This hybrid instant camera promises the best of both worlds, analogue and digital. But does it deliver?
The much-hyped Instax Mini Evo hybrid instant camera was released back in 2021, and is Fujifilm’s second hybrid camera in its Instax range. You shoot digital images, but can choose which to print. Unlike the newer and all-digital Instax Pal, the Mini Evo functions as both a camera and printer using Instax Mini film. It looks like, as Hannah Montana would say, the best of both worlds. But is it?
Design and operation
in terms of size, the Instax Mini Evo is similar to Instax Mini film cameras. Its design brings to mind the Instax Mini 90 and Instax Mini 40, as well as Fujifilm X-series cameras like the new Fujifilm X100VI. This is particularly the case with the older black colour option, which we got for this review. There is a light brown version available too, which was released alongside the Instax SQ40 in June 2023.
It’s got quite a lot of physical dials and buttons. The camera already has an in-built flash, but another flash can be added on the accessory shoe on top of the camera, as well as LED lights, viewfinders and more. A manual print lever deliberately styled to look like the wind-on lever in classic film cameras is on hand to print images.
There are two shutter buttons – one at the top of the camera just beside the print lever for when it is held in landscape orientation, and another on the front of the body beside the flash and selfie mirror, for when it’s held vertically. The on/off control is a switch placed on the front of the camera.
At the bottom of the camera, under a flap, are the microSD memory card slot and a USB-Type C port for charging. Since the brown model started being manufactured, all new Mini Evo cameras have had this, instead of the Micro USB on the original black Mini Evo cameras. It also has a tripod screw mount on the side, which many will find particularly useful for taking portraits and self-portraits.
Shooting experience
This almost feels like a proper camera – more so than the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 and Instax SQ40, for example, which feature simplified features and operation. Once you take some time to learn what all the many controls do, the camera is very nice to use.
The Mini Evo has a 28mm equivalent wideangle lens with a bright f/2.0 aperture. Although mostly automatic, the camera does give you some control over settings like flash, exposure, macro mode, white balance and a self-timer. It also features decent face detection and autofocus.
It did reasonably
