Fujifilm Corp. releases today the new member of its Instax family, the hybrid instant camera, the “instax mini LiPlay” (LiPlay), which supports credit-card-sized film.
The camera’s main unit is the smallest and most lightweight in the history of the instax series for outstanding portability. It is packed with new features such as the “Sound” function to convey a voice message or other audio data in the form of a QR code included in a photo print, and the “Direct Print” function to print images from your smartphone on instax film.
The camera body boasts a streamlined and stylish design. Its compact and lightweight form factor makes it easy to carry. Buttons and dials for basic operations such as shutter release and “Sound” function are laid out for advanced operability. The free “instax mini LiPlay” app must be downloaded and installed on the smartphone to use the Sound and Direct Print functions
Extra attention has been paid to perfect the camera’s texture. The camera comes in three colors, each of which has different surface processing, such as embossed or smooth finish.
The new “LiPlay,” is a hybrid instant camera that allows users to review photos captured on the device on the LCD at the back of the camera so they can choose images they want to print. The camera’s “Sound” function is capable of recording up to 10 seconds of audio. The function converts the audio data into a QR code and adds it to a photo to be printed out together. The audio can be replayed by scanning the printed QR code using a smartphone. The audio file serves as the photo’s caption instead of a printed text.
The camera also features the “Direct Print” function, which wirelessly transfers a photo taken with your smartphone to the LiPlay for printing. The “Remote Shooting function allows groups to take photos from afar with the help of a smartphone.
The “instax” series of instant cameras, launched in 1998, is called “Cheki” in Japan, where it enjoyed wide popularity for over 20 years. Today, it is sold in over 100 countries with the cumulative number of shipments reaching 45 million. It has been particularly loved by the digital-native generation who have embraced it as a communication tool. In the digital world, these young people enjoy the permanence photo prints bring.
Fujifilm said it will continue to broaden the world of the “instax” instant photo system for on-the-spot photo printing.
It comes in three colors—stone white, elegant black, and blush gold, and retails at PHP 9,999 inclusive of microSD and free pack of instax mini film and will be available in the Philippines later this month or early July.