One-button interface makes taking pictures so simple

Tech Tools: Instax Mini 12

Instax Mini 12
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Price: €90
Where To Buy: Camera Centre

Fujifilm has made instant photography even easier with the release of its new Instax Mini 12 camera. The camera looks similar to its predecessor, the Instax Mini 11, with pastel colours and bubble shape, but the lens has been redesigned. Twist the lens barrel to turn the camera on and off, and to change it to close-up mode, a more intuitive way to switch between modes than before.

The analogue camera avoids digital previews in favour of a simpler system: point, shoot, hope for the best, so the close up lens is a good addition to the camera. When using the new mode, the subject of your photo is positioned in the centre of the frame, giving you a better framed picture. And like previous Instax cameras, the Mini 12 has a small mirror on the front to help you line up selfies, which works well.

As the name suggests, the camera uses the mini film format, spitting out credit card sized photos in second – although it takes more than a minute for the photos to fully develop. The one-button interface makes everything so simple, and the lack of filters and digital messing about is refreshing, making you think twice about the photos you are taking.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist