We compared two very different instant cameras: the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 and the Kodak Mini Shot 2 ERA.
What we looked at
What each does (camera-only against camera-plus-printer), photo size, extras included, smartphone printing, and price.
The verdict
If you want a simple, pure instant camera with a built-in selfie lens and mirror and a fast 5-second print, the Instax Mini 12 is the classic pick, at £67.60. If you would rather pay £22.39 more for a 2-in-1 device that is both a 13MP camera and a Bluetooth photo printer for your phone, with 38 sheets of 2x3-inch paper included, the Kodak Mini Shot 2 ERA is the more versatile option, at £89.99.
A £67.60 pure instant camera with a built-in selfie lens and a 5-second print speed.
A £89.99 2-in-1 camera and photo printer that also prints from a connected smartphone.
instax mini 12 camera, Clay White — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as an instant camera that produces credit-card-sized photos, with built-in automatic flash control and a 5-second print speed, a built-in selfie lens and mirror, using instax mini film.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Kodak Mini Shot 2 ERA on these listings, at £67.60
- Automatic flash control for consistent exposure, per the listing
- Fast 5-second print speed
- Built-in selfie lens and selfie mirror
- Pack includes a hand strap, user manual and 2 AA batteries
Worth knowing
- Camera only — no smartphone printing function
- Uses instax mini film, sold separately
Best for
- Buyers who want a simple, pure instant camera
- Parties and everyday snapshots
- Anyone who wants the lower price
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants to print photos from their phone
- Buyers who want a built-in digital camera and printer combo
KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA 2x3 Instant Camera, Photo Printer, 38 Sheet, Yellow — Most Versatile
Intended for: Marketed as a 2-in-1 instant camera and portable photo printer with a 13MP camera, genuine 4PASS dye sublimation printing with a protective lamination layer, Bluetooth connectivity to the Kodak Photo Printer app, and 38 sheets of 2x3-inch paper included.
What we liked
- 2-in-1 device: an instant camera and a Bluetooth photo printer in one, per the listing
- Genuine 4PASS dye sublimation printing with a protective lamination layer
- Prints in about 55 seconds, per the listing
- Also prints photos sent from a connected smartphone via the Kodak app
- 38 sheets of 2x3-inch paper included
Worth knowing
- Costs £22.39 more than the Instax Mini 12 on these listings
- Bulkier than a camera-only instant camera
Best for
- Anyone who wants to print phone photos as well as take new ones
- Buyers who want to edit and crop before printing
- Trips, parties and scrapbooking
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want the simplest, cheapest instant camera
- Anyone who doesn't need smartphone printing
