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I've always considered Fujifilm's instax cameras to be almost more toy than camera. I think part of that is the colourful design.
But Fujifilm has just launched a new silver colour for its instax mini 99 range, and it's got the whole retro film camera vibe down perfectly.
The matte silver finish is the latest addition to the instax mini 99 line up. This is purely a design refresh: instead of the usual playful colours, you get a camera that looks like it's borrowed styling cues from a classic 35mm film body, all brushed metal tones and understated grip.
The instax mini 99 packs Colour Effect Control, which uses coloured LEDs inside the camera body to tint your film with six distinct colour expressions as you shoot, rather than relying on a filter slapped on after you've taken the photo.
Pair that with Vignette Mode, which darkens the edges of your frame for a moodier, more atmospheric look, and Brightness Control for dialling exposure up or down, and you've got a surprising amount of creative control baked into what's otherwise a point-and-shoot format.
It's a similar creative pitch to what we saw from Polaroid's retro-styled Flip, though Fujifilm leans harder into in-camera effects rather than just nailing the aesthetic.
Battery life is solid too. The removable, rechargeable battery is good for around 100 prints per charge, which should comfortably cover a weekend away or a festival without needing to hunt for a power point.
There's also a detachable grip with a tripod mount included in the box, making self-portraits and group shots easier to frame up.
Mary Georgievski, General Manager of Photographic Imaging at FUJIFILM Australia, said the new colourway reflects growing appetite for analogue photography that doesn't skimp on style.
"The instax mini 99 has been incredibly popular with consumers looking for an instant camera that offers both creative flexibility and premium design," she said. "The new Silver edition gives photographers another way to express their personal style while delivering the same distinctive analogue shooting experience that makes every instax print one of a kind."
Pricing and availability
The instax mini 99 Silver is available now, with an RRP of $279 including GST. You'll find it at Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, Myer, Harvey Norman, Officeworks (online only), The Good Guys (online only), Retravision, Kogan, Teds Camera, Camera House, House of Photography, DigiDirect and Camera Pro.
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