Instax Mini 8 vs 9: Which Instant Camera Reigns?
Looking for a fun and easy way to capture memories instantly? The world of instant photography is thriving, and Fujifilm’s Instax Mini series is leading the charge. But with so many options, choosing the right camera can be tricky.
Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle: the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 versus the Instax Mini 9. Both are fantastic cameras, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
We’ll explore their features, image quality, ease of use, and design to help you decide which instant camera is the perfect match for your style and budget. Get ready to discover which Instax Mini camera will become your new best friend for capturing life’s spontaneous moments!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Mini 8 | Mini 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Lens | 60mm, f/12.7 | 60mm, f/12.7 |
| Viewfinder | Real image finder, 0.37x, with target spot | Real image finder, 0.37x, with target spot |
| Focusing | 0.6m – ∞ | 0.6m – ∞ |
| Flash | Constant firing flash | Constant firing flash |
| Exposure Control | Manual switching system (indoor/cloudy/sunny/very sunny) | Manual switching system (indoor/cloudy/sunny/very sunny) + Hi-key mode |
| Film Size | Instax Mini | Instax Mini |
| Picture Size | 62 x 46mm | 62 x 46mm |
| Battery | 2 x AA | 2 x AA |
| Selfie Mirror | No | Yes |
| Close-up Lens Adapter | Included | Included |
| Weight (without batteries, strap & film pack) | 307g | 307g |
| Dimensions | 116 x 118.3 x 68.1 mm | 116 x 118.3 x 68.1 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Aesthetics
- Instax Mini 8: Offers a more retro, rounded design available in a wider range of colors. It’s generally considered more compact. However, some find the design a bit toy-like.
- 9: Features a slightly updated design with a more streamlined look, and a selfie mirror. It shares similar color options but has a more modern feel.
- Winner: Tie
Lens and Image Quality
- Instax Mini 8: Uses a fixed-focus lens with a minimum focusing distance of 0.6m. Image quality is decent for casual shooting, but can struggle in low-light conditions.
- 9: Also features a fixed-focus lens, but includes a close-up lens adapter for shooting subjects closer than 0.6m. Offers slightly improved image quality.
- Winner: 9
Selfie Feature
- Instax Mini 8: Lacks a selfie mirror, making it more challenging to frame selfies accurately. You have to guess the framing.
- 9: Includes a small selfie mirror next to the lens, making selfie composition significantly easier and more accurate.
- Winner: 9
Brightness Adjustment
- Instax Mini 8: Has a manual brightness adjustment dial with four settings: indoor/night, cloudy/shade, sunny/slightly cloudy, and sunny. You have to manually adjust.
- 9: Offers the same manual brightness adjustment dial as the mini 8, but adds a “High-Key” mode for softer, brighter images.
- Winner: 9
Viewfinder
- Instax Mini 8: Features a simple optical viewfinder, which can sometimes be misaligned with the actual image captured.
- 9: Has a similar optical viewfinder as the mini 8.
- Winner: Tie
Film Compatibility
- Instax Mini 8: Uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film, readily available and relatively affordable.
- 9: Uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film, the same as the mini 8, ensuring compatibility and ease of access to film.
- Winner: Tie
Flash
- Instax Mini 8: Has a built-in flash that automatically fires in low-light conditions. Can sometimes be overpowering.
- 9: Also has a built-in flash that automatically fires.
- Winner: Tie
Battery
- Instax Mini 8: Uses two AA batteries. They are easy to find and replace.
- 9: Uses two AA batteries.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Tie |
| Features | Mini 9 |
| Value | Mini 8 |
| Selfies | Mini 9 |
| Overall | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Film Type: Both cameras use Fujifilm Instax Mini instant film, producing the same size photos.
- Lens: Both cameras share the same 60mm f/12.7 lens, ensuring similar image quality and field of view.
- Viewfinder: Both feature a real image viewfinder with a target spot for easy framing.
- Flash: Both cameras utilize a constant firing flash to illuminate your photos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Battery: Both cameras are powered by two AA batteries, making them easy to find and replace.
- Close-Up Lens: Both cameras include a close-up lens adapter for taking pictures of objects up to 35cm away.
Instax Mini 8 Vs 9 Buying Guide
Design & Build Quality
The Instax Mini 8 and 9 share a similar, playful design aesthetic, characterized by their rounded edges and compact size, ideal for portability. The Mini 8 offers a slightly more retro feel, while the Mini 9 introduces a more refined, modern appearance. Build quality is comparable; both cameras are constructed from durable plastic, capable of withstanding everyday use. The Mini 9 features a built-in selfie mirror, absent in the Mini 8, simplifying self-portraits. Both cameras are lightweight, making them easy to carry around and use on the go. Consider your preferred aesthetic and the importance of a selfie mirror when choosing.
Image Quality & Features
Both cameras utilize the same lens and film, resulting in virtually identical image quality. Photos are characterized by their soft focus, vibrant colors, and the iconic Instax aesthetic. Both cameras offer automatic exposure, but the Mini 9 includes a high-key mode for brighter, more flattering portraits. The Mini 8 requires manual adjustment of the brightness dial, whereas the Mini 9 simplifies this with a button for the high-key mode. The Mini 9 also features a close-up lens adapter for shooting subjects closer. Focus is fixed on both cameras, so subjects need to be within a specific range.
Ease of Use & User Experience
Both the Mini 8 and 9 are incredibly user-friendly, designed for instant gratification. Loading film is straightforward, and the automatic exposure settings make shooting simple. The Mini 9 gains a slight edge in ease of use due to its built-in selfie mirror and the high-key mode, catering to selfie enthusiasts. The Mini 8’s brightness adjustment dial takes a few shots to master. The Mini 9’s ease of use makes it a better choice for beginners or those who prefer a more streamlined shooting experience. Both cameras are excellent for capturing fun, spontaneous moments.
Battery Life & Power Source
Both cameras run on two AA batteries, making them easily replaceable and readily available. Battery life is quite similar, allowing for a reasonable number of shots on a single set of batteries. The exact number of photos you can take depends on usage, including how frequently you use the flash. You can expect to take around 10 film packs (200 shots) with a fresh set of batteries. Battery life is a similar consideration for both models. Always carry spare batteries, especially when traveling or shooting many photos.
Price & Value Proposition
Generally, the Instax Mini 8 is slightly more affordable than the Mini 9. This price difference contributes to the value proposition. However, the added features of the Mini 9, such as the selfie mirror and high-key mode, might justify the extra cost for some users. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize. Both cameras offer excellent value for money. They provide an accessible and fun way to experience instant photography. The price difference is small enough that the value is still great on both cameras.
Accessories & Compatibility
Both cameras are compatible with the same Instax Mini film, available in various frame designs and colors. A wide range of accessories is available for both models, including cases, straps, and photo albums. The Mini 9’s slightly different design may limit compatibility with certain accessories designed specifically for the Mini 8, but most accessories are interchangeable. Both cameras share a broad ecosystem of accessories, offering personalization and additional functionality. Consider the available accessory options when making your final decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy instax mini 8 If…
- You prefer a more straightforward, simpler design.
- You want a slightly more budget-friendly option.
- You don’t need a selfie mirror.
- You want a classic, retro aesthetic.
Buy 9 If…
- You want the convenience of a built-in selfie mirror.
- You enjoy the “Hi-Key” mode for brighter, softer images.
- You value the subtle design improvements.
- You’re looking for a slightly more modern look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Mini 8 and Mini 9?
The most significant differences lie in features and design. The Mini 9 includes a selfie mirror, a close-up lens adapter, and a high-key mode for brighter images. The Mini 8 lacks these features but is often available at a slightly lower price. The Mini 9’s design is considered a bit more modern. Both cameras use the same film and have similar image quality.
Does the Mini 9 take better pictures than the Mini 8?
No, the image quality is virtually identical as they both use the same lens and film. The Mini 9 offers a high-key mode for potentially better portraits and a close-up lens adapter. These features affect the types of shots you can take, not inherently the quality of the image itself. Both cameras capture the characteristic Instax look.
Which camera is better for selfies?
The Mini 9 is better for selfies. The built-in selfie mirror makes framing self-portraits much easier. The close-up lens adapter is also helpful for capturing detailed close-up shots. The Mini 8 lacks this feature, requiring you to estimate the framing, which may require practice. The high-key mode can provide brighter, more flattering portraits.
Are the accessories interchangeable?
Most accessories are interchangeable between the Mini 8 and Mini 9. Cases, straps, and film are universally compatible. Some accessories, especially those designed to fit the camera body precisely, might have slight compatibility issues due to the different designs. Always check compatibility when purchasing accessories.
What kind of batteries do they use?
Both cameras use two AA batteries. This is convenient because AA batteries are widely available. You can easily replace them when they run out. Carrying spare batteries is recommended, especially if you plan to take many photos on a single outing. Alkaline batteries are commonly used.
Is the Mini 9 worth the extra cost?
Whether the Mini 9 is worth the extra cost depends on your needs. If you value the selfie mirror, high-key mode, and close-up lens adapter, the Mini 9 is a better choice. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need these features, the Mini 8 is still a great option. Consider how important these features are to you.
Can I use different types of film?
Both cameras use Instax Mini film. This film is available in various frame designs and colors, allowing for creative personalization. You cannot use Instax Square or Wide film. Instax Mini film is readily accessible in most photography stores and online, offering plenty of options for your photos.
Final Verdict
The Instax Mini 9 improves upon the Mini 8 with a few key features, notably a selfie mirror and high-key mode, making it a more user-friendly option, especially for beginners and selfie enthusiasts. While both offer similar image quality, the Mini 9’s added convenience and slightly refined design give it a slight edge.
Winner: Instax Mini 9