Best Instax Mini Instant Cameras

TL;DR: The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 delivers fully automatic exposure, a twist‑lens power switch and a selfie‑mirror in a compact pastel‑blue body for $83.95, making it a solid starter instant camera.

What really stands out is the 60 mm focal length paired with a minimum shooting distance of 0.3 m, letting you snap close‑ups without fiddling with focus. The camera powers on and activates Close‑Up mode with a single twist of the lens, and its f/12.7 aperture works with a shutter that can reach 1/250 sec for brighter scenes.

Compared with the three other cameras in this roundup, the Mini 12 sits in the middle of the weight range at 0.67 pounds—lighter than the Lomography Lomo’Instant Black Edition (over 2 pounds) and close to the Leica Sofort 2 (0.7 pounds), but a touch heavier than the Fujifilm Mini LIPLAY at 0.57 pounds. Its 60 mm lens has a noticeably longer focal length than the 27 mm on the Lomography and the 28 mm equivalents on both the LIPLAY and the Sofort 2, giving a tighter field of view that many beginners find flattering for portraits. While the LIPLAY ships with a USB‑C charging cable, the Mini 12 relies on two AA alkaline cells, a trade‑off reviewers note can require frequent replacements.

Users love the pastel‑blue design and describe the twist‑lens operation as “bursting with joy, creativity and color.” Professional reviewers praise the automatic exposure system for delivering bright photos even in tricky lighting, and the built‑in selfie mirror gets frequent mentions for making self‑portraits painless. The camera prints in about 90 seconds, and the film ejects in 5 seconds, which aligns with editors' description of “reliable instant printing speed.” The flash recycles in 7 seconds and works from 0.3 m up to 2.2 m, though some users note it can over‑expose bright scenes.

Additional technical notes include a compact 104 mm × 66.6 mm × 122 mm body, a viewfinder magnification of 0.37×, and an auto‑power‑off after 5 minutes of inactivity. The camera uses Instax Mini film (62 mm × 46 mm photo size, 86 mm × 54 mm print size) and comes with a hand strap, user manual and the two AA batteries needed to start shooting.

Best for: Beginners, teens, and casual photographers who want a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini LIPLAY blends a digital camera, built‑in printer and 10‑second audio QR code in a 0.57‑pound body, delivering instant prints in about 12 seconds.

The standout feature is its hybrid design: you shoot a 2560 × 1920‑pixel image, then print it on Mini film in roughly 12 seconds. The camera also records up to 10 seconds of audio that can be attached to the print via a QR code, adding a playful twist to every shot. Its 28 mm (35 mm‑equivalent) lens and fast 1/8000 sec shutter give you plenty of flexibility for everyday moments.

At 0.57 pounds, the LIPLAY is lighter than both the Lomography Lomo'Instant Black Edition (over 2 pounds) and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 (0.67 pounds). Its focal length matches the Leica Sofort 2’s 28 mm but is shorter than the Mini 12’s 60 mm, putting it in the sweet spot for classic mini‑format framing. Unlike the Mini 12, which relies on AA batteries, the LIPLAY charges via USB‑C, and it offers Bluetooth remote shooting—a feature the other three models don’t list.

Reviewers love the convenience of instant prints combined with audio snippets, calling the QR‑code feature “creative” and the USB‑C charging “handy.” Professional commentary highlights the selfie mirror and the compact 0.57‑pound chassis as strong points for party‑goers. The downside is the recurring cost of Mini film and microSD cards, and the internal memory holds only about 45 images, so you’ll likely need a card for longer shoots. The camera also lacks optical zoom and extensive manual controls, which serious photographers may miss.

Best for: Casual photographers, party‑goers, and social‑media enthusiasts who want instant prints with a fun audio twist.

Avoid if: You need advanced manual controls, optical zoom, or professional‑grade performance.

TL;DR: The Leica Sofort 2 blends a 4.9‑MP sensor, f/2.4 28 mm lens and 3‑inch LCD with instant Instax Mini prints, delivering premium styling and solid battery life at a higher price point.

Leica’s second‑generation Sofort packs a 4.9 MP CMOS sensor behind a fast f/2.4 Leica Summar lens that is 28 mm in 35 mm‑equivalent terms. A 3‑inch LCD lets you frame and review each shot before the built‑in printer produces a 62 × 46 mm print in roughly 16 seconds.

At 320 g, the Sofort 2 is heavier than the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini LIPLAY (259 g) but lighter than the Lomography Lomo'Instant Black Edition, which tips the scales at about 2.34 lb. Its height of 87 mm is shorter than the LIPLAY’s 120 mm, while its width of 123 mm exceeds the LIPLAY’s 80 mm, giving it a more rectangular footprint. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 sits close in weight at 306 g, making the Leica comparable to other mid‑range instant cameras but distinctly bulkier than ultra‑compact options.

Professional reviewers note the camera’s “fun, crowd‑pleasing instant printing” and praise the elegant Leica styling, yet they flag limited dynamic range and low‑light noise as drawbacks. Casual users echo the sentiment, loving the intuitive vertical lever and dependable battery life, while repeatedly mentioning that the camera feels bulky for pocket‑sized use and struggles in dim environments.

The battery holds 740 mAh (2.6 Wh) and delivers around 100 prints per charge, recharging via USB‑C in 2–3 hours. Internal storage accommodates 45 images, expandable with a microSD card, and the body includes a carrying strap, lens cap and a 1/4" DIN 4503 tripod thread for added versatility.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Lomo'Instant Black Edition offers a 27 mm wide‑angle lens, motorized film advance and unlimited multiple exposures, but its plastic body and limited shutter speed make it a niche creative tool at $51.35.

The standout spec is its 27 mm wide‑angle lens paired with an aperture range of f/8 – f/32, giving you a broader field of view than most mini‑format instant cameras. It also packs a motorized film advance, unlimited multiple‑exposure capability, and a built‑in flash with a 9 m guide number, it's powered by four AAA cells at 6 V.

At 2.3369 pounds, the Lomo'Instant is significantly heavier than the Instax Mini 12, Mini LIPLAY and Leica Sofort 2, each of which weigh under 0.7 pounds. Its 27 mm focal length is considerably wider than the 60 mm lens on the Instax Mini 12 and the roughly 28 mm equivalents on the other two models, making it better suited for group shots and creative framing.

Reviewers love the camera’s experimental vibe: unlimited multiple exposures let you layer images on a single frame, and the included colored gel filters add a playful twist to flash photography. Professional critics note the wide‑angle lens and the full suite of shooting modes—including auto, manual and bulb—as a strong creative toolbox, while everyday users mention the plastic construction feels cheap and the single 1/125 s auto shutter speed can struggle with fast action.

Best for: Creative hobbyists, party photographers, and Lomography fans who want wide‑angle framing, multiple‑exposure tricks and built‑in flash gels.

Avoid if: You need a durable metal body, fast shutter speeds for action, or the lightest possible camera for travel.