New Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay adds audio to instant photos

In late May, Fujifilm teased the Instax Mini LiPlay, another analog-digital hybrid camera with LCD screen. It’s now officially announced, and other than bringing together analog and digital, it also adds audio to the experience.

Just like the previously released Instax Square SQ10 and SQ20, the Mini LiPlay shoots digitally, but lets you print photos on Instax Mini film. This allows you to keep the digital versions of your photos and print them as many times you want. It also features Bluetooth connectivity which lets you control the camera over your smartphone. This means you can print photos from your phone, or apply filters and frames to your shots when printing.

But the most interesting feature of the Mini LiPlay is a dedicated sound recording button. When you record audio, you can “attach” it to your prints using a QR code. It’s printed along with your instant photo and it can be scanned to hear the sounds while viewing the image. In my opinion, it’s a pretty cool concept. I’ve seen exhibitions which combined visual elements with QR codes for audio; this concept creates a unique (and very fun) experience. I doubt that anyone will exhibit Instax Mini film prints, considering how tiny they are, but who knows.

Among other features, the Instax Mini LiPlay has a fixed 28mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent). It features a 2.7″ LCD Monitor, and integrated flash and a selfie mirror. You can add filters and frames to your shots via a dedicated app.

Here are the rest of the specs:

Imaging
Pixels	4.9 Megapixel
Maximum Resolution	2560 x 1920
Aspect Ratio	4:3
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	1/5″
Image File Format	JPEG
Image Stabilization	None

Lens
Focal Length	mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 28mm)
Maximum Aperture	f/2
Focus Range	3.94″ to Infinity / 10 cm to Infinity

Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100 to 1600
Shutter Speed	1/8000 to 1/4 Second
Metering Method	Multi, TTL 256-Zones
Exposure Modes	Program
Exposure Compensation	-2 to +2 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
White Balance	Auto
Self Timer	2/10-Second Delay
Audio Recording	Built-In Microphone

Viewfinder and Monitor
Monitor Size	2.7″
Monitor Resolution	230,000 Dot
Monitor Type	LCD

Flash
Built-in Flash	Yes
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Suppressed Flash
Effective Flash Range	1.64 to 4.92′ / 0.5 to 1.5 m
External Flash Connection	None

Interface
Memory Card Slot	1 x microSD/microSDHC
Connectivity	USB 2.0 Micro-B
Wireless	Bluetooth
GPS	None

Environmental
Operating Temperature	41 to 104°F / 5 to 40°C
Operating Humidity	20 to 80%

Physical
Battery	1 x Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Approx. 100 Shots)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	3.25 x 4.84 x 1.44″ / 82.5 x 122.9 x 36.7 mm (Excluding Protrusions)
Weight	8.99 oz / 255 g

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay will be available for preorders starting 14 June. It comes in three versions: Blush Gold, Elegant Black and Stone White, and it costs $160.