Fujifilm has long been a household name in the world of instant photography, consistently refreshing its Instax lineup with innovative features and improvements. Recently, the company has introduced exciting updates such as parallax correction and faster USB-C charging, which have become standard across most of its Instax cameras. While Fujifilm continues to innovate, it has also maintained some older models in its offerings. For consumers looking to purchase an Instax camera, the recommendation is generally to opt for the latest models. However, savvy shoppers might discover enticing discounts on older models that are still available. Below, we explore a few notable options within the Instax lineup that merit consideration.

One of the recent additions is the Instax Pal, launched last fall for around $80. This compact digital camera can be purchased as a bundle along with an Instax Mini Link 2 smartphone printer and a 10-pack of Instax Mini film. Although I have yet to test the Pal myself, I find it challenging to identify its target audience. Many of the features offered by Pal are also available in the Mini Evo, which has proven to be more durable for everyday use, especially in the hands of children. I plan to put the Pal through its paces soon, and I will provide a detailed report on my findings.

Next up is the Instax SQ 6, priced between $150 and $200. This camera has left me a bit puzzled; despite being superior to the SQ 1 and SQ 40models that have effectively taken its place in the lineupthe SQ 6 seems to have been phased out of Fujifilm's official offerings. Interestingly, there was even a special edition of the SQ 6 themed around pop superstar Taylor Swift, which has likely skyrocketed in value on platforms like eBay. Still, for fans of the square format, the SQ 6 remains an exceptional choice. It boasts several manual features that its successors lack, such as the Lighten and Darken modes, which function like exposure compensation. In addition to its fully automatic setting, it includes convenient extras like a selfie timer, a close-up mode, and the option to disable the flash. There's still an ample supply of new old stock, so if you can find one priced between $100 and $150, I highly recommend it for square film enthusiasts.

The Instax Mini 11 is another model worth mentioning, typically retailing for $80 to $120. While it has been highlighted previously, I want to reiterate that it is generally not a worthwhile purchase. The Mini 11 is priced only slightly lower than the newer Mini 12, yet it lacks many of the features that make the Mini 12 an excellent buy. If you manage to find the Mini 11 for under $50, it could be a reasonable option, but otherwise, I advise steering clear of this model.

When it comes to printers, the Instax Mini Link Printer retails for around $145. Though it has been succeeded by the Mini Link 2, the enhancements in the latter are minor, and I personally cannot discern any significant difference in print quality between the two. If you come across the original Mini Link at a price lower than that of the Link 2commonly priced around $100I suggest taking advantage of the deal. Both models are superb printers that deliver quality results.

Lastly, we have the Instax 7s, 8, and 9, which are older, more budget-friendly options within the Instax range. These models all feature a fixed shutter speed of 1/60 seconds. In contrast, the similarly priced Mini 12 offers adjustable auto exposure settings that can select shutter speeds ranging from 1/2 to 1/250 seconds, providing greater flexibility for shooting in various conditions. Given the scarcity of the older models and their limited availability, I would recommend passing on them in favor of more modern alternatives.