Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 Review: What's New vs the Mini 12

Fujifilm's Instax Mini 13 has just landed as the successor to the hugely popular Mini 12. If you've been sent here from a search for "Instax Mini 13," you might already own an Instax and want to know what's changed — or you might have no idea what an Instax camera even is. Either way, you're in the right place.

The Instax Mini 13 is Fujifilm's latest instant film camera — you take a photo, and about five seconds later you're holding a real, physical print, roughly credit-card sized. No app, no Bluetooth, no scrolling through a camera roll to find it. Just a photo you can hold, stick on a wall, or hand to a friend on the spot.

It sits at the entry-level end of the Instax range: fully automatic, no manual settings to worry about, and built for point-and-shoot simplicity rather than creative control. If you want to see how it compares to the rest of the Instax lineup — the Square models, the hybrid LiPlay and Mini Evo, the more advanced Mini 99 — our complete Instax buying guide covers every model Maplin stocks.

Two genuine additions separate the Mini 13 from its predecessor, and they solve real, everyday problems:

• A proper self-timer. An LED lever lets you switch between a 2-second countdown — great for cutting out the camera shake that comes from pressing the shutter yourself on a selfie — and a 10-second countdown so you can get in the shot for group photos. The Mini 12 has no self-timer at all, so this is the standout upgrade.
• A built-in angle adjuster. A small wedge-shaped tool integrated into the wrist strap props the camera up with a slight tilt — no more stacking books under it to get everyone in frame for a hands-free group shot.

The design has also been tweaked to a slightly more rounded, uniform shape compared to the Mini 12, giving it a softer, more pillow-like feel in the hand.

The Mini 13 keeps everything that made the Mini 12 a bestseller in the first place:

• The same 60mm f/12.7 lens and automatic exposure system
• The same built-in selfie mirror
• The same Close-Up Mode (twist the lens twice for shots 30–50cm away)
• The same 5-second print time and roughly 90-second development

Setup is wonderfully simple, and identical to the Mini 12 if you've used one before:

1. Power up. Load two AA batteries into the side compartment and switch the camera on using the button beside the lens barrel — you should see the LED indicator light up.
2. Load your film. Open the back latch and line up the yellow mark on the film cartridge with the yellow mark inside the camera. Turn the camera on and the dark slide should eject automatically.
3. Twist to shoot. Twist the lens out to switch the camera on and select standard mode, or twist further for Close-up Mode when shooting within 30–50cm.
4. Use the self-timer for hands-free shots. Flip the LED lever to 2 or 10 seconds, frame your shot using the selfie mirror or viewfinder, and press the shutter.

For a fuller walkthrough — including tips on lighting, composition, and getting the most out of your prints — see our guide to using the Instax Mini 12. Every step applies equally to the Mini 13.

If you're regularly taking selfies or group shots, yes — the self-timer alone solves the two most common frustrations with the Mini 12: blurry handheld selfies and awkward hands-free group photos. It's a small addition that makes a real difference in how the camera actually gets used day to day.

The one exception: if you already own a Mini 12 and rarely shoot solo or in groups, you won't be missing much by sticking with what you have.

• First-time buyer or gifting to a teen/student: the Mini 13 is our pick — the self-timer and angle adjuster make it the easiest Instax yet for selfies and group shots.
• Already own a Mini 12 and shoot a lot of selfies or group photos: the self-timer makes the Mini 13 a worthwhile addition to your kit.
• Want square prints, a hybrid digital/print camera, or more advanced controls: see our complete Instax buying guide for the full range, including the Square SQ1/SQ40, Mini LiPlay, Mini Evo, and Mini 99.

The Instax Mini 13 is £79.99 (camera only) and available in five colourways:

• Frost Blue
• Candy Pink
• Lagoon Green
• Clay White
• Dreamy Purple

Each colour is also available bundled with a 20-shot film pack (£97.99), or with a film pack and a Skinny Dip case included (£115.99) — everything you need to start shooting on day one.

Still deciding which Instax camera fits you best? Check our complete Instax buying guide, or if you've just picked one up, our guide to using the Instax Mini 12 covers every step you'll need — it applies to the Mini 13 too.