Our editors’ picks of the week were recent picks for gadgets of the week. This new honor is given to products that demonstrate significant technological advancements or outstanding approaches to innovation or user needs. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 2 is our Editors’ Choice for the week starting October 10, 2022.
what is that?
Three years ago, Fujifilm wowed the market with the Instax Mini Link, a portable printer designed specifically for smartphone photography. Now, we’ve released Link 2, our second generation device that takes the learnings of the original and adds some exciting new features.
It’s a competitive market, with both Polaroid and Kodak turning to on-the-fly printing of smartphone photos to help them keep coming back from the dead. The printer is better, but it doesn’t match the good credentials of Instax devices.
A rechargeable printer that transfers images from a smartphone using Bluetooth. Most importantly, Link 2 is fast. From the moment the image is transferred from the smartphone to the device, printing can start in about 15 seconds, and about 100 prints can be made on a single charge.
It offers an amazing innovation that sets it apart from the rest: InstaxAiR, an augmented reality (AR) effect that works via the dedicated Link 2 app. Users can add graphic effects to their prints such as bubbles, petals, neon, spray paint and glitter looks.
But it’s not as impressive as “drawing in the air”. By holding the printer, pressing the function button on the top, and pointing the LED lens on the side to draw in the air, you can see what you have drawn in the print preview. app. When the user is satisfied with the image and presses print, an “air drawing” appears on the photo and is printed out.
Fujifilm has added an even stronger social element to this feature, highlighting the fact that it doesn’t just throw specs at the device. can be shared. Anyone can scan his QR code to view the video on their phone, download it or share it on social media.
Other features include customizing your Instax prints with image modes, design frames, stickers, and more.
Fujifilm said: Users can also draw on photos using their fingers. Choose the best artistic filters. Or manually adjust the brightness, contrast and saturation of the image. If choosing images is difficult, simply combine up to 8 photos into a single Instax print using the Collage feature.
Finally, users can choose between two image color modes when printing. Instax-Rich mode for heavily enhanced colors and Instax-Natural mode for a more original look. ”
Fujifilm has not forgotten the regular camera to add new features to the smartphone camera. The printer can also be connected to Fujifilm’s mirrorless digital camera “X-S10”, so you can print images from the camera as well. This functionality is extended to other Fujifilm digital cameras via the Fujifilm Camera Remote app.
Link 2 works with the new Instax Mini Spray Art instant film. It features a colorful, light-reflecting rainbow spray design designed to complement the InstaxAiR functionality.
This new movie variety will also be available in August,
How long will it take?
The Instax mini Link 2 printer comes in soft pink, clay white and space blue colors and retails for R2,799 including VAT. A pack of Instax Mini Spray Art Instant Films is priced at a suggested retail price of R180 inclusive of VAT.
Why is it important?
It revives printing at a time for a very specific need, at a time when people feel that need. It fills a big social gap in social activities.
What is the biggest negative point?
• Image quality is significantly lower than with a typical photo printer.
• High cost of photographic print film.
• The device itself is expensive for low- and mid-range phone users who aren’t paying more than a handset.
What is the biggest plus?
• Quick and easy to use.
• They look great and add a great vibe to your social activities.
• The ability to print photos immediately after taking them and showing them around far outweighs the lack of glossy photo print quality.
* Arthur Goldstuck is the founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on his Twitter at @art2gee
