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Fujifilm Instax Mini 13: Two-minute review
The Instax Mini 13 is the newest instant-print camera in Fujifilm’s long-standing lineup of budget, easy-to-use party snappers. These film cameras are a great way to capture memories at shindigs, weddings and the sort, and this latest model is no different.
Like most Instax mini cameras, the Instax Mini 13 has a 60mm f/12.7 optical-grade plastic lens, making it ideal for close-up snaps and selfies that require a fixed field of focus. It even has an additional close-up mode to give you a little extra control over the focal length.
These are all features already found in the Instax Mini 12, which we rate as the best instant camera for most people for its point-and-shoot simplicity — but the Instax Mini 13 does have a few small tricks up its sleeve to warrant it being the step up model in the range.
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The biggest upgrade from its predecessor that was released in 2023 is the addition of a self-timer, which is normally found on more expensive models like the Instax Mini 99 that retails for more than double the price.
And while the self-timer is the most significant upgrade from the Instax Mini 12, there are other small differences, including a fresh, playful ribbed design with new pastel colors, and a small, rubber wedge that hangs on the strap for propping the camera up on a table.
If I were to sum up the Instax Mini 13 in three words, I’d say it’s cheap, cheerful and charming, which is exactly what you want from a fun instant camera that’s a piece of cake to use.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 review: price and release date
- Announced in March 2026
- Shipping began in Australia on March 31
- Released in the US and UK in late June
- Priced at $94 / £79 / AU$139
As noted in our Instax Mini 12 review, many of us camera nerds have come to expect a new Instax Mini instant camera every three years from the brand, so it was surprising that this model ended up having a staggered global rollout, without much fanfare. Aussies were the first to get their hands on the new camera on March 31, followed by the US and UK on June 25.
Even more surprising is the fact that those of us in the UK didn’t see the same 15% price jump from the cost of the previous generation, with the Instax Mini 13 being priced at £79 — the same as the Instax Mini 12 at launch. Those in the US and Australia weren’t as lucky, however, with the Instax Mini 13 seeing an 18% increase from the Instax Mini 12 to $94 and 16% to AU$139.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 review: specs
|
Film type |
Fujifilm Instax Mini |
|
Print size |
62mm x 46mm |
|
Focus range |
f = 60mm (equivalent to approximately 35-40mm) |
|
Aperture |
f 12.7 |
|
Shutter speed |
1/2 second to 1/250 second |
|
Power |
Two AA-size alkaline batteries |
|
Selt timer |
2 seconds or 10 seconds |
|
Dimensions |
105.5mm x 125mm x 124.7mm x 67.6mm |
|
Weight |
376g (without batteries, film or strap) |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 review: design
- A fun, ribbed design for added grip
- Five different color options to choose from
- Comes with a handy accessory on the strap for propping the camera up
The most striking update to the Instax Mini 13 is the rounded, ribbed design and five new pastel colorways, which have been called Candy Pink, Frost Blue (featured in this review), Clay White, Lagoon Green and Dreamy Purple.
Although the new design does bring a new poppy look to the camera, the trade-off is that it’s a bit bulkier and heavier than the likes of the Instax Mini 12. If that’s a problem, and you’re more so after a slimmer and compact build, take a look at our Instax Mini 99 review instead.
That model also has a built-in tripod thread at the bottom of the camera to help with taking group shots, which is one of the reasons why it’s the more expensive, premium model. But the Instax Mini 13 brings a thoughtful budget accessory to help you stabilize shots: a rubber wedge attached to the strap that you can use to adjust the angle of the camera when placed on a surface.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13: performance
- Incredibly easy to use — just point-and-shoot and print
- Best for taking short-range images, like selfies
- For optimum results, make sure to hold the camera about 30cm away
The biggest selling point of the Instax Mini 13 is the fact that it’s so straightforward and easy to use. Simply load up Instax’s credit card-sized Mini Film pack of 10, spin the lens dial to turn it on, and you’re all set to go.
With a shutter speed range between 1/2 a second and 1/250 a second, and a film sensitivity rating of ISO 800, it’s best used in well-lit spaces, as you’ll run the risk of overexposing a shot if you were to shoot in direct, bright sunlight.
At night, the constant-firing flash will automatically adjust itself to different light levels on its own, but it’s important to keep in mind the distance of your subject. As mentioned earlier, it’s best to use it for close-up shots to get the best quality images. And the optimum range for the flash is the same, with a distance of 30cm to two metres being the most effective.
To make selfies ever easier to capture, the Instax Mini 13 has a self-timer that works brilliantly to stabilize any photograph by reducing the chances of blurring from pressing the shutter button. You simply have to spin the dial that’s fitted around the shutter button to activate it. One rotation sets the timer at two seconds, which you can tell is on by the blinking light, while holding it down activates the 10 second timer.
My only gripe is that the self-timer doesn’t give you a countdown light for when it’s about to take the picture (say, the blinking light speeding up). Yes, I know I can simply count the seconds down myself from pressing the button, but when you’re already trying to frame yourself in the small mirror that can easily be forgotten to do.
Should I buy the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 review: also consider
How I tested the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13
- I took the Instax Mini 13 to several events over the course of two months
- Experimented with holding the camera at different distances to determine the best for image quality
- Printed 20 Instax Mini prints, which were scanned into the Instax UP! app
Being an instant camera fan, I knew the best places to bring the Instax Mini 13 to. From a friend’s 30th birthday party to a Harry Styles concert, I snapped away to see how it performed in different lighting environments.
I went through two packs of Instax Mini film — the classic white border type and the Instax Mini Rainbow edition that prints out different colors. Unfortunately, the Pastel Galaxy film that was launched alongside the Instax Mini 13 wasn’t available to test.
To show off some of the sample pictures I snapped over the two months that I tested the camera for, I scanned the prints onto my phone using the Instax UP! app.
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