How does the new top model of the Instax Mini series perform in the test?
In the summer of 2013, Fujifilm introduced the latest Instax Mini camera.
The Instax Mini 90 is the current top model of the instant camera series and promises many creative possibilities. Enough reasons to put the Instax Mini 90 through an extensive test and see if it can keep its promises.
Personally, I would have liked some manual adjustment options. I would like to be able to adjust the focus separately from the subject programs and choose the aperture and exposure time myself.
Also, a connection for an external flash or a flash trigger would not be bad. This would allow the camera to be used with studio flashes.
In short, I would simply find more control and information about what the camera does nice. Of course, one must then ask oneself to what extent this would still be an instant camera and not just a normal camera with a built-in printer. In my opinion, an instant camera is characterized by its simplicity and the surprise effect.
The power for the camera comes from a rechargeable battery, more precisely the NP45A. In my opinion, this has some disadvantages, on the one hand, you create a dependency, as you can see with the battery search for older cameras.
I find the point that you need another charger more significant, although you are not constantly on the charger, but you have to think about it extra. A charger for AA batteries or just the battery and you get it easier in an emergency. The positive thing is that the batteries are not very expensive, the original is around 20 euros, for a battery from a third-party manufacturer you pay half on Amazon, depending on the provider. When I think about what I paid for my Nikon batteries, these batteries are a real bargain.
For films, the Instax Mini 90 requires the well-known Instax Mini films. The small, about credit card-sized, colorful pictures are available in double packs. For 20 shots you pay around 13 euros, depending on the retailer.
Conclusion
Among the Instax cameras, the Instax Mini 90 is a professional device, in comparison to other camera types this may look different. I would have been happy about a completely manual mode, but how often I would have really needed it is something else.
In any case, you can take great pictures with the instant camera and things like the multiple exposure or bulb mode create new possibilities to let off steam.
In addition, there is the great design of the Instax Mini 90, which immediately attracts attention and may convince another person of instant photography. Due to its compactness, it is well suited as a second camera, which you have with you in the camera bag next to the normal, analog or digital, camera.
The Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is really a well-thought-out camera, you can simply tell that it is not the first instant camera from Fujifilm. This starts with small things, like the fact that there is also a mirror in the shutter button on the front, in which you can see yourself in self-portraits or the two shutter buttons for portrait and landscape format. I was very surprised by the volume of the camera, it is really very quiet, no comparison to the old Polaroid cameras.
In short, if I had to choose between the Instax Mini cameras, then the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic would be my favorite. Every photographer who can be enthusiastic about instant photography and this format will certainly have fun with this camera.
For those with a small budget, I would recommend the Instax Mini 7s or 8 as an alternative.
Now I would like a camera with the same features for the Instax Wide format. Let’s see if another Instax camera will come onto the market in 2014, the Instax Mini 90 is definitely a step in the right direction.
What do you think of the Instax Mini 90? Do you have one or are you considering buying one?
What would you like for the next Instax camera?