Meet the adorable digital Fujifilm Instax Pal, a tiny golf-ball-sized camera

Date:
Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:42:09 +0000

Description:
Fujifilm Instax Pal, a tiny golf-ball-sized camera, is an Instax with a difference.

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As TechRadars Cameras editor, I review the latest and greatest devices for photography and video. Mostly serious tools, for serious creatives. Rarely do I get to play with a camera that Id call cute, a camera like the new Fujifilm Instax Pal.

Its a tiny, golf ball-sized digital camera with the Instax name, only it doesnt churn out instant prints like a traditional Instax. This is a digital-only Instax camera, fine-tuned to pair with Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link, Instax Square Link, or Instax Wide Link portable printers, via a new Instax Pal app.

Simple as they come, Pal doesnt have a screen to compose your ultra-wide
angle snaps as the Instax Mini Evo does. It emits a happy jingle when you power up via the multi-color-light-up power button and a sad sound when powered down. The app dishes out rewards the more snaps you take. If Tamagotchi were a camera, Pal would be its name. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Fujifilm) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Fujifilm ) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Fujifilm) Instax by name, cute by nature

The Fujifilm Instax Pal is not one of the best instant cameras per se, but it can be as good as one when paired with an Instax Link printer. Theres a
switch on the underside of the camera with L and F modes; L is a direct-to-Link printer photo mode that effectively creates the instant camera experience by using a Bluetooth-connected Link printer, while F is a photo to memory mode that stores onto the Pals 50-shot internal memory, or onto micro SD card. Fujifilm Instax Pal: Price and release date

There are five exotically named color varieties of Pal; Milky White, Powder Pink, Pistachio Green, Lavender Blue, and Gem Black. In the US, the Instax
Pal is bundled with the Instax Mini Link printer for $199, while in the UK
and Australia, you buy the camera separately, for 89.99 / AU$149
respectively, (while the Gem Black version with a shiny, reflective surface costs 104.99 in the UK). You get a detachable ring included that can act as a support to rest the Pal on, slide onto the top as a 'viewfinder' (you don't need to do that), but, most helpfully, as a kind of wrist strap.

Photos consequently uploaded to the Instax Pal app are automatically wiped from the cameras memory, and the app gives a seamless experience navigating your image gallery to pick your best snaps for print (and avoid wasting that expensive Fujifilm instant film), applying fun edits in the process that include filter effects, adding text or stickers, plus theres a brightness correction and crop tools. You also choose which of those three Instax
formats to output to, too.

Its worth noting that the new app can work for any photos in your phones gallery, not just ones imported from the Instax Pal. So heres the question; how is Pal better than otherwise pairing your smartphone with one of
Fujifilms excellent portable Link printers via the app? Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future)

Well, there are times you might not want to use your smartphone for photography, plus the Pal is a dinky snapper that all the family can use.
Even I, a seasoned photographer, am somehow more drawn to Pal its a camera that Id want to use more regularly than most other Instax cameras that can feel a little clunky and awkward in the hand you're carrying a printer after all. Pal on the other hand feels super easy to use, especially for small hands, and can slip right into your pocket. Heck, its so discreet you could even use Pal as a street photography camera, which I gave a stab at when walking through London after the Instax Pal press event. Thats my next personal photography project lined up.

In a way, I dont mind the separation of the Pal camera and Link printer
versus an all-in-one instant camera, plus you can also use the accompanying app to remotely control Pal, with self-timer and interval modes. Chuck in the mini-tripod thread and the included multi-use detachable ring as potential supports for hands-free selfies and group shots, and the Pal is an Instax
with a difference. Ill share more thoughts about the Instax Pal in my
upcoming review. (Image credit: Fujifilm) You might also like Instant cameras coverage Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera with a stunning retro design Fujifilm Instax Link Wide review



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