Fujifilm is adding a new model to its growing line of smartphone printers: the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 isn’t here yet, but it’s available for pre-order in Clay white, Space blue, and Soft pink. Expected to ship on June 22, the Instax Mini Link 2 will serve as a follow up to the existing Fujifilm Instax Mini Link that was introduced back in 2019.
What sets the Instax Mini Link 2 apart?
What sets this portable beauty apart from others? The printer, which measures about the size of a standard men’s wallet, has a wide selection of features that are designed to encourage creativity, like customizable frames, various image colour modes, and more. One of the stand-out features is called INSTAXAiR, which allows you to draw in the air and have the drawing appear on the photo. Hold the printer up, press the features button on the top, and aim the side LED, select a brush type, and doodle. You can also apply personalized effects, like bubbles, petals, neon, spray paint, and glitter, directly to the printed image.
Whatever is drawn will pop up in the print-preview of the app, and, if you’re happy with it, will print on the image itself. INSTAXAiR can also record a video of you composing the drawing to share as a printable QR code on the print. Then you, or those who are given or shown the print, can scan it to see the video, download it, or even share it on social media.
It’s easy to see how kids and creative folks could have a ton of fun with this feature, and more. Bing Liem, President, Imaging Division, Fujifilm North America Corporation, says features like INSTAXAiR are designed to “establish new ways to connect with and inspire Instax users as they create their images.”
What also sets this mini printer apart is that it works with another device beyond just smartphones: it is also compatible with the Fujifilm X-S10 mirrorless digital camera, accepting images right from the camera for instant printing. While mini printers are typically considered partner devices to smartphones, this compatibility feature allows those who own the premium camera to get instant, tangible prints, too. They can use them to share with others, store in a sample book of their work, or simply keep for posterity.
How does it work?
The printer, as noted, works with a free app for previewing, editing, and printing photos at 1.8 x 2.4 inches in size. Once an image is captured, you can customize it using a variety of image modes (Natural or Rich for deeper, more enhanced colours), design frames that can be overlaid onto the selected image, add stickers (there are more than 1,600 from which to choose), artistic filters, and more. You can also adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation of the image to make sure it’s picture-perfect (pun intended) before printing as a keepsake. There’s also an option to print a contact sheet/collage with a total of up to eight photos using the special collage feature.
The process to print is simple: once the printer is connected to your smartphone (or camera) via Bluetooth, swipe up on the photo in the app and voila! It’s instantly sent to the printer. Prints come out in about 15 seconds and the Mini Link 2 supports continuous printing. With one charge, you can print up to 100 prints, making it perfect for parties and gatherings, or even taking to the beach, to big events, or on vacation. It recharges easily via Bluetooth.
What type of film does the Instax Mini Link 2 use?
When using a smartphone printer, it’s important to get the right type and size of instant film. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 works with a new type of instant film from Fuji called the Instax Mini Spray Art instant film. The film is designed with a colourful rainbow spray that reflects light, making it a perfect complement when using the INSTAXAiR feature or to add a touch of uniqueness and colour to any images. Packs of the film will sell for about $14. It also works with existing Instax Mini film, including ones with the white border.
When can you get the Instax Mini Link 2?
As noted, the Fujifilm Mini Link 2 smartphone (and camera) printer will be available for purchase on June 22. But for now, you can make sure you’re one of the first to get your hands on the mobile printer by pre-ordering one in Clay white, Space blue, or Soft pink.
Great!!
These mini printers are great. I have over 100,000 photos in a digital library and the only ones I look at are the ones I print. The others just gather digital dust. I think everyone should have one, Instax or one of the others depending your personal preferences, especially if you have young kids.
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