The Instax Mini Evo Is a Game Changer | Digital-Film Hybrid Camera

In this video I give a thorough review of the Instax Mini Evo from Fujifilm. This digital-film hybrid camera allows you to take photos digitally and choose which ones to print out on instax film. The photos develop quickly, leaving you with rich and vibrant images that are significantly cleaner than those produced by the typical Instax mini. I go over the specs and features of the camera, colour and lens modes, and my experiences shooting with it. I provide dozens of example photos to illustrate the features I discuss. I also talk a bit about the emotional impact of combining digital and film photography, and how analog enthusiasts may approach photography with this camera.

[@vividstudio4651]

The analogue eras mostly required the photographer to be part of the scene. Their energy was part of what made the scene happen for the camera to record. I recently shot with a 30 year old Olympus pocket film camera. The interaction with strangers was fantastic. I was the photographer again. As soon as anyone saw me lift it to my eye they played. Posed. Laughed. Took pictures of me. Do not underestimate how joyful these cameras are. It’s not a phone. You are identified as an enthusiast. I am going to get one of these so I can give them the picture. The two things people love. The sound of their own name. A picture of themselves.

[@reinuttanon1418]

"It's the best of many rather than the one and only" hits me. I would hesitate to use the word "good review". It's beyond it! A wonderful and inspirational insight!

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Aw thank you so much!! I really appreciate that!

[@JamieMPhoto]

A friend of mine got one of these lately, and she's completely fallen in love with it. I got to play with a bit a bit, and I see why it's so fun. It's a nice mix of media for when digital is just too ... digital ... and the occasion just doesn't justify spending a lot on film. So fun!

[@JamieMPhoto]

Also, I LOVE that "soft focus" shot.

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Yesss thats exactly how I see it! Its digital without all the fuss that surrounds digital- no editing, no sorting, just pics!

[@michaelbell75]

A digital camera is a digital camera. It shoots and saves a digital file. It's not an analog camera. It's like recording a digital file to cassette tape, its still a digital file.

[@blackcrane1084]

@@michaelbell75yeh but the film contains processing chemical , and led light exposes the chemicals as they are spread along the paper so the chemicals are exposes in an analogue film way , so the pictures look way better and more like film , other digital print cameras just print a fully digital image which look no where near as good or like film at all , so it’s not but kinda has aspects of analogue

[@michaelbell75]

@@blackcrane1084 Like I said, It's like recording a digital file to cassette tape, its still a digital file. It's not true analog.

[@daniellekirshenblat2238]

This was a GREAT review, especially the digital vs analog discussion at the end. Thank you for sharing!

[@IainHC1]

I love what Fuji are doing with their instant hardware these days!! Long may it last 🙂

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Agreed! Really excited to see where this line will go in the future.

[@yayrayday]

My partner sent me this vid to watch and I have to say that as a child of the late 80s and 90s, the idea that 'polaroid' style instant cameras are still around and going strong is so charming to me. I loved them as a kid for the spontaneity and the surprise and anticipation of waiting for them to turn out. These maybe don't have that surprise factor because it prints exactly what you see, but the feeling of just... capturing a moment and handing your friends each a copy of it on the spot as a physical object just can't be replaced by sending a digital pic. Thanks for explaining everything so well, and thanks for reviving my interest in this novel and fun form of photography that I didn't realize I was missing.

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

I'm so glad to have played a part in reviving your interest in novel photography!! Thats the spice of life when it comes to photography for me :D

[@daniellekirshenblat2238]

I love this comment! That's exactly what sold me on this camera. I was out with friends and someone handed us each a copy of the photo we had just taken and I was so excited! It's also really neat that you can print multiple copies of the same pic so everyone in the photo can take one home.

[@whitleyc]

The best review I've found on this camera so far. Very insightful and you are so creative btw! :)

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Aye thank you!! And thanks for watching 😁

[@celiaguty9750]

I’ve loved this video. All your shots are incredibly aesthetic :)

[@AslyArtr1]

love how you explained that at the end. Great video thanks! just bought mine excited to use It.

[@richardpalos864]

Super Kool Review... i loved all your thoughts on this !!

[@luckseaD]

Thank you very much, it was a very good review and i loved your energy! Subscribeddd

[@SimplisticallyDigital]

Great video! I like your finished photos. Very artsy

[@QualiaRebelations]

Great review, love. Glad I met you & got introduced to this camera, while contemplating getting a Polaroid again

[@dudabhering]

Just got one online, excited for it to arrive!!

[@mattgordillo7760]

Excelente video, por fin alguien que muestra muchos ejemplos

[@florencia_ds]

Thanks for the review! Really liked how you put those sample pics next to your comments - super helpful. I just wish they also make one version with the regular square size instead of mini. But lovely camera overall.

[@emmachantee]

I loved the Minneapolis photos omg

[@asafcohen2351]

this is the best review I saw about the mini evo. and you are beautiful to look at. what more a man needs ;) Thanks!

[@ronfranken4707]

Thanks Yvonne. I enjoyed the video. Last year I went to Ibiza and brought this Instax Mini Evo, a Fuji XH1 and a X100F... and guess what, 98% of the photo's I took in two weeks time was with the Instax Mini Evo :) It's just fun.

[@tintinthecat]

Oh god you're good! This is truly inspiring! Great info, no waffle, I mean it's brilliant 👍 and delightful to watch ❤️ off now to buy this camera, thanks to you!

[@dio737]

The fish eye is great for some absolutely hilarious selfies. Its one of my favorite settings.

[@f1remandg]

I think you like it and I have the new one, and I haven’t used it yet but I’m inspired by your enthusiasm and I love cameras that are innovative, you can also link it to your Fuji XT if you have one!

[@KatFib]

The best review of this camera on KZbin !

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Aye you flatter me!! Thank you so much!!

[@toddysurcharge771]

I have tons of pure 35mm film cameras I can do to get the analog feel when I crave it. I like this because it's the best of both worlds. You don't waste film which isn't cheap while the photos aren't 61 megapixel Sony A7R4/5 level clinical looking pictures. It's the same reason I bought the Holga Digital camera. That one doesn't have a back screen so you have no idea what you get until you upload the memory card but it's quirky photo look is why I love it. I don't want all my pics to look so professional and such all the time. You use the tool for what it is good at and try to limit what it's bad at. I also love the fact that in it also can print photos you take on your phone or have in your phones gallery to share with people....printer only instax isn't for me. I would rather have a camera component to the printer too...then I have it both ways.

[@jodyvf]

Brilliant review. Just placed my order. 🎉

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

I hope you enjoy it!!

[@jerrypie1230]

hey! first of all, awesome video! thank you for this in-depth review and your opinion as an artist. i'm thinking about getting this camera now instead of the newly released instax square sq40, even tho i prefer a square look for polaroid pics but also pics in general. but the pros of this hybrid camera almost outweights the classic polaroid charme, at least in terms of what i'm looking for atm... i used to own a digital camera as a kid and it didn't take the best and sharpest pics either, but that feeling is just as nostalgic as using a polaroid camera (used to have one as a teen, until i managed to destroy it, whoopsie!). so i feel like this brings both of those nostalgic feelings together in one camera. my question now is however, if you think the instax mini evo would be a good camera to use at festivals or even concerts, cause you mentioned that it doesn't photograph good in bad light. would this capture a stage shot good? and could it survive all the obstacles of a festival (of course while taking care of it and not just tossing it into a mosh pit lol)? sorry for this long paragraph xD

[@gitawidowati5141]

Love your review ... very informative ❤

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@janinebradbury648]

Great video I’m getting mine tomorrow thanks to this video thank you 😊

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Thank you for watching :D I hope you enjoy your Evo as much as I enjoy mine!

[@janinebradbury648]

@YvonneHansonPhotography your welcome im sure I will it looks a great camera 😃

[@bakeee]

beautiful photos, great videos, interesting opinions. you got my sub!

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Ayee thank you so much!!

[@davevayn]

Oh my god I’m obsessed with this video!!! And your photography ❤ all those photos you took are so coooool, you’re an epic photographer! The video was exactly what my mind was looking for… I’m mostly a perfectionist and shot on other Fuji cameras but got so bored by the long workflows the editing and so forth… so if this is how it looks I’m SO EXCITED !!! they capture your life but in a really beautiful unique way. I also thought about scanning or photographing the analog prints and use them instead, really good idea for sure, the paper and chemicals they use is just what makes it pop yeah. You can get some of that digitally but working on my own portfolio it can take some time, not even the editing but more so the selection and sometimes just the fact it’s such high quality annoyed me whereas the 5 MP here probably don’t even show a lot of details you have to then retouch etc. it depends on the photo of course but I think it will bring back that nostalgia I love. Thanks for your video you did it in such a cool way :)

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Aye thank you for watching! I'm glad you connected with this video, and I'm glad you like my photos! I agree scanning the prints would be the best way to digitize them- that way you preserve the magic of the chemical reaction in the film :D

[@jfncho]

Your point about parameters has inspired me to use the camera without a memory card. This way the only digital images i can save to my phone will be limited to just the ones i print out. Thanks for inspiring this analog challenge.

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

I'm glad you like the idea! I haven't bought a memory card for it yet, and at this point I don't think I will. Still holding on to the analog charm, y'know?

[@crappyslappy]

traded in my Mini 40 for the EVO! great review of the camera! Im excited to go out and shoot some reference photos with it! i have a 64 gb sd card laying around as well! time to burn up some film 😂😂😂!!!

[@andytheghosthunter]

Superb review. In 2 minds whether to purchase one or not. Love analogue but can't be arsed with all the scanning but find digital to be a bit too clinical and lacking in atmosphere (Soul). This could be the answer?????

[@kimcruz3889]

I hope there’s a polaride size format😢 in the mini evo

[@anujdaniel1771]

A video on instax mini 90! :)

[@TheGoodContent37]

I just want to know if the EVO prints come out with better dynamic range and more color saturation than the mini link 2. Apparently it does but I don't find a single video showing this. I want to know if it's worth pay double for this to use it as a mobile printer just because the quality of prints are better or if I should just buy the cheaper version.

[@thediaryofmarjz1410]

hey i was very interested on what kind of strap are you using for your instax evo, :)

[@RR_789]

i think the half-frame is being as true to form as possible my fuji tw-3 photos look exactly like that. i understand why its annoying but fuji is definitely being a purist with this mode haha i think i am going to buy an evo mini on Wednesday! thank you for the review!

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Hahaha I didn't realize there was a reason they chose to do this ..I guess I appreciate it a bit more knowing that. Thanks for watching, and enjoy the Evo!!

[@diyana8556]

i just got the evo!!! funny thing instax mini is 1/4th the price of instax evo in my country!

[@stacypeters2856]

I like all the pictures behind you

[@stacypeters2856]

Also nice video

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

@@stacypeters2856 thank you! This wall has been expanding significantly haha

[@bhaswati2902]

maybe try the half frame on the black film, haha. thanks for the info!

[@game2572]

I just bought this today with the film 2 pack and 64gig SD card

[@KristeneForest]

Can you combine fish eye with double exposure?

[@lindsaydiaz2330]

I have a real analog half frame camera, and when you get the scans back there is a thick black line between the pictures. That's most likely why they do that, so that it mimics a real half frame camera.

[@samosallo4784]

I need your opinion about the leica sofort2, would you consider it or stick with the EVO?

[@surendralakoul]

I got this brand new. Can you suggest me lens combo for great pictures

[@tanikahutch]

Literally the best review! Just bought this little cutie yeaterday 🙈.. and it's my first Instax camera - newbie! I'm actually thinking I'd like a viewfinder for it. Would you recommend a 28mm or 35mm? Thanks so much!

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

I'm so glad you are having fun with it, and you found my review helpful!! I would say go for a 35mm view finder if you get one!

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

So witch is the best? The instax fujifilm mini black 40 instant camera,the instax min evo,the instax fujifilm wide 300 or the instax hybride camera?🤔

[@HobbitDowneyJr]

they migh have changed in the last couple of months. got one today it has usb c now. dope vid btw

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

omg shoot, I wish I'd known- I would have held out for the new ones!

[@greengredina]

I saw a vid about double exposure, you need to change the ev from first img +2 to second image EV -2 to make good image

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

That's good advice!! Thank you!

[@ryanblack9916]

Question, those film filters and stuff do they go onto the digital photos so you can put them onto a computer edit slightly and upload or do the filters only apply on print? Seems like a small camera that shoots digitally but with such a beautiful film look could be a decent everyday shooter. Was just enquiring.

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

They go onto the digital photos as well! basically burns them into the image as soon as you take the shot.

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Hello how are you doing😊😊😊I just bougth a bag for my instax fujifilm mini 40 black. Its hard case and can hold: the camera,2 shots of film,2 aa batteriesand has a shoulder strap . I bought it online from amazone for 25,41free shipping😊😊😊😊i love my new instax fujifilm mini 40 black that i bought today😊😊😊hope you shoot some great pictures youreself. Take care and have a nice day😊👍🏾👋🏾

[@jacobyoung4657]

Ones at target are usb c charging

[@LuisCarlosUltra-fp4ix]

How can you take photos vertically?

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Hello how are you? I love you,re pictures and this video. I am doubting between this camera or the fujifilm instax mini 40 black. I am a biginner in taking photo,s. I,ve never owned a instant camera😊

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Get this one! As far as I am concerned, this is the best Instax option on the market

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Hello i bought the Fujifilm mini 40 black instant camera in the store for 90,99. I love it😁best instant camera ever and i am almost out of my 2x20 films. I just opende the last pack of them😁 and then i have to buy new one,s😁 I don,t want a digital camera😁Thank you so mutch for making this lovly review of the The Instax Mini Evo 👋🏾👍🏾

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

@@YvonneHansonPhotography now i am doubting between the mini evo and the mini 90. I bought the mini 40. Biggest mistake i,ve made photo wise. But for a bigginer like myself its not a bad camera

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

@@lifeismusicparnadonkers when you have the budget for it, buy the Evo! It has a lot more control over how your images turn out

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Hello@@YvonneHansonPhotography if i could try them both that would made it alot easier to pick

[@Naru-Maki]

Thanks for the video. Would love to see a video on all the different available film designs so we get a better perspective in real image rather than polished advertised images.

[@Naru-Maki]

Films for the Evo mini😊

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

I have one coming up at some point soon! I bought a bunch of different film types and I'm almost finished testing them all out :D

[@Naru-Maki]

@@YvonneHansonPhotography ohhh that's exciting. Thank you for your response! Happy shooting 📸

[@Naru-Maki]

@@YvonneHansonPhotography I have a horrible question to ask about something that just happened... I wanted your professional input... Or maybe if you tested it I don't know.. A brand new unopened pack of 10 instax mini film fell to the ground and my husband accidentally stepped on it... I was going to gift it to our son... Is it lost?!

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

@@Naru-Maki I think it should be fine! As long as the plastic casing isn't so damaged that it won't fit in the camera. I would recommend loading it in the dark though, in case the light sealing has been damaged!

[@calonchrome8343]

Does it have facial focusing? I'm willing to start my luck as a street photohrapher. And I'm afraid to misfocus everytime my target is moving, Thank's

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

The plane of focus is wide enough that it's hard to miss focus! I don't believe it has any special focal modes unfortunately

[@BooksandSympathy]

Oh my god, I see into the abyss every time I have to use the wrist strap on my instax . Neck strap would change the game

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

YES THANK YOU I'm glad you can appreciate this revolution in Instax design!!

[@alimohamadkhaniki6056]

is printed film , fade or desaturate over the time??

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

If you expose it to too much sunlight it can be bleached over time, but if you keep them away from windowlight they should last!

[@alimohamadkhaniki6056]

@@YvonneHansonPhotography i hope that fuji release instax evo wide version soon

[@alimohamadkhaniki6056]

@@YvonneHansonPhotography instax mini 9 printed photo fade over six month

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

@@alimohamadkhaniki6056 they shouldn't, unless they're in sunlight!

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

This photo camera is beautifull but its out my price range and i don,t love that you have to charge it and that it eating power. Thats why i bought the fujifilm instax mini 40 black 😊

[@JJ-vp3bd]

how much does the fil cost?

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

About $10 per pack!

[@JJ-vp3bd]

really? thats kinda cheap@@YvonneHansonPhotography

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

@@JJ-vp3bd yeah! It's more like $13 CAD but you can buy the 5-pack sets for $49 something

[@JJ-vp3bd]

How does it compare to the INSTAX SQUARE SQ40 ???@@YvonneHansonPhotography

[@richardcox2978]

Could just edit in light room on phone for the multiple expose before print 😎🤙

[@hazelcortez6995]

what to do if the evo cannot detect the film? 😢

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Take it out in a dark place and re insert it!

[@hazelcortez6995]

@@YvonneHansonPhotography still did not work. I was thinking about returning it to the seller instead

[@MikesPOV]

Unfortunately the size of the print itself is self-defeating. Another trade-off.

[@huongthaoto2303]

Ok but how do I make the image quality less shitty 😭 i regret so bà

[@huongthaoto2303]

*bad

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Haha that's the fun part.....you don't

[@lemonlime7583]

Bought mine recently, came with a USB-C

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

I think I missed the boat on the USBC model by like, a month 😭

[@Bollywoodhollywood2023]

Game changer 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 nothing in digital world is game changer 😂

[@shouqlovesjin]

0:15 not a Polaroid??

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Nope! It's an Instax! Polaroid is the company that pioneered instant photographs. They still make cameras and film, but this ain't theirs.

[@Oncewasgolden]

You are playing a mind game with yourself. You should realize there are built- in limitations to this camera. Fixed lens, iso, shutter speed, aperture, etc. that you already cannot control. The camera itself is self limiting! Thus needing to take multiple photos to get what you envision should be an expectation. Feeling guilty about it is absurd. You should not have to pay more money and waste extra time because of a camera design you create. How we create is not as important as what we create. Even the great masters edited their photos. Unless you actually consider yourself a better photographer than say for example, Ansel Adams, don’t worry so much about the how. Just focus on getting the idea captured.

[@m-baka]

You have to be an artist to be blocked artistically

[@diyana8556]

i just got the evo!!! funny thing instax mini is 1/4th the price of instax evo in my country!

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

Omg that's ridiculous! I'm glad you got it, it's worth the money, but that price gap is silly