There is a wide range of instant cameras available today – however, choosing one is not easy! There are companies that have stuck around for more than a decade and have released models with a wide range of film formats. Instant cameras are more difficult to comprehend than regular cameras. However, they are much more fun and cheaper as well.
Before diving into the essence of this article, let us understand what an instant camera is. Instant cameras are photography appliances that will print your snaps directly from the camera itself. This way, you do not have to develop and print the photos separately. These cameras range from pocket-friendly models to expensive ones that provide you with lens swapping and advanced controls.
Many known brands manufacture top-notch instant cameras. However, one name stands above its peers – Fujifilm. These cameras were almost on the verge of replacing mobile cameras, thanks primarily to the camera’s ability to deliver prints immediately.
The company has released a lot of different instant cameras up to date. However, two of them – the Instax Mini 11 and the Instax Mini 70 – have garnered a lot of positive reviews from customers all around the world.
In this article, we will be comparing both instant cameras based on different specifications. But before this, let us understand about these cameras individually first.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is an affordable instant camera that is easy to use, thereby making it perfect for anyone new to instant photography. While it may not be fitted with the advanced controls and modes found in costly cameras, this is exactly why the Mini 11 is such a hit among its customers.
Thanks to the auto-exposure system, most of the guesswork is eliminated. This means that all you need to do is point-and-shoot and you will receive decent instant prints the size of credit cards.
The small mirror in front of the camera and the pop-out lens barrel make it easy to print out instant selfies. The packs of films are very affordable and can be carried around in any type of gathering. The Mini 11 is available in a wide range of colors so that you can pick one that suits your style.
Another great aspect of the Mini 11 is that it can also be given as a gift or present. Since it has a very pocket-friendly price tag, you can gift this instant camera to any photography fan, especially children who want to start photography as a hobby. However, you do have to factor in money for the film.
Pros
- The auto-exposure settings will give you incredible results
- You can use the Mini 11 for close-up photography
- The film packs are priced quite reasonably
Cons
- The toy-like design is not made for everyone
- While shooting outdoors, the highlights may come off as overblown
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 is another affordable option if you are looking for an instant camera. The Mini 70 is a bit more advanced than the Mini 11 and provides you with five different shooting modes, including the important selfie mode. Even if it has some advanced modes and options, it is very pocket-friendly; similar to the Mini 11, you will have to factor in the budget required for the film.
The Mini 70 is quite a cute camera and is available in colors like yellow, blue, and white; additionally, it is also very compact so that you can carry it around easily. The operations are almost fully automatic, which means that changing the controls is minimal.
When it comes to usability, the only aspect you need to be careful about is blocking the flash with your fingers when you are shooting vertically. However, you should be able to get used to it with some practice.
All the modes on the Mini 70 are automatic – this means that you do not have to worry about the flash, exposure, and focus. It is a solid choice for anyone who is looking for an instant camera with automatic settings. It is quite versatile and priced very reasonably.
Pros
- The Mini 70 does not cost a lot and provides more advanced features
- The selfie mode of the camera is worth the mention
- When it comes to macro-photography, the focus measures to 0.3-meters
Cons
- There is no option for manual operation at all
- The shutter placement is very awkward and makes shooting vertically a bit difficult
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 VS Fujifilm Instax Mini 70: Comparison
Now that you know a bit about these instant cameras, let us compare them according to different specs:
Dimensions and weight
The Mini 70 has a dimension of 3.8-inches x 4.4-inches x 2-inches and weighs roughly about 281-g, without the film pack, strap, and battery; the Mini 70 is much easier to carry around than the Mini 11, which measures 4.2-inches x 4.7-inches x 2.6-inches and weighs 293-g.
Power supply
The Mini 11 runs on two AA-size alkaline batteries that last for ten film packs of ten exposures each. On the other hand, the Mini 70 runs on two CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries and can last for over 40 film packs. While the batteries on the Mini 70 last longer, it is easier to buy AA-size batteries for the Mini 11; additionally, the CR2/DL CR2 batteries also tend to be costlier.
Focusing range/shooting range
The Mini 11 has a shooting/focusing range of 0.3-m and beyond; you can use the selfie mode for 0.3-m to 0.5-m. On the other hand, the Mini 70 offers a better focusing and shooting range – you get three types of range-switching modes. For the macro mode, the range is 0.3-m to 0.6-m. For the normal mode, it is 0.6-m to 3-m; lastly, for the landscape mode, it is 3-m and beyond.
Final thoughts
According to this comparison, we feel that the Mini 70 is a far better choice than the Mini 11. Both cameras cost almost the same, initially. However, the main difference here is the batteries. Thankfully, the batteries on the Mini 70 are quite long-lasting and you will not have to replace them as often as the ones in the Mini 11.
