘Super Early Bird’ pledge will secure you a Jollylook Mini Auto for $ 79. The first units are expected to ship out November 2020, if all goes to plan.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm unveils the Instax Mini Link, its latest compact instant photo printer

02 Oct

Fujifilm has launched the Instax Mini Link, its latest photo printer designed to turn digital photos into analog Instax prints.

The handheld device works hand-in-hand with Fujifilm’s new Instax Mini Link app to share and print images wirelessly. Fujifilm says the device can transfer prints in ‘about 12 seconds’ and can print up to 100 Instax prints per charge.

The Instax Mini Link has special printing modes including called ‘Video Print’ and ‘Party Print.’ ‘Video Print’ lets you scrub through a video to capture a still to print with the devices, while ‘Party Print’ allows up to five different smartphones to pair together to create a collage of images in a single print. An additional ‘Surprise Mode’ within the ‘Party Print’ option will randomly scramble the images, ensuring the final print remains a mystery until it’s revealed.

Basic edits can be made to photos within the Instax Mini Link app and a collection of border options are available to for further customization. Fujifilm’s X Series and GFX System cameras can also be paired with the Instax Mini Link via the Fujifilm Camera Remote app—because who doesn’t want an instant print from a $ 4,499 51.4-megapixel camera body?

The Instax Mini Link printer will be available in blue, pink and white versions and is expected to retail for $ 99.95 when it becomes available to purchase on October 4, 2019. For more information, check out the Instax Mini Link website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay can play sound that’s printed onto its instant images

13 Jun

Fujifilm’s next Instax mini model has a 5MP sensor, saves images to a memory card and allows users to record a ten-second audio clip that can be played when the printed picture is viewed. The Instax mini LiPlay, Fujifilm’s smallest and lightest Instax to date, produces the usual credit card sized prints but can print a QR code in the corner that links to the audio that was recorded to go along with the picture.

The idea is that users can record a message to a friend with whom they will share the picture taken with the camera. The friend scans the QR code using Fujifilm’s Instax mini LiPlay app and the audio clip plays through the phone. The audio could be a spoken message or the sounds from the place the picture was taken – Fujifilm suggests the sound of the sea to accompany pictures from the beach.

The camera uses a 5MP sensor and allows users to review images before deciding to print them or not. Images can also be saved to internal memory or to a removable MicroSD card, and images taken with other devices can be printed on the camera via a smartphone with a Bluetooth connection. The camera’s lens has an angle of view to match a 28mm lens on a full frame system and has a maximum aperture of F2. The lens has an AF system and shutter speeds run from ¼ – 1/8000sec, while the auto ISO feature moves between ISO 100 and 1600.

The Instax mini LiPlay will come in three colors and textures, and will begin shipping immediately depending on your region. It will cost $ 159.99/£149.99. For more information see the Fujifilm website.

Press release:

Hybrid instant camera “Instax mini LiPlay”

  • New-generation instax with sound-recording capability!
  • Capture memories in an instax print with audio message
  • Mini-format film “CONFETTI” and square-format film “Star-illumination” with metallic frame also available to add a touch of flamboyance to your pictures

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) has announced that it will release a hybrid instant camera “instax mini LiPlay” (hereinafter “LiPlay”), which supports credit-card-size film, on or after June 14, 2019 on a market-by-market basis. The model is a new addition to the lineup of “instax” instant cameras, which allows you to enjoy photo prints on the spot. The camera’s main unit is the smallest and most lightweight in the history of the instax series for outstanding portability. Yet, at the same time, the camera is packed with new features such as the “Sound” function* to convey a voice message or other audio data in the form of a QR code** included in a photo print, and the “Direct Print” function*1 to print images in your smartphone on instax film — broadening the scope of situations the camera can be enjoyed.

Fujifilm has also announced new metallic instax mini film “CONFETTI” and instax square film “Star-illumination,” available in two designs, adding a touch of creativity to your photos.

Overview of the instax series

The “instax” series of instant cameras, launched in 1998, is affectionately called “Cheki” in Japan, where it has enjoyed wide popularity for over 20 years. Today, it is sold in over 100 countries around the world, including Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific, with the cumulative number of shipments topping 45 million worldwide. It has been particularly loved by the digital-native generation in their teens and young adults who have embraced it as a communication tool, saying “It is fun to share those precious moments in life in the form of photo prints. When I hand photo prints to my friends, it gives me a real sense of connection with them.”

Overview of the new product, “instax mini LiPlay”

The new “LiPlay,” is a hybrid instant camera that allows you to review photos captured on the device via the LCD monitor on the back of the camera and choose images you want to print. The camera’s “Sound” function is capable of recording up to ten seconds of audio. The function converts the audio data into a QR code and adds it to a photo to be printed out together. The audio can be replayed*** by scanning the printed QR code with a smartphone*4. This allows you to give a photo together with your description about the pictured scene. The camera also features the “Direct Print” function, which transfers a photo taken with your smartphone to the LiPlay for printing. You can print your favorite picture in your smartphone easily on instax film and share it with your friends. To make it easy to take a group photo, the camera also offers the “Remote Shooting” function so that you can use a smartphone operation to release the shutter while standing away from the camera itself.

The camera body boasts a streamlined and stylish design. Its compact and lightweight form factor makes it easy to carry. Buttons and dials for basic operations such as shutter release and “Sound” function are laid out for advanced operability. Extra attention has been paid to perfect the camera’s texture. The camera comes in three colors, each of which has different surface processing, such as embossed or smooth finish.

Fujifilm will continue to broaden the world of the “instax” instant photo system for on-the-spot photo printing.

* * The free “instax mini LiPlay” app must be downloaded and installed on your smartphone to use the Sound and Direct Print functions.
* ** QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.
* *** Recorded audio data is stored for one year from the time it is uploaded to the server together with its linked photo image via a special smartphone app.
* *4 Smartphones with the QR Code scanning capability are required to read the QR code.

1. Product Name

(1) Hybrid instant camera “instax mini LiPlay”

(2) Mini-format film “CONFETTI”

(3) Square-format film “Star-illumination”

2. Release Date

On or after June 14, 2019, on a market-by-market basis

3. Price

Open price

4. Main features

(1) “instax mini LiPlay”
1. Smallest and most lightweight hybrid instant camera in the history of the instax series
The LiPlay is a highly-portable hybrid instant camera that incorporates digital technology. Featuring a 2.7-inch LCD monitor at the rear, the camera allows you to shoot photos while checking the monitor and choose pictures to print. The camera also offers brightness adjustment capability based on exposure compensation as well as six filters for processing photos, e.g. in sepia tone or in monochrome, to create a different impression.

2. New “Sound” function
The camera’s audio-recording capability means you can record up to 10 seconds of sound. The function converts sound data into a QR code and prints it on your photo. Scan the QR code with a smartphonoe’s QR Code reader and replay the audio message. Printing a photo with a recorded message allows you to convey your sentiments to the person receiving the photo, making the scene more memorable. Alternatively, photograph a beach and attach the sound of waves, for example, to create a print that reminds you of the photographed situation, so that your memory of the precious moment stays vivid.

3. “Direct Print” function to use the camera as a smartphone printer
Images stored in a smartphone can be transferred to the camera via Bluetooth*5 for printing. You can enlarge or rotate images before transferring them.
4. “Remote Shooting” function for taking pictures while standing away from the camera
This function allows you to release the shutter with a smartphone operation while standing away from the camera. Remotely-taken images can be also printed on the spot. This function is particularly useful for a group photo or when you want to achieve a dynamic effect by taking photos from high or low angles.
5. Wide variety of design frames on offer
The camera comes pre-installed with ten design frames, which can be selected during or after taking a picture so that they are incorporated into the image for printing. Download the “instax mini LiPlay” smartphone app (free) to enjoy 20 additional design frames, bringing the total number of design frames available to 30.

6. Stylish camera body design
The streamlined shape of the camera body is complemented with a different surface finish for each of the three color variations in a design approach that even pays close attention to your tactile sense. The Stone White version has a rough, stone-like surface achieved with a special spray coating. The Elegant Black version features an eye-catching embossed finish on the camera surface, while the Blush Gold version dazzles with a smooth lustrous finish. Metallic parts are used for the lens ring, etc. for a premium look.

(2) New instax film
1. Mini-format film “CONFETTI”

  • Compatible with all “instax mini” series models that support the mini format
  • Colorful metallic frame that adds a touch of flamboyance to your photo
  • 10 prints per pack

2. Square-format film “Star-illumination”

  • Compatible with all “instax SQUARE” series models that support the square format
  • Elegant design of the night sky scattered with colorful stars to make your photo look stylish
  • 10 prints per pack

* *5 Bluetooth® work mark and logo are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. FUJIFILM Corporation uses these marks based on a license agreement.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm teases new Instax camera with LCD screen ahead of June 12 launch event

29 May

Fujifilm has announced the upcoming launch of a new Instax camera model. Full details about the new instant camera won’t be released until June 12, but the company did tease one key feature in the below tweet on May 27: the inclusion of a small LCD. The new Instax model will be ‘perfect for the new age,’ Fujifilm’s tweet states.

The ‘new era’ of Instax cameras will include multiple ‘very special features,’ Fujifilm teased in its tweet, one of which is the LCD. The new model will include the same instant color printing capability found on other Instax models, but it’s unclear what new features Fujifilm plans to include.

The current Instax product line features more than a dozen models, including the relatively new Square SQ20 instant ‘hybrid’ digital camera, which features an LCD for previewing images before printing.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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