Countering that somewhat is the huge amount of lens and filter effects on offer - 100 in total - which are both easy to apply via the lens ring and filter dial, and produce genuinely pleasing results. Just be aware that they're baked into the JPEG files that the camera records, with no option to also store an unfiltered original or to change the filters after the picture has been taken. One of the most useful app functions is the “direct print” option, which allows you to print any image which you have stored on your phone. This effectively turns the Mini Evo into a portable Instax Mini printer, and is a great way to use to print better photos than the onboard camera is capable of capturing. The instax mini Evo is a unique, high-end addition to the instax family,” said Toshi Ida, President FUJIFILM Europe. “ This hybrid camera and printer was designed to give photographers the flexibility to choose an analog experience or digital where you choose images to instantly print, which images to share and which images to store for later access. Offering 100 ways to capture images and the highest-ever instax instant print quality, all in a timeless classic design, the mini Evo is a unique companion for chronicling and sharing life’s milestones in an instant.

There are numerous instant cameras and printers in the Instax line-up, but its latest hybrid option is one of the most innovative we’ve seen.A shutter release button is also found on the front of the Instax Mini Evo, which feels slightly strange in use for those who are used to finding buttons in the more traditional place. Instax printing is never about superb image quality, but rather the fun and quirky aspect of printing out your shots on instant film. Some Instax cameras are analogue, but one of the big benefits of using the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo’s digital camera is that you can preview your shots before printing them - so you don’t accidentally print out a dud and waste precious film. Instax film is incredibly simple to use - all you need to do is line up the small yellow line on the Instax film with the same yellow line on the camera and close the door when it’s in place. Be careful not to accidentally open the film door once you start using the film though, as you’ll risk exposing and ruining the film. With a faux leather and chrome look inspired by an old rangefinder camera, the Evo Mini is undeniably stylish. The construction is almost entirely plastic, so it doesn't feel as premium as it looks, yet is reassuringly weighty to hold.

To charge to its full capacity can take up to three hours, but once it is charged, the camera is able to print up to 100 images from a single charge. Of course, if you’re using it to take pictures as well, the power will run out sooner. Overall, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is the best realization yet of a hybrid Instax camera/printer device. It may not make the most sense for most people, but it's undeniably stylish to look at and lots of fun to use, both qualities that Instax fans will love. Approximately 16 seconds. When using instax-Rich Mode immediately after startup printing may take an additional 7 seconds. What film does the Fujifilm instax mini Evo use? You’ll also find the On/Off power switch at the lower-left corner of the front of the camera., a slightly odd position that again makes more sense when shooting in portrait rather than landscape mode.The print slot is found on the left-hand side of the Instax Mini Evo (when viewed from the rear), so make sure it is unobstructed when you press the print button. A nice quirk is that the camera display will show a graphic of the print coming out from the screen. The camera is of course made entirely from plastic, so ideally you won't ever drop it (!), but it is robust enough to survive a small drop if you do. Overall, the Mini Evo has plenty to offer, and while I’ll keep my fingers crossed for an Instax Square format model in the future, the Evo has jumped straight to the top of my list of favourite instant cameras. Once an image has been printed out, you’ll need to allow some time for the Instax film to develop - in other words, don’t be alarmed when it pops out completely white. After a few minutes, the colours should have fully rendered.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo camera is an interesting hybrid product for a fair price that seeks to expand on the self-imposed limitations of an instant print camera that only outputs credit card sized prints. That said, in activating the camera for the first time via the commendably tactile on/off lever on the faceplate, we’re met with an almost overwhelming array of on-screen options, which meant that it took us a couple of minutes to work out how we could cut through all that and simply capture and output a photo. It should, after all, be as simple as pointing and shooting, as on competing purely analogue models from Fuji and others. When you’re ready to print one of your shots, pull the delightfully retro Print lever on top of the camera - sure, the same thing could have been achieved with a simple button, but where's the fun in that?! The built-in battery is good for up to 100 shots, and around 20 photo prints. It's charged via the microUSB port hidden on the bottom of the camera, which is where you'll also find a microSD card slot. The Mini Evo's built-in memory can hold up to 45 images before you'll need to add external storage. Performance The Instax Mini Evo is one of the strongest instant cameras that Fujifilm has created. Combining the digital camera features with analogue buttons results in a fun shooting experience, and the fact that it doubles as an instant printer is the icing on the cake.That's not to say that it will equally suit everyone who has an interest in instant photography. Some people will be better served by a dedicated Instax printer like the Instax Link Wide and Instax Mini Link, while others will prefer the more analogue experience of a camera like the Instax Mini 40 or Instax Mini 11.