Over the past few years, Fujifilm’s Instax range has been driving the revival of analogue, instant cameras, especially in terms of making them a popular part of social gatherings. We had a blast with the colourful Instax Mini 12, and found ways to make photography both fun and accessible with the golf ball-sized Fujifilm Instax Pal, which can be used for both digital pics and printing at home.

Now Fujifilm is introducing an instant camera that’s more high-end in terms of its functionality, marrying the uniqueness of instant images with features people have come to expect of their digital cameras and phones. Launching in South Africa in late March 2024 is the Fujifilm Instax mini 99, an update to the Instax Mini 90, with its retro leather-like texture body and bouquet of features.

The Instax Mini 99’s major selling point is its Colour Effect Control, which is selected via a dial just above the camera’s viewfinder. Users can choose one of six analogue colour effects: Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, Sepia and Light Leak to add more artistic flair to their photos. These effects are achieved by four LEDs inside the camera body, which weighs just 350g.

For the record, the Instax Mini 99 continues to use the credit-card sized Mini instant film, with an image size of 62mm x 46mm. Snaps are fully developed in about 90 seconds.

Along with Colour Effects, the Instax mini 99 features a Brightness Control Dial, with one of five settings to either lighten or darken the image. Still talking matters of illumination, the camera also features Bulb Mode, which lets the shutter stay open for up to ten seconds for unique streaks or trails of light, plus Double Exposure Mode to superimpose two individual shots onto one photo. There’s also a Vignette setting to create a visual highlight through edge darkening.

Moving away from artistic tools to more practical photography benefits, users can select Indoor Mode to brighten interior shots, and Sports Mode to reduce motion blur. Plus, if you don’t want to fiddle, the automatic flash will ensure your photo’s subject is optimally lit.

Of course, the Instax mini 99 is premium across the board, not just in terms of its settings. A small LCD screen at the back of the camera displays current shooting mode, remaining film sheets and battery power. Unlike many of the Instax Minis, the 99 features a rechargeable battery pack (which uses a USB Type-C charging cable). Meanwhile a tripod thread and a bottom grip, in combination with a self timer, makes it easier to take selfies, and take advantage of Bulb Mode.

The recommended retail price for the Instax mini 99 in South Africa has yet to be announced, but for comparative purposes, you can find its predecessor, the Instax Mini 90, in the R2,100 – R2,500 bracket. The Instax Mini 12, without all the 99’s bells and whistles, is R1,400 – R1,500.