Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera - Mint Green
Score: 71/100
Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film
Score: 39/100$90.69
$151.15
Rankings
The Instax Mini 12 adds a twist-to-power lens, selfie mirror and close-up mode to the familiar automatic instant-camera formula. It prints credit-card-sized photos quickly, but the plastic construction and lack of manual controls keep it in the entry-level segment.
The Polaroid Now 3rd-Gen delivers classic full-size Polaroid prints with modern upgrades like dual-lens autofocus and USB-C charging. It adds creative modes such as double-exposure but lacks Bluetooth connectivity and can struggle in low-light.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
100 shots | 120 shotsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 453.6 g | 450 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 12.7 f | 11 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 0.004 secondsbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 5 secondsbest | — |
800best | 640 | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
4 itemsbest | 4 itemsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Physical Specs(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 453.6 g | 450 g |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (shots) | 100 shots | 120 shots |
Battery Type | AA alkaline | Lithium-ion |
Print(1) | ||
Print Size | 54x86 mm | Full-size |
Camera(5) | ||
Aperture (f) | 12.7 f | 11 f |
ISO Range (max) | 800 | 640 |
Focus Type | Fixed | Autofocus |
Film Format | Instax Mini | i-Type/600 |
Flash Type | Constant firing flash | Flash |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers (PCMag Editors' Choice) commend the Mini 12 for its beginner-friendly design, intuitive twist-to-power operation, and useful selfie features, while noting the lack of manual controls and tripod mount.
Users enjoy the fun, nostalgic experience and ease of use for kids and teens, but criticize the cheap feel, occasional washed-out images, and the ongoing cost of film.
“The camera feels cheap, the photos are washed out, but the nostalgia makes it all worth it.”
“Love the twist-to-power lens and selfie mirror - perfect for my teen.”
“Great for quick prints, but the plastic feels fragile.”
Professional reviewers praise the upgraded autofocus, brighter-day performance and USB-C charging, while noting the absence of Bluetooth/app features and the high cost of film.
Everyday users love the retro look, tactile feel and USB-C charging, but report inconsistent autofocus in low light and the high expense of film.
