Why Instant Photographers Will Love the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Jul 17, 2023

The Instax Mini 12 is here with some new features and an updated design.

Instant photography is old technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the 21st century. While there are many ways to take instant photos, most techniques rely on basic cameras and lenses.

Fujifilm owns the Instax line of instant cameras that are many instant photographers' go-to for film photography and the Polaroid look. And it just released a new camera model in its Mini series. Let's explore the Instax 12.

Fujifilm announced the Instax Mini 12 camera at the beginning of March 2023, three years after its predecessor, the Instax Mini 11, was released. This instant photography camera comes in a range of five pastel colors—lilac, white, blue, pink, and green—and has the similar bubble-like shape of previous models.

The Instax Mini 12 allows you to create old-school style photos in the modern day, a feat Fujifilm has kept up since its first Instax camera in 1998, which grew in popularity after Polaroid stopped producing instant film in 2008.

The Instax Mini 12 uses Instax Mini film, like the previous Mini models. You can buy Instax film with ease directly from Instax, or from other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

According to The Verge, from Fujifilm's announcement in early March, the release date isn't a long wait. North Americans can expect to buy the Instax 12 from mid-March 2023. If the Instax Mini 11 is anything to go by, the Instax 12 should be the leading instant camera on the market for the next few years.

The price point for the Instax Mini 12 is $79.95 which is not that steep compared to the Instax Mini 11's price of $69.99. You can get the best Fujifilm instant technology without breaking the bank.

While the Instax 12 looks similar to the Instax 11, it does offer some slightly different features, as well as all the good ones you wouldn't want to lose.

First, the five color options differ from the 11's choices. The Instax 11 offers bright and punchy colorways, but the 12 brings in smooth, light pastels. The shape of the body is straighter and smoother than older models, making it sleeker and easier to pack in your purse.

The Instax Mini 12 comes back with the same technology to keep your photos bright, but with a better flash setup. The flash uses automatic light adjustment and has an effective flash range of 0.3m to 2.2m. This prevents an over-exposed subject with an under-exposed background, ensuring everything is as bright as you see with your eyes.

For selfies, the Instax 12 has kept a small selfie mirror at the front of the camera. This helps you get your face on target and waste fewer film blanks. You can now twist the lens for Close-up mode, and then pose in the selfie mirror to take the perfect self-portrait.

Along with the selfie mirror, the Instax Mini 12 also boasts the real image finder which helps you center your subjects for close-up photos. When taking a close-up photo, center your subject with the circle you’ll see through the viewfinder; no more misaligned images.

Once you buy a stylish new camera, you’ll want the Instax accessories to go with it. Along with the release of the Instax Mini 12 comes the release of camera cases that fit the 12 like a glove. The five color options for the cases match the color choices for the camera. You can buy the same color to match, or mix and match with another color.

Along with the release of new color cameras and matching cases, you can also match your Instax photo albums. The same new five colorways have been released for the Instax Mini photo albums.

Taking photos with your Instax Mini 12 is a great way to preserve memories that otherwise get lost in the digital world. Why not add some Instax photos to your list of graduation photo styles to hold onto for years to come?

Fujifilm has hit the mark with on-trend instant photography once more. With the latest release of the Instax Mini 12, you can continue taking and sharing photos with increased quality, better lighting, and more precision.

The Instax family is growing with light and airy color options, including cases and photo albums to store and share your instant snaps with family and friends. This affordable instant camera keeps photography fun!

Ruby previously worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer. She has a BA in Graphic Communication and an MA in English with Creative Writing. Ruby also works as a dog-sitter and loves to travel, having lived in over five countries.