Mobile photo printers such as the Instax Mini Link are a practical alternative to the instant camera and offer a number of additional advantages. We’ve taken a closer look at the link and explain who the photo printer is for and what motion control is all about.
In short:
- Light and compact mobile photo printer
- Film: Instax Mini
- Image size: 2.4 x 1.8 inches (without border)
- Motion control
- Battery capacity: approx. 100 pictures
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Control via App
- Price per photo: approx. 75 Cent
- Price: approx. 100,-
Mobile photo printer in Instax Mini format
While many competing products in the field of mobile photo printers rely on the so-called Zink photo paper, the Instax Mini Link uses the well-known Instax Mini format. In contrast to the Zink process, the Instax Mini Link prints classic instant images with everything that goes with it: white frames, soft colors and slight blurring that add to the charm of instant photography. The format may be a matter of taste, but the Instax Mini images have subjectively more character than Zink photo images. A typical disadvantage of the “real” instant images: while there are still photos in the printer, the printer should not be opened to avoid exposing the photos.
As usual with Instax Mini film, the image format is about 3:2, the visible image without white border measures 2.4 x 1.8 inches. Depending on the size of the package, you have to calculate
with costs of about 75 Cent per picture. If you prefer pictures with a 1:1 square format, take a look at Polaroid’s Lab.
Bluetooth instead of WLAN
In contrast to previous models, connection to the printer is only possible via Bluetooth and the corresponding app. This makes sense: although the transmission speed is usually somewhat higher with WLAN, the connection establishment is now much quicker thanks to Bluetooth. The energy consumption is also lower in Bluetooth mode and connection problems occur much less frequently. In about 12 seconds a picture is sent from the smartphone to the link. Speaking of smartphones: the Instax Mini Link is optimized for use with a mobile phone because of the mandatory app.
The Instax Mini Link App
The control app available for iOS and Android is a prerequisite for using the printer. The app is free and no registration is required. Functions of the app are divided into two areas, the print mode and the fun mode. This is the first time that the photo printer’s motion sensor is used. If the printer is lying flat, you are automatically in fun mode, if it is set up, you are in print mode. Useful or not, if desired the mode can also be defined via the settings.
The print mode
In print mode, you can first print photos available on your phone. The pictures can be viewed on the smartphone with all kinds of settings (black and white, sepia, … ). In addition, the mode has its own camera mode for new pictures. The clou: in this mode the subject is already shown in the white frame of the finished picture. So you get a good impression of how the picture will look like in the finished photo. And this is also where the motion control comes into play again: If you hold the printer in your hand, it acts as a remote control for the smartphone. If the device is tilted forwards or backwards, the picture can be zoomed in and out, the main button serves as shutter release. A practical feature.
Another feature is the so-called video print mode: here, videos can be gone through frame by frame and the funniest moment can be captured on photo.
The fun mode
In fun mode, as usual, all kinds of more or less funny filters and frames can be applied to the image. With the Partyprint function, up to five friends can send photos to the owner of the link. These are then printed on the finished picture to form a collage. As party fun, the mode also offers a match function: two people must first answer a series of questions. On the finished picture you can then see in the form of percentages or several point scales how well the people match.
Design and technology
Visually, the Instax Mini Link tries to justify its existence as a constant companion. The design is less cool than some of its competitors, the soft shape fits well in the hand. The controls have been reduced to the essentials: a main button on the top and openings for the film cartridge or the photo slot are the only “interferers” in the design besides the micro-USB port. Around the button there are LEDs that communicate all kinds of information. The link is available in Dusky Pink, Dark Denim and Ash White. Inside, a 3-colour exposure with OLED ensures that the images are correctly exposed. At just over 7.5 oz, the photo printer rightly deserves the adjective mobile.
Tip: if you thinking about getting a true instant camera in the Mini format for a fair price, take a look at the brandnew Instax Mini 11 from Fujifilms Instax series!
Tech specs of the Instax Mini Link
- Film: Instax Mini Film
- Image size/format: 2.4 x 1.8 inches (without border), 3:2
- Weight: 7.5 oz without film
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 4.9 x 1.4 inches
- Connection: Bluetooth Ver. 4.2 (BLE)
- Battery: Integrated lithium ion battery (approx. 100 pictures)
- Image formats: JPG, PNG, HEIF
- Instax Mini Link App (iOS, Android)
- Print speed: approx. 12 seconds
- Print resolution: 318 dpi
- Supported image size: 800 x 600 pixels
- Exposure: 3-colour exposure with OLED
- Loading via Micro-USB
Source: https://www.fujifilm.com/products/instant_photo/printers/instax_mini_link/#specifications
Instax Mini Link manual: https://instax.com/mini_link/manuals/manual_naen.pdf
CONCLUSION
If you are aware of the functions of the Instax Mini Link Photo Printer, it serves its purpose perfectly. Like instant photography, this printer is not about the “perfect” photo. Instead, the device offers fun snapshots in the cool Instax Mini format. Pictures that might otherwise be forgotten on a smartphone are brought to life. The app’s functions increase the fun factor, and the motion control offers real added value, especially when remotely controlling shots. If you like the mini format and prefer to use a smartphone instead of a (possibly analog) instant camera, this is the right choice. And and remember: no shaking and waving!
VIDEO: Gordon Laing introduces the link
