instax recently introduced the newest member of its portable printer family — the mini Link 3.
Slightly more compact and with a refreshed look, the mini Link 3 boasts the same ease of use and portability. Along with its introduction, instax also updates the companion app, mini Link, with new features including the new AiR Studio which features augmented reality effects.
What’s New with the mini Link 3?
The instax mini Link 3 comes with a fresh redesign featuring corrugated box-inspired grooves, giving it a modern and textured look.
A subtle but functional addition is the new LED lights. These are only visible once you turn the device on or to indicate status. By pressing the power button, for example, you can quickly check the battery level: one light means low battery, two lights indicate a medium charge, and three lights mean it’s fully charged. The LED lights also act as status indicators for various functions:
- Constantly blinking blue: Firmware update in progress.
- Flickering magenta: Reprinting a photo.
- Blinking yellow and then turning off: Battery is out.
- Constant blinking yellow: Film error.
Another welcome change is the inclusion of a USB-C port, replacing the outdated micro-USB. Lastly, the instax mini Link 3 comes in three new muted pastel colors: Sage Green, Rose Pink, and Gray White, giving you a stylish selection to match your personality.
New App Features
With the launch of the instax mini Link 3, Fujifilm introduced several updates to the Mini Link app. Here’s a breakdown of the new features, along with some familiar favorites:
instax AiR Studio
The new instax AiR Studio allows you to add augmented reality (AR) effects to your photos before printing. With this feature, you can overlay backgrounds, stickers, and interactive elements, making your prints more creative and fun. You can even save these designs to your gallery for future use.
Photobooth Mode
The new Photobooth Mode lets you capture a series of photos with timed intervals between shots. This feature is perfect for group photos or creating fun, candid moments.
Collage Prints
The app now includes a collage feature, enabling you to combine multiple images into a single print. While this feature shines with larger films, it still works well on the mini prints, adding a creative touch to your photos.
Video Frame Printing
Another handy addition is the ability to print a specific frame from a video.
Classic Features
Don’t worry — the well-loved features are still here! Match Test lets you see compatibility with a partner, and Frame Print allows you to overlay fun borders on your photos. All of these features are compatible not just with the instax mini Link 3 but also with other instax printers like the Link Wide.
Tips and Tricks
The instax mini Link 3 comes with a handful of clever functionalities to make it more interactive and fun to use. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of it:
- Remote Camera Controller: Use the printer as a remote shutter for your smartphone camera. Simply tilt the printer up to zoom in, tilt it down to zoom out, and press the power button to snap a photo.
- Instant Reprints: Flip the printer over and press the power button twice to instantly reprint the last photo. Alternatively, you can reprint using the app by swiping up on the image from the app.
- Color Adjustments: Access the app settings to tweak the color tones of your prints. You can choose between Rich and Natural modes, depending on your preference.
Quick Review
The instax mini Link 3 isn’t a complicated device, and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing.
Having a portable photo printer encourages you to actually print your memories instead of leaving them forgotten in your phone gallery. Unlike instant cameras, which can waste expensive film on imperfect shots, the mini Link 3 gives you full control over what gets printed. Plus, with faster printing (just 15 seconds) and a USB-C port, it’s more efficient than ever. While the new AR Studio feature might be more of a novelty, it’s a fun addition for social gatherings. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a compact and reliable photo printer, the instax mini Link 3 delivers.
Pricing and Availability
The Instax Mini Link 3 is priced at US$ 99.95 and comes in three colors: Sage Green, Rose Pink, and Clay White. Alongside the Mini Link 3, instax also launches a new mini film design — Sprinkles
In the Philippines, the instax Mini Link 3 is now available at authorized dealers and online for PhP 7,799.