Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ Gets an Audio Upgrade with Its Latest Release

Do you remember the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+, the handy little camera that not only printed your pictures but also let you add a three-second audio clip? Fujifilm has taken that concept and created an updated version, called the Instax Mini LiPlay+, a hybrid instant camera.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay earns its “hybrid” title because it takes digital photos and instantly prints them on the beloved Instax Mini film. According to Bing Liem, president of FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging Division, this upgrade aims to offer “even more creative ways to express yourselves.”

The Camera’s Core Specs Stay Consistent

Don’t expect a significant change in the sensor. It appears that the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ is still using the same one as before. You still have a small Type 1/5 sensor behind a 28mm equivalent F2 lens, so you can capture those clear, vibrant 5MP images you’re familiar with.

You can save around 45 photos on the built-in storage right away, but you can also add a microSD card for more space if you’re going on a trip. Additionally, you can utilize this convenient device to print photos from your smartphone, transforming your digital memories into instant prints. The back display is now bigger too. A 3-inch screen replaces the older 2.7-inch one, making it easier to frame your shots.

A Brand New Wide-Angle Selfie Camera

Fujifilm has added a second camera on the back. They’ve introduced a new wide-angle selfie camera featuring a 23mm equivalent F2.2 fixed-focus lens.

You can use the larger rear display to frame your solo or group pictures. But there’s even more. Fujifilm has a feature called “layered photos.” This allows you to combine a shot from the main front lens with one from the new rear selfie lens. Picture capturing a stunning sunset and then adding yourself in the foreground using one of four layouts. It sounds like a fun and creative way to capture both the scene and yourself in one photo.

Your Memories Now Sound Better

The original LiPlay was praised for its sound features, but the LiPlay+ actually takes a small step backward here. You can now record only a three-second audio clip, down from ten seconds on the original, and turn it into a scannable QR code on your Instax print. Fujifilm calls this feature “Sound Print,” letting anyone who scans the code hear the sound captured with the photo.

What’s brand new is the Instax Sound Album feature. Fujifilm mentions that this can create custom animated videos from your experiences, with sound, colorful backgrounds, and music. The companion app lets you mix up to five images and the sounds recorded around the time the pictures were taken. It seems like Fujifilm wants to turn your instant photos into a complete storytelling experience.

[Related Reading: An Instax hack that anyone can do in an Instax]

Specs

Image sensor	1/5 type CMOS primary color filter
Number of recorded pixels	2560 × 1920 pixels
Storage media	Internal memory, micro SD/micro SDHC memory card (sold separately)
Storage capacity	Approximately 45 images using the internal memory, approximately 850 images per 1 GB using a micro SD/ micro SDHC memory card
Recording method	DCF compliant Exif Ver. 2.3
Main Camera	Focus distance: f = 28 mm (35 mm film equivalent), Aperture: F2.0, Auto focus: Single AF (with AF Illuminator), Shooting distance: 10 cm to ∞, Flash: Auto flash / Forced flash / Suppressed flash Shooting range with flash: Approximately 50 cm to 1.5 m
Selfie Camera	Focus distance: f = 23 mm (35 mm film equivalent), Aperture: F2.2, Auto focus: No Autofocus (Fixed focus), Shooting distance: 41cm to ∞, Flash: No flash
Shutter speed	1/4 second to 1/8000 second (automatic switching)
Shooting sensitivity	ISO100 to 1600 (automatic switching)
Exposure control	Program AE
Exposure	−2.0 EV to +2.0 EV (1/3 EV step)
Metering method	TTL 256 split metering, multi metering
White balance	Auto
Self-timer	Approximately 2 seconds / approximately 10 seconds
Image effects	Filters, frames (all the frames are replacable by App)
Sound recording	Possible to record sound when shooting or playing back single image. Possible to overwrite.

Pricing and Availability

You might see that the body design is now more squared and the controls are easier to use, giving it a sleeker appearance. It comes in a nice “Sand Beige” or “Midnight Blue” color and is only about 10 grams heavier, weighing 265g.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ is expected to sell for around $235. The original model was priced at $160, which is quite a jump. You’re definitely paying more for the new selfie camera and extra sound features. Additionally, the new Instax Mini Soft Glitter instant film, which has gold highlights and a soft shimmer, should also be available around the same time, priced at $17.99 USD or $14.99 CAD for a pack of 10 exposures.

Personally, I’m not sure if these updates alone justify such a big price increase, especially since the sensor resolution hasn’t changed. However, it seems Fujifilm believes that these new features provide enough value to make you willing to spend more.

[via dpreview; Image credits: Fujifilm]

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