Hybrid instant camera “instax mini LiPlay”

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) has announced that it will release a hybrid instant camera "instax mini LiPlay" (hereinafter “LiPlay”), which supports credit-card-size film, on June 21, 2019. The model is a new addition to the lineup of “instax” instant cameras, which allow to enjoy photo prints on the spot. The camera’s main unit is the smallest and most lightweight in the history of the instax series for outstanding portability. Yet, at the same time, the camera is packed with new features such as the “Sound Message” function^*1 to convey a voice message or other audio data in the form of a QR code^*2 on a photo print, and the “Direct Print” function^*1 to print images in your smartphone on instax film, broadening the scope of situations the camera can be enjoyed.

Fujifilm has also announced new metallic instax mini film “CONFETTI” and instax square film “Star-illumination,” available in two stages from June 21, adding a touch of flamboyant flair to your photos. 

Overview of the instax series

The “instax” series of instant cameras, launched in 1998, is affectionately called “Cheki” in Japan, where it has enjoyed wide popularity for over 20 years. Today, it is sold in over 100 countries around the world, including Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific, with the cumulative number of units shipped topping 45 million worldwide. It has been particularly loved by the digital-native generation in their teens and 20s, who embrace it as a physical communication tool, saying “It is fun to share those precious moments in life in the form of photo prints. When I hand photo prints to my friends, it gives me a real sense of connection with them.”

Overview of the new product, “instax mini LiPlay”

The new “LiPlay,” is a hybrid instant camera that allows you to check images you have taken on the LCD monitor on the back and choose images you want to print. The camera’s sound-recording function is capable of recording up to ten seconds of audio. The “Sound Recording” 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^*3 by scanning the printed QR code with a smartphone^*4. This allows you to give your sentiment at the pictured scene. The camera also features the “Direct Print” function, which transfers a photo in your smartphone to the LiPlay for printing. You can print your favorite picture in your smartphone easily on instax film and share it with your friends. To take a group photo, the camera also offers the Remote Shooting function so that you can release the shutter by using a smartphone operation.

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 Recording function are laid out for advanced operability. 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.

Fujifilm will continue to broaden the world of the “instax” instant photo system for on-the-spot photo printing.

^{*1：The free “instax mini LiPlay” app must be downloaded and installed on your smartphone to use the Sound Recording and Direct Print functions
*2：QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc
*3：Recorded audio data is stored for one year from the time it is uploaded to the server together with its linked photo image via a special smartphone app.
*4：Smartphones with the QR Code scanning capability are required to read the QR code}

1. Product name

(1) Hybrid instant camera “instax mini LiPlay”

_{Stone White | Elegant Black | Blush Gold
(available in 3 colors)}

(2) Mini-format film “CONFETTI”

(3) Square-format film “Star-illumination”

2. Release date

June 21, 2019

(1) Hybrid instant camera “instax mini LiPlay”

(2) Mini-format film “CONFETTI"

July 12, 2019

(3) Square-format film “Star-illumination”

3. Main features

(1) “instax mini LiPlay”

• Smallest and most lightweight hybrid instant camera in the history of the instax series

The LiPlay is a highly-portable hybrid instant camera that incorporates advanced digital technology. Featuring a 2.7-inch LCD monitor at the rear, the camera allows you to shoot photos while checking the monitor and choose pictures to print. The camera also offers brightness adjustment capability based on exposure compensation as well as six filters for processing photos, e.g. in sepia tone or in monochrome, to create a different impression.

•  New “Sound Recording” function

The camera’s audio-recording capability means you can record up to 10 seconds of sound. The function converts data required for replaying recorded audio into a QR code and prints it on your photo. Use a smartphonoe’s QR Code reader to scan the QR code and replay the audio message. Printing a photo with a recorded message allows you to convey your sentiments to the person receiving the picture, making the gesture more memorable. Alternatively, photograph a beach and attach the sound of waves, for example, to create a print that reminds you of the photographed situation, so that your memory of the precious moment stays vivid.

_{Scan the QR Code with your smartphone’s QR Code Reader to replay audio.}

• “Direct Print” function to use the camera as a smartphone printer

Images stored in a smartphone can be transferred to the camera via Bluetooth ^*5 for printing. You can enlarge or rotate images before transferring them.

• “Remote Shooting” function for taking pictures while standing away from the camera

This function allows you to release the shutter with a smartphone operation while standing away from the camera. Remotely-taken images can be also printed on the spot. This function is particularly useful for a group photo or when you want to achieve a dynamic effect by taking photos from high or low angles.

• Wide variety of design frames on offer

 The camera comes pre-installed with ten design frames, which can be selected during or after taking a picture so that they are incorporated into the image for printing. Download the “instax mini LiPlay” smartphone app (free) to enjoy 20 additional design frames, bringing the total number of design frames available to use to 30.

_{Photos incorporating design frames}

• Stylish camera body design

The streamlined shape of the camera body is complemented with a different surface finish for each of the three color variations in a design approach that even pays close attention to your tactile sense. The Stone White version has a rough, stone-like surface achieved with a special spray coating. The Elegant Black version features an eye-catching embossed finish on the camera surface, while the Blush Gold version dazzles with a smooth lustrous finish. Metallic parts are used for the lens ring, etc. for a premium look.

_{Elegant Black with an eye-catching embossed finish       Stone White with unique spray coating               Blush Gold with dazzling smooth finish}

(2) New instax film

Mini-format film “CONFETTI”

• Compatible with all “instax mini” series models that support the mini format
• Colorful metallic frame that adds a touch of flamboyance to your photo
• 10 prints per pack

 Square-format film “Star-illumination”

• Compatible with all “instax SQUARE” series models that support the square format
• Elegant design of the night sky scattered with colorful stars to make your photo look stylish
• 10 prints per pack

^{*5：　Bluetooth® work mark and logo are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. FUJIFILM Corporation uses these marks based on a license agreement.}

4．Specifications

• Camera Function

• Print Function

• Other

^{*The above specifications are subject to change for performance improvement.}