instax mini Link smartphone printer, Dark Denim

Product Information

Think about why you want to print pictures on the move. Do you want the absolute best image quality? Choose a dye-sublimation printer. Do you want the cheapest prints, regardless of quality? Go for a Zink printer. Do you want the coolest prints? You'll probably want an Instax-based printer. We'd always recommend going down the latter route for most photographers, as although instant cameras are fun, you've got so much more control when using a printer. We’ve enjoyed printing out our top snaps with this model, and it’s super easy to use via the app. It is a bit of a shame that it still charges via the now-outdated Micro USB port rather than USB-C (the newer Mini Evo has transitioned to the newer USB-C connector) but that’s more of a minor downside than a dealbreaker. There's also collaborative modes, including a 'match test', and 'party print'. The former is a silly game whereby you can print a photo of you and a friend, answer some questions, and your compatibility will be displayed on the print. The colours and retro reproduction from the Instax printers are our favourites in general, and we’re less sure about the Zink printer options available on the market. This, however, uses a slightly different approach that sets it apart.

Then you can push the power button on your printer to release the shutter - if you have your phone set up on a tripod and want to take a group shot, this can be quite useful. You can also zoom in and out by turning the printer upside down. You can operate the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link smartphone printer via a free smartphone app for iOS or Android, with the printer connecting to your phone via Bluetooth.Unlike the wider one, we think this is slim and light enough to stash in your bag and bring on your travels, and the bigger square size works well for a wide range of shots including landscapes, portraits, close-ups and more. It uses Zink paper, which means you don't have to add ink, but on the downside this means the picture quality isn't the best," says Tom May in our review. "Still, if you just want to hand out mementos at a social event, it's still a good choice, and it would make a fun gift for kids too." The main difference is in the type of printing method. Instax models use the same instant photo paper present in the brand’s instant cameras for a real film look, there are several models out there that use Zink (or “zero ink”) paper tech. This is photo paper that takes on colour in a process that uses crystals and heat, but this is notable for a slightly poorer image quality. The Polaroid Hi-Print is a little different than either approach, using dye-sublimation for accurate colours. Print speed You can use the printer in print mode or fun mode. The print mode is if you place your printer in vertical mode. During this time, the LED light will turn blue. However, when in a fun mode, the LED light turns orange. This fun mode is active if you horizontally place your printer.

If you want a mobile laser printer you can use to print photos directly from your smartphone, go for the Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 Mobile Printer. This printer lets you create Instax photos by sending images from your smartphones and tablets to your printers. You can do this via the free share app. Images can also be sent directly from your digital camera straight to the Mini Link 2 printer using Bluetooth, but only if you own a Fujifilm X-S10. For other digital camera devices you'll need to first send images from your camera to your smartphone using a compatible app, recommended by the camera manufacturer, and then print them via the Instax app selected from your smartphone gallery. The slim, portable design means you can easily take it around with you. The embedded rechargeable battery also makes it easy for you to use the printer without needing to look for a power outlet whenever you want to print. It’s easy to get intensely serious about photographic kit and technique but, sometimes, photography should just be fun," says our own Matthew Richards. "There’s certainly a lot to be had with the Instax Mini LiPlay. It continues the decades-old tradition of truly instant photography, where you can take and share pictures anywhere and everywhere, capturing and preserving treasured memories on the fly." By far the most intriguing yet kinda useless feature exclusive to the new Instax Mini Link 2 isa motion-control element called "InstaxAir" where users can create light-painting style images by moving the printer around in the air as if it were a Nintendo Wii remote. InstaxAir works by holding down and lightly pressing the button situated at the top left corner of the printer.

You can connect the printer to computers and smartphones through USB or Bluetooth, but since there's no Wi-Fi connectivity, you can't use Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, and other connection that rely on Wi-Fi. It's fair to say that nobody buys an Instax printer looking for the highest quality prints. The prints are designed to be fun, portable and a cute memento, particularly from a party or a gathering.

All portable photo printers work by connecting to your smartphone over Bluetooth, and you’ll then be able to send your photos to the printer via an app. They may allow you to add effects or text before you print too. Android users sometimes struggle with app compatibility, so if you’re looking for a portable photo printer to pair with your Android phone, the Kodak Mini 2 Instant Photo Printer is a winner. Kodak’s app works with iOS and Android, making designing and printing your shots easy. As with other Instax products, the Mini Link uses a simple design. There is just one main button on the front of the printer, which is surrounded by an LED ring which glows different colours depending on what the printer is doing - for example, it will cycle through the various colours available while it is printing a shot. There’s no charging the Kiipix Portable Mini Printer, nor any need to plug it in. Simply load it with Instax Mini film, place your phone face down on the scanner (with the brightness cranked all the way up – trust us), use the reflective mirror to ensure it’s properly aligned, and then you can manually crank out the prints yourself. The Mini 2 connects wirelessly to your Android or iOS device via the NFC One Touch app—no cables or manual set-up necessary. The compact printer weighs 8 ounces and 1 x 3 x 5.2 inches. You can also select from a range of bright colors when purchasing.

Instax has proved to be very popular over the years, especially with the younger audience. When considering an Instax product, you can either go for a camera with an inbuilt printer, or a standalone printer which allows you to print whatever shots you like. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link is available in three different colours. We've been using the 'Dusky Pink' version, but there's also 'Ash White' and 'Dark Denim' (Blue) available too. As such, you shouldn't expect perfect colours and bags of detail. On the whole, colours are generally pretty vibrant, with some colours perhaps displayed a bit better than others. With various options available from multiple brands, choosing the best portable photo printer can be a bit daunting. These are the key factors to consider before buying: Printer type Gone are the days when you need a laptop or desktop computer before you can print a document. Improvements in the world of photo technology also mean you no longer have to wait for the conclusion of production work in a photo lab before you can see your photographs.

The printer is available in silver and gold. So, you choose the one that best suits your style and go ahead with your printing.

New Features Fall Flat, But It's Still a Capable Printer

The KODAK Smile Instant Digital Bluetooth Printer has universal Bluetooth connectivity. Hence, you can use it with your iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and other smart devices that have access to Google Play and the Apple App Store. If you’re after a bit of a balance between the larger wide film and the tiny mini film available from Instax, then the square format is the one you’re looking for. This is the most up-to-date printer from the brand, using the widespread USB-C charging port rather than the less common and older Micro USB alternative present in much of the range, and it has the same sleek styling we’re used to from Instax printers.