Our side-by-side comparison of the Instax Mini 8 vs 9.
What’s the difference between these two popular instant cameras by Fuji and which one is best?
There’s something truly exciting about being able to capture a special moment and print out an instant memento of that occasion to share.
Over the last few years, Fujifilm has recaptured the magic of instant film photography with its fantastic range of Instax instant film cameras.
Fuji’s great range of instant cameras suits all levels of photography; from the fully-featured pro-style Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic, to the bestseller Instax Mini 8 that is an absolute breeze to use and is great for camera kids and beginners.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 – The perfect first instant film camera
Since launching in 2012, the Mini 8 has been a massive success for Fujifilm and instant film fans around the world.
Despite having a few shortcomings feature-wise, the beauty of this camera is in just how simple it is to use. Literally anyone can pick it up and snap of a fantastic shot instantly without any knowledge of photography. It’s like an analogue version of Instagram in your hands!
Like most film cameras, the Mini 8 is quite bulky and won’t fit in your jacket pocket anytime soon. However, it makes up for its size it being ultra-light and surprisingly sturdy. I have dropped mine several times and not once has it broken, dented or shown any ill effects besides small scuff marks.
It also comes in a great range of eye-popping colors to suit your own style. The Instax Mini 8 Blue has been a particular crowd favorite.
Instax Mini prints are credit card size which is perfect to hand around and store in your wallet as a keepsake.
Don’t expect professional quality prints from this camera – this is not a high-resolution, color calibrated digital printer. But that is part of the charm, the prints you do get are full of nostalgia and have a dreamy quality to them.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 – New and slightly improved
In early 2017 Fujifilm quietly announced the successor to the Mini 8 – the new and improved Instax Mini 9.
When I first saw the announcement I got very excited, expecting big things after 5 years. Upon closer inspection, however, the updates are underwhelming. But who cares when those new colors are so cool!
Some review sites are spruiking the “new” high-key mode, but this is already on the Mini 8 and they are just regurgitating Fuji’s marketing without actually using the product. Whilst this was a little disappointing I can understand why Fuji wouldn’t want to mess with a good thing.
The 4 Main Differences Between Instax Mini 9 vs 8
1. More Colors
UPDATE MAY 2018: Some Instax Mini 8 colors have now been discontinued by the manufacturer. So if there is a color you love, I suggest jumping over to Amazon and grab it before stock runs out!
Originally the Mini 8 came in five basic colors. Fujifilm later added a series of bolder color choices to the lineup listed below:
- Blue
- Pink
- Yellow
- White
- Black
- Avocado
- Grape
- Raspberry
- Hot Pink
- Light Yellow
- Margarita Green
- Mint
- Tile Blue
They also released a few special editions in Japan and for specific retailers that can occasionally be found online such as the Hello Kitty (Amazon) and Minnie Mouse (Amazon) editions.
The new Instax Mini 9 launched with five new colors that are all really nice, especially the Cobalt Blue (hello Santa!).
Fujifilm will likely expand this color lineup soon, for the moment though you can grab it in the following:
- Cobalt Blue
- Flamingo Pink
- Ice Blue
- Lime Green
- Smokey White
Matching Instax Mini Groovy Cases
Each Instax Mini 9 can be purchased with a colorful Groovy Case to match the camera color – a must-have accessory for toting this camera around.
You can read our round up of the best Instax Mini Cases here.
You can buy matching cases for the Mini 8 separately, they don’t come in all colors, but you can usually find something that suits.
2. Included close-up lens
The biggest addition to the Instax Mini 9 is that it comes packaged with our most recommended accessory to the Mini 8, a close-up macro lens.
This lens provides a better focal length for selfies and also gives you awesome creative opportunities to take macros of cool objects and patterns.
3. Attached selfie mirror
So obviously missing from the original Mini 8, the Instax Mini 9 adds a built-in selfie mirror attached to the front of the lens barrel. This great little mirror remains exposed when using the included macro lens so you can line up your selfies with ease!
On the Mini 8, the selfie mirror would need to be purchased with the macro lens as one separate attachment – a must-have accessory for any Mini 8 owner. However, this doesn’t help when you’re not using the macro lens.
4. Price
The last difference between the two models is a small $5-10 increase in the listed retail price, presumably to cover the cost of the new inclusions. I expect this price difference will disappear over time and the older Mini 8 models phased out.
The price difference is made up for once you buy the macro lens attachment for the Instax Mini 8 anyway, so don’t let price factor into your decision too much.
I often get asked where is the best place to buy Instax Mini cameras. My advice is to keep an eye on Amazon and your normal tech retailer for the cheapest price, as these cameras often go on sale around holiday periods. Check Price on Amazon
Instax Mini 8 vs Instax Mini 9 – Which is best?
Which camera is better?
Well, the answer is both.
The core of these 2 cameras is the same. With the small improvements and included accessories, the newer Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 just edges out the older Fujifilm Instax Mini 8. But both cameras a great and are so fun and easy to use. If you want the simplest instant film camera to use then either of these will do the trick.
Which Instax Mini camera should you pick?
In my opinion, pick the Instax Mini color you like most. The choice of colors is the main advantage of these models. You can personalize your camera and case to suit your style, whether that’s blue, pink, white, yellow or black. If the color you want happens to be an Instax Mini 8, then make sure to pick up one of these macro lens attachments as well.
The best Instax mini Cases and Photo Albums
Once you have picked out your favorite Instax Mini color, it’s worth looking at a matching protective case and photo album for all those film prints. Make sure to read our Best Instax Mini Cases and Best Instax Mini Albums guide to find the best option for you. You might even find a great bundle discount deal!
Instax Mini 8 vs Instax Mini 9 – Comparison Table
| Instax Mini 8 | Instax Mini 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| Colors | White, Black, Raspberry, Grape, Pink, Blue, Yellow | Cobalt Blue, Flamingo Pink, Ice Blue, Smoky White, Lime Green |
| Pros | Easy to Use Sturdy Affordable | Easy to Use Sturdy New Colors Included Macro Lens Built-in Selfie Mirror |
| Cons | Bulky Non-rechargeable batteries | Bulky Non-rechargeable batteries |
| Film Size | Credit Card size: 46 x 62mm (Total size is 54 x 86mm) | Credit Card size: 46 x 62mm (Total size is 54 x 86mm) |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Cost | Check Price | Check Price |
Adelaiyhoo says
No. I think you just take the picture and it prints.
mooncatpoet says
hello, neither give you that choice, you’ll need a ‘hybrid’ camera from fujifilm for that 🙂
Rutuja says
Hello, my question is to know if both cameras have the option to choose which picture I want to print. Do we get to select and print?
Mia says
Yup. Cool right?
Taya says
so if I understand right, the mini 8 basically lacks the selfie mirror AND close up lens. Yet in short, the close up lens is still something that comes additionally for the mini 9?
Simon Gray says
Yes that’s correct. You need to buy the close-up lens for either model – which is why I recommend buying your favourite color and ignore the model number!
popeye says
Mini 9 can fix the mirror selfie ? , my mini 9 mirror selfie has scratch T^T (sorry for my english)
alex says
no, you most likely will have to deal with that or you could buy a new one but that’s not worth it.
Patty says
Do they take the same film??
Simon Gray says
Hi Patty, yes they both take the same Instax Mini Film
linnea says
So if i i buy instax mini 8 film, can i use it with the 9??
Julia says
When my battery died on my Mini 8 the counter reset and then messed everything up, does the counter reset when the Mini 9 batteries die too?
Simon Gray says
Hi Julia, did you happen to open the film bay door at all when you replaced the batteries? Your problem is the first time I’ve heard of that happening. Both the 8 and 9 share the same style analog frame counter. I am surprised that a dead battery has caused that to happen and would think it might be an isolated case.
Julia says
I only opened it after I replaced the batteries because I read there was a button that resets the number. I have a friend who also had an instax mini 8 and had the same problem.
Gizem says
Can i use mini 8 case for mini 9? Will it fit?
Simon Gray says
Yes most cases will fit both models as they are essentially the same size and design.
John says
Hi, i would like to know if the blue instax mini 8 is the same colour as the ice blue instax mini 9?
Simon Gray says
Hi John, no they are slightly different. The Instax Mini 8 is a more natural sky blue. The Instax Mini 9 Ice Blue is a brighter, almost turquoise blue. Hope that helps!
Annette Drago says
Which model do I get for my granddaughter
Simon Gray says
Hi Annette, both options will be great for your granddaughter. I would probably just go for the Mini 9 as it has the built-in selfie mirror. Otherwise just pick her favorite color out of all the options!
Rita says
hello!! is the kind of film sheet the same for both cameras?
Simon Gray says
Hi Rita. Yes, they both take the standard Instax Mini type film sheets. I recommend buying Instax Film in bulk packs to get your best price per shot on the film. They usually have around 18 months before expiry on the film so plenty of time to use them in!
arthur pacifico says
Hi, I have a question… Do you know if the Fujifilm cases for the Instax mini 8 work fine for the 9? I really wanted a white case but they didn´t release one specially for the 9, but they did for the 8. Will the 9 fit in an 8 case? Thank you
Caitlin says
It should do because they are exactly the same size.
Simon Gray says
Hi Arthur, yes as Caitlin has pointed out all accessories for the Mini 8 should work for the Mini 9 as they are they same body size and shape.