Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Camera Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is an instant camera that produces 86x54mm photos. It is the highest spec camera in the Instax Mini range, which also includes the Mini 8, Mini 7s, Mini25, Mini 50s and Instax 210. Fujifilm says the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic has the features of a traditional analogue camera and has an enhanced capability to capture light creatively. We find out how it performs here. 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Features

The Instax Mini 90 looks like a chunkier version of Fujifilm's classically styled fixed lens cameras. The body is made from plastic and the camera features two shutter buttons, one on the front of the camera in the middle of the power rocker and one on top. 

It features a viewfinder and flash and has several modes to suit most photographic opportunities. Pressing the mode button once makes all the possible modes flash, and you can then press mode again until the mode you want is selected, or you can use the mode selector  rocker around the lens barrel of the camera to choose which mode you'd like. 



The modes available are:

• Party - Enables the background as well as your subject to be captured brightly. 
• Kids - Ideal fro capturing fast moving subjects like children and animals; can also be used in low light conditions.
• Landscape - Best suited to subjects at a distance of 3 meters to infinity.
• Double exposure -  Take two images and combine them onto one image
• Bulb - Hold the shutter button down for a maximum of 10 seconds

Along with the mode button on the back of the camera there are four other buttons. A dedicated macro button prepares the camera for close-up shooting. The L/D button lightens the image when pressed once, lightens it even more when pressed twice, and darkens it when pressed a third time. The self-timer button cam be pressed once for a single exposure or twice if you'd like two photos to be taken in quick succession. The flash button allows you to turn flash on, activate red eye reduction or turn the flash off completely. 

Key Features

• Shoots Instax Mini colour film
• 60mm f/12.7 lens
• Flash
• Macro Mode 
• Self Timer Mode 
• 62x46mm images
• Exposure (remaining shots) counter
• Max 10 second exposure in bulb mode 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Handling

The Instax Mini 90 is quite a chunky camera, and feels strange to hold - there is more grip space on the left of the camera than the right, where the shutter buttons are. The size makes it easy to grip, but there isn't much room for your fingers because the lens is over to the right.



The LCD screens on the back of the camera tell you how many shots you have remaining, and display the mode that the camera is currently in, as well as the battery life, which is handy. The viewfinder is really quite small, meaning that you have to look through it at exactly the right angle, otherwise you can't see through it properly. 

The film is easy to load, simply remove the cartridge from the packaging, unclip the door and the cartridge slides straight in. You have to line up a groove on the film pack to the yellow marker inside the camera, then shut the door and away you go. The battery compartment is separate and located on the door of the film compartment, making it easy to recharge the battery without disturbing the film.



The battery is meant to last through 10 film packs, or 100 photos, before it needs charging again according to Fujifilm. This will depend on how long the camera is left for between uses and how often you use the flash. 

The camera is quick to spit out the photos, and it's fun to watch them develop. 
 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Performance

We used one pack of film (10 photos) to test the various modes the camera has and the quality of prints in different situations. 



Prints have good colour reproduction, and are sharp without losing the retro feel associated with instant cameras. They are quick to develop, and require no real aid in the process; just wait for your photo to appear. Within about 5 minutes the print should be pretty well developed.
 


Red eye reduction flash mode seemed to work well in the portrait example, and macro mode enabled a nice photo of the orchid, although there is a minimum focusing distance of 30cm and without any sort of gauge other than your best guess it might be a bit difficult to get the part of the image you want into focus. 



Double exposure mode also produced a good result, although the first exposure is a lot more vivid than the second, which is quite ghostly in comparison. 



The self timer mode is good, once the shutter is pressed a small red light on the camera turns on for 7 seconds, then flashes for 3 seconds before taking the image, giving you plenty of time to prepare yourself for the shot. 
 

Value For Money

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is available for £117.99 from Amazon. The film is available for £14.30, for 2 packs of 10 shots each, also from Amazon. Film is not badly priced for this model and has nice colour reproduction. 

The camera itself is a little on the expensive side for an instant camera, however it does feature a few quite advanced modes that other instant cameras don't have, and it is marketed as the premium model instant camera. Despite being mostly plastic construction the camera feels well built and solid, and has a nice finish, justifying the price tag. 

Alternative instant cameras include others in the Fujifilm Instax range, like the Mini 8, which uses the same size film but has less modes, and is available for £52.99 camera only. Another option is a Polarioid model like the 300 Instant Camera, which is priced at £59.99. Film is more expensive for this model however, costing £31.91 for 3 packs. 
 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Verdict

Overall, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is a good looking instant camera which despite its quirky proportions and awkward shutter button placing is really easy to use. 

It produces vibrant prints which are just the right size for a wallet or purse, and these develop quickly. This camera is unique in the features it has, you won't find many instant cameras that have bulb and double exposure modes.

The only drawbacks are the tiny viewfinder which at certain angles can be difficult to see through, and the chunkiness of the model, meaning it's best to stow it in a rucksack or handbag as it will prove difficult to fit into a pocket.

It's trendy and well made so should make a great companion to those who love instant photography and will make use of the extra features this model provides.  
 

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 has lots of features and creates colourful prints.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Pros

Vibrant prints
Settings easy to use
Prints develop quickly
Lots of modes

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Cons

Chunky - will be difficult to fit in a pocket
Small viewfinder can be difficult to see through

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Specifications

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