Instax Mini 12 vs. Instax Mini 11 – What improvements are there between these cameras?

Instant cameras are one of those retro fads that have made a comeback over time. In such a digitized world, preserving physical photographs is becoming increasingly valuable. And, thanks to technology, we can now have a developed photo in just over a minute and save it forever. As? With instant cameras, which are the protagonists of this comparison. Specifically, two of the most recent Instax models, a brand belonging to Fujifilm, the Instax Mini 12 and Mini 11.

Despite the fact that, a few years ago, it was Polaroid that once again highlighted the use of this type of instant cameras, it is not the only brand on the market. One of its great competitors is Instax and, after having tried these two models, the truth is that we are not surprised. On the surface, the Instax Mini 12 and Mini 11 are very similar cameras, but digging deeper, there are important differences between them.

One of the ones that we liked the most is the function that allows us to correct the parallax in the photos taken in close-up, the selfies, which right now are the kings of photography. The sharpness of flash photography has also improved on the 12 model, and we also see a new way to turn on the camera that, in our view, is somewhat more comfortable. In general, the Instax Mini 12 camera is an upgraded version of the Mini 11. The key is to see if, for the price difference, it is worth it. Do you want to discover it? Let’s go there!

Instax Mini 12 vs Instax Mini 11 – Comparison Table

We have summarized in this table the most important features of the two instant cameras. Thus, it will be easier for you to visualize their differences:

A more rectangular design

Instant cameras all have a very similar and iconic aesthetic, so it is very easy to recognize them instantly. However, the design of the Instax Mini 12 is not the same as the Mini 11. The 12 version has a squarer shape, because it lacks the small side bulge that the Instax Mini 11 has that gave it a rounder shape. and bulky.

And if we look at the back, we see that the Instax logo arrangement has gone from the large vertical format on the Instax Mini 11 to a smaller horizontal layout on the Mini 12. Also, the viewfinder has a larger slit. defined, making it more comfortable to view the image field.

Another of the most identifying characteristics of these instant cameras is the variety of colors in which they can be purchased, all of them with a very attractive pastel tone. Actually, the main difference is that the Instax Mini 11 can also be purchased in black, in addition to the five colors it shares with the Mini 12 (white, pink, purple, blue, and green).

Photographs: same size and developing time

One of the things that has not changed between the Instax Mini 12 and 11 is the print size of the photos, which is also characterized by the classic white frame that surrounds them. In fact, including the frame, the photos have a size of 5.4 x 8.6 centimeters, although the area of ​​the photo is 4.6 x 6.2 centimeters. Likewise, in both cases they take approximately a minute and a half to reveal themselves.

This time may vary depending on the outside temperature conditions, although it usually takes between 60 and 90 seconds. For its part, Instax slightly reduces the time it takes to print the entire photo, going from 7 seconds on the Mini 11 to 5 seconds on the Mini 12.

Slight changes to flash, same lens

The flash is another of the pieces in which we have detected some changes between the two instant cameras, although, to be honest, they are not too accentuated. Recycle time is increased from 6.5 seconds on the Instax Mini 11 to 7 seconds on the Mini 12. And while the flash range is somewhat shorter on the Mini 12, this camera has better exposure control when we use the flash. Distributes light more evenly so that photos don’t come out overlit.

Speaking about the objective of the cameras, we see that it is practically the same in both. The Instax Mini 12 and Mini 11 feature a two-component lens, to enable selfie mode or not, and both have a 60mm focal length.

Best Aligned Photographs

Another of the great improvements that Instax has implemented in the Mini 12 compared to the Mini 11 is the alignment of the images, which the brand calls parallax correction. Above all, in the photographs that are taken in close-up. To understand what this means, it is important to visualize where the scope is located in relation to the target. As they are not aligned, but displaced laterally, the framing is difficult on some occasions, and the photographs may come out less centered than expected.

To address this issue, the Instax Mini 12 has improved parallax correction by automatically adjusting the viewfinder if you select a close-up. Basically, this means that what we see through the viewfinder is exactly what will appear in the photograph, and we can better frame the image.

Different system to turn on the camera

Traditionally, cameras have a dedicated button to turn it on and off, and this is the case with the Instax Mini 11. However, Fujifilm has decided to reinvent the Mini 12 in this sense as well, and this camera is not turned on by pressing a button, but by turning the aim a quarter to the right. This system seems more comfortable to us, because we don’t have to feel around until we find the button, which on the Instax Mini 11 is located at the bottom right.

When it comes to auto power off, both the Instax Mini 12 and 11 turn off by themselves after 5 minutes of inactivity, with no change in this regard.

Photo counter

Another similarity that hasn’t changed between the two instant cameras is the presence of a counter where you can see how many photos are left. In both cameras it is located at the back of the camera, in the lower strip. Taking into account that, in both cases, each cartridge allows you to take 10 photos, it may not be necessary to keep track, but if you do not take them all in a row, it is good to have it.

Instax Mini 12 vs 11: Is it worth the upgrade?

Before deciding which of the two instant cameras is more interesting, we must look at the economic difference, since it is one of the factors with the most weight in the decision. In this case, and at the time of writing this review, the difference is very small and because there is a seasonal offer. Otherwise, both cameras would have the same price, a situation in which, of course, it is worth betting on the Instax Mini 12 for the corrections it offers when it comes to aligning the photos and reducing excessive lighting when using the camera. flash.

We are also very convinced by the target rotation ignition system, because we find it more comfortable and usable. Also, if one of the qualities by which you are guided is the color in which you would like to buy the camera, you have been able to verify that the options are very similar, with the exception of black.

In case you already have the Instax Mini 11, it is not worth changing to the Mini 12, because we are talking about improvements that, although they are noticeable, do not seem groundbreaking enough to double the economic investment and buy, again, the camera . We will have to wait and see what Instax surprises us with in its next model.