The Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay instant camera offers a lot at first glance: modern hybrid camera, smartphone app, photo printer functionality and a sound feature for instant pictures. How this works in practice and for whom the camera is suitable, we clarify in this article!
In short:
- Hybrid camera
- Resolution 2560 x 1920 pixels
- Photo print via App
- Internal memory for approx. 45 images
- Sound recording for instant images
- Micro SD and Micro SDHC card slot
- Film: Instax Mini
- Image size: visible 2.4 x 1.8 Inches; with border 3.4 x 2.1 Inches
- Built-in Lithium Ion battery
- Selfie mirror
- Cost per picture: approx. 70 cents
The Instax Mini Liplay as hybrid camera
Hybrid cameras or digital instant cameras are instant cameras that not only allow instant images to be printed once, but also the printing of digitally stored images. One gets so to speak two cameras in one. In case of the classic instant image cameras as the Polaroid Onestep 2, one has exactly one attempt per image. If the image fails, the photo is lost. With hybrid cameras like the Mini Liplay from Fujifilms Instax camera series, the photos can be viewed beforehand on a display, and missed shots are simply deleted. This is also a real advantage over the popular fully analogue Instax Mini 9.
Photo printer and smartphone app
Also very practical: the Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay can easily be used as a mobile photo printer. All you need is the corresponding app. The Smartphone is connected to the instant camera via Bluetooth. So you can easily turn mobile phone snapshots into real pictures. You simply select the desired picture in print mode and print the instant picture via the camera. By the way, this only takes about 12 seconds until the final picture is ready.
App-Features
The Instax Mini Liplay app is not only used to select photos for printing. The app also turns the smartphone into a remote control for the camera. The image currently in focus is also transmitted live to the mobile phone. A real advantage for group photos and other remote shots. In addition, the existing filters can be assigned to the three quick select buttons of the camera via the mobile phone. The app is available for iOS and Android.
Audio Image
The Instax Mini Liplay tries to combine what does not belong together – instant images and sound. In practice it looks like this: by pressing the “sound button” a ten second long sound recording is made. This recording is assigned to the photo that was taken. The sound file thus created is then stored in the cloud. The clou: the sound can be called up at any time via a QR code integrated into the picture. According to Fuji, the sound files are stored for one year.
Features of the Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay
Images
Unlike models like the Leica Sofort, the Liplay instant camera does not have any special modes. With the 28mm f 2.0 lens (shutter speed 1/4 sec. to 1/8000 sec. and shooting sensitivity ISO100 to 1600), the settings are automatically adjusted to the respective conditions. This reduces the creative scope, but is a very comfortable way to take pictures, especially for beginners. The quality of the pictures is certainly right – both pictures taken with Liplay and those printed from other sources are impressive.
Filters and Frames
As usual for a modern instant camera, the Liplay does not work without special filters. A total of six different filters are available, so even the classic instant image gets the Instagram touch. Additionally, there are 10 so-called frames. These are more or less exciting frames that are placed over or around the image to create funny effects. The favorite filters and frames can be assigned to the quick select buttons via the app. Important: the filters can only be selected before the photo is taken and unfortunately cannot be applied to already taken pictures.
Miscellaneous
Of course, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay also has a self-timer. You can choose between a release delay of two and ten seconds. The integrated 2.7-inch TFT colour LCD monitor allows all important settings to be selected on the camera and the images to be viewed. The remaining instant images are clearly communicated via dots on the display.
Unfortunately, the instant camera is missing a tripod thread. A practical hand strap and a USB charging cable is included in the scope of delivery (but you have to have a USB power supply unit yourself!). For the obligatory selfie, one finds the meanwhile usual selfie mirror on the lens. The LED flash can be either forced or suppressed, unlike various competitor models. By default, a sensor automatically decides whether a flash is necessary for the shot.
Design and handling
In terms of design, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay is clearly oriented towards more stylish digital cameras. Instant camera feeling doesn’t come up here for the time being. This is strongly reminiscent of the design of the Canon Zoemini S, probably one of the main competitors in this class. In any case, the Mini’s workmanship is convincing. It makes a pleasantly compact impression and looks extremely robust despite the plastic casing. The buttons give good feedback and the pleasantly round design lies securely in the hand. The Instax Mini Liplay is available in the following four colors:
- Stone White
- Blush Gold
- Elegant Black
- Dark Grey
Tech specs
- Pixel per image: 2560 x 1920
- Focus distance: f = 28 mm
- Aperture: f 2.0
- Focus: 0.3 feet – infinite
- Shutter speed: 1/4 second to 1/8000 second
- Shooting sensitivity: ISO100 to 1600
- Exposure: -2.0 EV to +2.0 EV
- White balance: Auto
- Flash: 20 inches to 59 inches (Auto, deact. or forced)
- Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec.
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 4.8 x 1.4 inches (h/w/d)
- Weight: approx. 9 oz (without film)
- Memory: Micro SD or Micro SDHC memory card slot (internal memory for approx. 45 pictures)
Source: https://www.fujifilm.com/products/instant_photo/cameras/instax_mini_liplay/#specifications
Here you’ll find the Manual download.
Conclusion
The Fujifilm Mini Liplay occupies a special place in the Instax instant camera family. It is the right choice for a very special target group. The focus is clearly on fast and comfortable handling, versatile application possibilities and suitability for everyday use. The design is also aimed at a modern audience. Thanks to its small dimensions, it is ideally suited as a daily companion. With only a few seconds from switching on to taking a photo, it is a real alternative (and addition) to the smartphone. And as a photo printer it also cuts a fine figure. It doesn’t matter whether the photos come from a smartphone or a professional camera.
The sound feature is less a reason to buy than a nice additional gimmick. The Instax Mini Liplay is a successful all-round camera with everything that makes a modern hybrid camera: good pictures without having to make many adjustments, cool filters and frames, a variable flash and smartphone connectivity. Only the instant camera feeling of a Polaroid is a bit left behind. For those who absolutely have to have an Instax, it’s worth taking a look at our test winner, the Instax Mini 90.
VIDEO: the ultimate guide to the liplay from Lauren:
