The one thing I don’t particularly like about the Instax 12 is the looks. The body is in the same vein as the Mini 11, with a sort of Bob Ross, fluffy cloud vibe both in shape and in the range of colors available. It’s fun and playful and I understand why Fuji uses it, turning the camera into something user-friendly and accessible. It screams It’s easy and fun! For those like me who want something more, well, like a camera, there’s always the Instax Mini 40. Or if you feel like splurging, the Mini 90. Check out our camera guide snapshots to learn more.
The app
To accompany the Mini 12, Fujifilm has released a new free app called Instax Up. The key feature is that it will “scan” (er, photograph) your Instax prints, allowing you to store and share them online. If you have photos in other Instax apps, you can import them into Instax Up to have everything in one place.
Once an image is in the app, you can edit it with a few simple commands, add notes, and even geotag it using a map. If you’re accumulating a large collection of scans, you can filter and search by Instax film type, scan date, or any tags you’ve added. You can also share the image with any other app on your phone.
So yes, now you can even post your Instax selfies to Instagram. So much for the tangible. I understand, I understand. I am old and grumpy. Fujifilm no doubt has a boatload of market research to prove the smarts of this decision. Personally, I deleted the app as soon as I proved to myself that it worked as advertised.
In my world, Instax prints are something you tape to the wall. And they stay there until the sun whitens those moments, leaving only the cool darkness of the evening and those moments that we have etched in our minds. Either way, the Mini 12 is the cheapest and easiest way to enter the Instax world and it remains my top choice for anyone who wants a simple, affordable, and incredibly fun instant camera.
