The new Instax Mini 9 is a sturdy instant film camera that’s great for kids or parties. Building on the success of it’s predecessor, the Instax Mini 9 is a fantastic all-purpose camera that shoots the same great quality photos but now comes in several new colors.
Pros
- Range of new color options
- Built-in Selfie mirror
- Included close-up lens
- Easy to use for any age
- Affordable price
Cons
- Missed opportunity for more improvements
- Limited shooting range
Best uses
- For Kids
- Weddings
- Parties
- Selfies
Key Features of the Instax Mini 9
- Built-in Selfie mirror
- High Key photography mode
- Included close-up lens
- Automatic power off after 5 minutes
Overview
Fujifilm have given a minor update to their super successful Instax Mini 8 with this new release.
The Mini 9 comes in 5 new colors, and adds a couple of key features missing from its younger sibling, the hugely popular Instax Mini 8.
New Colors
The most noticeable physical difference about the Mini 9 are the five bright new colors it comes in. You will be able to get in it Flamingo Pink, Ice Blue, Lime Green, Smokey White, and my personal favorite Cobalt Blue – both of which will be in high demand.
Fuji are freshening up the Mini range with on trend colors to attract a new group of buyers.
This is great for the consumer, as the idea of these cameras is to explore your creativity and style. I personally love the look of the new blue colors, I just wish they had kept a black or darker color in the range for a more incognito street shooting look.
New Features
The Mini 9 is almost identical to its predecessor when comparing features and specs.
It appears Fuji don’t want to mess too much with a winning product. Focussing more on a new range of colors in addition to a couple of highly requested features.
Built-in Selfie Mirror
Set to be the most used new feature, the Instax Mini 9 comes with a built-in selfie mirror.
First seen on the Instax Mini 90 and on other cameras since, the built-in mirror removes the necessity to buy an attachment for your lens like we recommend on the Mini 8.
The selfie mirrors on the Instax cameras are great, giving just enough detail to properly compose that all-important shot with you and your friends. This is a no-brainer decision from Fujifilm to include this on the updated model.
Included Attachable Close-up Lens
Otherwise known as the “selfie lens”, the close-up lens has long been one of the must-have accessories for the Mini 8.
When attached it gives a better focal length to take selfies with. It also enables you to take fantastic looking macro shots with as much close-up detail as these cameras can manage. It’s great to see this as a standard inclusion, although despite the new color range, it appears the lens only comes in white.
Whilst this is a little disappointing that Fuji didn’t match the lens colors with the cameras, the white does actually stand out against the bright colors as a useful reminder to let you know when you have the lens attached in case you forget.
There is nothing more annoying that wasting prints by accidentally leaving it on, as looking through the viewfinder you can’t tell that it’s on until you see the finished print.
What film does the Mini 9 use?
The Instax Mini 9 uses the standard credit card sized Instax Mini Film.
This film can be found in lots of major retailers, but we suggest buying in bulk to make some big saving on your cost-per-shot.
Does the Instax Mini 9 use ink?
We get asked this question a lot. No. This Instax Mini 9 uses credit card size film, not ink and paper. Print resolution may not be as sharp as ink – but we think that adds to the nostalgic charm of these cameras.
Both ink and paper, and Instax film will fade over time. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in dry room-temperature conditions for the longest lifespan. We recommend stocking up on Instax photo albums for the best storage solution.
Conclusion
It’s hard to give the new Instax Mini 9 a bad review, as it is essentially the same camera as it’s predecessor with a couple of great inclusions.
I find it odd that they decided to give this camera it’s own model number, it’s probably more befitting a “Mini 8 Pro” or similar. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to see Fujifilm make continual advancement to their products.
However, it seems like Fuji has missed an opportunity to make other small enhancements that would have made this camera really standout and deserving of a whole new model. I would have like to see an improved lens, a slightly smaller body or just something different enough to make it a proper update.
Is it worth buying an Instax Mini 9?
Yes, unless you are upgrading from a Mini 8. The Instax Mini 9 is the perfect instant film camera for beginners and children.
Users who simply want to shoot and not worry about settings will love this camera. It’s sturdy, simple and fun.
Like the Mini 8, it mixes simplicity with a set of features to get you by in all shooting conditions. This time around it also comes with a nice range of inclusions to take your selfie game to the next level.
I would highly recommend this camera to all users – especially for kids.
HOT TIP
For those of us who are more budget-minded, you might be able to find the Instax Mini 8 at a discounted price now the Mini 9 has been released. As they are essentially the same camera, once you buy an attachable close-up lens with selfie mirror for the Mini 8, you might be able to get a similar setup as the Mini 9 for a lower price.
What’s Included
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Film Camera
- 2 AA Batteries
- Wrist Strap
- Attachable Close-up lens
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