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Instax Mini 7 vs 11 vs 9: The Ultimate Showdown

As a fellow instant camera enthusiast, I understand the excitement and joy of capturing life’s moments with a Fujifilm Instax Mini. These compact, stylish cameras have redefined how we experience photography, and choosing the perfect model is essential.

In this Instax Mini 7 vs 11 review, I’ll put my expertise to work, comparing the Instax Mini 7s, 9, and 11 to help you make an informed decision.

Instax Mini 7 vs 11 vs 9
Instax Mini 7 vs 11 vs 9

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras and discover the perfect match for your photography adventures.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s vs. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Specs

Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s vs. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Specs
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s vs. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Specs
Instax Mini 7sInstax Mini 11
Dimensions 101.6mm x 127mm x 50.82mm107.6 mm × 121.2 mm × 67.3 mm
Weight255 g (camera alone)293 g (camera alone)
Colors Available Five (White, Lavender, Seafoam Green, Light Pink, Light Blue)Five (Blush Pink, Ice White, Charcoal Gray, Lilac Purple, Sky Blue)
FilmConstant Firing Flash with an effective range of 0.3 to 2.7 mFujifilm Instant Color Film “INSTAX Mini”
Film Size86 x 54 mm86 x 54 mm
Image Size 62 x 46 mm62 x 46 mm
FlashConstant Firing Flash with an effective range of 0.3 to 2.7 mConstant Firing Flash with the effective range of 0.3 to 2.7 m
Shutter Speed 1/60 sec.Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/250 sec.
Exposure ControlManual Switching – The exposure Meter comes with an LED indicatorAutomatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5
Hi-Key ModeNoNo
Shooting Range 0.6 m to ∞0.3 m to ∞ (30 to 50 cm for Selfie Mode)
Aperture Rangef/12.7 to f/32f/12.7 to f/32
Viewfinder 0.37x optical viewfinder with target spot 0.37x optical viewfinder with target spot 
LensFixed 60 mm retractable lens Fixed 60 mm retractable lens 
Automatic Power OffYes (after 5 minutes)Yes (after 5 minutes)
Power Supply4 AA batteries (good for 200 shots or 20 mini film packs)2 AA batteries (good for 100 shots of 10 mini film packs)
Film Pack Confirmation WindowYesYes
Film Counter YesYes
Selfie MirrorNoYes
Closeup Lens Attachment NoNo (Use Selfie Mode)
Tripod Mount NoNo

Instax Mini 7 vs. 11: My Tips for Choosing the Right Camera

Instax Mini 7 vs. 11
Instax Mini 7 vs. 11

As an avid user of the Instax Mini 7 and Mini 11, I’m excited to share my experience to help you decide which instant camera best suits your needs. Here’s what I’ve discovered while capturing memories with these two delightful models:

  1. Exposure control: The Mini 7s offers manual exposure control with four preset options, which I enjoyed tinkering with. On the other hand, the Mini 11’s automatic exposure control made snapping photos even more effortless and stress-free.
  2. Selfie mode: I adore taking selfies, and the Mini 11’s built-in selfie mode and close-up lens were perfect for me. Unfortunately, the Mini 7s lacks these features, which I found limiting.
  3. Flash functionality: The Mini 11 has an improved flash that adjusts based on subject distance, which gave me more confidence in various lighting conditions. In contrast, the Mini 7s has a bare built-in flash, which only sometimes provides the best results.
  4. Design: The sleeker, more lightweight design of the Mini 11 caught my eye, making it more comfortable to carry around than the bulkier Mini 7s.

Based on my personal experience, here’s my advice for choosing between the Instax Mini 7 and Mini 11:

  1. Beginners and casual users: If you’re new to instant photography or want an enjoyable, user-friendly experience, the Instax Mini 11’s automatic exposure control and selfie mode make it the perfect choice.
  2. Hands-on photographers: The Instax Mini 7s appeal to you if you prefer manual exposure control and like to fine-tune your shots. However, be prepared to miss out on some of the more advanced features offered by the Mini 11.
  3. Selfie lovers: The Mini 11’s built-in selfie mode and close-up lens are a dream come true for those who enjoy taking selfies or close-up shots. Unfortunately, the Mini 7s doesn’t offer these features.
  4. Portability enthusiasts: If you value a compact, lightweight camera, the slimmer design of the Instax Mini 11 has the edge over the Mini 7s.

My bottom line: the Instax Mini 11 provides a more user-friendly and feature-packed experience than the Mini 7s. The Mini 11 is ideal for most instant photography enthusiasts, while the Mini 7s might be suitable for those who prefer a hands-on approach and don’t mind sacrificing some advanced features.

You can read my full Instax Mini 11 Review to decide whether it’s the best instant camera for you.

Instax Mini 7 vs. 9: My Experience and Advice to Help You Choose

Instax Mini 7 vs. 9
Instax Mini 7 vs. 9

As someone who’s used the Instax Mini 7 and Mini 9, I’d love to share my experience and insights to help you find the perfect instant camera for your needs. Here’s what I’ve discovered while using these two adorable instant cameras:

  1. Exposure control: With the Mini 7s, I enjoyed the manual exposure control offering four preset options. But when I tried the Mini 9, its slightly different interface and special high-key mode for bright, dreamy photos took my photography to a new level.
  2. Selfie mode: I love taking selfies, and the Mini 9 catered to my selfie passion with its built-in mirror and close-up lens attachment. The Mini 7s, however, didn’t have these selfie-friendly features, which was a bummer for me.
  3. Design and color options: I’m a sucker for vibrant colors, and the Mini 9’s broader range of shades lets me express my personality more than the Mini 7s’ limited color options.

Based on my hands-on experience, here’s my advice for picking between the Instax Mini 7 and Mini 9:

  1. Beginners and casual users: If you’re new to instant photography or want a fuss-free, enjoyable experience, the Instax Mini 9 is your go-to, thanks to its user-friendly exposure system and dedicated high-key mode.
  2. Hands-on photographers: The Mini 7s and Mini 9 offer manual exposure control, but I found the Mini 9’s high-key mode to be a game-changer for creating brighter, more ethereal images.
  3. Selfie aficionados: The Mini 9’s built-in selfie mirror and close-up lens attachment were a delight, especially for a selfie lover like myself. The Mini 7s didn’t have these features, which I missed.
  4. Style-conscious photographers: If you want your camera to reflect your style, the Instax Mini 9’s wide range of color options has the edge over the more limited palette of the Mini 7s.

My bottom line: the Instax Mini 9 offers a few more exciting features than the Mini 7s, like the selfie mirror, close-up lens attachment, and high-key mode. These extras make the Mini 9 a more versatile and enjoyable option for most instant photography fans like myself.

Price Comparison: Instax Mini 7, 9, and 11

Price Comparison Instax Mini 7, 9, and 11
Price Comparison Instax Mini 7, 9, and 11

Let’s talk money! One of the essential factors when choosing between the Instax Mini 7, 9, and 11 is the price. Here’s a quick look at how much each camera model typically costs:

  1. Instax Mini 7s: Though it’s been discontinued, you might still find the Mini 7s in some stores or online marketplaces for around $50 – $60.
  2. Instax Mini 9: The Mini 9 is a budget-friendly option, usually retailing for about $60 – $70.
  3. Instax Mini 11: The most advanced of the three, the Mini 11 has a slightly higher price tag, typically around $70 – $80.

You might be wondering why there’s a price difference between these models. Let me break it down for you:

  1. Instax Mini 7s vs. Mini 9: The Mini 9 has some upgrades compared to the Mini 7s, such as a selfie mirror, high-key mode, and more color options. These improvements make the Mini 9 worth the extra bucks if you’re looking for a modern yet affordable instant camera.
  2. Instax Mini 9 vs. Mini 11: The Mini 11’s higher price reflects its more advanced features like automatic exposure control, a built-in selfie mode, and an improved flash. Plus, its sleek design adds to the appeal. If you want a more sophisticated instant camera experience, the Mini 11 is worth the investment.
  3. Instax Mini 7s vs. Mini 11: While the lower price of the older Mini 7s might be tempting, the significant advancements in features and design in the Mini 11 make it a more attractive option for most instant photography fans.

Does Instax Mini 7 and 11 use the same film?

Does Instax Mini 7 and 11 use the same film

Yes, both the Instax Mini 7 and Mini 11 use the same Instax Mini film. This film comes in various styles and colors and is widely available at most camera stores and online retailers. You can use the same film for both models, making it easy to switch between them or upgrade without worrying about compatibility.

Is Instax Mini 7 rare?

Is Instax Mini 7 Rare

The Instax Mini 7 has become rare since Fujifilm discontinued it. While you may still find it for sale in some stores or online marketplaces, the availability has significantly decreased. Collectors and enthusiasts might be more interested in the Mini 7 due to its rarity, but for most users, the Mini 9 or Mini 11 would be more practical choices.