Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 vs 11: What’s the Difference? Which one to choose?

When it comes to the Instax Mini 9 vs. 11, both deliver exceptional performance for entry-level cameras. Quality is definitely not to be debated because they are made by Fujifilm, one of the most esteemed camera makers in the world. However, the differences between both models may make you prefer one to the other.

In the scheme of things, these devices are perfect for those wanting a point-and-shoot camera that’s easy to use and has a sleek design. They’re also inexpensive, despite their ability to generate stellar outcomes. You can count on either variant to take pics in a variety of shooting scenarios, although adequate lighting is paramount to producing fine images. Versatility is another thing that makes these Instax offerings stand out. Besides, their compact designs also help with storage and mobility.

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Comparison of Key Features

Model	Instax Mini 9	Instax Mini 11
Lens	2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7	2 components, 2 elements, f = 60mm, 1:12.7
Shooting range	0.6mm	0.3mm and up
Weight	307 gr	293 gr
Dimensions	116 x 118.3 x 68.2mm	107.6mm x 121.2mm x 67.3mm
Shutter	1/60 sec.	Variable shutter speed 1/02 to 1/250 sec.
Film ejection	Automatic	Automatic
Exposure control	Manual switching system	Automatic
Flash	Constant firing flash output	Constant firing flash output

The Instax Mini 9 and 11 have similar designs. It’s easy to mix up both if you don’t observe them closely. There are some key differences, though, like the Mini 11 is slightly more compact and has components spread in different locations compared to its chunkier counterpart. Another striking difference is the material used for the part surrounding the lens barrel. The Mini 11 also adds five additional colors to the lineup. Snapping a selfie using the Mini 9 requires you to lock it into place manually. This can be tricky for first-time users. At the same time, this narrows down the focus distance to just 35–50 cm. On the bright side, this camera can launch selfie mode whenever needed by extending the lens a bit.

Before we dive deeper into the comparison, let’s find out the parts where they overlap. In addition to the 60mm lens (1:12.7), both models utilize an image finder which offers 0.37x magnification. They also operate on 2 AA batteries. Now let’s get to know the things that distance them from one another. The Mini 11 uses automatic exposure, which calculates how fast the flash and shutter work based on the ambient light. The variable shutter speed gives it an edge in taking pictures in various lighting conditions. The Mini 9 doesn’t have this luxury because the speed is fixed at 1/60 sec. It doesn’t hold a candle to the 11’s ability to take photographs across a multitude of intensities.

The 11 is simply more reliable as it can capture a perfect image in broad daylight or as darkness creeps in. Another point of difference is how both deal with exposure. The Mini 9 handles exposure through the range of built-in presets, while the Mini 11 does it in an automatic fashion. Automatic exposure is awesome, but it can have unfavorable consequences, too, like you have no freedom to select a specific setting for a unique aesthetic touch. Instead, you must accept whatever setting the system arranges for you using its own algorithm. We can’t say the Mini 11 is superior in this era because both can turn out well under the right circumstances.

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Instax Mini 9 vs. Instax Mini 11 cameras: which one has better optics?

The Instax Mini 9 laid the groundwork for the Mini 11’s design language. The latter does have some refinements, but it also keeps the same core architecture. For example, the 62 x 46mm instant film used for the Mini 11 is the same as that of the older sibling. The same goes for the 60mm f12.7 lens. This specification can be found within the Mini 9’s system. What bolsters the Mini 11’s performance is the ability to adapt to different lighting conditions.

The Mini 9 doesn’t have this because exposure settings are adjusted manually. Although the 5 levels sound good enough, the reality is we can sometimes forget to switch between settings before taking a picture. This makes operation impractical because a precious moment may pass by before you’ve had the chance to select an ideal setting to capture it. In comparison, the Mini 11 goes down the automatic route. There’s no need to fiddle with settings because it fine-tunes exposure on its own. You job is to point the camera at an object and hit the shutter whenever it feels right.

Another major selling point of the Instax Mini 11 is the selfie mode. To use it, give the lens barrel a pull. Once you hear the click sound and label saying ‘SELFIE ON’, it’s ready to snap a flawless self-portrait. The Mini 9 isn’t that direct because you’ll need to put on the special lens attachment to enable the function.

The Price of the Instax Mini 9 vs. The Instax Mini 11

Currently, the Instax Mini 11 retails for $74.95 on Amazon. This product is available in several colors. There are price differences between all these variants although they’re quite minuscule. You can visit the listing on Amazon for more information about it. The Mini 9 costs $79.95 for the cobalt blue variant on the same marketplace. Just like the Mini 11, this model also comes in a variety of colors, but surprisingly, the price gaps are more apparent with some being priced in the $60 – $70 range. You can even save a fair amount by buying one that’s on sale. Go check out the listing to see all variants in stock along with their price tags.

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FAQs

Are Instax Mini 9 and 11 the same size?

Putting them side-by-side will give you an idea of the size difference between both models. To answer your question, yes, they’re the same size although it’s subtle at a glance especially when you view them separately. The Mini had some minor modifications in dimensions and how the components are laid out.

The Mini 11 is noticeably more rounded with indentations on some buttons to give great traction and grip. Additionally, the Mini 11 is also more compact with dimensions of 107.6mm x 121.2mm x 67.3mm, which leads to a considerable weight reduction. It weighs 293g as opposed to 307g of the Mini 9.

Does the Instax Mini 9 and 11 use the same film?

Yes, both use the Instax Mini film. Even some models from the series also use the same type. Fujifilm releases 3 film variants, namely Instax Square, Mini and Wide. All have compatibility with specific Fujifilm cameras. If you own the Mini 9 or 11, then you have to purchase the Mini film if you’ve run out of sheets.

Each one has a frame size measuring 85 x 54mm, almost equal to the size of a credit card. Only a portion of it (62 x 46mm) is reserved for the image, though. This film is small enough to slide into the pocket or fit inside your wallet. Instax Mini is available in an array of enchanting frames. As the name suggests, a frame is a pattern outside the photo border which serves as decorative edging to compliment a photo.

Which is better for kids, the Instax Mini 9 or the Instax Mini 11?

The new iteration aka Mini 11 is much simpler to use for novices, so it’s safe to say that it makes a better pick for kids due to the shorter learning curve. They don’t have to switch up the preset prior to taking an image. For advanced users, this might be a trade-off for customizability since you can’t override the setting. The system determines what it considers the most beneficial for the current lighting scenario.

In terms of image quality, they’re about event. An instant or polaroid camera is not what you should get for outstanding photos. It’s more about the quirky and fun experience. That said, the quality that either Instax variant offers is pretty fine especially compared to its peers.

Wrap up: does Instax Mini 11 worth buying?

The Instax Mini 11 is one of the best-in-class cameras in its segment, so it’s definitely worth investing in. It’s developed by a manufacturer renowned for its optical engineering. The Mini 11 brings new improvements over the previous generation, which affects its photo-taking capabilities.

If you’re looking for an old-school camera from an established brand, this should be on your shopping list. Yes, it inherits some of the predecessor’s features, but the new ones ensure greater ease of use and bring a blizzard of excitement for long-standing fans. Not only that, this camera is also is available in trendy colors, so you can choose one that matches your kid’s personality.

Should you upgrade to the Mini 9 if you already own the Mini 9? Even with all the minor tweaks, they still change the way you operate the device. If the Mini 9 places an emphasis on manual settings, the Mini 11 goes full-blown automatic. Hence, there’s definitely a market for those who want a camera that doesn’t demand much technical proficiency.

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