
Instax Mini 11 vs 12 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
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? Is there any difference in photo quality between the Instax Mini 12 and Mini 11? Can I take selfies with both the Instax Mini 12 and Instax Mini 11? Do both cameras have automatic exposure settings? What kind of batteries do the Instax Mini 12 and 11 use? Are the prints from both cameras the same size? How do you turn on the Instax Mini 12 compared to the Mini 11? Is there a difference in the viewfinder between the two cameras? Which model is better for close-up shots? Can both models be used in low light or indoors? How long does it take for the film to develop after taking a picture? Are the cameras good for kids or beginners? Can I use colored or themed film with these cameras? Do either of the cameras support digital features or image storage? Which one is more recent and should I choose the newer model? |