Today, FujiFilm announced the release of its latest Instax camera, the Instax mini 41. The update to the Instax mini 40 updates the camera’s aesthetics and quality of life improvements that will hopefully make it a convincing upgrade from the mini 40. If you’re into close-up photography and selfies or want better auto exposure capabilities from an Instax camera, the Fujifilm Instax mini 41 may be worth a closer look.
As alluded to in our opening, the Instax mini 40 brings some serious quality-of-life upgrades to an already popular Instax camera. The mini 41 builds on what’s made it a popular camera but offers improvements to how it functions and some, in my opinion, needed stylistic changes to the body’s design. While auto exposure and close-up shooting were already possible in the mini 40, Fujifilm has tweaked the features so that the result is better prints that are even more fun to share and display.
Instax Mini 41’s Feature Upgrades
The Instax mini’s Automatic Exposure has been reportedly improved, allowing photographers to consistently get better results. When pressing the shutter button, the Automatic Exposure feature senses the level of ambient light and adjusts the shutter and flash output to expose your image best.
Whether you’re into getting in tight or simply can’t pass up a selfie moment, Fuji’s updates to the Instax Mini 41’s Close-up Mode with Parallax Correction improves these shots. The mini 41 improves close-up images and selfies by adjusting the focus mark’ position on the viewfinder’s lower left. This should result in more in-focus shots – whether you’re capturing details or you’re in the moment.
“Instax mini 41 is carefully designed in detail to achieve fashion-forward classic appearance. While maintaining the popular mini 40’s classic design, the mini 41 incorporates a sleek and stylish look with black and dark-toned silver as the base colors, accented with a touch of orange. With applying the fine texture for the lower part of the body, we achieved to embody the design that can be enjoyed as attractive fashion accessory as well. The design tailored to subtly enhance individuality of users with fitting in with everyday life.”
Minori Imai, Consumer Imaging Group, Imaging Solutions Division, Fujifilm Corporation; given to the Phoblographer
The updated design is intended to elevate the classic Instax mini design with a textured and tactile body that allows for a secure and ergonomic grip. The mini 41 add a splash of color and personality, FujiFilm has added metallic-like flourishes and orange accents to the mini 41.
Product Images via Fujifilm
Why the FujiFilm Instax Mini 41 Matters
I recently went to a friend’s housewarming party, and like a good guest, I brought a gift, an extra something for the guest to nosh on, and an instant film camera. The last one instantly brought nostalgic vibes and many willing participants to jump into the frame for the next group shot. That’s the magic of the Instax camera, a device that can instantly spark nostalgia, break the ice, or capture a moment without feeling out of place. Outside of the Instax series, there aren’t many other cameras that can deliver an experience that is a pleasure to both the photographer and the subject.
A party ain’t a party if your friends can’t get in on the fun. What makes the Instax mini 41 special is that it’s an unapologetically fun camera. And if there’s one thing we need more of in this world, it is more unapologetic joy.
Though at the same time, this camera still seems to have grown up quite a bit — pricing is still being determined.
