Review: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera Ice White – Improved low-light photography, convenient and affordable.

Experience the joy of instant photography with the feature-rich Instax Mini 11... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Fujifilm
Special Feature	Auto Exposure
Film Format Type	Instant
Included Components	Fujifilm Instax mini 11 Ice White Camera Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film (40 Sheets) Ice White Camera Case – Bag made with Vegan Leather Material Fujifilm Instax Mini Quicksand Beads print Photo Album 64 Pockets Matching camera strap 2 AA batteries
Model Name	Instax Mini 11
Film Color	Colored
Compatible Devices	camera
Exposure Control Type	Automatic

Introduction to the Review

I found myself with the Instax Mini 11, the latest addition to Fujifilm’s line of instant cameras that use the popular Instax Mini film. From the initial feel of holding it in my hands to the selfies that it can click, I’ll delve into every aspect I’ve experienced. As with all my reviews, I’ll be honest and critical, celebrating what’s impressive and pointing out where there’s room for improvement. So let’s dive into it!

Meet the Instax Mini 11

Unveiled in February 2020, the Instax Mini 11 came dressed in five alluring pastel colors sure to catch the eye of every photography enthusiast. But that’s not all, what really intrigued me about this nifty device was that it delivered small prints using a completely analog process. It takes roughly around 90 seconds for the picture to appear, which gives you just enough time to anticipate the beauty that will unveil itself.

My First Physical Impression

As I unboxed the Mini 11, the first thing I noticed was its compactness. Compared to its predecessors, the Mini 11 definitely sets itself apart with a more sleek and portable design – designed to slide easily into a bag or pocket. This convenience, combined with the eye-catching pastel palette, certainly gives it an edge in terms of aesthetic appeal. However, initial impressions can only go so far, it all comes down to how well it actually performs. So, without further ado, let’s explore everything that this device has to offer.

Digging into the Features

• Instax Mini 11 uses the popular Instax Mini film
• Features an automatic exposure setting for convenience
• Improved results in low light conditions

Getting into the nitty-gritty of the Instax Mini 11 allows us to truly appreciate its capabilities. In this section, we’ll dive into the different features that set it apart, while engaging in an unbiased critique of its functionalities.

The Ever-Popular Instax Mini Film

The Mini 11 utilizes Fujifilm’s much-acclaimed Instax Mini film. Launched in February 2020, this film has since become massively popular due to its small size that gives off a nostalgic vibe. However, it’s worth noting that creating these prints involves a fully analog process, which means your photos will take around 90 seconds to materialize. It’s part of the charm, though it may take a few moments longer than the digital captures we’ve grown used to.

Bringing Convenience to Photography: Auto Exposure

With the Mini 11 comes the promise of enhanced convenience through auto exposure. It’s a feature that automatically adapts the exposure settings to match the ambient light conditions, which promises better results in low light. While previous models required manual adjustments, this automated feature removes that fuss. It’s a notable improvement, though it could occasionally over-compensate in extremely bright scenes.

Enhanced Results in Low Light Conditions

The Mini 11 boasts improved results in low light environments, thanks to the aforementioned auto exposure feature. This brings about an obvious enhancement in picture quality in such conditions compared to previous models. However, the real test of this feature lies in the actual testing, and one must play around with it in various lighting conditions for a comprehensive evaluation.

The Successor to the Mini 9

Lastly, it’s important to note that the Mini 11 is, in essence, the successor to the Mini 9. Priced around 10 units more than the Mini 9, it retains the basic concept of its predecessor while featuring a smaller form, an easier process, and more convenience in close focusing. It’s definitely an upgrade, but whether it warrants the extra cost depends on your specific user profile and requirements.

So, there you have a brief look into the core features of the Instax Mini 11. From comprehensive auto exposure to consistent upgrades over its predecessor, the Mini 9, this camera seemingly offers a lot for the creative enthusiast. However, as with anything, critical use and testing in various conditions will be the final judge of its mettle.

Price Comparison: Mini 11 vs Mini 9

• Mini 11 is $10 more expensive than Mini 9
• Mini 11 offers enhanced features justifying price
• The decision to upgrade depends on user needs

In my role as a reviewer, it only feels fair to dive into the price differences between the newer Mini 11 and its predecessor, the Mini 9. One noticeable change, perhaps the elephant in the room, is the price increase. At launch, the Mini 11 prices around $69, making it $10 more expensive than the Mini 9 it replaces.

Justifying the Price Difference

Despite the increase, I would argue that there’s a valid reason for this surge in price. You’re not just paying for the same old camera with a new face. The Mini 11 offers enhanced features that make it worth your buck.

The Question of Affordability

The Mini 11 is designed to be affordable, bringing some great features previously reserved for pricier models to a lower price range. And let’s face it, a $10 difference isn’t too steep, considering the functionality the Mini 11 offers over the Mini 9.

Examining the Cost of Film Packs

Moving on to the running costs, each pack of Instax Mini film, which consists of 20 shots, costs around $15. This comes to about 75 cents per print. These packs also come in larger quantities of 50 to offer a slight discount. This again, I feel, makes the Instax Mini 11 a fairly priced product.

Is it Worth the Upgrade?

Ultimately, the choice to upgrade from the Mini 9 to the Mini 11 solely depends on whether the new features appeal to you. In my opinion, the new features add considerable value and convenience and the extra $10 seems a small price to pay for the upgrade. But if you’re happy with the Mini 9, and its features serve your purpose, staying with it makes sense too. Happy clicking!

A Look at the Pastel Aesthetic: The Mini 11 Design

• Instax Mini 11 camera has a trendy, pastel color design
• Camera design is compact, minimalistic, and user-friendly
• Design has some room for improvement

Instant cameras like Instax Mini 11 are not just about capturing memories, they also serve as a fashion statement with their unique aesthetics. A particular characteristic that won my attention was its color story. The Instax Mini 11 sports a trendy look with a variety of pastel colors that were quite refreshing to the eyes.

Pastel Colors

The palette of the Mini 11 is a gentle diversion from the typical dark and metallic colors that we often encounter in the usual photography gear. The pastel colors offered are really pleasant, with options catering to varied personal tastes. They range from a soothing sky blue to a soft blush pink, a charming lilac purple, a calm ice white, and a subdued charcoal grey. Each of these colors lends a youthful and fresh feel to the camera.

Design and Build

On the first look, the camera’s design appears quite compact and minimalistic. The body of the camera has a slightly slimmer profile than its predecessor, contributing to the overall lightness and portability. However, this comes with a trade-off as the camera misses out on a larger grip area, which might have enhanced the handling experience for the user.

Camera Details

The camera sports an ‘Instax’ logo embossed on the rear giving it a distinct and classy touch. It also features a couple of tiny holes on the left side, serving as slots for the supplied hand strap – a thoughtful addition for general usability and camera safety. Despite the overall plastic construction, the camera assures a solid durability to endure your photography adventures.

Overall Impression

Talking about the aesthetics, the Instax Mini 11 strikes a balance between simplicity and style. When held in hand, it feels more like a chic accessory than a tech device. At the same time, it doesn’t compromise on the functionality, offering a visually pleasing design along with user-friendly features. The design might not be a radical shift from its predecessors, but the subtle enhancements do position it as a serious contender in the realm of instant cameras.

Some Room for Improvement?

However, like any other product, the Instax Mini 11 isn’t exempt from a few ‘could-have-been-better’ aspects in terms of design. The slimmer profile, although a boon for portability, can make the handling slightly tricky for some. Additionally, the plastic construction, despite being sturdy, may not cater to enthusiasts who prefer a more premium feel.

In conclusion, while the Instax Mini 11 does tick the majority of the boxes in the design department, there’s always room for minor refinements. However, these observations remain quite personal and may not necessarily be a deal-breaker for many. It solely depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs you are looking to cater to with your instant camera.

Navigating the Camera

• Instax Mini 11 offers intuitive and simple navigation
• Features include easy film loading and unique shot counter
• Design is user-friendly for all photographers

Getting to know your way around a new camera might initially seem like a puzzling task. However, upon exploring the Instax Mini 11, I was pleasantly surprised by its intuitiveness and simplicity. Let me give you a peek into my experience.

The Simplicity of Instax: Loading the Film

For those who are new to instant cameras, rest assured, loading the film in the Mini 11 is a breeze. I was happy to find that there’s a large door at the back of the camera specifically designed for loading the film. One thing to bear in mind before loading a new cartridge is to check for a yellow mark in the window. If you spot one, that’s a clear sign that you already have a cartridge loaded inside.

Switching on the Camera

Powering on the camera was equally straightforward. Just a simple push of a button at the side of the lens barrel and voila – the Mini 11 springs to life! I found this convenient and user-friendly. Although I must admit, I did miss the familiar ‘feel’ of a traditional power button.

Learning the Camera Counter

The Mini 11 provides a helpful counter at the bottom right, which tells you exactly how many shots you have left. Seeing the letter ‘S’ on your counter? Then you’re safe to open the door and load a new cartridge.

I have to admit, it took a few tries to get the hang of the counter, especially understanding that with a new cartridge loaded, I would see the letter ‘S’. However, I must applaud Fujifilm on this innovative way of keeping track of remaining shots. It’s certainly a refreshing change from the usual digital counters.

In my opinion, the Instax Mini 11 effectively marries simplicity with functionality, successfully creating a user-friendly design that amateur photographers and seasoned pros alike are sure to appreciate.

Diving into the New Features

• Mini 11 has significant enhancements over Mini 9
• Improved focus and exposure control in Mini 11
• Better adaptability to varied lighting conditions with Mini 11

As I delve deeper into my hands-on experience with the Instax Mini 11, it’s clear that Fujifilm has made several substantial enhancements to this model. As a seasoned user of their cameras, these upgrades piqued my interest, propelling me to test and compare their effectiveness against the Mini 9, the Mini 11’s predecessor.

Comparing the Mini 11 and Mini 9

At the first glance, the Mini 11 bears a near-identical resemblance to the Mini 9. However, as I inspected the two models side by side, I discerned subtle but impactful changes. The Mini 11, though slightly narrower, does not compromise the practical usage. It just translates into a more compact device that would slip into smaller bags or pockets easily. Notably, the Mini 11 has an embossed Instax logo which gives it a trendy, modern appeal.

Both models share the same automatic flash feature, which, though limiting, offers the convenience of not having to manually adjust it for each shot. The power source remains the same for both – a pair of AA batteries sufficient for around 100 shots or 10 packs of film.

The Power of the Mini 11: Focus and Aperture

The new Mini 11 has a unique edge over the older Mini 9 when it comes to focusing and exposure control. In the Mini 9, achieving close focus was a bit clunky as it required an easily misplaced external adapter. Fujifilm has smartly addressed this in the Mini 11, where all you need to do is extend the lens barrel slightly further—a subtle, yet game-changing development that enhances the camera usability exponentially, especially for impromptu selfies or close-up shots.

With exposure control, the Mini 11 has hugely leveled up. Unlike the Mini 9, where I had to manually match the aperture setting with the camera’s suggestion, the Mini 11 now provides a fixed aperture. The icing on the cake is its broad shutter speed range, which allows for better adaptability to varied lighting conditions. It’s a nifty feature that gives it an edge in dealing with low light scenarios, improving its performance monumentally.

The Selfie Capability

• Instax Mini 11 offers impressive selfie capabilities.
• Features ‘selfie mode’ for easy close-ups.
• Unpredictability of framing might dissuade some users.

The age we live in can quite rightly be termed as the ‘age of the selfie’ and Instax Mini 11 doesn’t disappoint in this department. In fact, its selfie capability is one its most impressive features that left me pleasantly surprised. This is largely down to the significant improvement Mini 11 brings, especially when paired against its predecessor, Mini 9.

Close Focusing on the Mini 11 vs Mini 9

One of the key differences I noticed right off the bat is the close focusing feature. The Mini 9 required a separate, clumsy adapter for closer focusing. Not only was this easily lost, but it also wasn’t very handy for spontaneous fun selfies in a hurry.

With Mini 11, it’s a whole different story. It now offers a ‘selfie mode’ which you activate by simply pulling out the lens barrel a bit further. Not only does this make close-ups way more effortless and enjoyable, but it also works as a charm for any subject that you need to focus closer on. The closest focusing ranges in this mode are also the same at 30-50cm, it’s just much easier to access on the Mini 11, making it an absolute joy, especially for impromptu selfies.

The selfie mirror, introduced on the Mini 9 and inherited by the Mini 11, retains its charm with surprisingly good results. Nonetheless, fair warning, don’t expect perfection with framing, especially as you get closer. But then, that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? This analogue camera brings a little suspense to your selfie game; you never quite know the exact frame until out rolls your memory, materialized.

All things considered, the Mini 11 does up the ante in the world of instant selfie game and scores brownie points for nifty innovations like the ‘selfie mode’. However, the unpredictability of framing could be a put-off for some selfie enthusiasts.

Testing the Exposure: Mini 9 vs Mini 11

• Mini 11 provides well-lit backgrounds for indoor shots
• Mini 11 performs better under bright outdoor conditions
• Extended exposure range makes Mini 11 a worthy investment

Anyone who’s ever dabbled in photography knows that exposure is key. This is why I set out to compare the exposures between the Mini 9 and the Mini 11. Let’s find out if the extended shutter speed range of the Mini 11 allows it to perform better than its predecessor.

Mid to Low Light Selfies

Instant cameras are often a favorite at social gatherings where lighting can often be interesting. To really give these cameras a shake down, I set the scene in a moderately dim cafe. The resulting prints were quite the eye-opener. Comparing both shots, the Mini 9 produced a dark background, giving the impression that it was a late-night affair. Yet, with Mini 11 , the background was noticeably well-lit, giving a more accurate representation of the environment. The Mini 11’s ability to combine flash with slower shutter speeds definitely adds depth to indoor portraits.

Bright Outdoor Scenes

No, we’re not in Spain or California but sunny England offers moments of brightness that can be a hurdle for some instant film cameras. It is crucial for an instant camera to perform well in outdoor scenes, as it’s often a favorite amongst travel enthusiasts and day time event-goers. While the Mini 9 struggled under these conditions, often overexposing the pictures, the Mini 11 handled them a tad better. Although not entirely void of overexposure, it was a significant improvement over the Mini 9. This tells us how the Mini 11 is better equipped for a wider range of lighting conditions.

In a nutshell, if you’re often shooting in lower-lit environments or indoor spaces, the Mini 11, with its extended exposure range, is a worthy investment over the Mini 9. However, bright outdoor scenes are still a challenge for these budget cameras, so there’s room for improvement there.

The Charm of the Instax Process: Showcasing Mini 11 Shots

• Mini 11 Instantly captures images creating charm
• Improvement seen in indoor shots and low-light performance
• Features unique aesthetic and induces nostalgic feel

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the Mini 11 is its ability to capture images that are, well, instant. You click, you see, and before you know it, you’re holding a small tactile piece of your captured moment. Let’s do a deep dive into the kind of shots the Mini 11 can produce and interpret it through some specific examples.

Photo Quality

The Mini 11 employs the Instax Mini Film, which is known for its distinctive and stylized look. I was quite thrilled to see that the photo quality parallels with what the Mini 9 offers, despite the extended exposure range. The charm of the Instax process lies precisely in this – the photo quality. Its unique aesthetic creates a sense of nostalgia, making you long for the days gone by.

Outdoor Shots

Using the Mini 11, I captured a variety of outdoor scenes. And the experience was a bit of a mixed bag. Still, on the bright side, the mini 11 handled the brightness a tad better than its predecessor, the mini 9. However, overexposure was still an issue with particularly bright scenes.

Interior Shots

Contrary to the outdoor photography experience, the Mini 11 impresses when it comes to indoor shots. With its better low-light performance, the camera succeeded in revealing the surroundings in detail, while retaining that stylized look we all love so much.

Overall, the Mini 11 finds its strength in its charm of producing tangible instant pictures. Sure, it may struggle with bright outdoor conditions, and the viewfinder could be just a little bit more accurate, but it is a fine camera for anyone in love with nostalgia and wants their photos to have a particular ‘feel’ to them. So, if you’ve been bitten by the ‘instant’ bug, the Instax Mini 11 is a perfect companion to have.

Remember: By the nature of instant photography, the result is a little unpredictable. But isn’t the charm of the process precisely in that unpredictability? It’s a little like life – you don’t really know what you’re going to get until you have it right before your eyes. The Instax Mini 11 simply magnifies this charm, all while being friendly to your pocket.

Wrapping up the Review

• Mini 11 enriches Instax range with simple use, advancements
• Mini 11’s viewfinder accuracy, sunlight performance require enhancement
• Mini 11 recommended over Mini 9 due to upgrades

As the end of this exploration draws near, I have to say, assessing the charms and functionality of the Instax Mini 11 has been quite an adventure. Let’s take a moment to dwell upon what this intriguing instant camera represents, celebrating its strengths and highlighting areas that could use some enhancement.

What the Mini 11 Brings to the Table

Without a doubt, the Mini 11 enriches the Instax range with its simplicity of use and several advancements over its predecessor, the Mini 9. Offering features like auto exposure, better results in low light conditions and convenient close focusing, the Mini 11 stands strong in the line-up of affordable instant cameras.

Armed with my Mini 11, I was able to capture spontaneous moments and enjoy the nostalgia and excitement of watching a photo develop right before my eyes. There’s an undeniable allure in this in-the-moment photography that’s hard to resist.

Is it Perfect? – Critiquing the Mini 11

However, perfection is rarely attainable and the Mini 11 is no exception. Yes, improvements have been made but there’s still a way to go. It’s crucial to mention that the viewfinder accuracy leaves a bit to be desired, especially at closer ranges. Ease of use isn’t everything if you’re not framing the shots quite as you’d like.

Also, for those of us who love the great outdoors and plenty of sunlight, the Mini 11 does have its limitations. Throughout my testing, the camera consistently struggled with overexposing in bright conditions. While it’s better than the Mini 9 in this aspect, the issue does still persist.

Between the Mini 9 and Mini 11

When it boils down to making that decison between the Mini 9 and the Mini 11, I’d confidently tilt towards the latter. With all its upgrades, the extra $10 seems a small price to pay for the convenience and improved functionality you get. Truth be told, there is an undeniable charm to the Mini 11 that makes it quite irresistible for the casual photographer and the retro enthusiast alike.

Diversifying with the Mini 11

So, the big question – should you go for the Mini 11 or consider other options such as Fujifilm’s Instax Square models? That’s really a matter of preference. It depends on what you’re looking for in an instant camera. If you crave larger, square prints reminiscent of classic Polaroids, the extra investment towards the Instax Sq6 may be worth your while. After all, it’s about the joy of capturing and sharing memories, so it makes sense to acquire the camera that best aligns with your tastes and needs.

Exploring Other Fujifilm Options

In the wide range of instant photo gear Fujifilm offers, there are a couple of other products that grabbed my attention during my exploration of the Instax Mini 11. Particularly, the Instax SQ6 and the Instax Minilink Portable Printer caught my eye. Let’s take a closer look at these!

Introducing the Instax SQ6

The Fujifilm Instax SQ6, shaped much like a large Instagram logo, presents an interesting option for those seeking a different format. It costs about half as much again as the Mini 11 and outputs larger, square prints which hark back to classic Polaroids.

Despite the fact that the prints may be the same height as the Mini format, they are wider, which makes them square. Surprisingly, this minor change brings a significant difference to how the final print looks and feels. If you appreciate the aesthetic of classic Polaroids and don’t mind a slightly pricier kit, the SQ6 is certainly worth considering.

Introducing the Instax Minilink Portable Printer

Are you someone who loves printing photos straight from your phone? Are you a fan of just about any picture you’ve stored on your digital device? Then the Instax Minilink Portable Printer might just hit that sweet spot.

Compact and handy, this portable printer allows you to print on the go with the same charm and aesthetic that the Instax series is known for. I dream of them developing a square version of it in the future, which would take the joy of instant printing to another level!

In sum, Fujifilm certainly has a broader range to offer in terms of instant photo gear, each with their own unique traits. While the Mini 11 holds its ground as a robust choice for amateur photographers and instant-photo-lovers, the SQ6 and the Minilink Printer add a new dimension to your options, enabling you to choose exactly what suits your style and requirements.

Should you buy the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera Ice White?

Buy it if…

You want a user-friendly camera

The Instax Mini 11 is extremely simple to use, with features like automatic exposure and a convenient film installation process.

You frequently photograph in low-light conditions

The Mini 11 fares better in dimmer conditions, revealing much more of the surroundings compared to prior models.

You enjoy taking selfies or portraits

With its easier close focusing feature and a selfie mirror, the Mini 11 would be a great choice.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re focused on accuracy

The viewfinder of the Mini 11 is not 100% accurate, especially at closer range, leading to possible framing inaccuracies.

You primarily shoot in bright conditions

Despite improvements, the Mini 11 still tends to overexpose in bright conditions.

You prefer larger prints

The Instax SQ6, though more expensive, offers noticeably larger square prints reminiscent of classic polaroids, that might be more to your taste.

FAQ

Does the Instax Mini 11 come in different colors?

Yes, the Instax Mini 11 is available in five pastel colors.

How much does the Instax Mini 11 cost?

The Instax Mini 11 costs around 69 pounds, roughly 10 more than the Mini 9 it replaces.

Can the Mini 11 handle low light conditions better than the Mini 9?

Yes, the Mini 11 has an auto-exposure feature that can produce better results in low light.

What changes does the Mini 11 bring compared to Mini 9?

The Mini 11 is smaller and simpler to use than the Mini 9. It has an auto exposure feature for better low-light results and more convenient close focusing.

Can you attach a hand strap to the new Mini 11?

Yes, there are a couple of small holes on the left side of the camera where you can attach the supplied hand strap.

Does the Mini 11 still struggle with bright outdoor scenes?

Even though the Mini 11 has an extended exposure range compared to the Mini 9, it still tends to overexpose in bright outdoor scenes.

In terms of focus, how does the Mini 11 differ from the Mini 9?

The Mini 11 allows for closer focusing by simply pulling out the lens barrel further, which is easier than using the lost easily adapter required by the Mini 9.

What’s the difference between Instax Mini 11 and Instax SQ6?

The major difference is the print format. The Instax Mini 11 produces narrow prints while the SQ6 produces larger square prints, similar to classic polaroids.

Is there an Instax printer available?

Yes, there’s the Instax minilink portable printer which allows you to print photos from your phone.