This exposes the image directly onto the instant film. This is an Analog system. There is no digital information processed or saved. There are no images saved to a memory card or the like.

The image quality would be excellent on the Instax MINI 40.

Yes the prints would be permanent.

Yes, mine came with two AA batteries. Brand: PAIRDEER

The flash cannot be turned off.

The two elements in the Instax Mini 40's 60mm lens are made of plastic.

Instax prints will not fade any faster than any other kind of photograph if they are stored properly. However, storing these prints properly requires slightly more care than regular photographs. For starters, you should try to store them in dark spaces. Putting them in frames on the wall will make them fade faster than if you keep them in the dark. You also need to let images dry for a few weeks before you store them and make sure you’re only touching the white edges, not the picture itself. If possible, you should store your photos on their backs rather than on their sides.