Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera

I love these little cameras! I have gifted two of them already to some friends, and they are equally as in love with them! The blue color displayed in the photos is identical to the actual color of the camera. So far, my friends have had no complaints regarding how well the cameras work. Mine is a different color, but since that's just a cosmetic difference, I'll give my personal opinion of my camera. Ease of Use: 4/5 This camera is SO easy to use. While the gist of it is "point and shoot", you may find that your photos are slightly un-centered and off to the left if you solely rely on viewing through the viewfinder. A helpful tip I've mentioned to my girlfriends is that when you think your photo is centered perfectly, adjust your camera ever so slightly to the right, and they will turn out beautifully! Also, make sure to adjust the lighting settings to whatever the camera prompts you to select. If you forget to do this, your photos will almost definitely turn out too dark, or overexposed - and film is NOT cheap! Set Up: 5/5 Super easy to set up. Literally all you do is insert the included batteries. Reading the instructions is very helpful when you're inserting your film for the first time, so make sure you don't throw them away! Price for Quality: 5/5 This camera is worth every penny. It's the cheapest by far on Amazon. While it's also sold at Michael's and Urban Outfitters, they'll charge you upwards of $100/$200, when you can easily buy it online for less. This camera is an investment. Buying film will be the most costly part of owning it, but if you hunt around and compare prices, you can easily find packs of film that save you a few bucks. I adore this camera. Since owning it, I've found that I'm much more selective when taking photos. I won't just take pictures of random things anymore since the film only comes in packs of 10 sheets. I love that the photos print right away, and they're so easy to display and give to people. My camera is always a hit at parties and when we're on vacations. It saves me from having to use up my phone battery while constantly taking pictures, which is definitely a plus! It's very small, and not at all a nuisance to carry around. I purchased a case for it, and have purchased the same cases as an included gift with their cameras. I definitely recommend buying yourself a case and an attachable selfie mirror to go along with this camera!

I absolutely love my Fujifilm INSTAX mini 8 Camera! It’s the perfect size for me to travel with and is my go-to camera to bring with me on vacations. I always get compliments on it! Amazing quality, and such an adorable color.

We live in an age where smartphone cameras and social media have made photography and digital content accessible to just about anyone, at anytime, and at any place. Scrolling through Instagram and Snapchat feeds is both entertaining and sometimes adventurous. I am constantly amazed at people’s creativity. But sometimes our propensity to binge on media can dull our senses and cheapen our experiences. The intangible but infinite nature of digital content can leave us wanting. I mean, who hasn’t stayed up until the wee hours of the night browsing through their phone, wondering why life feels so empty in that moment? Existential crises have a tendency to arise when we sit unchecked in front of glowing blue screens. This is why I really appreciate instant film cameras. They are self-limiting. Taking a photo requires us to slow down and really think a shot through. And only one person can take a photo home. Pictures and memories become what they once were: rare, precious gifts. For these reasons I purchased the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera for my wife. We instantly fell in love with it. For someone who wants their gear to be as artsy as the pictures they take, the Instax Mini 8 is the best instant film camera you can buy. The name of the product is a mouthful but it’s form and function are simple. Form The Instax Mini 8 has a solid build quality and doesn’t feel cheap. My wife usually carries it in her purse and we’ve yet to find any discernible scratches on the body. However, if you are concerned about scratching the lens you can find cases online. The camera just looks good. The angles and curves are elegant, giving off less of the “box-look” found in other instant cameras. These curves make the camera comfortable to hold, whether you’re taking normal pictures of selfies. There is also a vast selection of colors to choose from to fit personality type or outfit. Function The camera has two buttons. The button adjacent to the lens turns the camera on and the other functions as the shutter. They’re simple to use and unobtrusive to the design. The Instax Mini 8 also has different aperture settings depending on the lighting and environment. It will automatically recommend the best setting for you with a flashing LED. The viewfinder accurately frames shots. Pictures will come out looking like what you see in the viewfinder. The film chamber is also in the back. Inserting and ejecting film cartridges is quick and easy. There is also a film counter on the bottom right that displays the remaining amount of film in the camera. Image quality is what you’d expect from instant film. It is crucial to use the correct aperture settings on your shots. I accidentally used the indoor lighting setting at times so the pictures came out brighter than we expected. I can’t recommend the Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera enough. It makes a perfect gift for your wife, friend, girlfriend, or yourself. The pictures it takes will have a personal touch to them that will mean more to you and whoever you share your pictures with. This review was originally published by Geekskills at WordPress.

Tips for Taking Photos with Instax Mini! 1. take good care of the camera i.e it shouldn’t be jostled or dropped because THE LENS circle thing WILL FALL OFF. You can stick it back on but there’s always a little risk involved, the first time the lens fell off I nearly got a heart attack. 2. never, ever take a photo in sucky lighting (ex. Our house which is lighted purely by incandescent lamps) In fact limit indoor photos unless it’s an extremely special/candid moment that can’t be replaced. Don’t lie to yourself and think “it’ll turn out good anyway” Nuh uh 3. Always pay attention to the dial and turn it. I’ve had photos come out as yellowish blanks because someone forgot to turn the dial 4. do not play around with the dial and think you can judge what setting is best for the weather…the camera really is most accurate. 5. Try to wear light colored clothing. Not white because the flash will react badly. Not dark/black clothing because the background of the picture (ESPECIALLY if indoors) darkens naturally and you can “Fade” into the background. 6. Selfies are always best with natural light. If not, and you’re taking a selfie with a friend, remember that the person holding the camera (and therefore closest to it) is more likely to get a little bit whited out (not a lot, but a little) than the other person. 7. The lens can hold a surprising amount of space/number of people in one photo. This means that if for example, you’re taking a photo of a big group of people, you don’t have to back up as much as you think. If you do their faces will have less focus. Don’t be afraid to close up a little bit. (referring here to horizontal photos of course) 8. The camera can take very nice photos both vertically and horizontally. Vertically is better for portraits and closeups and is very flexible. Horizontal, however, can get you a beautiful “slice of life” feel, when you want to focus not only on the people but the background and scenery. 9. The paper/material the photo is printed on is thick, white, and has a little space under the photo itself for you to write something. ALWAYS write with a thin pen Sharpie. Normal pens, ballpens, ink pens whatever bleed and smudge and look plain nasty. So maybe now you’re wondering….wow, this camera has a lot of limitations. Should I seriously get it?? And my answer….YES! Yes you should. The photos just feel so incredibly real. It’s like holding that moment in your hand. It’s so different from digital photos or even printing at Walgreens. You can look at a photo over and over again, and every time notice something good and different. It’s hard to explain, but these photos are so old timey and vivid, every one of these is like a breath of fresh air. And another thing…EVERYONE loves instant cameras….I met my cousins for the first time this winter, and I honestly feel like we really bonded over this. Every time you take a new photo, everybody hovering around like “how’d it turn out??” and you get to watch it develop (extremely interesting.) It only takes a minute for the photo to develop, but a few more for the colors to really pop. So yes….Get it. Make sure to watch a couple YouTube tips/reviews/demo vids and be sparing with the pictures, they ARE pricey!!

I'm a huge fan of this camera and it's a really fun item to have around. I've only used it a couple of times and I think the quality is decent. The photos turned out well for indoor portraits. However, I tried taking a picture of a downtown skyline at night and the photo didn't turn out well at all. The flash was set on the lowest setting but the entire picture still turned out black. This camera is best suited for well lit situations or use of flash on close up objects. I wish it had a no flash option. The AA battery feature is also a bit of a hassle, so it'd be nice to see something that is rechargeable. I bought this used in new condition and when I first put in new batteries and film in it and turned it on, all the lights on the front and eyepiece kept blinking. I was afraid that I had bought a bad camera but luckily it worked fine with the switch to different batteries. The price of the film is also a huge downer. However, crutchfield and other sites sell it for around $14.99. **Edit: I ended up upgrading this camera to the Neo Classic Instax 90 which is more than double the price unfortunately but I'm hoping it'll be a better investment. The Instax Mini 8 is great if you're taking indoor photos of friends and parties but because my use was primarily landscape, the limited functions of this camera were hard to work with. I definitely debated whether or not to switch because this was so much fun to work with but if you're hoping to invest more in the photos then possibly this camera isn't for you or a DSLR is. It's also rather awkward and bulky. I did have a number of great shots in the small amount of time I had this though so it does the job for a low(er) cost!

I bought this Instax Mini 8 years ago for my girls—Carsyn got the pink one, Emma got the yellow—and let me tell you… those two turned our entire Christmas morning into a full-blown photoshoot. 🤳 They took pictures nonstop, and honestly? The selfies never stopped. They’re grown now, but this little camera is still tucked into drawers, backpacks, and random bins because they’ve used it for YEARS. Fit & Feel: Lightweight, sturdy, and easy enough for kids to hold without fumbling. The buttons are simple and the camera doesn’t feel cheap—it’s that classic Fuji quality. Look: The yellow is adorable. Bright, happy, and easy to spot when your child inevitably sets it down somewhere questionable. Function: The selfie mirror is actually super helpful (trust me… my girls tested its limits). The auto-exposure makes the settings foolproof, and the high-key mode gives photos that soft, glowy look kids love. Close-ups turn out surprisingly well with the macro lens. Two AA batteries and you’re good to go. Now I’m knee-deep in scrapbooking their childhoods (because yes… I never finished their baby books—don’t judge 😂). I’m hoping to find old Instax reels in the box of photos I’m tackling this Thanksgiving weekend. These cameras hold memories you didn’t even realize you were missing. If you want a gift that brings immediate joy—and years of tiny-print memories you’ll want to save—this is it. Cherish those photos, friends. They grow up fast. ❤️

In a word? Obsessed. Ever since I got this camera in late September, I have brought it to several parties, as well as cons. Whenever I bring it, everyone always wants to take home the images. So I have to be judicious with who gets to take a picture, otherwise I'm spending money on film I never see. I read other reviews about how popular the camera was with friends and family, and I can contest that it really is. People are surprised when they see it, and then curious about the lineage of how instant cameras have progressed to this point of small and compact size. I can't even tell you how many people have asked me where I've gotten it at this point. My entire reason for getting it was to take it to AWA to snap pictures of people in costumes, and have a physical representation of the convention experience. And because I have somewhat of a type-A personality, I did extensive research on multiple models over the course of several days. This is something I learned early on: every single person will call it a Polaroid. Not a single one knows to call it an Instax, even after finding out that’s what it is. Kind of interesting how much the Polaroid brand has withstood the test of time, like how people say Kleenex instead of tissue. Anyways... These Pros/Cons were taken before the purchase of the camera, and were generally what other people said over several platforms (Amazon, FujiFilm website, other blog posts). At the time of purchase, I got this model for 67.98, which was in line with all the other colors. Because it’s a popular color, it looks like they’ve upped the price. In case you aren’t looking to comparisons and you just want to know why I chose this model, I ended up deciding on the 8 for several reasons. While the cameras from 25 and beyond have a button feature for horizontal and vertical, the 8 doesn’t. I am completely fine with tilting the camera either way, and I have never had an issue taking vertical shots. The 8 also has a price point and purpose I think agree with each other. For less than $70, I could get an instant camera to take to parties and conventions, a camera I could also use for when I have a Photobooth set up at my parties (something I do a lot). And the final deciding factor was the color and design. The 8 comes in a variety of colors, including the beautiful pastel blueishgreen I decided on. While some people thought the design looked cheesy and cheap, I really loved it! I liked the lightweight feel and compact size and the cute sort of toy look of it appealed to my nostalgic side. By far, the best camera is the 90. It offers an option to turn the flash on/off, which I could say is the biggest caveat of all of the other cameras in this series. Because the flash is always on the 8, it washes out pictures taken in bright light. I’ve mostly used the 8 inside and at parties, ant it performs very well in that environment. At any rate, here are my findings: FujiFilm Instax 210 Instant Wide (camera priced at $72.89 as of 11/11, $15.99 for 20 exposures) Note: Takes 4 AA batteries. PROS: -Better at outdoor images than smaller Instax cameras, because they show more detail. -Larger photo size, about 2x bigger than the mini. -More like a classic Polaroid from the ‘90s, so it has a really nice nostalgia factor. -Has 3 different camera modes: lighten, darken, and normal. -Tends to look best with a horizontal shot, but you can turn the camera for a vertical shot. CONS: -Bulky, not easy to carry in a pocket or small purse. -Auto flash. -Not conducive to traveling, due to its large size. -Fragile construction. Recommended for: Anyone who wants more of a classic Polaroid feel, with larger images. ____ FujiFilm Instax Mini 8 (camera priced at $67.49 – 72.00 as of 11/11, $15 for 20 exposures) Note: Takes 2 4AA batteries. Note: Just because this camera doesn’t offer an option for horizontal and vertical images does not mean you can’t simply tilt the camera, because you definitely can! PROS: -Small photo size, about the size of a business card. -Portable and easy to travel with. -Takes good indoor/outdoor photos. -Camera itself is available in many colors. -Cute design. -Sturdy construction. - Has 4 settings: indoor, cloudy, little sun, sunny. CONS: -Small photo size (both a pro and con). -Easy to over and underexpose film. -Jamming film problem with some people. (though I haven’t had this issue yet) -No zoom function. You get one lens, and that’s all. (A close up lens is sold separately, however.) -Auto flash. -Looks like a toy. Some people said they didn’t like the look and considered it “cheap”. Recommended for: Casual use: weddings, parties, get-togethers. ___ FujiFilm Instax 25 Mini (camera priced at $84.13 as of 11/11, $15 for 20 exposures) Note: Comes with 2 CR2 batteries. PROS: -Small photo size. -Self-portrait mirror for those of you who want an “old school selfie”. -Smaller and lighter than the 8 because it doesn’t use the AA batteries that 8 uses. -Portable and easy to travel with. -Cute-sy design. -Comes with a close-up macro lens. -An option for horizontal and vertical images. -Lighten/darken image mode or turn on flash. -Takes good indoor/outdoor photos. CONS: -Small photo size (both a pro and con). -Limited color selection. -Doesn’t take very good nighttime shots. -Auto flash. Recommended for: Casual use: weddings, parties, get-togethers. Those that want to take “selfies”. ____ FujiFilm Instax 50S Mini (camera priced at $90.99 as of 11/11, $15 for 20 exposures) Note: Comes with 2 CR2 batteries. PROS: -Small photo size. -Self-timer. -Comes with a close-up macro lens. -Good in low light. -An option for horizontal and vertical images. -Sleek, more of an adult look to it. -3 settings: Auto, Fill-in Flash, and Landscape. Also has a light/dark function. CONS: -Small photo size (both a pro and con). -Auto flash. -Tendency to overexpose, especially when it’s overcast. Recommended for: Casual use, and those that like the option of taking close-up pictures. ____ FujiFilm Instax Mini 90 (camera priced at $137.49 – 140.49, $15 for 20 exposures) Note: Comes with rechargeable battery and wall charger. PROS: -Small photo size. -Sleek, more of a retro look to it. -Sturdy construction. -An option for horizontal and vertical images. -An option to turn the flash on/off. -Can adjust brightness. -Special nighttime option makes it great for lower light. -Self-timer. -Much less bulk and weight than other Instax cameras. -Good for travel and very portable. -Takes great day and nighttime shots. -Digital display tells you how much film you have left. -Macro mode for closer images. -Has 4 settings. CONS: -Small photo size (both a pro and con). -Much more expensive than other Instax models: you definitely pay for the looks and additional features. Recommended for: More serious photographers. ----UPDATED REVIEW, 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASE AND USE--- I still love this camera, even a year later. I've taken it with me to NYC, to countless parties, to conventions, and just regular ole days out on the town. Here are a few observations over the year: -It sucks in light. Like really really sucks. It always washes images out, and sometimes that creates a cool effect, but for the most part it just looks bad. I really wish there was a way to turn off the flash, but since there isn't this camera is best inside. -It only sort of eats up batteries. It will start flashing when it's low, but I've been able to take somewhere between 20-30 additional photos after it has started flashing. Just make sure that you only turn it on when you're ready to take a shot, and not spending forever waiting for your friends to get into a decent formation. -It is pretty bulky (but not heavy) for travel purposes. It takes up a lot of precious space in suitcases or backpacks, so be prepared to sacrifice the loss of a few items of clothing for it. -It can take a little bit of a beating. In my suitcase, jostled with shoes, clothes, and books, it has done fine. It's also done well when I put it in a little bag I have with extra batteries that are loose and jiggling around and knocking into it. -It still works swimmingly for me. I've never experienced any issues with jamming or any other issues, really. -And one final tip. It's probably best to buy an extra 10-20 rolls for parties, because people will REALLY REALLY want to take the pictures home.

I love this camera it takes great pictures. To first start off this review I would like to say that this camera is great its so sleek and pretty skinny and light. The camera looks exactly like the picture. I have dropped this camera before but it was perfectly fine and did`nt get any scratches or anything. From experience always remember to adjust the setting to the one that it suggests (it suggests a setting by lighting up by the setting). Try not to get to close to the camera because i dont if this is just me but when i was too close to the camera i came out very very white. I loved that this came with a cute strap too that matches the camera. I recommend buying a big package of the film because it is very expensive and the more you buy the more money you save. Im not sure but for all of the pictures I have taken so far the flash has been on. Just for when you put in the film box be sure to read the instructions carefully or you will do it wrong and it could mess up the camera. I also recommend getting the color lens. With the color lens on the camera , i think that the picture comes out more cool looking and it looks very tumblry. A great feature on this camera that i love is that it shows you a number which mean how many films you have left. The camera holds ten films at a time. This camera is perfect for creating cute memorys with your friends! The only thing that i would complain about this camera is that the fact that the film for it is so expensive. But i do get why because they are so cute and it prints out write there when you take it. Another thing just make sure you are ready for the picture to be taken because i wouldnt want to waste any of the film. I would totally recommend this as a gift for anyone i love mine! If this review helped you in any way please vote helpful! If you have any questions feel free to ask.

もう購入してから何年も経ちますが 故障とかなくずっと使えてます！ 普段使いませんが久しぶりに使ってみても 普通に使える！ 印刷シートは消耗品なのでヴィレバンなどで買ってます(^^)

Una camara imprescindible,con fotos al instante

مب اوك

コンパクトで使い勝手はいいです。 この時代だからこそのいい意味での粗さも逆に新鮮でした。 ショップについても迅速に対応していただき大変ありがたかったです。

I've always wanted a polaroid camera, and this is the perfect one for someone starting out. It's easy to use and- though most of your photos might be over-exposed at first- the photos look great. I still recommend using it inside or in the shade. It's also perfect for travelling or for outings because you can just slip it into your backpack or purse. As the film is fairly expensive, I love using this camera for get-togethers and give the photos out to friends as keepsakes. Love it :)