Fujifilm Instax Pal review: Cute, but inessential

The Instax Pal is Fujifilm’s smallest Instax camera. The company released this teeny tiny camera in 2023 with the intention of filling out its Instax instant film camera line with a palm-sized model. One key difference between the cameras, besides the size, is that the Instax Pal doesn’t require any film. In fact, the camera acts more as a second phone camera than a traditonal camera.

Overall, the Instax Pal makes for a fun accessory, but I don’t think it’s anything you should rush to buy. The camera connects to the Instax app on your phone which allows you to use the software as a viewfinder and to see your pictures. If you want to print the picture you take, you’ll need to buy a photo printer and paper. Those who care about photography may not be too impressed with this camera, but if you’re just looking for a fun gift, then I’d recommend the Instax Pal.

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Price, Availability, Specs

The Instax Pal is widely available at most retailers. The camera, without added extras like printer and photo paper, can be bought for $99 directly from the Fujifilm website. I couldn’t find just the individual camera for sale on many other websites, but both Best Buy and Amazon offer a bundle with camera, printer and photo paper for $199.

What I liked about the Instax Pal

A fun, pocket-sized gadget

Although I was a little confused at first about the purpose of the Instax Pal, there were many features I ended up loving. First and foremost, the portability of the camera is its main selling point. You can attach the Instax Pal easily connect to your keychain, making it a fun choice for an on-the-go camera. I love an easy, portable camera and the Instax Pal is just that.

I’ve used several instant cameras in the past and always wished I could seamlessly upload the photos I took on those cameras to my phone. The Instax Pal solves that problem. To use the camera, you can either connect it to your phone and take pictures using your phone or you can press the button at the top of the Instax Pal and snap away. The photos you take will automatically upload to the Instax App on your phone and you can view them there.

What I didn’t like about the Instax Pal

Cute, but not necessary

One of my biggest issues with the Instax Pal is the fact that you need to spend an extra $100 on a printer and photo paper. When I first got the camera I wasn’t aware of the extra bundle and wished I would’ve done more research at the time of purchase. If I had to choose between buying the Instax Pal or a full-sized instant film camera, I’d go with the latter.

The camera itself also doesn’t take the best quality pictures. The pictures on the app are meant to replicate film photos, but sometimes they end up coming out way too grainy or look way too digital.

Should you buy an Instax Pal?

While I enjoy using the Instax Pal, I don’t think it’s worth the $100 it will cost you. If all you want is a small camera to snap fun pics along the way then you would definitely enjoy the Instax Pal, but if you want a more instant camera feel then I would go with buying an Instax Mini over the Pal.