Quick Verdict
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is an easy to use instant film camera that'll be popular with teens and with those who want to give guests at events and parties a fun way to capture selfies. The 'point, pose, click and print' method couldn't be easier and as your results are instantly printed, you can walk away with a mini-print straight away.
The downside is you don't really know what you're getting until the photo is printed and sometimes, the results aren't great. We know some will say this is the beauty of this style of photography but as the film that's compatible with the camera is so expensive, it might make some think it's not a worthwhile investment. However, if you're a bit of a hipster, are planning on having a party (when they're allowed again) or are thinking of photography themed gifts you can buy kids, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is definitely a cool choice.
+ Pros
- It's fun
- Great party camera
- Easy to use
- Cons
- Film is expensive
- Chunky design
- Powered by AA-batteries
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is an instant film camera which uses Instax Mini film to produce pocket-sized photos you can share instantly. It's part of the popular Instax line-up of cameras and printers Fujifilm has been producing for a number of years now and with its introduction comes a few new features and customisation options.
On test is the black version of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 which is available now from Amazon, priced at £69.99. You'll also need Instax Mini Film which starts at £14.25 for 20 photos.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera Features
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is the latest incarnation the Instax Mini series of instant cameras from Fujifilm and it updates previous Instax Mini cameras with a new selfie mode and an automatic exposure mode with improved flash that will automatically calculate surrounding brightness and adjust the shutter speed accordingly.
There are also new customisation options included with the camera - glow in the dark and jewel shutter buttons and a wrist strap. Cases for the camera and mini albums for your prints can also be bought separately.
Key Features
- Selfie Mode
- Automatic Exposure Mode
- Improved Flash
- Customisable
- Wrist Strap
- Close-up range from 30-50cm
- Optional accessories
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera Handling & Performance
The Instax Mini 11 looks very similar to previous models with its chunky, plastic design that instantly makes it recognisable as an Instax camera. It feels a bit like a kids camera with its robust construction and decent grip which means you can hold it with one hand but we'd recommend using two hands when taking your photos just to help ensure your photos are as sharp as possible. The camera also feels quite weighty (293g) so the wrist strap comes in handy for extra security.
On the front is a large flash which prominently stands from the camera body, branding and the pop-out Instax 60mm lens which has a focus range from 0.3m to infinity and consists of 2 components with 2 elements. To the side of the lens is a button you press to activate the camera which automatically extends the lens and an orange light appears so you know the camera is ready to capture your shots. Once the camera is on and the lens extended, you can pull the rim of the lens outwards further to reveal text which says 'selfie on' so you know the camera is in Selfie Mode. You do have to be a bit firm with the lens when you pull it which was a bit daunting at first as it felt like we were trying to damage the camera rather than access a built-in mode but done once, and it was OK after that. There's also a selfie mirror on the lens so you can check your framing.
You can also use the selfie mode to capture close-ups of subjects from 30-50cm away but you need to be a little bit more accurate with your framing as how the scene looks in the viewfinder is different to how the actual close-up photo will appear. Instax say that aiming just to the right of your subject helps and we did have some success when doing this.
On the grip is a large shutter button which is ideally placed - someone thought ergonomically when it came to the camera's design as it falls right under your finger when holding the Instax Mini 11.
Turn the camera around and you find the film slot, film counter and a handy real image 0.37x viewfinder, with target spot. On top is where the film is printed and on the side is a battery compartment. AA batteries are used and these are supplied but you will need to replace them unless you use rechargeable ones, of course. To help save power, the camera powers itself off if it's not used for 5 minutes.
There's a programmed electronic shutter that ranges from 1/2 to 1/250 sec and slow synchro is available in low light. Exposure is automatic and a constant firing flash is built-in that adjusts automatically for the levels of light in the scene. The flash recycle time is around 6.5secs and the effective flash range goes from 0.3 to 2.7m.
Film ejection is automatic and pretty quick at 90 seconds and waiting for the film to develop and watching the image slowly appear never gets old. The Instax Mini prints are really cute, too, and fit easily into wallets or you can use them to make artwork for your walls.
As for how the camera performs, it really can't get much easier unless the camera learns to take photos for you. It's also really fun to use and will make a great accessory for a party table. Kids will probably find it fun to use, too, especially when the whirring of the camera's printer starts and an image instantly pops out for them to hold.
The slight problem we still have with Instax cameras is the unpredictability of them as you can either get a really great photo or a pretty poor one that's no exposed right. We know some people say this is the beauty of the medium but when you're paying over £1 per print, it's an expensive waste if your photos don't turn out quite right. Having said that, there's something nice about the quirky, retro feel the prints have with the exaggerated colours and washed-out tones.
The shutter button accessories are a fun touch, especially as they glow in the dark and the matching wrist strap gives added security when taking photos.
We've said it before and we'll say it again; Instax Mini cameras aren't for everyone but for those who love the spontaneity and fun these cameras give, the Instax 11 will be a popular choice.
Value For Money
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is available now from Amazon, priced at £69.99. You'll also need Instax Mini Film which starts at £14.25 for 20 photos. Other options include the Instax Mini 90 NEO, previous Instax Mini models, the Lomography Lomo’Instant, Impossible 009001 I-1 Instant Cam and the Instax Hello Kitty Camera.
For more options, take a look at our 'Best Instant Film Camera' top list.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera Verdict
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is either a camera you'll love or just won't see the point in owning - there's no in-between but for those who do love them, the features the Instax Mini 11 adds to the line-up make it a worthwhile investment. It's a camera kids/teens will have a lot of fun with and it's also an ideal camera for parties as people can literally 'point, pose click and print'.
The downside is you don't really know what you're getting until the photo is printed and sometimes, the results aren't great. We know some will say this is the beauty of this style of photography but as the film is quite expensive, you've got to really love this type of photography and/or really know how to get the best out of the camera.
Overall, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is fun, the prints are really cool and it'll make a great gift for a photographer you think should have a play around with something a bit different to their normal camera.