The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera prints credit card-sized photos within seconds of pressing the shutter, capturing memories at a wedding, a kid’s birthday party, or a weekend getaway. The camera uses Instax Mini film with automatic exposure adjustment, so each shot comes out with balanced lighting in indoor or outdoor settings. A built-in selfie mirror and close-up mode help frame self-portraits and tight shots without having to guess the composition. Twisting the lens powers the camera on, and a built-in flash fires automatically when ambient light needs supplementing.
A fun instant camera that’s a fun throwback to a simpler time
The Instax Mini 12 powers on with a twist of the lens, which extends out to its ready position with a click. When you press the shutter button, the camera captures a frame and ejects a print from the slot on top after a few seconds. Automatic exposure adjusts the shutter speed and flash output based on ambient light, so manual adjustments aren’t required for most shots. Two AA batteries power the camera for 60 photos, and the compact body weighs approximately 10 ounces.
The camera takes Instax Mini film, which produces credit card-sized prints measuring 3.4 by 2.1 inches with an image area of 2.4 by 1.8 inches. Each pack contains 10 sheets, with film sold separately or in multi-pack bundles. The film develops within 90 seconds of ejecting from the camera, with the image gradually appearing as the chemicals process. ISO 800 film works across a range of lighting conditions, with the camera’s built-in flash supplementing low-light scenes. The Instax Mini print format includes a signature white border that doubles as space for handwritten captions or dates.
Twisting the lens an additional notch activates close-up mode, which adjusts focus for shots at arm’s length or shorter. The Instax Up app on iOS and Android digitizes physical prints by photographing them with a phone camera, creating shareable digital versions for social media. The optical viewfinder on the top frames shots without an electronic preview, with a dot indicating the central focus point. The camera body comes in pastel color options, including Blossom Pink, Pastel Blue, Mint Green, Lilac Purple, and Clay White.
The Instax Mini 12 also has some trade-offs for being a film-only instant camera. The cost of film can be substantial, since it comes in ten-sheet packets that run about $10-$15 each. Also, there is no way to adjust the focus or exposure manually. However, you still get an instant printout of your photo, auto-exposure for most lighting situations, and a simple on/off switch by twisting the lens.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera turns moments into physical prints in seconds after pressing the shutter, and at $80, it’s a great deal for an entry-level instant camera. If you’ve been thinking about an instant camera as a gift or for capturing photos at events, the $14 off makes it more accessible.