The Instax Mini 12 in Lilac Purple arrived on my desk, promising instant photographic fun. This review details my experience using this compact instant camera, focusing on its usability, image quality, and overall value. I’ve spent the last few weeks snapping photos in various settings to give you a comprehensive assessment.

The Instax Mini 12 boasts a charming, compact design. Its lilac purple finish is eye-catching, and the intuitive controls make it incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. The simple twist-to-turn-on mechanism is a clever touch. Key features include automatic exposure and flash, a Fujinon 60mm lens, a handy selfie mirror, and a dedicated selfie/close-up shooting mode. The inclusion of a 10-pack of film is a welcome bonus.

The automatic exposure and flash work surprisingly well, producing consistently bright images even in low-light conditions. The Fujinon lens delivers sharp photos with decent detail. The selfie mode, facilitated by the cleverly placed selfie mirror, is a fun addition, perfect for close-up shots and selfies. I found the automatic features reliable, making it easy to capture spontaneous moments without fiddling with settings. The images possess that characteristic Instax charm – a slightly softer look compared to digital photos, contributing to their unique appeal. While image quality isn’t comparable to high-end digital cameras, it’s perfectly acceptable for its intended purpose.

However, the automatic flash can sometimes be a little overpowering in bright conditions, leading to slightly washed-out images. Learning to anticipate this and adjust your shooting position accordingly is key to getting optimal results.

The included 10 film pack allowed me to thoroughly test the camera’s performance in a variety of situations – indoor, outdoor, close-ups, and even some night shots (with the flash, of course!).

Pros:

• Compact and stylish design.
• Easy to use, even for beginners.
• Reliable automatic exposure and flash.
• Sharp images with good detail (for an instant camera).
• Useful selfie mode and mirror.
• Includes a pack of film.

Cons:

• Flash can be overpowering in bright conditions.
• Film cost can add up over time.
• Image quality is not comparable to digital cameras.

The Instax Mini 12 Lilac Purple is a delightful instant camera that’s perfect for capturing fun memories on the go. Its ease of use, charming design, and reliable performance make it a great choice for casual photographers and those looking for a fun, non-digital alternative. While the film cost is a factor to consider, the joy of instant gratification makes it worthwhile. I highly recommend the Instax Mini 12 to anyone looking for a fun and user-friendly instant camera. The Lilac Purple color is a nice touch, giving it a modern and stylish look.