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When comparing the Instax Mini 40 vs Mini 11, the Mini 40 is best for photographers who like a more mature, retro-looking camera, while the Mini 11 is ideal for those on a budget.

Launched in 2021, the Instax Mini 40 from Fujifilm can’t be called a true upgrade from the Instax Mini 11 which was launched in 2020, as they are very similar under the hood.

There are a few key differences though, which I’ll cover in this closer look at the two models, which will help you to decide which is right for you.

Instax Mini 40 vs Mini 11 Quick Comparison

Instax Mini 11 Review

The Instax Mini 11 doesn’t really reinvent the wheel and does not look very different from the Mini 9, but when in terms of entry-level instant cameras, the Mini 11 is right up there.

With a simple design and a rounded slim plastic body, the Mini 11 is a simple instant camera. Measuring 4.8”x4.2”x2.7”, it’s quite lightweight, weighing just around 10oz.

The Mini 11 works with 2 AA batteries and the Instax Mini film, which is loaded at the back, and which is one of the cheapest instant films around. The camera features a transparent ring lens and a fixed optical viewfinder that helps to frame your shots.

It has a clever feature that enables the camera to select the optimal shutter speed automatically in any condition. This makes it super simple to use the Mini 11.

Just pressing the button located near the lens makes it pop out, then press the shutter button next to the viewfinder to take a photo.

The camera is equipped with a 1-touch selfie mode with a selfie mirror and an in-built macro mode that allows you to take perfect selfies. Pull the lens barrel out until the “Selfie On” mark appears on the camera and just click.

Once you’re done, you can turn off the camera by pushing the lens back inside, which means the camera is fairly flat for storage, and means the lens is protected from any knocks or bumps.

Photos come out of the top of the camera, and slowly form on the paper within minutes, which is always fun to see.

The camera works naturally in portrait orientation and the lens of the camera covers a modest wide angle. The Mini 11 delivers quite good images, but lacks the manual controls of models like the Mini 90.

So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive good quality instant camera with affordable and easy-to-find film, easy operation with selfie capability and physical photos to share, then the Instax Mini 11 is an excellent choice for beginners and kids.

What’s more? This little camera comes in cool, delightful colors like Ice White, Sky Blue, Blush Pink, Lilac Purple and Charcoal Gray.

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Instax Mini 40 Review

The latest instant film camera from Fujifilm, the Instax Mini 40 is a simple point-and-shoot camera that allows you to take polaroid-style photographs. The camera measures 4.01”x2.55”x4.72” and weighs around 11.6oz.

The Mini 40 is a good-looking camera but it comes only in a single color option i.e., black with silver accents. It has a plastic square-shaped body with slightly curved edges and a textured overall finish that gives it a leather-like, retro look, and in my opinion is better looking than the Mini 11.

The camera is equipped with a 60 mm lens, which pops out at a press of a button and you can pull it out further to take closer pictures. It also has a mirror next to the lens, which enables you to take selfies. Both the lens and mirror are the same as on the Mini 11.

The camera is equipped with two buttons, the power button and the shutter button. The Mini 40 is light enough to hold vertically and use with one hand and it is equipped with a rubberized thumb rest that offers good support.

The camera’s viewfinder is located near the rear door, which has a small window that shows how many shots are remaining on the film. And, as soon as you press the button, the photo begins to develop and resolves fully in 90 seconds.

The Mini 40 has in-built automatic exposure and allows you to take great photographs in bright sunlight. The camera produces well-defined, high-contrast images. Overall, the Mini 40 is an extremely simple to use camera that is great for beginners, but also looks good in the hands of more experienced photographers thanks to the visual design.

With its mature, eye-catching design, minimal buttons, auto exposure and good-quality photos, the Mini 40 offers good overall value and is a great choice.

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Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 vs 40

Mini 11 vs Mini 40 Specifications

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Mini 11 vs Mini 40: Spec Comparison

Technically speaking, the Mini 11 and Mini 40 are sort of the same, offering the same capabilities. Both of them are equipped with the same lens, flash, shutter and viewfinder.

Both models use the same film and the photos get developed in 90 seconds and both use 2 AA batteries. Both cameras have a flash that adjusts automatically, which allows you to take photographs in various settings with varying brightness and lighting.

Both the Mini 11 and 40 are very good instant cameras, are very easy to use and deliver comparable outputs.

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Mini 11 vs Mini 40: Features Comparison

When you consider the Instax Mini 11 vs 40, the key difference is in the looks of both the cameras. The Mini 11 has a plastic housing that is available in a range of cool, pastel colors.

It has a rounded, ergonomic design, which makes it very easy to hold the camera and use it. The Mini 11 comes with jewel-like shutter button covers and has a colorful hand strap.

The Mini 40, on the other hand, is a bit smaller and heavier compared to the Mini 11, but its textured, faux leather black and silver design give the camera a more vintage and mature look.

The Mini 40 comes with a black hand strap but without any shutter button covers. Both the Mini 11 and Mini 40 use mini instant film cartridges, which are loaded via the rear and in terms of their operation, are super-easy to use.

The Mini 11 and Mini 40 offer selfie modes that you can use if the subject is 1 to 1.6 feet away.

Both cameras have a small mirror located on the front of the camera that enables you to frame your shot. And, to activate the selfie mode, you need to just pull the lens till you see the “Selfie On” mark.

So, Should You Get The Instax Mini 40 Or Mini 11?

Essentially, the Instax Mini 40 and Mini 11 are the same camera underneath the outer shell.

The only real difference is that the Mini 40 has a more mature, retro case more experienced photographers will appreciate, while the Mini 11 has a case more suited to kids.

The Mini 11 is around $30 less expensive than the Mini 40, so if you don’t care about looks, then then Mini 11 is a great deal.

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Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

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Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

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