DIFFERENCES BETWEEN: The fujifilm instax mini 11 and 12

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 is the newest version in the fujifilm range of instant cameras. But if you may be wondering how exactly it’s different from the already great Instax Mini 11? Which model should you buy, and is it worth upgrading? This blog will answer all those questions!

As an evolution of the previous Instax Mini 11 model, the Instax Mini 12 features an updated design available in a range of new colors. More importantly, it offers a few significant internal upgrades that could help you take better photos. Here’s all the important info you need to understand the differences between the Instax Mini 12 and the Instax Mini11

DESIGN

The new Instax mini 12 has a more curvy look than the Instax mini 11, with what Fujifilm calls an ‘inflatable’ look. The most important design change is the introduction of a new twistable barrel that’s used to extend the lens and turn on the camera. This replaces the Instax mini 11’s separate power button. 

Size and weight remain roughly the same, although the Instax mini 12 is 13g heavier at 306g and a little shorter, wider and thicker. However, these are all minor differences.

NEW COLORS

A more noticeable new range of colors is available to the Instax Mini 12, which currently are Lilac Purple, Clay White, Pastel Blue, Blossom Pink and Mint Green. From all of these, only Lilac Purple is from the Instax mini 11 range which is also available in Sky Blue, Blush Pink, Charcoal Gray, Pastel Green and Ice White. Sadly, if you’re a fan of the charcoal gray option it’s not available on the mini 12 line up.

UPGRADED VIEWFINDER

One of the most important upgrades to the Instax Mini 12 is its new viewfinder with parallax correction. On both the Instax Mini 12 and the Instax Mini 11, the viewfinder is off slightly from the lens. On the Instax Mini 11, this makes it hard to frame close subjects correctly as their position in the viewfinder doesn’t line up with what you get in the final photo. The Instax Mini 12 gets around this problem by automatically adjusting the viewfinder whenever close-up mode is selected.

REDESIGNED FLASH

This is the second big upgrade, and possibly the most important in that it will actually change the way some of your photos look. Unlike the instax mini 11, the Instax Mini 12 will automatically reduce the power of the flash when close-up mode is selected. This is to prevent the flash from overpowering the image at close range.

Furthermore, Fujifilm has adjusted the flash output to spread light more evenly across the image, leading to a softer, more-flattering look. A side-effect of this change is that the maximum range of the flash is reduced to 2.2m on the Instax Mini 12, down from 2.7m on the Instax Mini 11. This means flash photos taken at longer distances may appear less bright on the newer camera.

PRINTING

The Instax Mini 12 prints in around five seconds, whereas the Instax Mini 11 takes closer to 7 seconds. This doesn’t include the time taken for the picture to fully develop, which remains the same on both models, but it does mean the Instax Mini 12 is ready to take another picture sooner.

In conclusion, The New Instax Mini 12 is a pretty good predecessor to the popular Instax Mini 11, but it’s probably not worth trading in your older model unless you take a lot of selfies/close-ups, and especially if you feel they may be coming out too bright. Another reason to upgrade would be if you find yourself struggling to get your close-up subjects framed accurately with the old-style viewfinder of the Instax Mini 11.

If you’re planning on buying your first Instax Mini it’s definitely worth going for the Mini 12 unless you really need maximum flash power at long distances or you’re able to get a good deal on the instax mini 11!