When I was gifted the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, I thought it was just another gadget I would never use, especially as someone who relies solely on their phone to take photos. Fast forward two years, and I’ll admit that I was completely wrong. Not only do I still own this adorable instant camera, but I routinely take it out to snap photos (specifically, “instant print photos”) of friends, family and, of course, my particularly photogenic dog. I’ve brought it along with me to weddings, parties, baby showers and all sorts of gatherings. Without fail, it’s a hit each time.
It turns out that people love to have their photos taken, but what they love even more is being able to see that photo after just a few minutes. That's not even the best part, which is being able to take that photo home and put it up on a fridge.
Since joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, I’ve reviewed hundreds of products and have been hands-on with everything from VR headsets to cameras for kids. During that time I’ve also been to a lot of weddings, so you can trust me when I say that the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a wedding season must-have. Whether you give one to bridesmaids and groomsmen so they can take photos of the happy couple, or you leave a few out for wedding guests to use, this fun little camera is guaranteed to capture timeless memories that you actually print out.
What is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12?
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is an instant camera, which means that it uses self-developing “instant film” to print out credit card-size photos reminiscent of Polaroids in roughly a minute or so after being taken. In the age of smartphones, being able to actually print out a photo and share it amongst friends is personally what I love most about it.
Pros
- Extremely easy and fun to use
- Features selfie mirror on lens
- Cute, compact design
- Available in five shades
- Strap included
- Features a close-up mode for centered shots
Cons
- Only takes photos with flash
- Film is pricey
| Dimensions | 4.1 x 2.6 x 4.8" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Power source | 2 AA batteries |
The Fuji Instax Mini 12 is quite possibly one of the cutest little cameras I’ve ever seen. Its compact size is small enough to fit into a standard-sized purse or tote, and I’m obsessed with the pretty pastel colors it comes in, which include shades of purple, green, blue, pink and white.
While it's made for snapping selfies and objects close by, what you shouldn’t expect to use it for is long-distance photography. A crowd at a distance will be harder to see on the small print than a close-up group selfie.
Price-wise, the camera is not exactly cheap but does cost under $100. It is important to factor in the cost of film. Two packs of Fujifilm instant film (or 20 photos) will cost you about $45 on Amazon, which amounts to around $2.25 per photo. That number can quickly add up over time, especially when friends are eager for you to keep taking photos.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 easy to use?
Using the Fujifilm Instax Mini is an intuitive experience. If you ask me, it's way simpler than operating a smartphone. Once you’ve placed AA batteries inside the camera as well as film, you can turn the camera on by twisting the lens. Flash is automatically built-in, so you don’t have to fumble around to turn it on. Once you’re ready to take a photo, you press the button that’s on the camera’s front; since it’s the only button, it’s hard to miss. Your photo will then immediately print out as the image gradually comes to life. It may feel a bit awkward at first, but you'll quickly get the hang of it.
Two additional features to note: There is a selfie mirror located on the lens itself, which can be used to fit everyone into the frame. By twisting the lens a second time (once the camera's on), you can also enable close-up mode. This ensures that the object being printed is perfectly centered.
Why is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 a wedding season must-have?
If you’ve been to a wedding recently, you’ve probably stumbled upon some form of a portable photo booth. I’ve witnessed wedding guests crowd around these machines for hours, and while I agree that they’re fun, they have one major flaw: They’re stationary. You can’t just pick one up and move it around to capture photos of the bride and groom dancing or cutting the wedding cake. You may also be like me and decide to skip the photo booth altogether because the line is too long.
The fact that the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is both super compact and portable is part of what makes it such an obvious choice for weddings. Not only can the wedding party use it to take photos as the bride and groom get ready for their big day, but wedding guests can grab it to take fun photos on the dance floor. Because it’s so easy to operate, anyone should be comfortable snapping a few shots. Plus, the camera uses flash, so low lighting isn’t an issue, and it even features a little mirror on the lens to help you take selfies and make sure everyone is in the frame.
Bottom Line: Does the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 deserve a seat at your next wedding?
Yes, no questions asked. Whether you're looking for a fun gift for the bride or the happy couple, a Fuji Instax Mini 12 is such a fun way to capture precious memories. Instead of having everyone snap the same 200 photos on their phone, this instant camera guarantees a physical photo that you can take home at the end of the night and laugh about. The instant prints can even be used to create a collage of the entire extravaganza. Though the cost of film will add up in the long run, I'd say it's worth investing in for festive occasions with family and friends.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
