The photo above may look like a close-up of a polar bear in a snowstorm eating a marshmallow, but it is, in fact, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S Instant Film Camera. Fuji’s second camera in the US since Polaroid quit the instant photo biz produces 2×3-inch prints using Instax Mini Instant Color Film. The Mini 7S’s bare-bones feature set includes a built-in flash…and that’s about it. The camera is designed primarily for vertical shooting on the ISO 800 film; Fujifilm claims the film will produce vivid color and natural skin tones.
For details, read the Fujifilm USA press release:
FUJIFILM BRINGS STYLISH INSTAX MINI 7S INSTANT COLOR CAMERA TO US
Offers a Trendy, Portable, Anytime Instant Photo Solution
Valhalla, NY, September 23, 2009 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today announced the availability of the Instax Mini 7S Instant Camera and Instax Mini Instant Color Film to the U.S. market. The Instax Mini 7S is a compact and lightweight instant film solution ideal for the on-the-go photographer or photo enthusiast. With its sleek and stylish design as well as high end Fujinon optics, the Instax Mini offers customers a great looking camera that produces great looking, high-quality, credit-card sized, instant prints. Fujifilm’s line-up of Instax instant cameras have been enjoying success in Asia and Europe for years, which has helped generate a loyal following in the United States, particularly over the last year.
“Once we introduced the Instax 200 Instant Film Camera System to professional and commercial markets in the U.S. late last year, we immediately began to receive inquiries about the availability of additional Instax cameras for the consumer market,” said Kayce Baker, director of marketing, Professional Markets, Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “We believe the portability, chic design and print quality will be exactly what consumers are looking for in an instant photo solution that doesn’t require any auxiliary printing device.”
The Instax Mini 7S Instant Camera and Instax Mini Instant Film will be available at retail locations beginning in September, 2009. MSRP for the Instax Mini 7S Instant Film Camera is $95.99 while MSRP for a 10-Pack of Instax Mini Instant Film is $19.99.
Instax Mini 7S Instant Camera
• Automatic built-in flash for low-light shooting
• Electronic shutter 1/60-sec
• LED exposure indicator
• Silken White Finish
• 5” w, 5” h, 2.5” d
Instax Mini Instant Film
• ISO 800 film speed
• Glossy finish
• Sharp, clear reproduction
• Vivid color and natural skin tones
• Film size: 2” x 3”; image area: 1.8” x 2.4”
Starting in the late 1980’s, Fujifilm began producing instant films in Japan and by 2003 was introducing branded peel-apart type instant films to the United States. The company’s ongoing commitment to the culture of photography is a global, corporate commitment that is a key part of how Fujifilm contributes to the quality of life for people worldwide.
