It has a sneaky number of features to go along with its design.
This premium instant camera lets you capture photos in their true, analog format.
It uses the Fujifilm Instax mini film.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
There’s no color screen on the back to preview photos.
There are no digital elements inside the viewfinder to preview images there either.
The thing the camera does provide is buttons and dialsa lot of them.
This premium instant camera lets you capture photos in their true, analog format. Six awe-inspiring Color Effect settings let you fuel your creative freedom (they’re all powered by color-changing LEDs located inside the camera)
There are two shutter buttons, depending on the orientation you’re holding the camera.
Theres a tripod mount.
There’s a manual vignette control that can be toggled around the lens.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
Theres even a neck strap and base mount included in the box.
The Mini 99 has a lot going on.
Several of the instant cameras Ive gotten my hands on in recent years have felt more toy-like than ever.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
I commend the effort with the Instax Mini 99.
It doesnt hurt either that the retro styling is perfectly done.
Of course, there are a lot more compromises on this product than there are on the latestX100VIcamera.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
For starters, the Mini 99 feels a little plasticky compared to how it looks.
Turning the focus ring specifically stuck out to me in this regard.
I worry about how the leather-like texture will wear over time too.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
There isnt Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Each click of the shutter is a roll of the dice, essentially.
If you want more technology infused into your instant camera, Fuji has theEvo Mini.
Again, no effects or adjustments are previewable in the viewfinder.
I have some other concerns that you should watch out for as well.
The back battery door isn’t attached.
It surprised me each time I opened it and it accidentally fell to the ground.
That’s a shame.
Maybe its me, but I could not remember what the different color effects abbreviations stood for.
Keeping the effects straight shouldnt be an issue if you use the camera frequently.
Using the camera all the time could get expensive, however, with buying film frequently.
I prefer instant film to be more traditionally oriented with the thick white part on the bottom.
Should You Buy the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99?
The Mini 99 forces you to really live in the moment with its preview-less analog design.
