With a considerable number of photos stored on smartphones these days, Fujifilm is making it easy to print these memories with the release of the latest Instax Mini Link 3 printer. The Mini Link 3 is the third generation of the popular Instax Mini Link series of printers and brings two new functions to the table: Instax AiR Studio, and Click to Collage.
Since its launch in 2019, the Instax Link series has been embraced for the ability to print images stored on a smartphone through a dedicated app using Bluetooth. The Mini Link 3 is no different, with the app allowing users to scale up, scale down or rotate a photo, apply a filter or adjust brightness to achieve a desired finish. Additionally, users can scroll through videos to pick the best frame to print out.
Key new features
The new Instax Mini Link 3 now includes Instax AiR Studio that enables users to decorate their prints with 3D augmented-reality effects. This is done via the dedicated Mini Link app before a photo is taken with the smartphone. Users have a variety of options when using Instax AiR Studio, including choosing a background template, adding decorative imagery like balloons, hearts and garlands, and even animated effects or a photo stored on the smartphone.
The app also offers Remote Live View, with this function allowing users to share their screen with others while shooting by scanning a QR code in the app with another smartphone.
Another new feature is Click to Collage, an easy way for users to create collage prints from a series of photos, much in a similar manner to an old-school photo booth. Through the app, users can take up to six images, following the 3-2-1 countdown displayed on the screen. When the created collage images are printed by the Mini Link 3, an Instax Animation feature combines these multiple images into flipbook video, with anyone able to view the video by scanning the accompanying QR code printed on the Instax print.
For the new printer body design, Fujifilm added bright pastel LEDs on the front panel which help indicate the functionality of the Mini Link 3, including printing status and battery level. This smartphone printer is small and highly portable, weighing a mere 210g, with an optional carry case also available.
It prints out in Mini format within 15 seconds, with prints taking about 90 seconds to fully develop. On a full charge of the built-in lithium-ion battery, the Mini Link 3 can print up to 100 instant Mini prints.
The Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer will be available in South Africa in three colours: Clay White, Rose Pink and Sage Green. It is set to retail for an estimated R2 599 incl. VAT, with its arrival date in South Africa still to be determined.