FUJIFILM Instax Mini Evo Cinema: The Super 8-Inspired Hybrid That Prints Video

TOKYO, Japan – In a move that blends mid-century nostalgia with the TikTok era, FUJIFILM has officially announced the Instax Mini Evo Cinema. Unveiled on January 7, 2026, this hybrid instant camera is the first in the Instax lineup to prioritize short-form video, packaged in a body that pays homage to the legendary Fujica Single-8 camcorders of the 1960s.

The Mini Evo Cinema isn’t just a camera; it’s a three-in-one creative tool that functions as a video recorder, a still camera, and a smartphone printer. By merging the tactile charm of analog film with modern digital connectivity, FUJIFILM is targeting a generation that craves physical artifacts in a digital world.

The “Time Travel” Tool: The Eras Dial

The standout feature of the Mini Evo Cinema is the Eras Dial™. While previous hybrid models offered “Lens” and “Film” effects, this new model introduces ten decade-specific visual filters ranging from the 1930s to the 2020s.

• 1960 Mode: Mimics the grainy, warm texture of 8mm film.
• 1970 Mode: Recreates the scan lines and color bleeding of a vintage CRT television.
• Audio immersion: Uniquely, these filters don’t just affect the image; they alter the audio to include period-accurate sounds, such as the mechanical whir of a film reel or the static of an old broadcast.

With ten adjustable levels for each “Era,” users have access to 100 possible expressions, allowing for deep customization of every 15-second clip.

How it Works: “Handing Over a Video”

The Mini Evo Cinema introduces a revolutionary workflow for instant film: Video QR Printing.

1. Capture: Users record vertical video clips of up to 15 seconds. The camera supports multiple cuts within that timeframe—simply hold the trigger to record and release to pause.
2. Edit: Through the dedicated mobile app, multiple clips can be combined into a single 30-second “mini-movie,” complete with cinematic opening and ending templates.
3. Print: Users select a keyframe from their video to print on Instax Mini film.
4. Connect: The camera prints a unique QR code onto the photo. When scanned by a friend or family member, the code directs them to a FUJIFILM-hosted page to play the full video.

This “Hand over a video” concept transforms a static photo into a physical gateway to a digital memory. FUJIFILM has confirmed that uploaded videos will be hosted on their servers for a period of two years.

Design and Tactile Controls

Modeled after the 1965 Fujica Single-8, the Mini Evo Cinema features a vertical orientation designed for one-handed operation.

• Analog Operations: To print, users must pull a physical Print Lever, mimicking the manual film advance of traditional cameras.
• Accessories: The box includes a viewfinder attachment that clips onto the rear 3.0-inch LCD screen, transforming it into an electronic viewfinder for an immersive shooting experience. A grip attachment is also included to provide extra stability for larger hands.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Despite its “toy-like” charm, the Mini Evo Cinema houses capable hybrid tech:

FAQ: The FUJIFILM Instax Mini Evo Cinema

The FUJIFILM Instax Mini Evo Cinema, announced on January 7, 2026, is a groundbreaking hybrid that brings motion to the world of instant film. By combining the aesthetic of a 1960s camcorder with modern QR technology, it creates a “living” physical photograph. Here are the answers to the most common questions about this unique device.

1. How does “printing a video” actually work?

While you can’t print a moving image on paper, the Mini Evo Cinema uses a clever Video QR Print workflow:

• Capture: Record a video clip (up to 15 seconds).
• Select: Choose your favorite still frame from that video to be the main image.
• Generate: The camera generates a QR code that is printed directly onto the Instax Mini film alongside the still.
• Play: When anyone scans the QR code with their smartphone, the full video (with audio) plays on their screen.

Note: Videos are uploaded to FUJIFILM’s servers via the dedicated app and are stored for two years from the date of upload.

2. What is the “Eras Dial” and how many effects are there?

The Eras Dial™ is a new tactile control on the camera body that allows you to “time travel” through visual history.

• There are 10 different Era presets (ranging from the 1930s to the 2020s).
• Each Era has 10 adjustable intensity levels controlled by a dial around the lens.
• This provides a total of 100 creative expressions, including the popular “1960s Super 8” look and the “1970s CRT” television aesthetic.

3. Can I use the camera as a regular printer?

Yes. The Mini Evo Cinema is a 3-in-1 device. It functions as:

1. A standalone digital/instant camera.
2. A video recorder.
3. A smartphone printer (using the “Direct Print” feature in the app to print any photo from your phone’s gallery).

4. What are the key technical specifications?

Despite its retro look, the internal tech is optimized for social sharing:

• Sensor: 1/5-inch CMOS with a primary color filter.
• Lens: 28mm f/2.0 (35mm equivalent).
• Video: Up to 15 seconds per clip (can be combined into 30-second “trailers” in the app).
• Storage: Internal memory (approx. 45 stills) or expandable via microSD/microSDHC.
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion (approx. 100 prints per charge).

5. When and where can I buy it?

The camera is scheduled for release in Japan on January 30, 2026. While a North American and European launch date has not been officially confirmed, industry insiders expect a global rollout by Spring 2026. Pricing is expected to be between $250 and $300.

Summary Table: Comparison at a Glance

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