The Mini Link 2's print quality is fantastic. There are two color spaces, Instax Natural and Rich. Natural is the default and leans toward moderate color saturation and brighter highlights; it's a good choice for darker scenes. Rich pumps the saturation and reins in highlights; I preferred it in testing, especially for images with detail in the highlights, like the scanned Kodachrome 25 slide of a pig statue I shot years ago at a state fair. You have to dive into the menu to change this setting, however; I wish this option was available on the print screen because it's something you may want to change on a per-photo basis. Instax Rich (top) versus Natural (bottom) compared The colours and retro reproduction from the Instax printers are our favourites in general, and we’re less sure about the Zink printer options available on the market. This, however, uses a slightly different approach that sets it apart. Images can also be sent directly from your digital camera straight to the Mini Link 2 printer using Bluetooth, but only if you own a Fujifilm X-S10. For other digital camera devices you'll need to first send images from your camera to your smartphone using a compatible app, recommended by the camera manufacturer, and then print them via the Instax app selected from your smartphone gallery.

For Bluetooth, the user switches on both the smartphone’s Bluetooth and the mobile printer. They then connect them and go ahead with the printing. This is usually done via the mobile app associated with the printer. Such apps are available on the Google Play Store and the App Store. Gone are the days when you need a laptop or desktop computer before you can print a document. Improvements in the world of photo technology also mean you no longer have to wait for the conclusion of production work in a photo lab before you can see your photographs.With various options available from multiple brands, choosing the best portable photo printer can be a bit daunting. These are the key factors to consider before buying: Printer type You'll need to set up the app to connect to your printer via Bluetooth, which should just take a few seconds to initially connect. Once you've done it once, you should find that it automatically connects when the printer is switched on. No, these portable printers are designed to work with smart devices such as your phone –and, in the case of the Instax Mini LiPlay, to print directly from its integrated camera as well. Do I need a physical cable to connect to the printer? The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer is a great option to easily print your photos from your mobile phone or tablet. You can connect to the printer via Bluetooth and this helps you remove the hassles of carrying extra wires along with you on your trip. The Zink paper tech in these is a bit different when compared to Instax models. Instead of ink, it uses colourful crystals embedded inside the paper – it’s a little slower to print but pictures don’t need time to develop. They also may look a bit more washed out than instant film, though, and we generally think the “Polaroid” charm is more present in models from Polaroid and Fujifilm’s Instax.

If you use an iPhone 3GS or later, an iPad, or iPod touch 3rd generation or later, running on iOS 4.2 or later, you can use the AirPrint functionality. One final printing mode is 'video print', which allows you to extract a frame from a video (or Live Photo) stored on your phone. As such, the bulk of our testing is based on real-world use. What kind of batteries are used? Are they easily rechargeable or replaceable once depleted? Does it use instant film or printer paper, and what are the cost-quality implications? How good is the connection to your phone or other smart device? Is the printer simply portable, or is it actually practical to use while on the go? How to choose the best portable printers If you want a mobile laser printer you can use to print photos directly from your smartphone, go for the Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 Mobile Printer. This printer lets you create Instax photos by sending images from your smartphones and tablets to your printers. You can do this via the free share app. It’s easy to get intensely serious about photographic kit and technique but, sometimes, photography should just be fun," says our own Matthew Richards. "There’s certainly a lot to be had with the Instax Mini LiPlay. It continues the decades-old tradition of truly instant photography, where you can take and share pictures anywhere and everywhere, capturing and preserving treasured memories on the fly."Then you can push the power button on your printer to release the shutter - if you have your phone set up on a tripod and want to take a group shot, this can be quite useful. You can also zoom in and out by turning the printer upside down. You can even print images from your Nintendo Switch, by transferring the screenshots from your console to your smartphone. The same editing tools, frames, and features can be applied to the switch screenshots, and there's even a Mini Link app specifically for use with Nintendo Switch screenshots, with unique frames and character templates featuring characters from Animal Crossing and Super Mario. What differentiates this model from most portable printers is the addition of MFi (Made For iPhone), making it easier to sync with Mac and iOS devices over Bluetooth. With a battery that lasts for 100 prints and no ink limitations, you really can print from anywhere with this rugged and highly portable device.