INSTAX mini Link 2 REVIEW: wireless printer with a difference!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- My INSTAX mini Link 2 review: a wireless printer for your phone with some fun tricks!
INSTAX mini Link 2 at Amazon: amzn.to/3xxAwQd / WEX UK: tidd.ly/3mSfXJr
INSTAX mini film at Amazon: amzn.to/3Oo9eTS
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ
Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/camerala...
Gordon’s retro gear channel: / dinobytes
Check MPB to buy and sell used gear: prf.hn/l/Rvlz95l
Check eBay to find vintage gear: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
Lost photos? I recover mine with: www.dpbolvw.net/click-1005686...
Equipment used for producing my videos
Sony A6400: amzn.to/3hul53c
Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk
Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp
Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo
Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY
Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE
Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF
MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): bhpho.to/3HiafJL
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My INSTAX mini Link 2 review: a wireless printer for your phone with some fun tricks!
INSTAX mini Link 2 at Amazon: amzn.to/3xxAwQd / WEX UK: tidd.ly/3mSfXJr
INSTAX mini film at Amazon: amzn.to/3Oo9eTS
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ
Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop
Gordon’s retro gear channel: th-cam.com/users/dinobytes
Check MPB to buy and sell used gear: prf.hn/l/Rvlz95l
Check eBay to find vintage gear: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=1&pub=5574908462&toolid=10001&campid=5338329149&customid=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
Lost photos? I recover mine with: www.dpbolvw.net/click-100568658-13808570?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stellarinfo.com%2Fphoto-recovery-software.php
Equipment used for producing my videos
Sony A6400: amzn.to/3hul53c
Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk
Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp
Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo
Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY
Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE
Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF
MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): bhpho.to/3HiafJL
Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Are your prints sharp? I have one and all my prints are soft. I even exchanged it, but the replacement was soft, too. Is that just how they are?
@@derketheterke the instax process doesn't look as sharp as, say, an inkjet, so yes there is a slight softness to them. That's just part of the style, but I wouldn't say it's overly soft myself. personal preferences.
Micro USB in 2022 is a travesty.
Agreed.
😂 but if it works I’m cool w it
You’ll be OK
USBC isnt better than micro usb to transfer charge, makes sense they chose the more robust more reliable option
@@corsonforcas micro usb have a much slower transfer/charge speed, and the grooves in the connectors easily deforms af. I have more than 20 micro usb cables and all of them have loosen.
Not one of my usb c connectors have ever loosen and some usb c cables are very fast although pricey.
Thanks for this! really solid review. i was lost on which insta printer to buy
Fully agree about the SP-3. And it's not just missing a new version. Over a year ago, Fuji discontinued the SP-3 without releasing a replacement. They're only available used, and at silly prices.
True. Clearly they sell more minis than anything else, maybe followed by the wide. I personally like the Square the most.
Thank you Gordon 😊
Fantastic review as always.
If you have kids or just live creativity, this is a no brainer!
Fun has gone from most cameras and phones so it is great that Fuji making the Instax range which is pure fun!
Thanks! Also check out the new mini 99, it's a fun camera!
I've decided to just use my iphone.. with this mini link 2 as opposed to purchasing the EVO. Seems like a perfect choice!
I have both! The fun is multiplied!
Hi, thanks for the review. How do you get the paper for printing? And how much does it cost?
I buy it at Amazon: amzn.to/3Oo9eTS
are the prints any better quality
so lost about which ph printer to get :( I don't mind about the portability aspect as would only be using at home but don't want a full size printer either. Which one of them all produces the most consistent photo quality? Also I would like to choose whether to have borders (a la old polaroid style) or no borders at all.
Most of these small printers can only do one size or shape. So it depends how big you want the print to be and what shape. If you want more standard postcard size prints with or without a border, just get a Canon CP1300 or CP1500 - see my reviews of both models. Also be aware there is a new INSTAX Square printer which i will review in next two weeks.
Hi, i'm thinking about buying a mini link and just now realised there is a newer version.
Just wondering, what are the differences between the 2 and the original one?? I can't seem the find any except some new gimmicks on the app. Is there something i missing, why this one is better then the first one.
It's about a 20 dollar price difference and i just don't know of it's worth buying the new one. I would appreciate some help😅☺️
I show what's new in the video
I usually don't care for gimmicks but that instax air is actually pretty impressive
3:10 The nicest trick is that looks like Gordon is stretching his arm bellow the table to film himself.
Just bought mine yesterday but photos seem fainted ? I am on the stock films and bought some separate cups it be just the films ? Yours look very clear and mines don’t
If your original images look OK, then maybe there's something wrong with the film carts. Or it's possible the printer is faulty
Did I got it right, that you can print also pictures from your phone gallery? Like I don't have to do "live" pictures like on polaroid?
correct, it's a printer NOT a camera
Hi Gordon. Could you please do a Video on in camera JPEGS and straight out of camera shooting on LUMIX and Canon Mirrorless cameras. I usually use Fuji but after getting your book I’m loving it but there are so many features that still don’t make a lot of sense. Ask David Bergman helps a lot but are very Canon specific but those Adorama videos are short and fast. I’ve never used a Lumix but I hear the in camera JPEGS are fantastic. I’m looking at JPEG’s to do some archival work and documenting locations. My Fuji works great with a standard provia setting but the files are pretty hefty for a jpeg.
In all seriousness, all you need to do is find a profile you like and just use it, that's all there is to it. I normally use the standard profile and that's it. I'd stick with your Fujifilm and use Provia. The JPEG file size is normal. If you reduce the JPEG file size, the quality will suffer.
Do I have to buy the polord cam for me to print pics or I can take pics from my phone then print?
This prints from your phone.
Would like to know if it good to upgrade from instax share sp-2 to instax mini link 2.
The bluetooth is a bit easier than the Wifi, but the quality is much the same. It's more about the app features, and that light pen.
Can you do the qr code thing like with the wide printer?
I don’t think so. I just looked at the app and I didn’t find that feature.
can you save a digital copy before printing?
Yes, I think you can
hi gordon, i need your advice about that, i wanna buy mini camera and what's your advice? instax mini 12 & canon zoemini s2 & instax mini link 2 ? thanks a lot from now
I prefer instax over zoemini. Get a printer if you want to print from your phone
How is the print quality compared to the Mini Evo?
The quality of the pictures are excellent I love my Fuji instax mini 2 pictures come out so clear and nice.
What if the paper to print gets over? Do we get it in shops outside? What is the papers called?
INSTAX Mini - didn't I mention the type of paper / cartridges it uses in the review?
My X-T30 II has the instax setting!
Only for wifi INSTAX printers though, not the Bluetooth ones.
I bought one and it’s really cool. Does what I want. Basically, I snap shots of my daughter on my good iPhone camera, then print them with this so she can display them in her room. My only gripe is that the Instax mini film is super small! Unfortunately, it’s ubiquitous. The film that is closer to the old Polaroid 600 size is not as easy to find. So the printer is cool, but the prints are very small.
They do essentially the same printer but for the larger Instax Square and Wide film if you prefer and I have reviews of them all!
i can't quite tell - is the printed photo quality similar to an instax camera, or is it a bit more clear and hi def? I want it to look like an instax camera print :)
Obviously a lot depends on the images you're printing, but the actual print itself, the process and end result, is very very similar.
How is the print quality compared to the original mini link?
Good question - as far as I know the printing spec is identical, same OLED to expose the paper, same pixel pitch, same resolution, so the quality should be the same. However, the Link 2 supports INSTAX Rich print mode from the app which is more vibrant, and to me looks better. Sadly this option is not available for the original.
@@cameralabs Thank you! 😊
@@cameralabs kinda just sounds like that is a software limitation and the og could have that feature with an update.
@@htsunmiku I agree, but they use it to differentiate them.
Hi, when I insert the film, the black page does not come out, what should I do?
Have you switched the printer on and or tried to send it an image yet?
If I have previous pictures that I have taken with my iphone, could I print those out??
Yes, it'll print any images you have on your phone, regardless of where they came from.
Shame Fuji isn't taking USB-C at the same time they're taking an uplift in price... Surely the new margin on the BOM could afford something more modern than micro-USB. I would pay $150 if I could throw this thing on a wireless charger.
I think you may be in the minority - price is extremely sensitive for INSTAX products, so I think they try and make the hardware as affordable as possible.
its weird to get a Micro USB in 2022 which I hate but at least we get 100 prints before having to charge.
I would love to buy this for a party. Can multiple mobile phones connect to the printer?
Not at the same time, and you may need to unpair and re-pair
You probably wouldn't want to do that anyway, film is expensive and people will just waste it pretty quickly.
Looking for a mini printer that will give best quality of image
Hello, has it been updated to work with any Fujifilm X camera?
No, it's the cameras that need updating
@@cameralabs And that hasn't happened?
Which should i choose, this one or mini 11?
Do you want a printer or a camera
@@cameralabs giving it as a gift to my wife. Im afraid that if i choose mini 11, shots will not be as aligned or as bright as it should be.
hi but my mines have problem when i print the pictures there’s black lines
Contact Fujifilm about it.
Got mine for just 89 bucks in clay white. Would just use it to print photos though.
is the photo quality similar to an instax camera photo or is it more hi def? I want the instax camera vibe but I have the photos already
@@elsabredenkamp6724 It's way sharper than normal instax photos.
The X-T2, a camera from 2016, has the ability to do Instax printing.
There's TWO ways to do direct INSTAX printing. The older way uses Wifi and is on most older cameras BUT this printer is Bluetooth only so won't work with them. The newer way is to use a Bluetooth connection, but so far it's only the XS10. Not sure about the XH2 yet.
@@cameralabs Ahh I see. Ill definitely still consider this as a novelty in the future. Never know who might enjoy a smile from the small gesture of giving them a tiny print
@@dvn.s_0069 you can still do it with any camera BUT most will need copying onto a phone first, then printing from there.
Can you use this with an ipod?
if you can download and run the app from the app store, then yes. Try it before you order the printer
No USB-C in 2022. Whaaat? 😳
It's just to charge it, no biggie.
@@cameralabs No biggie, but pretty annoying if most of your equipment is already USB-C and its respective chargers are lying around all over your place. Furthermore governments already try to reduce unnecessary waste by enforcing specific connection types and I would’ve assumed Fuji to be one of the leaders in this space.
@@OfficialSushiSystemAmbassador I hear ya! I'd also prefer it if everything was USB C now, but it would require redesigning some peripherals that by sticking with Micro USB, can reuse many parts. It's cheaper to manufacture and requires less retooling, so arguably better for the environment too. Frustrating, sure, but I see where they're coming from.
This or the Polaroid Hi-Print?
Quality wise I like the instax prints much more
I cannot print directly to this printer via wireless from my Fujifilm X100V?
Nope, you need one of the older Wifi printers like the SP3
@@cameralabs Thank you Gordon. That’s a bummer about not being able to print from the camera, but an informative video. It looks like a fun product nonetheless.
@@gregsimmons1709 remember you can always transfer photos from your X100V to your phone, then print from there.
@@cameralabs Yes, of course! It’s great for that application.
My interest is primarily street markets in SE Asia where I can take a pic, print it immediately, write my contact info on the border with a Sharpie, hand it to the subject, and move on. The phone transfer process gets in the way for that. I can do it with the earlier models, however. It’s very rewarding; camera in my right hand, printer in the right side pocket of my daypack where I can reach around and grab the emerging pic with my left hand. Fast and simple!
@@travelrecordmusic8265 I know exactly what you mean, and I love the X100V too. Sadly it's only the older Wifi printers that will support direct printing from the X100V. The XS10 is the only one that will do the Bluetooth models.
Why are these not available on the Square link!?!?!?
Who knows?!
It would have been good if you had said about the battery performance or how many prints in one charge...
It would have been good if you were paying more attention! I state the battery life in the first few seconds: "As before, the printer is charged over Micro USB with the battery good for up to 100 prints"
@@cameralabs you are the worst!? Why so harsh? My native language is not English, okay, I missed..!? Couldn't you have been polite? You are so mean creator!! Hope Karma gets you back! Goodbye
It is 80 on Amazon right now, on Best Buy 90 bucks
can i use sony camera to do it
It will only print from your phone BUT you can copy images onto your phone from any camera.
@@cameralabs thanks . How many megapixel to keep quality
@@bandstand9173 you don't need much - remember it's printing at about 300 pixels per inch and only about 2.5in wide, so it only needs about 1000x1500 pixels to work with, so if you give it more than 2 Megapixels, you'll be fine!
How does it work?? Is there a projector inside?
Kind of. It uses a row of LEDs which expose the paper as it slides past.
@@cameralabs wow. That is cool!
Absolute bonkers with usb mini lol absolutely nobody uses that standard anymore, how about adding a floppy drive at the same time haha
I agree USB C would have been better, but I still have plenty of devices that use Micro USB ports, so normally carry a cable for them. Annoying, yes, but not a deal breaker.
can in print QR code on the photo?
I think so, did I show the app options?
"Space blue" looks a lot more black than blue on my iPad.
It is pretty dark and could be mistaken for black in dim conditions or on a high contrast screen.
Why does the manual say "when you load a film pack, use the film as soon as possible".
I dont want to use all films immediately cuz I wanna take my time in picking the right pictures to print.
Hmm, good point, I'm not sure. I think it may be susceptible to light leaks over an extended period, so to ensure the 'freshness' they prefer you to use it sooner rather than later. That said, I've had film left in mine for months with no issues. Just keep the printer out the sun.,
@@cameralabs that was fast response time. Thanks man. I just bought one as gift for my niece and im testing it out before giving it to her. Hehehe.
@@cameralabs subscribed
@@cameralabs Followup question: Once you put the film pack inside the printer, can I take it out when not in use? This wasnt explained in the manual. I think.
@@darrylwolfe7359 no, once it's in, it has to stay there
What a cute toy. Doug Kaye once mentioned the perhaps only practical use of such a device: To give away instant photos to (and of) people you meet, especially when you travel in third world countries. Since I've no travelling plans, to me it would only be a mostly unused toy. And I have enough of those.
I remember that conversation with Doug. Actually my family and I use the original INSTAX printers quite a lot to make prints for around the home.
Decorate my room. :D
Brilliant! Go to a 3rd world country and when the poor boy from the village runs up to sell you a Polaroid, you sell him an Instax of himself.
You’ve got some great ideas.
Thanks, I was hoping this might be something I can use for street photography on the street with Canon R. Unfortunaly not.
You can transfer the images from your EOS R (or any camera) to your phone and print from that.
3:50 kawaii moment
The Kawaii factor is off the scale here...
Besides the printing and editing features everything else seems like a gimmick that anyone Will hardly use
Well, apparently you’re not a teenage girl. LOL! I think some younger photographers will use the features. I know my daughter had a blast playing with them, but I had to slow that down because the film is expensive. You can burn through $50 of film just goofing around. I think Fujifilm is banking on that.
Anyone else want to vomit when they see a Micro USB in 2022?
Same I just put a £10 deposit because I saw one in a pawn shop for £49 so thought I’ll grab it
gah, I just bought the mini link version 1 printer back in January. annoying.
Fujifilm bought u and your Chanel with this review... U didint even mențion the cost of the paper
How much attention were you paying? I talk about the price of the priints in the first few seconds.
Cute but not worth the upgrade…
Micro USB? I will never buy another product with a Micro USB. The worst connection port ever invented. Why haven't they used USB C ? A deal breaker for me.
Micro USB works just fine.
get a micro to usb c dongle and leave it in there :D
I bet Fujifilm makes more profit from their “lifestyle” products than Sony and Canon does combined for their cameras and lenses. Consumers love this stuff that eventually ends up forgotten in a dusty drawer.
INSTAX is a very profitable arm of Fujifilm.
With printers like these, I realy can only blame Sony, Canon, Fuji and so on that they don't use Android for their cameras. It would be a blase to use this printer with a propper OS on the cameras ...
True but how long do you want to take for you camera to startup and also run updates