INSTAXmini EVO Hybrid camera and smartphone printer, BROWN

First – many thanks to Amazon. This is the fourth instant camera I’ve tried, all purchased through Amazon. And it is the one I’m keeping (the other three were the Instax 99 and the Kodak Minishot 2 & 3).There is an App available to use with the camera (through Bluetooth) but I’ve used the camera on its own, working on the principle that I want the camera to be able to do what I want through its own functionality.The EVO isn’t cheap, and it isn’t purely an instant camera. Fuji describe it as a hybrid, that offers the functionality of an instant camera with that of a digital one. The camera has the capability to save up to 45 images onboard but it also has an SD card slot which allows you to save more as well as the ability to transfer them to a computer.It has a robust body build with a nice retro feel right down to the lever for printing and again is reminiscent of the old instamatics. Its available in black or brown body and has a good quality LCD screen (3” TFT) on the back which allows you to clearly see your images before printing. It has ten lens effects (colour leak, vignette, fish eye, etc) all accessible from the lens dial and ten image effects (sepia, monochrome, blur, canvas, etc) accessible from a top dial. These can be combined to give 100 options and up to three favourite combinations can be saved, recalled at the press of one of the function buttons on the back of the camera. The camera has a focal length of 10cm to infinity, has a good exposure control, using the LCD screen so you can determine the correct setting to suit the conditions and white balance. It feels slightly slower when printing than the Instax 99 but that’s a minor quibble.Don’t expect the image quality to be the equal of a top end DSLR, but it is good and the ability to clearly review your images prior to printing prevents wasted paper. And the effects options make it fun camera to use.The instruction manual proudly proclaims the camera as having the best image quality in the history of Instax cameras (as of December 2021). Its definitely superior to the Kodak models (both cheaper by a long stretch) and value & performance wise is way better than the Instax 99. And highly recommended.13/05/24 update - the lens ring has come off and will not go back on.03/07/24 update - I bought a replacement (once refunded) and I have had no problems with the camera. Still a 5 star rating.I would advise anyone looking for a case for the camera to buy the official Fuji option rather than any of the other (slightly cheaper) options. The Fuji case is a comfortable fit unlike the others which are very tight on the effects ring (and may have caused the damage to my original purchase)

Fantastic buy… good prints if you use the right film / paper to print on

Definitely recommend this camera if your main goal is to have the printed photos. The quality definitely isn’t as good as a camera designated for just taking pictures but it’s perfect if you like to have a physical copy of your pictures and don’t want to waste film on photos that don’t turn out well. Camera quality is still good but you need to play around a bit with the settings.Internal storage is 40 or 45 pictures but you can add a micro sd card for more storage. It’s also great as it doubles as a printer for any photos you want to transfer from your phone via the instax evo app.

Fun camera with a retro look. There is even a 'wind-on' lever, like the old film cameras had, but this one is to start the printing process. It's more of a hybrid digital/instant camera, because the images are saved, either in the camera's own memory (about 40 capacity) or you can expand the memory with an SD card. This means you can check the quality of your snap before you print it, so you don't waste valuable film.There are 10 different filters and 10 lens settings, giving you up to a hundred variations. I've just used the normal settings so far, but the others are there for the more adventurous.If you get the app, you can share images with your phone. This means you could take a photo on your phone and then print it with the camera. You can also take a photo with the camera and then send it to your phone, but for some reason this only works with images you have already printed. The image I've attached was taken on my phone, but printed with the camera.I haven't got my head around the menu functions yet, but I'm an 'oldie' and not very tech savvy: I'm sure the youngsters will have no problem with it. I found it a bit fiddly to open the back, but that's probably just as well, because you don't want to accidentally open the camera and expose any unused film. The cartridges are simple to fit.It's not a top of the range digital camera or phone, so don't expect super sharp pictures, but it's good for capturing the moment and having an actual photo to put in an album or give to friends.All in all, very pleased.

Bought as a gift for new parents. It works a treat and easy to set up and use.

Fell in love with photography again.I purchased this to get physical copies of memorable moments I spend with family and friends but also in my other work related ventures.Since the advent of smartphones our pictures just live digitally in our phones. Now i now i can print at anytime andthe image file size being so small mean I don't worry about what to shoot and can just pick the best photo to print on demand.I take it everywhere and it's so much fun to use with the various filters and lens effects. the retro look makes it the best looking camera of all instant cameras out there.

The best way to keep my memories. Very easy to use and the quality is great too.

Excellent purchase. Prompt delivery with care.Bought as a present for my wife. Opened box today and tried to fit the camera in,the case purchased alongside the camera. The silver lens housing came off immediately and I cannot get it back on however hard I try. Conscious of the return date (4.7.25), but it needs fixing can you advise please.