We compare Fujifilm's two current entry-level Instax Mini cameras side by side. They share a lens and film but not a body or a price, and the cheaper Mini 12 is the one to buy.
Specs side by side
| Spec | Instax Mini 12 | Instax Mini 41 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Analog instant camera | Analog instant camera |
| Status | Current | Current |
| Launched | 2023 | 2025 |
| Film or media | Instax Mini | Instax Mini |
| Print size | 86 x 54 mm | 86 x 54 mm |
| Image size | 62 x 46 mm | 62 x 46 mm |
| Film cost per shot | $0.88 | $0.88 |
| Lens | 60 mm f/12.7, 2 components 2 elements | 60 mm f/12.7, 2 components 2 elements |
| Focus | fixed; 0.3 m to infinity; close-up (selfie) mode 0.3 to 0.5 m with parallax correction | fixed; 0.3 m and beyond; close-up mode 0.3 to 0.5 m with parallax correction |
| Exposure | automatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800) | automatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800) |
| Shutter | 1/2 to 1/250 s, slow synchro for low light | 1/2 to 1/250 s, slow synchro for low light |
| Flash | auto, always fires | auto, always fires, recycle 7 s or less, effective range 0.3 to 2.2 m |
| Selfie mirror | Yes | Yes |
| Close-up mode | Yes | Yes |
| Self timer | No | No |
| Double exposure | No | No |
| Bulb mode | No | No |
| Tripod socket | No | No |
| Power | 2 x AA alkaline | 2 x AA alkaline |
| Shots per battery / prints per charge | 100 | 100 |
| App | instax UP! | instax UP! |
| Dimensions | 104 x 66 x 122 mm | 104.5 x 122.5 x 67.5 mm |
| Weight | 306 g | 345 g |
| Colours | 5 (Pastel Blue, Blossom Pink, Mint Green, plus 2 more) | 1 (Vintage Black) |
| Street price | $82.99 (checked September 9, 2026) | $110.29 (checked September 9, 2026) |
| Amazon rating | 4.6 (1,500 ratings) | 4.4 (320 ratings) |
Specs from manufacturer pages; prices and ratings checked September 9, 2026.
Fujifilm sells two entry-level Instax Mini cameras side by side. The Mini 12 arrived in 2023, the Mini 41 in 2025. They look different, they cost different amounts, and inside they are close to identical.
What is actually different
Both cameras use the same 60 mm f/12.7 lens, the same automatic exposure between Lv 5.0 and 14.5, and the same 1/2 to 1/250 second shutter. Two AA batteries run either one for about 100 shots. Each has a selfie mirror and a close-up mode that works from 0.3 to 0.5 m with parallax correction. Neither has a self timer, a tripod socket, double exposure, bulb mode or any manual control, and on both the flash fires on every shot.
What differs is the body. The Mini 12 comes in five colours: Pastel Blue, Blossom Pink, Mint Green, Lilac Purple and Clay White. The Mini 41 comes in one, Vintage Black. It is also the heavier of the two at 345 g against 306 g, and Fujifilm quotes its flash in more detail: a recycle time of 7 seconds or less and an effective range of 0.3 to 2.2 m.
Reviewers land in the same place. Cameralabs called the Mini 41 a refinement of the Mini 40, with better parallax correction and automatic flash control in a similarly classic-looking body. TechRadar found it fun and easy to use, with a handsome design. Digital Camera World’s line on the Mini 12 was that it is still the best bang-for-buck instant camera you can buy.
Price and film cost
At the last price check, on September 9, 2026, the Mini 12 was $82.99 and the Mini 41 was $110.29, about $27 apart. The list prices are $79.95 and $109.95.
Film costs more than either camera over time. Both take the same Instax Mini film at roughly $0.88 a shot, and a twin pack of 20 shots runs about $17.50, so two packs already cost more than the gap between the cameras. The film is the ongoing bill whichever one you buy.
Which one to buy
Buy the Mini 12. It takes the same picture as the Mini 41, costs about $27 less, weighs less and gives you five colours instead of one. Amazon buyers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 1,500 ratings, against 4.4 out of 5 across 320 ratings for the Mini 41.
Buy the Mini 41 if you want the black retro body and are happy to pay for it. That is the whole case. The extra money buys a different look rather than a different camera, so it only makes sense when the look is what you are after.
If you want to switch the flash off or set your own exposure, neither of these is the camera for you. Both are fully automatic, and that is the point of them.
What reviewers and buyers say
Instax Mini 12
Published reviews of the Instax Mini 12:
- “The Mini 12's upgrades over the Mini 11 are worth the extra money if you mostly photograph people, though bright daylight can still cause over-exposure.” (Cameralabs, 2023)
- “The Mini 12 is easier to shoot with than the Mini 8 and delivers the joy and fun that's at the heart of Instax cameras without missing the older camera's extra modes.” (Amateur Photographer, 2023)
- “The Instax Mini 12 is still the best bang-for-buck instant camera you can buy.” (Digital Camera World, 2023)
- “The Mini 12 is an iterative update that keeps what works about the Mini 11 but makes it even better, and is the best Instax camera for jumping into instant film, despite a battery door that fits terribly.” (Dan Finnen, 2024-01)
Amazon buyers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 1,500 ratings.
Praised for: easy enough for kids and first-timers, reliable auto-exposure in daylight, fun color options. Criticised for: flash always fires and cannot be turned off, feels plastic and toy-like, battery door fits poorly.
Instax Mini 41
Published reviews of the Instax Mini 41:
- “The Mini 41 is a fun, easy-to-use instant camera with a handsome design and a great price, continuing the Instax Mini tradition of simple point-and-shoot operation.” (TechRadar, 2025)
- “The Mini 41 is an extremely easy to use point-and-shoot instant camera, a really good choice if you're looking for something quick, fun and easy to use.” (Amateur Photographer, 2025)
- “The Mini 41 refines the Mini 40's formula with better parallax correction and automatic flash control in a similarly classic-looking body.” (Cameralabs, 2025)
Amazon buyers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 320 ratings.
Praised for: classic retro look feels more grown-up than the Mini 12, close-up mode framing is more accurate than earlier Minis. Criticised for: still no manual exposure control at this price, only one color available in the US.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Instax Mini 12 and Mini 41?
The body and the price. Both use a 60 mm f/12.7 lens, automatic exposure from Lv 5.0 to 14.5, a 1/2 to 1/250 second shutter, two AA batteries and the same Instax Mini film. The Mini 12 launched in 2023, weighs 306 g and comes in five colours. The Mini 41 launched in 2025, weighs 345 g and comes only in Vintage Black.
Is the Instax Mini 41 worth it over the Mini 12?
Only if you want the black retro body. At the last price check the Mini 41 was $110.29 and the Mini 12 was $82.99, and the extra money buys no extra features: neither camera has manual exposure, a self timer, double exposure, bulb mode or a tripod socket.
Do the Mini 12 and Mini 41 use the same film?
Yes. Both take Instax Mini film, which prints 86 x 54 mm with a 62 x 46 mm image and works out at about $0.88 a shot.
Which is better for kids?
The Mini 12. It costs less, weighs 306 g against 345 g, and comes in five colours. Amazon buyers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 1,500 ratings, and Dan Finnen calls it the best Instax camera for jumping into instant film.
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