Instax Mini 7 vs 9 vs 11 (2022): Which One Is Better?

Fujifilm carries an impressive catalog of instant cameras designed for fun and accessible film photography. The Instax Mini lineup, in particular, is a favorite for its ease-of-use and hassle-free film development. Over the years, Fujifilm has refined the series, which now includes best-sellers like the Instax Mini 7, Instax Mini 9, and Instax Mini 11.

Looking at their specs, these three cameras share a lot in common. However, the latter two models boast hardware upgrades. Is the Instax Mini 9 or 11 better than the Mini 7, particularly the Mini 7S? How does the entry-level Mini 7S fare against its successors? Beyond appearances, which instant camera should you get?

Instax Mini 7 vs 9 vs 11 Comparison Chart

Model	Instax Mini 7S	Instax Mini 9	Instax Mini 11
Price	Check Price at Amazon	Check Price at Amazon	Check Price at Amazon
Film	Fujifilm Instant Color Film	Fujifilm Instant Film	Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Instant Film
Picture Size	62mm x 46mm	62 x 46mm	62 mm × 46 mm
Film Developing Time	90 seconds	90 seconds	90 seconds
Viewfinder	0.37× magnification, with target spot	0.37× magnification, with target spot	0.37× magnification, with target spot
Lens	2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7	2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7	2 components, 2 elements, f = 60mm, 1:12.7
Exposure	Manual	Manual	Automatic
Focus Type	n/a	n/a	Fixed
Focusing	0.6m – ∞	0.6m – ∞	n/a
Battery	Four AA	Two AA	Two AA
Auto Power Off	n/a	Yes	Yes
Automatic Flash	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	101.6mm x 127mm x 50.82mm	116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm	107.6 mm × 121.2 mm × 67.3 mm
Weight	255g	307g	293g

Design

The Instax Mini 7S, Mini 9, and Mini 11 are colorful, toylike instant cameras with an ergonomic design.

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini format is made for fun photography — and the design of the cameras best captures this intent. The Instax Mini 7S, 9, and 11 all sport a non-traditional exterior with a hipster-esque appeal. Instead of a sleek-looking camera, you’re getting a toy-like device with a matte plastic finish. They also stand in contrast to the vintage aesthetic of the Instax Mini 40.

Most digital cameras look and feel intimidating with their size and weight. On the other hand, the Instax Mini 7S, 9, and 11 are all lightweight gadgets. Their rounded corners and curves make them approachable photography companions but also lend the cameras an ergonomic, grippy form. On the Mini 11, there’s a rear thumb grip, too.

Among the three, the Instax Mini 7S is the lightest at just 255g and also the smallest. Interestingly, the newer Instax Mini 11 is more compact than its predecessor, the Instax Mini 9. You can get all three cameras in five different color finishes.

Hardware

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 9 and 11 boast upgraded hardware compared to the Mini 7S.

Now, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini cameras run on AA batteries. The Mini 7S uses four AA batteries, while the Mini 9 and Mini 11 use only two. Despite this difference in battery requirements, all three can take up to 100 shots. This translates to about 10 Instax Mini film packs with 10 exposures each.

You’ll find the usual hardware components in front of the cameras. There’s the lens built into a brightness adjustment dial. On the Mini 9 and 11, you also have a mirror on the lens for taking selfies. Near the top left of the cameras is the flash. On the Mini 7S, a light sensor is found next to it. If you’re getting the Instax Mini 9 or Mini 11, the sensors are located further away from the flash.

Unlike DSLR cameras, the shutter button is found in front of the Instax Mini, just below the viewfinder. To take a photo, you push in rather than down. Meanwhile, the back of the cameras houses the film loading bay, film counter, and film pack confirmation window. On the other hand, the camera sides feature the battery compartment and the strap hooks.

Features

The Instax Mini 11 has more features than the Mini 9 and Mini 7S.

As an entry-level model, the Instax Mini 7S comes with basic features. Its point-and-shoot operation is beginner-friendly, and printing out images takes only a little over a minute. For portability, the Mini 7S also features a retractable lens, which is practical if you’re carrying the camera around or storing it in a bag.

On the Instax Mini 9, Fujifilm has added a selfie mirror next to its lens. This should make it easier to frame yourself when taking self-portraits. The Mini 9 also comes with a clip-in macro adapter that attaches directly to the lens. Fujifilm shares this should keep subjects up to 35 cm away in focus. Lastly, the Mini 9 has four brightness modes on its dial: Indoors, Cloudy, Sunny/Slightly Cloud, and Sunny/Bright.

If you’re getting the Instax Mini 11, then you will miss out on the macro adaptor. However, the camera’s lens itself extends to focus on close-up shots. It’s a feature aptly branded Selfie Mode. Unlike the Mini 9, the Mini 11 comes with true automatic exposure, too. This leaves the shutter button as the only control you’ll need. The only downside to this change is that the Mini 11 tends to overexpose images, especially in brighter conditions.

Verdict

For beginners, the Instax Mini 7S is an affordable instant camera to get. If you’d like to take better close-up images, however, the Instax Mini 9 and Mini 11 are stronger options.

Instax Mini 7S

Instax Mini 9

Instax Mini 11

Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll find the Instax Mini cameras are fun and easy to use. If you want the aesthetics of a Polaroid with beginner-friendly operations, you’re looking at the right gadgets. The Instax Mini 7S, however, is the most basic of the three. While it’s still a capable camera, you do miss out on a selfie mirror and the ability to take close-up shots.

When it comes to focusing on a subject, it really comes down to the Instax Mini 9 vs 11. The Mini 9 includes a macro adaptor out of the box for close-up shots. On the Instax Mini 11, you get the capability baked into the camera via an extendable lens. Considering convenience, the Mini 11 wins.

However, the auto-exposure on the Mini 11 isn’t as consistent compared to the manual switching available on the Mini 9. If you don’t mind carrying a macro adaptor for better-exposed images, then you’re probably better off with the Mini 9.

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