One for the Swifties? FUJIFILM Announces instax mini Evo Cinema Hybrid Instant Camera

Fujifilm has announced the instax mini Evo Cinema, extending its hybrid instant camera lineup into the realm of video for the first time.

2025 was a great year for cameras that pitched their tent some ways outside the mainstream, and it looks like FUJIFILM might be doubling down on its efforts with the likes of the X half last year with the release of the instax mini Evo Cinema at the end of the month.

instax Video

Back in December, FUJIFILM announced that it was investing 5 billion JPY (around $32 million) into its Ashigara Site at the Kanagawa Factory in Japan to reinforce production facilities for instax films. So, while it is tempting to dismiss instant film as a retro gimmick, it's also serious business.

In the same way as all previous instax hybrid models, the mini Evo Cinema combines digital capture with instant prints using instax mini film. However, this version adds short-form video recording of up to 15 seconds into the mix. Users can then view this video on the small LCD screen on the back of the device, before choosing to print a frame. This comes with its own QR code which links to the video once it has been uploaded via the accompanying app.

Retro-Inspired Controls

It's already a pretty neat idea and the striking form factor of the camera highlights the retro cine vibe with tactile dials and a deeper vertical grip. This is further augmented by what FUJIFILM refers to as the Eras Dial, which applies visual styles designed to mimic the look of different film eras and formats.

There are ten available styles, each with adjustable levels, allowing up to 100 different looks. 

Creative Functions

The dedicated app also allows users to combine multiple clips to create fairly unique content up to 30 seconds in length. In addition to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity is supported for faster transfers and the ability to preview and select videos or still images before sending.

A Poster Template feature lets users design instax prints with a movie-poster look by adding titles and text for a personalized touch, while a Direct Print function enables printing of photos and favorite images stored on a smartphone directly with mini Evo Cinema, effectively turning it into a portable printer.

Pricing and Availability 

The camera will be available in Japan from January 30, 2026, with no word yet on pricing. You have to hope that a global release isn't too far behind. 

Taylor Swift was spotted with a Camp Snap CS8 retro video camera at a recent KSC game. Given the presence of the Eras Dial on the camera, you'd imagine FUJIFILM marketing will be in contact with her people very soon.