FUJIFILM India has officially introduced the instax mini Evo Cinema, expanding its Evo lineup with a hybrid instant camera that leans heavily into storytelling. Priced at INR 47,999, the new model brings together digital photography, instant printing, and smartphone integration, but with an added twist this time. Printed photos can now carry a digital video memory along with them. It feels like FUJIFILM is trying to blur the line between physical nostalgia and modern content creation, and honestly, that seems very much on purpose.
At its core, the instax mini Evo Cinema works as a digital camera, an instant film camera, and a portable smartphone printer. The target audience is fairly clear. Creators, casual filmmakers, and people who still like holding printed photos, but do not want to give up video altogether. It is a niche, perhaps, but one that makes sense in today’s mixed media world.
Key Takeaways
- Price and Availability: The instax mini Evo Cinema is priced at INR 47,999 in India and will be available for purchase starting 28 January 2026.
- Video Printing: Users can record short 15-second video clips and print a still frame embedded with a QR code that links directly to the video.
- Eras Dial: The camera offers 10 era-inspired visual styles, combined with 10 intensity levels, creating up to 100 creative combinations.
- Retro Design: The body design takes inspiration from the 1965 FUJICA Single-8 movie camera, complete with a vertical grip.
- App Connectivity: A dedicated smartphone app enables video editing, direct photo printing, and remote camera control.
Cinematic Features and Eras Dial Technology
The standout feature here, and probably the main talking point, is video printing. With the instax mini Evo Cinema, users can record videos up to 15 seconds long. When printing a photo from that clip, the camera automatically adds a QR code to the instax print. Scanning the code with a smartphone opens the video, letting the moment continue beyond the still image. It is a simple idea, but a clever one, and it adds an extra layer of meaning to what would otherwise be a static print.
Another major addition is the Eras Dial. FUJIFILM has included 10 different era-based visual styles, each inspired by a specific period in film and television history. For example, the “1960” setting recreates the grain and tone of classic 8mm film, while the “1970” mode aims for the softer, slightly washed-out look of early color TV broadcasts. Each era effect can be adjusted across 10 intensity levels, which is how FUJIFILM arrives at the total of 100 creative combinations.
Interestingly, these effects do not stop at visuals. Audio playback for the videos also changes depending on the selected era. Some modes add subtle background sounds, like a faint film reel hum, which may not be for everyone but does enhance the retro feel. It is one of those features that sounds gimmicky at first, yet might grow on you with use.
Analog Feel with Digital Control
Design-wise, FUJIFILM clearly wanted the instax mini Evo Cinema to feel tactile and deliberate. The vertical grip and physical print lever are meant to echo the experience of using older film cameras. The lever, in particular, mimics the action of manually winding film, which feels satisfying in a way that touchscreens rarely do.
The inspiration comes from the FUJICA Single-8, an 8mm movie camera released in the mid-1960s. That heritage shows in the overall silhouette and control layout. Still, this is not a purely analog experience. A rear LCD monitor allows users to preview photos and videos before printing, which helps avoid wasting film, something most instant camera users worry about at least a little.
Functionally, the hybrid setup makes the camera quite flexible. Photos can be stored digitally on a micro SD card, printed instantly on instax mini film, or sent wirelessly from a smartphone for printing. The camera also supports a viewfinder accessory and a detachable grip, both aimed at improving stability during video recording. These extras may seem small, but they do suggest that FUJIFILM expects people to actually shoot video with this device, not just treat it as a novelty.
India Pricing and Pre-Booking Details
In India, FUJIFILM is offering the instax mini Evo Cinema as part of a Premium Edition Combo Box. This bundle includes the camera itself along with two packs of glossy instax mini film. Pre-bookings are open from 21 January to 27 January 2026 through the official instax India website.
Customers who place early orders will also receive two additional designer film packs, which adds some value, especially given the overall price point. Shipping and general retail availability begin on 28 January 2026, with sales expected across both online platforms and offline electronics stores nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I view the video from a printed photo?
A1: You simply scan the QR code printed on the instax film using any smartphone camera. The code redirects you to a hosted link where the video plays.
Q2: How long are the videos stored online?
A2: Videos uploaded through the companion app remain available on the server for two years from the upload date.
Q3: Can I use this camera only as a printer for my phone?
A3: Yes, the Direct Print feature in the app allows you to select images from your smartphone gallery and print them using instax mini film.
Q4: What kind of film does it use?
A4: The camera uses standard instax mini film, which is widely available in India in multiple border designs and color options.
