While camera manufacturers are focusing on the professional DSLR with a series of expensive lenses, there is a big name from the film camera is still rolling out these products using this classic material to print photos. For users who loved the nostalgic style of film, the Instax mini 90 NEO CLASSIC Fujifilm may be a suitable option.
The design of this machine can be said is quite large compared to the vast majority of tourist cameras now due to carrying the film and the “camera obscura” to be able to print photos directly. However, you still can leave it in your laptop bag easily and without much hindrance. Towards design nostalgic style (retro) so this camera missing parts on the front edge, which can easily slip your hands during use. However, it creates a classic style than the previous Instax line which is design “childish”, curvaceous and feminine.
NEO CLASSIC using fairly simple. First, users just need to pin and reels on the machine, then locked darkroom can manipulate shooting. The machine has two buttons located on the top of the camera shutter to capture horizontal and on the front, with key positions to help manipulate photographic sources along easier. In addition, Fujifilm also offers some creative shooting modes such as Bulb Exposure to Exposure (user control shutter time by holding the shutter button), Party Mode helps to balance the brightness of the background when shooting in low light conditions or double Exposure allows shutter two times on the same image to create the photos “toxic”. Users can also adjust the brightness of the image with the Brightness option on the machine.
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NEO CLASSIC image quality is not much different from previous generations Instax, but with the new shooting mode, the user can master the machine better. Due to the use of film, each image was taken is unique and not through processes such as digital photo editing. The color of the film also gives the user the feeling back time 20 years ago, when the digital camera is a luxury toy. In addition, because each image was taken so unique is worth keeping, anniversary is an advantage of Instax cameras.
The feeling on the machine taking seemingly simple but can cause users to waste a few films can get used. First, due to the focus mode of the lens on another machine to when the user view through the viewfinder that image be shooting close-ups, at close range easily encounter the situation “out” definition. Ideally, users should use the appliance at a distance of about 30 cm or more to get the best shots. Next, the flash of light machine for quite fierce so may cause accidental subject when shooting blindly. In addition, users should wait for film to completely shape instead impatience, shook a few times prone frustration.
Features and Functionality
The Mini 90 Neo Classic has more controls than most Instax Mini cameras. A mode dial and a few buttons set the exposure and flash behavior, and the camera handles the rest automatically.
Automatic exposure: the camera reads the light and sets the shutter speed and flash for you.
Bulb mode: holds the shutter open for up to 10 seconds. Use it for night scenes and light trails, and put the camera on a tripod.
Double exposure: press the shutter twice to layer two images on one print.
Macro: focuses as close as 11.8 inches (30 cm).
Party: balances the flash with the background so both the subject and the room show up.
Kids: uses a faster shutter speed to reduce blur from moving subjects, kids and pets included.
Landscape: for distant scenes.
There’s a standard tripod socket on the base. The camera runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charged with the supplied charger, and one charge is good for about 100 shots.
Performance
The camera does what a good automatic instant camera should. Exposure is usually right, in daylight and indoors. The flash is strong enough for people at close range and doesn’t wash them out completely.
The lens is 60mm at f/12.7. It’s sharp for instant film, with good color, and the macro mode is the feature that sets this camera apart from simpler models. The double exposure and bulb modes give you room to experiment.
It uses Instax Mini film, which gives you credit-card-sized prints with an image area of about 2.4 x 1.8 inches. Prints develop in around 90 seconds.
Using It
The mode dial and buttons are easy to reach, and you don’t have to dig through menus. The viewfinder is clear for framing, and a small LCD shows the current mode and how many exposures are left. The rechargeable battery is a real plus over cameras that eat AAs.
Downsides
Film cost: Instax Mini film is expensive, and prints add up.
Print size: small, so it isn’t a photo you’d frame.
Viewfinder: it sits beside the lens, so framing is slightly off, most noticeably up close.
How It Compares
Instax Mini 11: cheaper and simpler. It has automatic exposure and a flash but none of the extra modes. It’s easier to use, and the Mini 90 gives you more control.
Polaroid Now: larger prints (about 3.1 x 3.1 inches of image) on i-Type film, with autofocus, double exposure and a rechargeable battery. The prints have their own look, and the Mini 90 has more shooting modes. Which you prefer depends on print size and style.
Verdict
The Mini 90 is for people who want a little more control than the basic Instax cameras give. Macro, bulb and double exposure are the reasons to pick it. If you only want quick snaps, the cheaper Mini 11 is enough. If you’d like bigger prints, look at the Polaroid.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.