- Fujifilm unveils the Instax mini LiPlay+, six years after the original model
- The addition of a selfie camera is the main hardware upgrade
- It's available from October 30 in two colors, with matching cases
Fujifilm has unveiled a successor to the Instax mini LiPlay, some six years after the original hybrid instant camera – and it's called the mini LiPlay+.
The new hybrid model retains a similar design, with a larger rear LCD to compose images and the ability to produce Instax Mini prints. But it comes with one significant hardware upgrade and the ability to add audio clips to images through the Instax mini LiPlay+ app.
The mini LiPlay+ packs twin cameras, adding a selfie camera where the original model just has the front-facing camera. As well as making selfies much easier to create, these twin cameras unleash a new layered photo mode, which combines the front and rear camera images, with two Instax color profiles to choose from.
And if you have the new app, there are four ways to record short audio clips to be added to images, for multi-sensory albums.
There are two color versions of the mini LiPlay+ to choose from; Midnight Blue and Sand Beige. They are available from October 30, with a list price of $235 / £189.99 (which converts to around AU$390), while a matching case costs an extra £29.99.
A new 'Soft Glitter' Instax Mini film is also being debuted and will be available on the same day as the mini LiPlay+, costing £8.99 for a single pack of 10. I'll update this page with additional US and Australia pricing when I get that info.
Instax for the smartphone generation
Supported by auto exposure, flash and a self timer, the hybrid mini LiPlay+ should be as simple as instant cameras come, even if it'll lack the analog charm of true instant cameras, like the wildly fun and creative mini 99.
No, the mini LiPlay+ is for the smartphone generation, for whom the accompanying app is as much a part of the experience as getting those instant prints.
There are perks to hybrid instant cameras, such as fewer wasted prints. However, they're not for analog purists who cherish the unpredictable nature of instant photography.
I've currently got my hands-on the mini LiPlay+ and will share a review soon. But what are your first impressions? Do you like the sound of a hybrid instant camera like the mini LiPlay+, or prefer the old school Instax cameras? Let me know in the comments below!
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