With nearly ten years between their subsequent releases, the Instax Mini 7s and, the more current comparison, Instax Mini 9 can easily pass for the same instant camera.
The two Fujifilm Instax Mini offerings look almost identical – both with bulbous exteriors are available in an array of colors, which gives them a toy-like appearance.
So, what sets these instant film cameras apart? Let’s compare both instant cameras’ specifications and features to find out!
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s vs Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
The Fujifilm Instax Mini line is designed to be simple to use.
For most of this line’s point-and-shoot instant cameras, the basic idea is that the perfect image is just an instant away.
Even though some Instax mini models, like the Mini 90, allow more creative control and superior images in certain lighting, they aren’t the best choice for instant photography newbies.
On the other hand, the simplistic design and function of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 make them excellent choices for beginners. Let’s see how the two models compare.
Side-By-Side Specs and Features Comparison – Mini 7s Vs. 9 Vs. 11
| Instax Mini 7s | Instax Mini 9 | Instax Mini 11 | |
| Dimensions | 101.6mm x 127mm x 50.82mm | 116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm | 107.6 mm × 121.2 mm × 67.3 mm |
| Weight | 255 g (camera alone) | 307 g (camera alone) | 293 g (camera alone) |
| Colors Available | Five (White, Lavender, Seafoam Green, Light Pink, Light Blue) | Five (Smoky White, Flamingo Pink, Lime Green, Ice Blue, Cobalt Blue) | Five (Blush Pink, Ice White, Charcoal Gray, Lilac Purple, Sky Blue) |
| Film | Fujifilm Instant Color Film “INSTAX Mini 7s Film” | Fujifilm Instant Color Film “INSTAX Mini” | Fujifilm Instant Color Film “INSTAX Mini” |
| Film Size | 86 x 54 mm | 86 x 54 mm | 86 x 54 mm |
| Image Size | 62 x 46 mm | 62 x 46 mm | 62 x 46 mm |
| Flash | Constant Firing Flash with the effective range of 0.6 to 2.7 m | Constant Firing Flash with the effective range of 0.6 to 2.7 m | Constant Firing Flash with the effective range of 0.3 to 2.7 m |
| Shutter Speed | 1/60 sec. | 1/60 sec. | Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/250 sec. |
| Exposure Control | Manual Switching – The exposure Meter comes with an LED indicator | Manual Switching – The exposure Meter comes with an LED indicator | Automatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 |
| Hi-Key Mode | No | Yes | No |
| Shooting Range | 0.6 m to ∞ | 0.6 m to ∞ | 0.3 m to ∞ (30 to 50 cm for Selfie Mode) |
| Aperture Range | f/12.7 to f/32 | f/12.7 to f/32 | f/12.7 to f/32 |
| Viewfinder | 0.37x optical viewfinder with target spot | 0.37x optical viewfinder with target spot | 0.37x optical viewfinder with target spot |
| Lens | Fixed 60 mm retractable lens | Fixed 60 mm retractable lens | Fixed 60 mm retractable lens |
| Automatic Power Off | Yes (after 5 minutes) | Yes (after 5 minutes) | Yes (after 5 minutes) |
| Power Supply | 4 AA batteries (good for 200 shots or 20 mini film packs) | 2 AA batteries (good for 100 shots of 10 mini film packs) | 2 AA batteries (good for 100 shots of 10 mini film packs) |
| Film Pack Confirmation Window | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Film Counter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie Mirror | No | Yes | Yes |
| Closeup Lens Attachment | No | Yes | No (Use Selfie Mode) |
| Tripod Mount | No | No | No |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s VS. Mini 9: Similarities
As you can see in the comparison table above, there are several similarities between the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and the Mini 9. There is not much to separate the two Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras.
Both Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and Mini 9 cameras have fixed 60 mm high-quality Fujinon lenses and a shutter speed of 1/60 seconds. It is impossible to turn the flash off for either of the cameras, and the effective flash range is also the same (0.6 – 2.7 m).
Having the same flash range means that beyond 2.7m, the flash would not light up the subjects sufficiently. They also share the same shooting, aperture range, and exposure settings.
Last update on 2023-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
They use the popular Fujifilm Instax Mini film.
Using the same size instant film means that they churn out images of the same size and similar quality. The Fujifilm Instax Mini instant film is available in 10 exposures per film pack, the maximum instant film capacity in both cameras.
Since the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 share so many of their features and specifications, none provide more versatile shooting capabilities than the other.
There are a few differences and design modifications in the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 that can be the decisive factors when choosing between the two cameras.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s Vs. Mini 9: Differences
The fundamental differences between the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9.
Size and Design:
You might not see much design modification between the two cameras.
However, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is heavier than the Mini 7s. However, the weight and dimension difference is not enough to make you feel any significant change in handling the cameras.
They are both bulbous with an animated quality and take up quite some space in your bag.
Both cameras have five color options that range from cool pastels to brighter tones.
Choosing one is a matter of preference. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 also comes with a selfie mirror and a detachable close-up lens, which you can use for self-portraits.
For the Mini 7s, you need to buy a lens attachment with a selfie mirror from a third-party vendor.
Number of Batteries Required
One significant difference between the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and Mini 9 is that the Instax Mini 7s requires four AA batteries for function. Whereas the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 only requires two.
Keep in mind that the weight of the batteries also adds to the overall weight of the camera. Although, it is not a very noticeable addition.
You need four AA batteries to operate the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s, but it can shoot 200 images with new batteries.
In contrast, you can take 100 shots (or use ten film packs) with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9. So, the overall expenditure on the battery is pretty much the same.
Turning on The Camera
While you can turn the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s on by pulling the lens out, the Instax Mini 9 comes with a power button next to the lens barrel.
Pressing the power button on the Mini 9 pops the lens out of the camera body. Pushing the lens back closes both cameras.
Some people might dislike the power button because it can potentially jam, but it is not common.
Brightness Adjustment Dial Placement
Another thing that differentiates the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 from the Instax Mini 7s is the placement of the brightness adjustment dial. Both devices feature an adjustment dial that you can manually adjust the exposure from four settings (Indoor, Cloudy, Fine, and Clear).
The brightness dial placement differs in both cameras – near the film ejection slot in the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and around the lens barrel in the Mini 9.
In the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s, you have to manually choose the right setting according to where you are taking the picture.
However, in the Instax Mini 9, the lamp automatically lights up beside the correct brightness and exposure setting. You have to simply turn the brightness dial marker to line up with the lit lamp.
Hi-Key Mode
The most significant modification that sets the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 apart from the Instax Mini 7s is the hi key setting on the Instax Mini 9.
The Hi-Key mode allows for softer and brighter images in low light conditions. In the Mini 9, you can find Hi-key Mode with the exposure settings. This gives some exposure compensation, where you can take brighter images by 2/3EV.
To use the Hi-Key mode, simply move the brightness dial to Hi-Key when using the camera indoors.
However, you can do the same for other light scenarios by choosing a darker setting than what is required.
For example, select the Indoor setting to take brighter pictures on a Cloudy day.
You can do the same with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s, but you will have to determine the brightness yourself since the camera won’t automatically suggest the correct light setting.
Which Is Better: Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s or 9?
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s and the Mini 9 is excellent beginner-level instant cameras with straightforward designs and simplistic features. They are both similar in price range, size, and specifications. Thus, they yield the same results in terms of picture quality.
However, the Mini 9’s Hi-Key mode allows it to take better pictures in low light, and it comes with a close-range detachable lens, which is good for selfies. Thus, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the better choice between the two models.
- Takes 2 AA batteries
- New selfie mirror; Picture size: 62 x 46 millimeter and shutter...
- New macro lens adapter for close ups 35 centimeters to 50...
Last update on 2023-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s Vs. Instax Mini 9 Vs. Instax Mini 11
With only a $10 increase in price, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 has much more advanced features than the Mini 7s and Mini 9. The Mini 11 has auto exposure, whereas, in the other two older models, you have to choose brightness settings manually.
It also has Selfie Mode that you can activate by pulling the lens barrel out. Thus, the Mini 11 ditches the detachable close-range lens from the Mini 9. In comparison, the Mini 7s has no selfie settings at all.
All three models look similar, use the same Mini film, and have constant firing flash – with none offering a tripod mount. While some may miss manually adjusting the exposure settings to their liking, the auto control of the Mini 11 makes it a better choice than the previous models.
Here’s my in-depth review of the Instax Mini 11 which is the camera I’m currently using.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 and 9?
The Mini 7 or 7s is quite similar to the Mini 9. However, the Mini 9 has a Hi-Key Mode to take brighter images in low-light settings. It also has a selfie mirror and comes with an add-on close-range lens that you can use for self-portraits.
Both these features are missing in the Mini 7s. They have a slight difference in dimensions, and the Mini 7s uses four AA batteries instead of the two needed in the Mini 9.
Does the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 and 9 use the same film?
The Mini 7s and Mini 9 both use the Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant color film, which is available in packs of ten exposures each. All Instax cameras from the Mini line use the same 86 x 54 mm film. The Mini film is available in various frames and monochrome.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7+ the same as the 7s?
The latest model out of the two, the Mini 7+, is essentially repackaged 7s. The cameras share the exact specifications and features, with only a new coral color introduced with the Mini 7+ instead of the White color available with 7s.
Other less noticeable differences include a slight change in barrel shape and different sensor placement.
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The Bottom Line
The Instax Mini 7s and the Instax Mini 9 have similar specifications.
Although almost identical in looks and performance, there are few new features in the Mini 9 compared to the Mini 7s, like the detachable lens that allows for close-range shots and selfies.
It also comes with a selfie mirror to frame the self-portraits easily. The Mini 9 also has a Hi-key mode which makes the image brighter by 2/3EV, making it the better choice for low-light photos.
Emma Johnson
I have loved photography from a young age and more recently started experimenting with Instant Cameras from Polaroid and Instax. I also love dancing and hanging out with my friends :)
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