Instax mini 13 review: the mini 12 finally gets a self-timer

The instax mini 12 has been one of the best-selling instant cameras for years, so plenty of people still search for an instax mini 12 review. In 2026 Fujifilm added the instax mini 13, which builds directly on the mini 12. The mini 12 is still listed by Fujifilm, but the mini 13 is the newest model in the basic analogue range, so this review focuses on it and explains the differences.

This is a research-based review using Fujifilm's official specifications and owner feedback. The short answer: the mini 13 is essentially a mini 12 with a proper self-timer, a small angle accessory and new colours, and that is a sensible upgrade for a camera built around selfies and group photos.

Design and ease of use

The mini 13 keeps the rounded, toy-like shape of its predecessor, with new colour options: Candy Pink, Frost Blue, Clay White, Lagoon Green and Dreamy Purple. It measures about 105.5 x 124.7 x 67.6mm, so it fits in a small bag but not a pocket.

Operation is as simple as instant cameras get. Twist the lens to turn it on, twist again to enter close-up mode, and press the shutter. A small selfie mirror sits next to the lens so you can frame yourself. The film door has a window so you can see which film pack is loaded, and a counter shows how many shots remain.

What is new: the instax mini 13 self-timer

The main upgrade is a self-timer lever with an LED indicator. You can choose about 2 seconds, which reduces shake from pressing the button during selfies, or about 10 seconds, which gives you time to set the camera down and join a group photo. The timer can be cancelled if you change your mind.

Fujifilm also includes a camera angle adjustment accessory built into the wrist strap. It tilts the camera slightly upwards when placed on a table, which pairs well with the timer for full-body or group shots. The mini 12 had neither feature, and a missing self-timer was one of its most common complaints.

Image quality and close-up mode

Optically, the mini 13 matches the mini 12: a 60mm f/12.7 lens and a programmed electronic shutter from 1/2 to 1/250 second. Automatic exposure adjusts shutter speed and flash output to the surrounding light, and a slow-sync mode helps in dim rooms. Pictures develop in about 90 seconds, depending on temperature.

Close-up mode covers subjects between 30 and 50cm and applies parallax correction in the viewfinder, so what you see lines up better with what the lens captures. This makes food, pets and two-person selfies much easier to frame than on older instax models.

The flash fires on every shot and has an effective range of about 2.2m. That keeps faces bright indoors, but large rooms and night scenes will look dark behind the subject. Like all instax mini cameras, prints are small, about the size of a credit card, with the soft, slightly dreamy look people buy instant film for.

Instax mini 13 batteries and running costs

The camera runs on two AA batteries. Fujifilm says a fresh pair of alkaline cells lasts for about 10 packs of film, which is roughly 100 photos. Unlike the mini 12, the mini 13 officially supports rechargeable NiMH AA batteries too, which is cheaper and less wasteful over time.

Film is the real running cost. Each shot uses one sheet of instax mini film, and packs of ten add up quickly at parties. Buying multipacks helps, and the film is widely available in colour, monochrome and patterned-border versions.

Instax mini 13 vs mini 12

If you already own a mini 12, there is little reason to replace it unless the self-timer matters to you. If you are buying new, the mini 13 is the better choice as long as the price gap is small.

• Same lens, shutter, flash and film
• Mini 13 adds a 2 or 10-second self-timer
• Mini 13 includes an angle adjustment accessory on the strap
• Mini 13 officially supports NiMH rechargeable AA batteries
• Mini 13 is slightly heavier, 327g with film and strap vs 306g for the bare mini 12

Who should buy the instax mini 13?

It is ideal for teenagers, first-time instant photographers, weddings and parties, and anyone who wants a physical photo without menus or apps. If you want more creative control, such as double exposures or turning off the flash, look at the instax mini 99. If you want to choose the best shot before printing, a hybrid camera like the instax mini Evo is a better fit.

A few habits help you get better prints from any instax mini camera. Keep the sun behind you rather than behind your subject, use close-up mode for anything nearer than half a metre, and hold the camera steady for a moment after pressing the shutter in dim light. Store film somewhere cool, and let prints develop out of direct sunlight.

Key specs

Film

instax mini instant film, 62 x 46mm image

Lens

60mm, f/12.7, 2 elements

Shutter / exposure

Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/250 sec; automatic exposure

Focus range

0.3m and beyond; close-up mode for 0.3 to 0.5m

Flash

Always-on automatic flash, effective range 0.3 to 2.2m

Self-timer

About 2 or 10 seconds

Power

Two AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH), about 10 film packs per set

Size / weight

105.5 x 124.7 x 67.6mm; 327g with film and strap, without batteries

Alternatives to consider

• Fujifilm instax mini 12: Nearly identical results without the self-timer, often cheaper while stock lasts.
• Fujifilm instax mini 99: Adds manual-style controls, colour effects and double exposures for more creative shooters.
• Fujifilm instax mini Evo: A hybrid digital camera that lets you pick and edit shots before printing.

Frequently asked questions

The instax mini 13 does not reinvent instant photography, and it does not need to. It keeps the simple twist-and-shoot design that made the mini 12 popular and adds the self-timer many owners wanted. If you want fun, fuss-free prints at parties and on holiday, it is an easy camera to recommend. Just budget for film.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.