The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 is the latest addition to the popular Instax range of instant cameras. It promises to combine the joy of analogue photography with modern features. In this review, we will take a closer look at the camera and highlight its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and handling
The Instax Mini 99 impresses with its retro design, which is reminiscent of classic film cameras and also the Instax Mini 90. Thanks to its rounded edges, it fits well in the hand and makes a high-quality impression. The camera is a bit larger and heavier, but still compact enough to be easily transported in a normal camera bag.
Operation is intuitive and simple if you have used an instant camera before. Most functions are controlled via physical buttons and a dial, which allows for quick and uncomplicated operation. Only the optical viewfinder could be a bit larger to enable better image composition.
Scope of delivery, battery and films
The delivery includes a camera, camera strap, battery, battery charger and charging cable. Like the Instax Mini 90, a rechargeable battery is used. This allows for a more compact design, but of course you always have to think about the battery or have a spare battery or charger with you.
The films are not included in the delivery. The normal Instax Mini instant films are used. There are ten pictures in a film cassette.
Image quality and functions
The Instax Mini 99 produces instant pictures in 62 x 46 mm format. The image quality is typical for Instax cameras: charming and a certain retro look. If you want razor-sharp pictures with lots of detail, you will probably choose a different film format.
The camera has an automatic light meter that ensures balanced exposures. The exposure can be corrected with a dial on the side. There are no completely manual settings for the aperture and exposure time.
A display on the back shows the status of the batteries and the remaining number of images. There is also information about the selected settings. There are a number of setting options and modes.
There is a landscape and macro mode. There is also a mode for indoor shots and a setting option for moving subjects. There are also various settings for the built-in flash. This can be forced or switched off completely. Switching off the flash is not possible with the Instax Mini entry-level models, for example.
Other creative options are offered by the bulb mode for long exposures, the mode for double exposures and a built-in self-timer. The camera can be positioned on a tripod. This is of course particularly important for the bulb mode.
A highlight of the Instax Mini 99 are the six integrated color effects (Warm Tone, Faded Green, Sepia, Light Leak, Soft Magenta and Light Blue), which can be selected using a setting wheel. These effects, which are made possible by LEDs inside the camera, allow for creative design options and give the images an individual touch. In addition, the image can be influenced with a manual vignette control. How often you use these effects in everyday life naturally depends on your own taste.
Conclusion
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 is a successful instant camera that impresses with its retro design, its ease of use and its creative functions. It is ideal for anyone who loves the charm of analog photography and wants to design their images with individual effects and enjoys experimenting.
If you are an occasional user or only have the camera for an event, such as a wedding, then models such as the Lomo’Instant or Instax Mini 12 are a better choice.
Alternatives to the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, the Instax Mini 90 or the Polaroid Go could be interesting. If you value a larger image format, the Instax Square or Instax Wide are a good option.
As someone who uses instant cameras for fun, the inclusion of a tripod mount and bulb mode on the Mini 99 is a total game changer. That really opens up possibilities for low-light and creative long exposures that most Instax models just can’t touch. It’s a shame film isn’t included, but that’s standard for these cameras anyway.
The color effects sound absolutely brilliant! I’ve been waiting for Instax to really lean into creative controls beyond just exposure compensation. The Faded Green and Light Leak options could make for some truly unique prints. Definitely putting this on my wish list!
Thanks for the detailed review! I’m curious about the battery life compared to the Mini 90, especially with those new LED color effects. Does using them frequently drain the battery noticeably faster? And how does the weight feel for extended carry – is it much heavier than previous models in practice?
Instax is love
It’s refreshing to see Fujifilm continue to innovate within the instant camera space while keeping that classic analogue feel. The Mini 99 seems like a solid step forward for those who appreciate the ‘happy accidents’ and unique charm of instant prints, rather than chasing digital perfection. Good read!