The FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO is a unique camera that blends digital and film photography. You can use the touch screen to customize your photos and print them on film with a press of a button. But it’s not the perfect camera for everyone. There are other cameras that have different or more advantages than the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO, and cost less too. In this article, I will reveal the top 3 alternatives to the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO, and show you how they compare with it.
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90
I’m here to share my insights on the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90, which I consider a commendable alternative to the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo.
1. Film Format
Both the Instax Mini Evo and the Mini 90 utilize the same Fujifilm Instax Mini film, renowned for its glossy finish and credit card-sized prints of 2.4 x 1.8 inches. This film, which can be bought in a variety of colors and patterns, isn’t bundled with the cameras and costs approximately $0.60 to $0.80 per print.
2. Image Quality
The Mini Evo boasts a 4.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, capturing digital images at a resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels. This allows it to excel in low-light conditions with its f/2.0 aperture and ISO range stretching from 100 to 1600. In contrast, the Mini 90, lacking a digital sensor, relies solely on the lens and film interaction for image capture. It features a smaller aperture of f/12.7 and an ISO of 800. While the Mini 90 may not match the Evo’s image quality, it offers a nostalgic aesthetic with softer focus and grainier images that many vintage enthusiasts cherish.
3. Camera Size and Style
When it comes to form factor, the Mini Evo is a tad more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 87 x 122.9 x 36 mm and a weight of 285 g, as opposed to the Mini 90’s measurements of 91.9 x 113.4 x 57.2 mm and weight of 296 g. The Mini Evo exudes a contemporary vibe with its leather-like finish and metallic frame, available in black or brown. The Mini 90, however, sports a classic look with its retro styling, complete with a leather-like finish in black, brown, or red, and a complementing black plastic frame.
4. Lens and Focus
The Mini Evo is equipped with a fixed 28 mm lens (35 mm equivalent), perfect for a range of scenes from landscapes to selfies. The Mini 90 features a more versatile move-in/out lens with two focal lengths: 60 mm for standard shots and 35 mm for macro. Focusing capabilities differ as well, with the Mini Evo’s single autofocus system and the Mini 90’s motor-driven three-range switching system, offering various distances for different shooting modes.
5. Battery Type and Life
The Mini Evo is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via micro USB or USB Type-C, and can deliver up to 100 prints per charge. The Mini 90, on the other hand, uses two replaceable CR2 batteries, with a similar output of up to 10 film packs or 100 prints.
6. Additional Features
The Mini Evo steps ahead with a plethora of digital features not found in the Mini 90. These include a 3-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth connectivity, remote shooting, printed image transfer, firmware upgrades, an impressive array of 100 image effects, an accessory shoe, and a print lever for selective printing. Conversely, the Mini 90 offers a real image finder, a mode dial for various shooting options, brightness control, a flash mode button, and a self-timer, enhancing the analog photography experience.
7. Price
Pricing is a significant differentiator between the two cameras. The Mini Evo is on the higher end at around $200, whereas the Mini 90 is more budget-friendly at approximately $120. The choice between them depends on whether one values the digital enhancements and superior image quality of the Mini Evo or the analog simplicity and retro allure of the Mini 90.
2. Fujifilm Instax SQUARE SQ40
I’d like to share my insights on why the Fujifilm Instax SQUARE SQ40 could be a compelling alternative to the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO. Both are standout hybrid models, allowing for the immediate gratification of printing photos on the spot while also storing them digitally. Let’s delve into a comparative analysis of these two cameras, broken down into key aspects.
1. Film Format
The Instax SQUARE SQ40 is designed to work with Instax Square film, offering a generous picture size of 62 mm x 62 mm. This size not only gives a larger canvas for your shots but also features the iconic white border, contributing to a classic aesthetic. On the other hand, the Instax Mini EVO uses Instax Mini film with a picture size of 62 mm x 46 mm and offers various colors and designs for the borders. While the Square film comes at a higher cost, the expanded space it provides is a boon for creative expression.
2. Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, the SQ40 boasts a superior resolution of 1600 x 600 dots, translating to 635 x 318 dpi when printing photos. In contrast, the Mini EVO lags slightly behind with a resolution of 800 x 600 dots (318 dpi). The SQ40 also outshines with an automatic exposure function that fine-tunes the brightness to match the ambient lighting conditions, a feature absent in the Mini EVO, which has a fixed aperture of F2.0 and program AE exposure control. Consequently, the SQ40 consistently delivers brighter and sharper images, a clear advantage, particularly in low-light scenarios.
3. Camera Size and Style
Aesthetics and design are where the SQ40 and Mini EVO diverge notably. The SQ40 sports a modern, compact look with a black textured finish, while the Mini EVO goes for a more classic, retro vibe, complete with a leather-like finish. The dimensions of the SQ40 sit at 134.2 mm x 120.2 mm x 60.5 mm, and it weighs 453 g without batteries, strap, and film. The Mini EVO, smaller and lighter, measures 87 mm x 122.9 mm x 36 mm and weighs 285 g under the same conditions. The SQ40’s slightly bulkier build is offset by its sophisticated appearance.
4. Lens and Focus
The lens of the SQ40, comprising two components and two elements, has a focal length of 65.75 mm and an aperture of F12.6. It features a single AF system with an AF illuminator and boasts a focus range from 0.3 m to infinity. A unique twist of the lens ring switches the camera to selfie mode, ideal for close-ups ranging from 0.3 m to 0.5 m. The Mini EVO, while also equipped with a two-component lens, offers a 28 mm focal length and an F2.0 aperture. Its AF system covers a range from 10 cm to infinity, but it lacks a dedicated selfie mode, instead offering a built-in selfie mirror.
5. Battery Type and Life
The SQ40 is powered by two lithium batteries (CR2), capable of printing around 30 Instax Square film packs under standard conditions. In contrast, the Mini EVO is energized by a lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via USB, and can produce about 100 Instax Mini film packs. The SQ40’s batteries are replaceable, offering flexibility, whereas the Mini EVO’s built-in battery emphasizes convenience and sustained use.
6. Additional Features
The SQ40 doesn’t hold back on additional features, ensuring a versatile and enjoyable user experience. Highlights include:
- A constant firing flash with automatic light adjustment for distances from 0.3 m to 2.2 m
- A reverse Galilean viewfinder with a target spot
- A film counter and film pack confirmation window
- A secure back cover lock
- A tripod hole for stable shooting setups
- A strap eyelet for easy carrying
The Mini EVO also doesn’t shy away from additional functionalities, aiming for convenience and interactivity:
- A dual shutter button for different orientations
- A 3-inch TFT color LCD screen
- A microSD card slot for additional storage
- Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing
- A print lever for selective printing
- An accessory shoe for external attachments
7. Price
On the pricing front, the Instax SQUARE SQ40 is set at an attractive $149.95, while the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO stands at $199.95. The SQ40’s lower price point, coupled with its robust features, makes it an excellent alternative for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
3. Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide
I’d like to delve into the details of the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide, which I find to be a superb contender against the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO.
1. Film Format
The Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide steps away from the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO’s preference for Instax Mini film and its 2 x 3-inch prints. It instead embraces Instax Wide film to produce larger 3.9 x 2.4-inch prints, granting the user a more extensive frame to capture detailed landscapes and providing ample space for artistic annotations.
2. Image Quality
Eschewing the digital crutches of a 10-megapixel sensor and an LCD screen found on the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO, the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide commits to the authenticity of analog with its automatic shutter—fine-tuning exposure with each click. It doesn’t allow previews or edits, instead offering manual control over aperture, focus, and flash for a truly spontaneous instant photography experience.
3. Camera Size and Style
The Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide brings a nostalgic flair to its design, reminiscent of classic cameras, and contrasts the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO’s sleek, smartphone-like build. It’s bulkier and has a tangible sturdiness, available in an array of colors and editions that exude a retro vibe.
4. Lens and Focus
A world of creative potential is unlocked with the Lomo’Instant Wide’s 35mm equivalent lens and its manual zone-focusing system. The camera enhances its versatility with lens attachments—close-up, ultra-wide-angle, and splitzer—offering a dimension of creative expression that the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO’s fixed lens simply can’t match.
5. Battery Type and Life
The Lomo’Instant Wide is powered by four AA batteries, providing a remarkable life of up to 150 prints per set, far outpacing the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO’s rechargeable battery’s 100 prints. This feature is particularly handy for photographers on the move, allowing for quick battery swaps instead of waiting for a recharge.
6. Additional Features
This camera doesn’t shy away from boasting additional features that embrace creative photography. With bulb and multiple exposure modes, a PC sync socket for external flashes, and a slot for color gel filters, the Lomo’Instant Wide creates an avenue for photographers to explore and experiment in ways that the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO, with its app connectivity and selfie-friendly design, may not cater to.
7. Price
Regarding the financial aspect, the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide sits at $239, a modest increase over the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO’s $199. It’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the chosen edition or color of the camera.
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