Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo (Brown Body) — My July Project’s New Star

What Is Polaroid Film?

Polaroid film, or instant film, is a type of film that develops a picture within minutes after it’s taken. It has layers with light-sensitive chemicals. When you take a photo, light exposes the film like in traditional photography. As the photo comes out, rollers apply a chemical that develops the image. The result is a physical photo with a vintage look, soft focus, and muted colors, which is ready to share quickly.

Instant photography is making a comeback because it offers a unique physical keepsake in our digital world. While we have many digital photos that often go unnoticed, instant prints are special mementos, perfect for collages, journals, or gifts. These cameras also bring a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of a time when photography felt more intentional, especially for those of us who used them when we were younger.

Social media trends have tapped into a love for the analog feel, attracting younger generations with the fun unpredictability of film, the joy of holding a printed photo, and the creative options it provides. Nowadays, the appeal of instant film comes from its flaws, quick results, and its power to capture everyday moments as cherished keepsakes.

I’ve seen this in a studio during my graduation photo shoot and in my rare visits to coffee shops—young adults printing photos with Fujifilm Mini Instax, the most popular choice in the country. This compact instant camera has captivated the youth not only for its nostalgic appeal but also for its ability to capture fleeting moments in a tangible format. I think this popularity comes from how easily available this brand is in camera shops and studios, making it accessible to Filipinos. Additionally, the charming aesthetic of the photos, combined with the convenience of print-on-demand, fosters a sense of immediacy and joy among friends and family as they can share memories instantly. Social media further amplifies this trend, as many individuals proudly showcase their Instax prints, encouraging others to join in on the fun and creativity that comes with instant photography.

Why I Bought It: A July Collage Project

One of my regrets after losing my dad is not taking enough photos with him, as those fleeting moments hold such precious memories. Now that I’m a mom, I want to avoid that mistake and cherish every second I can capture with my family. This month, I plan to create a vibrant photo collage of our family trips, memorable selfies, and all those little moments we share together, even the simple lunches we enjoyed. I realize that these seemingly mundane gatherings are filled with laughter and connection, especially now that I am seldom at home for lunch because of work commitments.

I first saw the Fujifilm Instax Mini when a former colleague brought hers to work. I thought it was cute and wanted one, but I hesitated because I was concerned about the cost and printing too many photos. However, I recently reconsidered after deciding to start a photo collage project this month – triggered by the fact that my busy schedule has taken me away from my kids most days of the week. I read reviews about polaroid cameras and found the Mini Evo model, which is a hybrid that combines instant printing with digital storage. This lets me enjoy physical photos while keeping digital copies, making it easier to explore this creative outlet.

The Main Features of Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo and Why It’s So Popular

One of the key strengths of the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is its hybrid functionality, blending digital convenience with the charm of instant film. Not only does it work as a standalone digital camera, but it also doubles as a printer for photos stored on your phone via Bluetooth. This means I can select my favorite moments, whether captured on the Mini Evo or my smartphone, and instantly print them with that familiar, nostalgic Instax film look. The ability to preview shots on the camera’s display before printing allows for thoughtful curation, helping me avoid wasted film and making the process of building my family photo collage more intentional and meaningful.

Beyond this hybrid convenience, the Mini Evo encourages creativity through its built-in lens and film effects. With 10 lens effects and 10 film filters, I can experiment with a variety of styles — from retro aesthetics to more vivid, modern looks — before committing to a print. The camera’s retro-inspired design, especially in the brown body variant, brings a tactile, analog charm through its manual dials and levers, making the experience feel rooted in classic photography traditions. It also boasts a reliable battery life that can power multiple print sessions on a single charge, which is ideal for family days out or long creative sessions at home.

Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo isn’t just a camera for me. It’s a creative tool that allows me capture those precious moments with my loved ones and use the prints to decor my house. Didn’t someone say, “out of sight, out of mind”? For me, looking at the photos of my loved ones on my wall reminds me of what truly matters in my life.

For my July collage project, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo ticked every box:

• It’s a digital point-and-shoot camera that also prints instant photos
• Careful curation through preview
• Artistic expression via filters and lens modes
• Aesthetic body that’s reminiscent of old-school film cameras
• Dependable battery life

However, I have to add also a few cons to this camera:

• You can only transfer photos from the mini Evo app that have been printed. If you want to transfer all the photos you took using the camera, you’d need to remove the microSD card and manually transfer the photos to your phone and/or PC.
• Internal memory is said to be limited so you’d need a microSD card – thankfully, I got one for free when I got the camera as part of the promo they had at the store.
• The mini Instax films are out-of-stock everywhere. No kidding! I’ve been to many stores in Quezon City and Alabang that sells them and the films are sold out. Seriously, Fujifilm, you have to do something about your supply!

If you love blending modern features with a vintage feel, especially for projects or family memories, this camera is a great choice. However, one issue people have mentioned online is that some sellers are buying up mini Instax films and selling them at very high prices on the internet.

Here’s a video I watched that talks about the main features of the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo:

If you read this far, thank you for your support.

Cheers,

Grass