Comparing the Instax Mini 9 vs 11, the Instax Mini 9 is best for photographers wanting more manual control, while the Instax Mini 11 is better for those who want to be able to just point and shoot to get a great photo.
The Instax Mini 11 and Instax Mini 9 are both instant cameras that give you Fujilfilm’s version of a polaroid within seconds of you taking the picture.
I know how much fun instant cameras like these are, but with several models in the same price range it can be difficult to understand precsiely which camera is best, and more importantly which differences are going to matter to you.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is an upgrade on the Mini 9, with a number of similarities and differences between the two, which we are going to explore in this comprehensive guide so you can be sure you are getting the right camera for you.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 vs 11: Quick Comparison
More manual control
More manual exposure control- Easy to use
- Similar price to Mini 11
- Better for bigger hands
Less user friendly than the Mini 11
My Top Pick
Perfect cheap camera
- Camera automatically sets exposure
- Super easy to use
- Same price as Mini 9
- Easy to use selfie and macro mode
- Better handgrip
- No manual controls
Instax Mini 11 vs 9: Fully Compared
Films
There is no difference between the Mini 11 and 9 when it comes to the film used in the cameras. Both of them make use of the 84 mm x 54 mm Instax Mini film, allowing you to have polaroid-like results of 64 mm x 46 mm each.
The number of shots that you can take with each of the cameras will depend on the film pack that you have, but if you are worried about having to buy a new pack with the Mini 11 when you still have some film from the Mini 9, you can simply use the same pack.
There’s no reliable third-party film for the Fujifilms, but official film cost is in the region of $0.75 per print, depending on the pack size that you buy.
Lens
The lens of the Instax Mini 11 and Mini 9 is the same as well. Each lens is the 60mm f12.7 version common across the Instax Mini range, but there are significant differences in the exposure control and selfie modes associated with each lens.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed varies between the two Instax Mini cameras.
For the Instax Mini 9, the shutter speed is fixed at 1/60 seconds which is why it can be difficult for this camera to appropriately capture different kinds of light.
The Instax Mini 11 has a variable shutter speed from 1/2 to 1/250 seconds. This allows it to be much more flexible in varying lighting, and also makes the flash less harsh. The shutter in the Mini 11 is programmed electronically, so you don’t control it yourself.
Exposure
The exposure control system has had a total upgrade from the Mini 9 to 11.
The Mini 9 has a manual exposure control system that requires you to switch between different settings so that you can capture the scene as you might want. These settings include Sunny and Bright, Sunny and Cloudy, Cloudy and Shade and Indoors.
The Mini 11 has an automatic exposure control that will read the surroundings and make the necessary adjustments for you so that you can get the desired result without any effort.
For some this will be a bonus, but if you value the ability to make manual adjustments, or you just want to creatively change the exposure, then you need the Mini 9.
Selfie Option
Taking a selfie is easier and can produce a better result with the Mini 11 due to the Selfie Mode in which you simply pull out the front of the lens by a fraction to activate close focusing, then point the camera at your face, use the mirror for composition and press one button to get your shot.
With the Mini 9, there is a close-up lens attachment that you have to add to the lens before it can focus closeup, making the process slightly more complicated.
Appearance
There is not too much of an obvious difference between the two cameras in terms of the appearance, although there certainly are some changes made to the 11 that you should keep in mind.
The Instax Mini 11 is smaller and rounder. It is also more lightweight as compared to the Instax Mini 9, making it more portable and easier to use.
Color Options
There are five color options when it comes to the Instax Mini 11 that include Sky Blue, Lilac Purple, Ice White, Charcoal Gray and Blush Pink.
The Instax Mini 9, on the other hand, comes in Ice Blue, Cobalt Blue, Smoky White, Lime Green and Flamingo Pink colors. There are some limited edition colors as well considering that this model is older.
Generally, the Mini 9 colors are brighter and louder, although the Mini 11 still makes a very definite statement!
Flash
The flash on both the Mini 11 and Mini 9 is the same in the sense that its design, appearance and function are all similar.
Essentially, the flash on both the cameras comes on automatically every time you take a picture so as to calculate and maintain the correct brightness and shutter speed.
Power Supply
For both instant cameras, you can use two AA-size alkaline batteries. You can expect these to last for 10 film packs with 10 exposures each, after which you will need to replace them.
Photo Quality
You can focus between 30 cm and 50 cm with the Mini 11 and between 35 cm and 50 cm with the Mini 9, signaling another upgrade on the close-ups.
The flash, shutter speed and exposure also work together in the Mini 11 to produce images with better overall quality by ensuring that the subjects of the photo as well as the background are clearly visible.
Accessories
Another difference here is the inclusion of shutter button accessories that include a jewel button and a glow button for customization. You can find these in the Instax Mini 11 as part of your purchase that you can then stick, remove and change to spruce up and personalize your camera a bit more.
There are no such accessories included in the Mini 9, so the option of personalization is not available here unless you buy stickers from third parties.
Price
The price of both cameras is pretty much the same, with them available for well under $100. You can come across various good offers depending on where you buy it from, that include a number of film packs and the like.
Since the Mini 11 is an upgrade, there are several functionalities that are better than the Mini 9. The cost difference is minimal unless you buy it from a store that offers a huge discount on the Mini 9.
So, Is The Instax Mini 9 or 11 Better?
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a more recent version of the Instax line than the Mini 9, and is generally a much better camera all-round.
The only reason you might want the Mini 9 over the 11 is if you want more manual control, as all manual choices are effectively taken away from you with the Mini 11.
But, if you do value manual control, then I would recommend taking a look at the Instax Mini 90, which has far more shooting modes and exposure controls than either the Mini 9 or 11, and is much better suited for more serious photographers.
Fujifilm Instax 9
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
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