Camera Dojo

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The short answer

The Instax Mini 12 is Fujifilm's simplest instant camera: twist the lens to switch it on, press the button, and a credit-card-size print comes out.

Reviewers praise how easy it is and how much better close-ups and selfies frame than on the Mini 11. The main complaint is washed-out prints in bright sun, and the flash always fires. It costs $93.95 new, plus about $0.83-1.30 per print. Fujifilm announced its successor, the Instax Mini 13, in March 2026.

Released
March 2023
Price
$93.95
Film
Instax Mini
Per print
$0.83-1.30
Cost per photoWhat owners say

Built from 157 opinions from 32 pages and videos. Not yet tested by Camera Dojo. Updated .

A white Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 instant camera lying on pine needles and pine cones
Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0

The short version

Good fit if

  • You want the simplest instant camera for parties, kids or a gift.
  • You take a lot of selfies and close-ups.
  • You want the cheapest instant film per shot.

Think twice if

  • You mostly shoot outdoors in bright sun.
  • You want to turn the flash off or adjust exposure.
  • You want something pocket-size. The Polaroid Go is smaller and lighter.

What every photo costs you

The camera is a one-time cost. Film is the real one. Instax Mini prints cost less in bigger packs, and Mini 12 batteries last about ten packs.

  • 10 prints

    $1.30 per photo

    $12.99 at Target

  • 20 prints

    $0.92 per photo

    $18.49 at Target

  • 60 prints

    $0.82 per photo

    $48.99 at Target

  • 100 prints

    $0.83 per photo

    $82.99 at Target

Target prices checked October 18, 2026. Each pack contains cartridges of 10 prints.

A scanned Instax Mini print of pine trees under a blue sky with clouds
An Instax Mini print, scanned. The photographer did not say which Mini camera took it.Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0

What a Mini 12 print looks like

Every Mini 12 photo is an Instax Mini print: an image of about 62 x 46 mm on a card of 86 x 54 mm, roughly the size of a credit card. It develops in about 90 seconds, faster when it is warm.

Expect soft detail, punchy color and limited range: bright skies can burn out and shadows go dark, as in the trees above. Do not shake the print while it develops, and do not open the back mid-pack, or the remaining sheets are ruined.

What owners and reviewers say, topic by topic

We sorted 157 opinions about the Mini 12 from 32 pages and videos on 24 websites and channels. Each row shows how many people raised a topic and how many of them were positive. Open a row to read short quotes, each linked to its source.

Most of these opinions come from hands-on reviews by photography and tech publications. Owner forums, Reddit and the biggest retailers block automated reading, so long-term owner experience is thin on this page.

  1. Selfies and close-ups78% positiveof 27

    The most praised change over the Mini 11. Parallax correction and the selfie mirror make close shots much easier to frame, and selfies come out better exposed. The catch is that you have to twist into close-up mode at 30-50 cm, or shots blur.

    • “All the images I took using the Close-up mode came out blurry, though to be fair I may have been too close.”

      Isabella Ruffatti, Amateur Photographer 2025-03Hands-on review

    • “The Instax Mini 12 has a cleverly placed mirror on the front that made sure I got both of us”

      Kate Kozuch, Tom's Guide 2024-02Owner

    • “all photos taken in 'close-up' mode were easy to frame and the focus was accurate.”

      Gareth Bevan, Digital Camera World 2024-11Hands-on review

    • “Anecdotally I found most of the selfies I took with the Mini 12 looked better exposed than those from earlier models”

      Gordon Laing, Camera Labs 2023-03Hands-on review

  2. Automatic exposure16% positiveof 25

    The most common complaint. Bright outdoor scenes still come out washed out, even on overcast days, and there is no way to adjust exposure. A few reviewers found it well balanced in most light.

    • “First, the camera’s automatic settings don’t allow its shutter speed to go very low.”

      Henry Craver, 35mmc 2025-09Owner

    • “Despite Fujifilm’s automatic exposure tweaks, there’s still an unpredictability that’s pretty difficult to overcome.”

      Sarah Matthews, Expert Reviews 2023-06Hands-on review

    • “the Mini 12 still over-exposes bright outdoor scenes.”

      Gordon Laing, Camera Labs 2023-03Hands-on review

    • “The auto exposure seems to do a very good job of balancing the flash with the available light in most circumstances.”

      Gareth Bevan, Digital Camera World 2024-11Hands-on review

    • “I actually preferred the portraits that I shot indoors in limited light, as outdoors skin tones tended to wash out.”

      Hillary K. Grigonis, Pocket-lint 2024-04Hands-on review

  3. Flash and low light43% positiveof 21

    Split. Indoors and at parties the automatic flash lights people well. But it fires on every shot and cannot be switched off, and backgrounds go dark at night.

    • “I'm not interested in using the fuji instax in any sort of low light setting again...the lack of shutter speed control kills it for me”

      Henry Craver, 35mmc 2025-09Owner

    • “I did find that, despite the automatic flash setting, the camera often struggled to focus in low light.”

      Hannah Davies, Trusted Reviews 2023-03Hands-on review

    • “The Instax Mini 12’s automatic flash control made sure I could see all the food in the photo”

      Kate Kozuch, Tom's Guide 2024-02Owner

    • “Although you do get some great night or indoor shots, which is where the Mini 12 shines.”

      Trent Meikle, Stuff South Africa 2023-08Hands-on review

    • “Again, it would be great to be able to manually disable the flash when it is not needed, but that is a minor quibble.”

      Gareth Bevan, Digital Camera World 2024-11Hands-on review

  4. Design and grip40% positiveof 20

    People like the looks, which feel less toy-like than older Minis, but many find the smooth, rounded body slippery and easy to drop.

    • “Second, the lens’ 35mm-like equivalent focal length is tighter than the 24mm-28mm I’m most comfortable shooting.”

      Henry Craver, 35mmc 2025-09Owner

    • “The design is also boxier - and relatively slippery.”

      Isabella Ruffatti, Amateur Photographer 2025-03Hands-on review

    • “the Instax Mini 12 is not only the cutest instant camera but perhaps one of the most aesthetic-looking pieces of tech I’ve ever reviewed.”

      Hannah Davies, Trusted Reviews 2023-03Hands-on review

    • “I really like the look of the latest model which moves away from the almost toy-like bubble appearance of the earlier ones”

      Gordon Laing, Camera Labs 2023-03Hands-on review

    • “While it looks cuter and more cuddly than before, its rounded design makes it a little more difficult to grip, especially in larger hands.”

      Sarah Matthews, Expert Reviews 2023-06Hands-on review

  5. Ease of use88% positiveof 16

    Close to unanimous: twist the lens to switch on and press the button. Reviewers call it about as simple as a camera gets.

  6. Image quality71% positiveof 14

    Prints are soft and contrasty, as instant film is, but colors and character get steady praise.

  7. Price and value100% positiveof 8

    Every opinion on value is positive, especially for first-time instant shooters.

  8. Size and weight71% positiveof 7

    Light at 306 g and easy to carry, though not small enough for most pockets.

    • “The flipside of its design is that the Mini 12 isn’t the most compact camera out there.”

      Hannah Davies, Trusted Reviews 2023-03Hands-on review

    • “The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is smaller and lighter than the Instax Mini 8”

      Isabella Ruffatti, Amateur Photographer 2025-03Hands-on review

    • “The camera weighs just under 11 ounces, so it won't add much weight to your bag”

      Hillary K. Grigonis, Pocket-lint 2024-04Hands-on review

    • “It's also small and thin, so can be slipped into a pocket and fits nicely into the small hands of fledgeling young photographers.”

      Steve Dent, Engadget 2026-01

    • “The Instax Mini 12 is exceptionally light, making it effortless to carry, and while still a substantial size, is smaller than before.”

      Gareth Bevan, Digital Camera World 2024-11Hands-on review

  9. Film cost43% positiveof 7

    Instax Mini is the cheapest instant film you can buy, but every print still costs money, so reviewers say the cost adds up.

  10. Durability67% positiveof 6

    Few reports. The plastic body picks up scuffs, but reviewers had no functional problems after several packs.

  11. Batteries80% positiveof 5

    Two AA batteries last about 100 shots, so reviewers rarely had to change them.

    • “Two AAs should last around ten cartridges, or 100 shots, so you shouldn’t need to change the batteries too often.”

      Sarah Matthews, Expert Reviews 2023-06Hands-on review

    • “I couldn’t drain the entire battery in my testing.”

      Nikita Achanta, Tom's Guide 2024-09Hands-on review

    • “The batteries on Instax cameras seem to go on and on based on previous models, so don't worry about buying any spares.”

      Gareth Bevan, Digital Camera World 2024-11Hands-on review

PositiveMixedNegative

Common problems, blinking lights and fixes

Most Mini 12 problems come down to batteries, the lens not being fully out, or light. These are Fujifilm's own fixes, plus what reviewers ran into.

Lamp blinking and the shutter will not fire

How you notice
The orange lamp next to the viewfinder blinks and pressing the button does nothing.
Fix
Fit two fresh AA alkaline batteries (not manganese). Reset by taking the batteries out and back in with the lens extended. If it keeps blinking with new batteries, Fujifilm says it is a fault and the camera needs service.
Typical cost
A pair of AA batteries, if that fixes it

Sources: instax.com, instax.co.uk, instaxus.com

Print stuck halfway out

How you notice
The print stops partway out after a shot and the lamp blinks quickly.
Fix
Do not pull it out. Low batteries can take a picture but not push the print out: put in fresh batteries and the print should eject.
Typical cost
Usually nothing

Sources: instax.com, instaxus.com

Washed-out prints in bright light

Raised in 17 opinions

How you notice
Outdoor shots come out too light, with pale skin and white skies.
Fix
No setting fixes it: the aperture is fixed at f/12.7, the fastest speed is 1/250 s and the flash always fires. Shoot with the sun behind you or move into shade.
Typical cost
Design limit

Sources: cameralabs.com, fujifilm.com

Blurry or off-center close-ups

Raised in 5 opinions

How you notice
Close shots come out soft or framed off to one side.
Fix
Close-up mode only works from 30 to 50 cm. Twist the lens to the second notch, keep the target mark centered, and use normal mode beyond 50 cm.
Typical cost
None

Sources: instax.com, amateurphotographer.com

All-black prints

How you notice
The print develops completely black.
Fix
The shutter does not open if the lens is not fully extended. Twist it out fully and press the button all the way. If it keeps happening, contact Fujifilm.
Typical cost
No published repair price

Sources: instax.co.uk

White or blank prints for the rest of a pack

How you notice
Every remaining print comes out white.
Fix
The back was opened mid-pack, which exposes the remaining sheets. Only open it after the counter reaches zero.
Typical cost
The rest of the pack

Sources: instax.com, instaxus.com

Where to buy it

The official US price is $93.95, and Target matches it. eBay has new and used units for less. B&H, Best Buy and Walmart block automated price checks, so we only show prices we could read ourselves.

  • Fujifilm (instaxus.com)

    New, camera, strap and 2 AA batteries

    $93.95

    See listing

  • Target

    New, camera only, Blossom Pink in stock

    $93.99

    See listing

  • eBay

    New or used, current listings, plus shipping

    $46-70

    See listing

Prices checked on October 18, 2026. They move every week, so treat them as a range, not a quote. eBay figures are current asking prices, not sold prices, and exclude shipping.

Specifications

Lens and exposure

Lens
60 mm, fixed aperture f/12.7
Shutter
1/2 to 1/250 s, fully automatic
Flash
Always fires, power adjusts automatically
Close-up range
0.3 to 0.5 m, with parallax correction

Film and prints

Film
Instax Mini, 10 prints per cartridge
Image size
62 x 46 mm on an 86 x 54 mm print
Development
About 90 seconds
Viewfinder
0.37x real-image finder

Power and size

Batteries
2 x AA alkaline, about 100 prints
Size
104 x 66.6 x 122 mm
Weight
306 g without batteries and film
Colors
Pastel Blue, Mint Green, Blossom Pink, Lilac Purple, Clay White

Video reviews worth your time

  • Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 review: BEST instant camera vs 11

    Gordon Laing, 2023

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the best budget instant camera in the Instax range, delivering improved selfie exposure and framing accuracy despite ongoing limitations in bright sunlight.

    • 0:14 Overview of the Instax Mini 12 design and pastel color options.
    • 2:12 Side-by-side design comparison between Mini 9, Mini 11, and Mini 12.
    • 3:38 Demonstration of loading a film cartridge into the camera.

  • Instax Camera Breakdown - Comparing EVERY FujiFilm Instax model, which is right for you? And me?

    In An Instant, 2025

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a worthwhile entry-level instant camera thanks to its close-up mode and selfie mirror, despite lacking manual exposure controls.

    • 5:41 Demonstrating the close-up lens extension mode on the Mini 12
    • 5:49 Comparing price, features, and vibe ratings between Mini models
    • 6:14 Comparing the body design of the Mini 12 and Mini 41

  • Ultimate Guide to the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 w/ SHOOTING TIPS!

    Honest Reviews, 2023

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a fun, beginner-friendly instant camera with automatic controls and improved close-up framing, though it lacks a manual flash toggle and tripod mount.

    • 0:26 Overview of how the Instax Mini 12 camera operates.
    • 2:52 Side-by-side comparison between Instax Mini 12 and Mini 11.
    • 7:00 Step-by-step camera setup including batteries and wrist strap.

  • Instax Mini 11 vs. 12 - Picture Quality Test

    matejphoto, 2023

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is recommended over the Mini 11 for new buyers due to its improved lens mechanism, better flash control, and viewfinder parallax correction for close-ups.

    • 0:50 Demonstrating how to turn on each camera model.
    • 1:00 Showing how to activate close-up mode on both cameras.
    • 1:52 Comparing test portraits between Mini 11 and Mini 12.

  • INSTAX MINI 12 HOW TO USE AND WHAT TO KNOW

    bianneest, 2024

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a user-friendly instant camera that offers convenient features like a built-in selfie mirror and quick print development, making it great for travel and everyday memory keeping.

    • 0:26 Inserting AA alkaline batteries into the camera battery compartment.
    • 1:05 Demonstrating power control and activating close-up mode.
    • 3:38 Loading a new film pack into the camera.

  • Instax Mini 12 vs. 8 or 9 - Picture Quality Test

    matejphoto, 2023

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a user-friendly, fully automatic instant camera that delivers sharper close-ups and better low-light photos than older models.

    • 1:31 Showing the AA battery slot and discussing battery performance
    • 2:00 Demonstrating how to twist the lens ring to enter close-up mode
    • 4:20 Comparing close-up portrait test prints side-by-side

Questions people ask about the Mini 12

Can you turn off the flash on the Instax Mini 12?

No. The flash fires on every shot and only adjusts its own power. It is the most common complaint in reviews, though most reviewers do not call it a deal breaker.

Sources: tomsguide.com, fujifilm.com

What film does the Instax Mini 12 use?

Instax Mini film, sold separately. Any pack labeled mini works, in color or monochrome. Each cartridge holds 10 prints.

Sources: trustedreviews.com

How long do the batteries last?

About 100 prints, or ten packs of film, on two AA alkaline batteries.

Sources: instax.com, instaxus.com

Why is the light on my Instax Mini 12 blinking?

Usually the batteries are low. Put in two fresh AA alkalines and reset by reinserting them with the lens extended. If it keeps blinking, Fujifilm's US repair line is 1-800-800-3854.

Sources: instaxus.com, instaxus.com

Can you choose which photos to print, or print from a phone?

No. Every shot prints, and it cannot print phone photos. For that you need a hybrid camera such as the Instax Mini Evo, or the Instax Mini Link printer.

Sources: trustedreviews.com

Can instant film go through airport X-ray?

Fujifilm says to keep film, and cameras loaded with film, in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.

Sources: instaxus.com

Should I buy the Mini 12 or the new Mini 13?

The Mini 13, announced in March 2026 at the same $93.95, keeps the same lens, flash and exposure system and adds 2 s and 10 s self-timers and a textured body. Expert Reviews calls it a modest upgrade over the often-discounted Mini 12.

Sources: australianphotography.com, expertreviews.co.uk

What people compare it with

  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 13

    The 2026 successor at the same price. Same core camera, plus self-timers and a textured, easier-to-hold body.

  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 41

    Essentially a Mini 12 in a retro-styled body, for a few dollars more.

  • Polaroid Go Generation 2

    Smaller and lighter, with a rechargeable battery and square Polaroid Go film, which costs more per shot.

  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

    The predecessor, without the twist-lens close-up mode. Only worth it used or heavily discounted.

Every source behind this page

Read them yourself. How we pick and count them is in our methodology.

Show all 40 sources

Editorial reviews 20

Video reviews 8

Manuals and references 8

Retailer customer reviews 3

Independent blogs 1