Instax Mini 11 vs 12 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Camera

Instax Mini 12 & Instax Mini 11 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Instax Mini 12 rather than the Instax Mini 11

Why Do I Recommend The Instax Mini 12

  • The Instax Mini 12 features parallax correction that improves photo framing accuracy in close-up shots compared to the Instax Mini 11’s fixed viewfinder.
  • Instax Mini 12 has a twistable lens mechanism to turn the camera on and activate close-up mode, which simplifies operation and speeds up usage compared to the Mini 11’s manual pull-out lens.
  • It includes a built-in close-up mode that allows seamless switching to short-distance photography, making it easier to take selfies and detailed shots than the Mini 11’s manually activated mode.
  • The Instax Mini 12 supports enhanced automatic exposure that balances brightness more consistently in various lighting conditions compared to the Mini 11’s basic auto exposure.
  • Instax Mini 12 comes with optimized flash output for close subjects that reduces overexposure in nearby shots compared to the Mini 11’s standard flash behavior.
  • The Instax Mini 12 includes a more ergonomic, rounded body shape that improves grip and handling, whereas the Mini 11 has a flatter, less contoured design.
  • It has clearer film counter and battery compartment improvements that enhance usability during film tracking and battery replacement, compared to the Mini 11’s smaller window and tighter cover.

Maybe the Instax Mini 11 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Instax Mini 12. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Instax Mini 12 Instax Mini 11
Lens Activation Mechanism Twist-based lens extension Manual pull-out lens extension
Close-Up Mode Built-in with twist lens Pull-out lens with dedicated mirror
Parallax Correction Yes No
Lens Barrel Design Rotational mechanism Static with push-button release
Viewfinder Adjustment Adjusts with close-up mode Fixed position
Body Shape Rounder, bulkier design Slimmer, flatter design
Size (W x H x D) 104 x 122 x 66.6 mm 107.6 x 121.2 x 67.3 mm
Weight (without batteries/film) Approx. 306g Approx. 293g
Color Options Pastel Bold
Flash Optimization Improved for close-up subjects Standard flash
Auto Exposure Performance Enhanced Standard
Shutter Button Feel Clickier, more tactile Softer, flatter click
Film Ejection Time Slightly faster Standard speed
Film Counter Window Slightly larger Standard size
Battery Compartment Access Easier access door Standard access door
Price Check Instax Mini 12 Price Check Instax Mini 11 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Film Format: Both cameras use Fujifilm’s Instax Mini film, which produces credit-card-sized prints that are easy to carry and share.
  • Film Size: The actual photo area (62mm x 46mm) is identical in both models, ensuring the same size prints regardless of camera used.
  • Film Type: Each model supports the same Instax Mini instant color film, maintaining consistent image quality, color tone, and development time.
  • Automatic Exposure: Both cameras feature auto exposure that adjusts shutter speed and flash output for proper lighting in various environments.
  • Built-in Flash: A built-in flash ensures subjects are visible in low light, and it fires automatically based on ambient lighting conditions.
  • Selfie Mirror: Located next to the lens on both models, the small mirror helps users frame selfies more accurately.
  • Close-Up Shooting Capability: Both cameras allow for close-up shots around 30–50 cm, though activated differently (twist on Mini 12, manual on Mini 11).
  • Power Source: Both run on two standard AA batteries, making it easy to replace them without requiring special chargers or cables.
  • Shutter Speed Range: Automatic shutter speeds range from 1/2 to 1/250 sec in both, adapting to different lighting conditions for clearer photos.
  • Shooting Distance: Both cameras can shoot from as close as 0.3 meters (with close-up mode) to infinity, suitable for everything from selfies to landscapes.
  • Viewfinder Type: Each camera has a real-image optical viewfinder that helps users frame shots by showing what the lens sees.
  • Photo Output Time: Prints take about 90 seconds to fully develop in both models, allowing for quick sharing and enjoyment.
  • Print Development Technology: Both use the same instant film development technology that Fujifilm is known for, with vibrant colors and a soft retro tone.
  • Film Counter: Both feature a small film window that displays how many shots are left, helping users track film usage.
  • Built-in Lens: Each model has a 60mm f/12.7 lens, which provides a wide field of view ideal for everyday photography and group shots.

Common Features

Feature Instax Mini 12 Instax Mini 11
Film Format Fujifilm Instax Mini Fujifilm Instax Mini
Film Size 62mm x 46mm 62mm x 46mm
Film Type Instax Mini Instant Color Film Instax Mini Instant Color Film
Automatic Exposure Yes Yes
Built-in Flash Yes Yes
Selfie Mirror Yes Yes
Close-Up Shooting Capability Yes Yes
AA Battery Powered Yes Yes
Shutter Speed 1/2 – 1/250 sec 1/2 – 1/250 sec
Shooting Range 0.3m – ∞ 0.3m – ∞
Viewfinder Type Optical Optical
Photo Output Time Approx. 90 seconds Approx. 90 seconds
Print Development Technology Instax instant film technology Instax instant film technology
Film Counter Yes Yes
Built-in Lens 60mm f/12.7 60mm f/12.7
Price Check Instax Mini 12 Price Check Instax Mini 11 Price

FAQ

Does the Instax Mini 12 use the same film as the Instax Mini 11?
Yes, both the Instax Mini 12 and Instax Mini 11 use Fujifilm Instax Mini instant color film, which produces credit-card-sized photos (62mm x 46mm image area).

Is there any difference in photo quality between the Instax Mini 12 and Mini 11?
No, both cameras deliver similar photo quality since they use the same lens system, same film, and auto exposure features, although the Mini 12 slightly improves exposure balance.

Can I take selfies with both the Instax Mini 12 and Instax Mini 11?
Yes, both cameras include a built-in selfie mirror next to the lens, and each supports close-up shots with a minimum distance of approximately 30 cm.

Do both cameras have automatic exposure settings?
Yes, both models feature automatic exposure that adjusts shutter speed and flash intensity based on lighting conditions.

What kind of batteries do the Instax Mini 12 and 11 use?
Both cameras are powered by two AA alkaline batteries and do not require any charging cable or adapter.

Are the prints from both cameras the same size?
Yes, the prints are identical in size (86mm x 54mm with a 62mm x 46mm image area), as both use Instax Mini film.

How do you turn on the Instax Mini 12 compared to the Mini 11?
The Instax Mini 12 powers on with a simple lens twist, while the Mini 11 is turned on by pulling out the lens barrel.

Is there a difference in the viewfinder between the two cameras?
Yes, the Mini 12 includes parallax correction that adjusts the viewfinder alignment in close-up mode, while the Mini 11 does not.

Which model is better for close-up shots?
The Instax Mini 12 is better suited for close-ups due to its built-in parallax correction and twist-to-activate close-up mode.

Can both models be used in low light or indoors?
Yes, both cameras have built-in automatic flash, which helps capture well-lit photos even in dim environments.

How long does it take for the film to develop after taking a picture?
It takes approximately 90 seconds for the image to fully develop on both the Mini 12 and Mini 11 after being ejected.

Are the cameras good for kids or beginners?
Yes, both are beginner-friendly, with simple controls and point-and-shoot functionality, though the Mini 12 is slightly easier to operate.

Can I use colored or themed film with these cameras?
Yes, any Instax Mini film, including monochrome or themed borders, is compatible with both the Mini 12 and Mini 11.

Do either of the cameras support digital features or image storage?
No, both are fully analog instant film cameras and do not store digital copies of photos.

Which one is more recent and should I choose the newer model?
The Instax Mini 12 is the newer model released in 2023 with improved handling, parallax correction, and easier operation, making it a better choice for most users.

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