Instax Mini 90 Digicam for $210: As soon as my favourite Instax, the Mini 90 appears to have been outmoded by the Mini Evo. The worth is not too totally different, but the Mini Evo is extra succesful, particularly for the reason that Mini 90 is absolutely analog. That mentioned, the Mini 90 delivers the highest-quality picture of the Mini sequence (equal to the Mini Evo), so in order for you the absolutely analog expertise and the best high quality picture, that is the digicam to get. It recurrently dips under $150, so keep away from paying extra.
Instax SQ 6 Digicam for $130 to $210: This one is a head-scratcher. As I famous above, the SQ 6 is a greater digicam than the SQ 1 or SQ 40, which appear to have collectively changed the SQ 6. Heck, there was even a Taylor Swift model of the SQ 6 (I’d hate to see what that’s going for on eBay today). Regardless of the case, Fujifilm not lists the SQ 6 on its Instax web site. However if you happen to discover it, and just like the sq. format, the SQ 6 is a incredible digicam. It has a number of guide options not discovered within the others—I particularly just like the Lighten and Darken modes that can be utilized like publicity compensation—along with the absolutely computerized mode of the SQ 40. Different good extras embody a self-timer, close-up mode, and the choice to show off the flash. There’s inventory on the market, so attempt to solely purchase it if you happen to discover it for round $100 to $150.
Instax Mini Hyperlink 2 Printer for $100: The Instax Mini Hyperlink was changed by the Mini Hyperlink 2, however the upgrades had been minor, and, truthfully, I can’t inform any distinction in print high quality. If yow will discover the unique Mini Hyperlink for lower than the worth of the Hyperlink 2, go for it. The Hyperlink 2 sells for $100 more often than not, so do not pay as a lot for the unique Hyperlink. They’re each nice printers.
Keep away from These Instax Cameras
Instax Mini 11 for $80 to $120: I discussed this above, however the Mini 11 is never value shopping for. It’s just a few {dollars} cheaper than the newer Mini 12 and lacks many of the options that make the Mini 12 such a great purchase. If yow will discover this one for below $50, possibly it’s value it. However in any other case, keep away from the Mini 11.
Instax 7s/Instax 8/Instax 9: These are all older, low-end Instax fashions. They use a hard and fast 1/60 shutter velocity, whereas the comparably-priced Mini 12’s auto publicity can select between 1/2 to 1/250 second shutter speeds, making it way more versatile. Given that the majority of those are laborious to search out anyway, skip them.
Do You Desire a Digicam, a Printer, or Each?
As soon as you’ve got picked the dimensions of movie you need, the subsequent query is, would you like a digicam, a printer, or a hybrid that may do each? The latter is costlier however provides you the most effective of each worlds—our high decide is a digicam and a printer. Observe that in order for you Instax Sq. or Instax Extensive prints, there is no such thing as a hybrid mannequin.
When you have nostalgia for what I nonetheless consider as “the Polaroid expertise,” an Instax digicam is the best way to go. They are not the highest-quality cameras (most have plastic lenses), however they take respectable pictures, and also you get to observe them develop seconds after you shoot. It is the extra enjoyable possibility, however the drawback is that when you’ve got a picture you’re keen on in your cellphone and wish to print it, you may need to look elsewhere.