For instant photography enthusiasts, there’s nothing like the shutter release and film roll sound of an Instax Mini. With every “pop! Rrrr” you hear, you know you’re about to see something interesting develop. While every model of Instax is universally beloved, there’s something special about the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 instant camera—something that makes it just a little better suited for longtime photography enthusiasts who are looking for a fun, affordable way to really hone their skills.
Keep reading to find out just what that magic detail is.
What’s in the box of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 instant camera?
In the box of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, you’ll find the camera itself, two AA batteries, an instruction manual, and a colour-coordinated wrist strap. This camera has a built-in lens cap when in the “off” position. Film, which comes in packs of 10 sheets, is sold separately, and the camera you see in this post is the brand’s Lilac Purple colourway.
Why use an instant camera?
Instant cameras are perfect for capturing moments as they happen. They’re a great choice for a lot of reasons: They keep you in the moment, create physical keepsakes, and simplify the photo-taking process. The number one thing that I think makes them really special, however, is the fact that you only get one chance at each shot.
When you’re using a smartphone or digital camera, you’re free to take as many photos as you’d like to get each shot just right. Your capture count is unlimited, so each shot is low-risk and most of the photos you take have very little meaning. This style is handy, and it feels comforting—even I love how easy it is to snap a quick pic on a smartphone! But when you’re shooting with an instant camera, each slide of film is precious. You have to think out each capture, just like you would on an old film camera. Then, when the moment is right, you strike!
So, while instant cameras are very popular as gifts for kids and teens, I think they have a lot of value for photography enthusiasts, too. Not only do they create a unique effect but they help train your eye to find a great photo every time.
Fujifilm Mini 12 instant camera features
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is available in pastel blue, mint green, blossom pink, lilac purple, and clay white. It produces 2.4″ x 1.8″ (62 mm x 46 mm) credit card-sized prints in five seconds. (Development time once the prints are ejected from the camera is 90 seconds). Use the Mini 12’s auto mode or close-up mode to get the perfect shot in any lighting condition and allow the camera’s auto-flash to fill in detail where you need it.
The Mini 12 has a selfie mirror, twist control, parallax compensation, and a five minute auto-off function. It runs on two AA batteries and works with the Fujifilm Instaxup! App, where you can scan your photos to create digital duplicates.
How the Instax Mini 12 compares to other models
Fujifilm rolls out a new Instax Mini every year or so. I’ve reviewed a lot of Instax models so far, just for Best Buy—at last count, I’m at nine. Three of those were Instax Minis, and I own a personal Mini on top of that.
In other words, I’m pretty familiar with the Fujifilm Instax Mini line. I really like each of the products. However, right off the bat, I can tell you right away that the Mini 12 is not a huge leap from the 11, 9, 8, 7, etc.
The biggest change from the Instax Mini 11 vs the Instax Mini 12 is that this new model features parallax technology. This technology (never seen before in the Instax Mini line—you can read more about it in my announcement post for this camera) helps line up what the camera lens sees and what you see through the viewfinder.
While this is a pretty small-scale modification, I think those who are really enthusiastic about their instant photography are sure to notice the difference. The new precision is great for capturing exactly what you want, and it’ll be great for new users, too. Aside from that, the only thing I really noticed is that the lens protrudes a little more in the “off” position and the camera’s grip is now thinner. So, just be extra careful not to accidentally set off the shutter release when turning the camera around for a selfie.
Camera shape & fashion trends
Fun fact: The Mini 12 and all other modern Minis are actually a big jump from the Mini 10, which was the original model launched in the 90s! The Mini 10 was the classic, silver precursor to today’s line of soft matte pastels. The 12 looks and feels a lot like the 11, but features a straighter grip reminiscent of the 10.
Fujifilm’s little modifications to the Mini each year seem subtle, but they’re finely-tuned to suit what’s trending each year. You’ll notice that the colour ways and silhouette change each year to reflect what people are looking for. 2023-2024 fashion trends really pull back into the comfort of the 90s and I think that’s why we’re seeing a straighter, less campy Instax Mini silhouette. Similarly, this year’s colours are really soft—think Animal Crossing, Stella McCartney, and Victoria Beckham’s sheer, pastel vibes.
My experience with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Like all Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras, I really enjoy using the Mini 12. It’s a stylish, durable instant camera that takes great photos and travels well. (And really what’s not to love about that?) The inclusion of parallax technology is a small change, but I do feel like it made a difference for me.
As usual, I ran this camera through a basic set of photo tests to make sure it measures up to the rest of the Instax Mini range. It did a great job of taking photos, selfies, and macro shots, both on and off of macro mode. This camera has a powerful flash and produces the same gorgeous, vivid, creamy analog photos no matter where you use it.
I think the Mini 12 is a great little camera, especially with its parallax technology update. The colours it comes in are right up my alley and the new, squared-off shape looks great. However, I do want to note that the new, straight grip made the camera more difficult to hold in my experience. I usually tuck my fingers into the shallow grove next to the grip bump on an Instax Mini; here, I couldn’t do that.
You may find this camera a little harder to hold onto than past models depending on your hand shape, and you may find that it has a slightly touchier shutter release. By my personal preference, that means that I probably wouldn’t upgrade from a working Instax Mini 9 or Instax Mini 11 to the 12. However, if I didn’t yet have an Instax and needed a new one, that small detail would not stop me from buying one or enthusiastically recommending the 12.
Who will enjoy the Mini 12?
This version of the Instax Mini is pretty pared down, which I really enjoy. Some past Instax models have featured functions like landscape mode and brightness control, which adds an extra step of decision-making before you take your photo. If that’s what you’re looking for in an instant camera, then the Mini 12 is not for you. But if, like me, what you enjoy about instant photography is its simplicity, then the Mini 12 is awesome.
This camera delivers the true point-and-shoot experience with instant results, so you can focus on staying in the moment and capturing the exact shot you envisioned. I can see it being a great gift for kids and teens, plus an awesome tool for older photography enthusiasts who want to develop their eye for composure.
Shop the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera online at Best Buy today.
The instant print feature is my favourite.
the zoom feature is my favourite feature.
Instant print is my favourite feature.
Instant photos the size of credit cards are great features to provide friends and family with copies that can easily fit in a wallet or purse.
My favorite feature is definitely the instant print of the camera yet also come with technology update.
The selfie mirror feature of the Mini 12 is your favourite.
Would be perfect for my mother. Quick and fast printing
My favourite feature is that the camera has a selfie mirror 🙂
I like that it has a selfie mirror
The best feature is the size of the camera and the mini instant pictures. Great for all occasions.
Small size and portability so that I can bring it to anywhere.
My fav feature is the zoom for closeups
I love the selfie mirror function!
My favorite feature is the zoom for taking closeups
The selfie camera and the high speed printing are my favorite features
My favorite is the selfie mirror.
It’s an updated classic. Easy to pop into my carry-on for traveling. Super fun when hanging with new mates.
My fav feature is that there is an app. I love having the physical copy but also love that I can get digital to post on social media, etc.
My favourite feature is the selfie mirror
I love the instant printing instead of having to wait and order online!
Pics of grands and family
Gotta love the instant pictures
Small size and portability so that I can bring it to anywhere.
Instax Mini 11 Is my favourite
The selfie mirror has to be my favourite feature.
My favourite feature is the selfie mirror!
My fav feature is the zoom for closeups
Mini 12 sounds like a fab camera, now that this one features a parallax technology update giving more precision on the photos.
The auto mode or close up mode would allow me to get great closeups of family or of nature.
I like the 5-minute shut-off and high speed printing.
I like that it uses regular AA batteries which means I can easily replace them and use rechargeables
I love the fact that I can get an instant photo to share with friends INSTANTLY. 😉 The high speed printing feature, as well.
My favourite feature is the selfie mirror.
High quality camera in a small device – nobody like toting a heavy camera around their neck all day.
I love the instant photos!
I like that you can use auto mode or close-up mode to get the perfect shot in any lighting condition.
Love that it has auto mode
My favourite feature is the close-up mode 🙂
I like the fact that there’s also an app. Digital copies are good for backups and editing purposes.
I like that it has selfie mirror
I live how the photos come out instantly and that they are the size of credit cards, which means my mom will be able to keep photos of her loved ones neatly in her wallet without worrying about damaging them.
The best feature is the size of the camera and the mini instant pictures. Great for all occasions.
Each print requires around 90 seconds of developing time depending on the ambient temperature
this is the to go feature that my mom would just love ..
she always wants to see the pictures the first .
so this is meant for her .
High quality camera…great for outdoor photos with family and friends.
I love the advent of the improved parallax technology.
I love the instant photos!
I love the auto mode or close-up mode to get the perfect shot in any lighting condition as most instax style cameras will not allow this. It provides more creative freedom and potential when shooting whether it be a person or space/place.
My favourite feature is credit card size photos right away
favourite feature is parallax technology
The five-second high-speed printing!
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