Instax Mini 13 Instant Camera

Why it works as a gift

Most photos now live on phones and never get looked at again. An instant camera changes that: each shot is a small physical print that ends up on a fridge, in a wallet or in an album. That is why it works as a gift for a relationship or a group of friends, not just for a photographer.

The Instax Mini 13 is built to be easy. Fujifilm says it sets the shutter speed and flash brightness for the light automatically for bright photos, and it has a selfie mirror, a close-up mode for subjects about 30 to 50 cm away, and a 2- or 10-second self-timer. The Amazon listing says the lens twists to turn the camera on, and the strap includes an angle accessory that tilts the camera slightly up for timer shots. Prints come out in about five seconds and develop in about 90.

Against a phone photo printer at a similar budget, this is the more spontaneous choice: no app and no pairing. Against pricier instant cameras, the Mini 13 is simple and small. The trade-off is that film is sold separately and every shot uses a print, so it suits people who will enjoy that ritual.

Who it’s for

• A couple starting a shared photo album of their year together
• A college student or new graduate heading somewhere new with friends
• A teenager or young adult who likes making scrapbooks or photo walls
• A friend planning a wedding, a long trip or a big birthday party with lots of group shots

Skip it if

• They would rather keep every photo on their phone than pay for and store prints
• They want manual control or high image quality; this is a simple point-and-shoot
• They already own a recent Instax Mini camera
• You don't want to buy film as well; the camera ships without it

Giving it

• Add a pack or two of instax mini film; the camera ships without it, and the Amazon listing says two AA batteries are included
• Pair it with the Graphic Image Small Leather-Bound Journal for notes or a few prints
• This listing is in Clay White and sold by Amazon.com; check the color in the listing photos and the return terms before ordering
• Light and compact, so it is easy to wrap or bring to a party

The facts

Film

instax mini instant film, sold separately

Picture size

62 × 46 mm image on a print about 2 × 3 in

Exposure

Automatic; shutter speed and flash brightness adjust to the light

Close-up mode

About 0.3–0.5 m, with parallax correction in the viewfinder

Self-timer

2 or 10 seconds

Power

Two AA batteries (included for first use); about 10 packs of 10 shots per set, depending on use

Size and weight

105.5 × 124.7 × 67.6 mm; 327 g without batteries, with film and strap

In the box

Hand strap with camera-angle accessory, quick start guide, two AA batteries; 1-year limited warranty

Sold by (this listing)

Amazon.com; color Clay White

Consider instead

• Aura Carver Mat Digital Photo Frame — Puts phone photos on display for someone who won't buy film
• Graphic Image Small Leather-Bound Journal — A keepsake for someone who prefers writing to photos