Today we have so many options to take a pictures from a smartphone to a dedicated camera. However, most of them need to be printed and can’t be enjoyed instantly for a copy so if you need a camera that can give the result in a short time, instant camera like Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 vs Mini 8 can be a nice choice to go. Before going to shop, check how they differ from each other below to pick the better unit.
In this article, we are going to give you information about:
– Which camera suit you the best
– What are Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8
– What Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 Look Like
– How are the Image Quality of Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8
– Are Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 Easy to Use
– How are the Film and Batteries used in Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8
– Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 vs Mini 8
Camera Types
Photography seems to be the hobby of so many people today both from teenagers to adult who are enjoying the activities. Due to the many platform we can use to showcase our work that can be accessed widely from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection, we are beginning to see why the trend is widely spreading. Along with the popularity, we are also interested to purchase a dedicated camera to suit our preference and taste in image capturing.
Today’s market is packed with Mirrorless and DSLR because they are the most reliable if you need to get a device that will give a professional result so it is not surprising to see users having one or more of the device together with several pair of lenses on their gear collection. While they sure a great options, thanks to the interchangeable lens, bigger sensor and more manual adjustment on board, new users may need to learn the curve first before capable of optimizing their camera, moreover, they are also quite expensive.
If you are not really into photography but will still need a camera to help you capturing moments, scenery or just to accompany your travelling hobby, a good digital camera will be sufficient to provide a good image quality as long as being used under adequate amount of light. Read also: Fujifilm X-T2 vs X-T20.
Besides these two common type of cameras, in the last several years there are also a trend in the use of instant camera or polaroid which is actually already very popular a decade ago when some of us probably still in elementary school. The question often asked is why they are so popular because compared to our smartphone, they are not going to be as good in image quality especially the higher-end models but, there is an undeniable fun when using one so it is no wonder why there are lots of people having one today.
Various people may have various reason as well on why they love their Polaroid or instant camera but at least for us, the instant part of it is a big reason why we love to use it. Unlike with regular camera, we can edit and redo the picture several times yet, with an instant camera, the feeling of unable to edit the result is kind of interesting in its own way.
About Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8
Because there is a rising demand of instant camera, manufacturer begin to produce them again and while in feature there is not much to see from the unit, we still have to consider each one of them to get the most ideal pick. Some of its capabilities or specification you may want to check first are the method to develop pictures, the size of their photos, and the camera itself like battery, form factor or flash since the film requires a lot of light.
If you ask what people use today, you will hear many of them set their choice with the Fujifilm Instax Mini which is very popular nowadays we often encounter in weddings, gathering or when attending parties in your friend’s house. Two of the latest models from the line are the Mini 9 and Mini 8 with very little differences yet can be a good reason to help you decide especially after the company decide to discontinue the former model in case you are not very fond of old stock.
Both of them are safe point for those who are interested in instant camera because of the reliable performance and one of the most user-friendly model we have in the market. However, one of the best reason why they are very popular is because the inexpensive price which is capturing many people’s heart and can be used almost anyone who want to get a clear image, developed almost instantly without the need to fiddle with much features.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 Design
When you place the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 side by side, it can bet pretty hard to decide which model is the newer and which is the older version because they are very similar to each other, still have that classic, chunky form factor made from a durable plastic. One of the beauty of these instant cameras is the various color available to match with your fashion option such as deep purple, green, pink, blue, or subtler with black or white.
Despite the big and bulky size, both of them are not going to weigh you down compared to most bridge or DSLR and Mirrorless cameras today as well as slimmer than their previous Instax predecessors. They are not pocket friendly but can sit in your backpack with ease. At the front, there is a button to extend the collapsible lens and turn the camera on with brightness adjustment located around the lens. The trigger is located on the hand grip. What’s not present in Mini 8 is a small mirror near lens housing for a selfie purpose.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 Image Quality
When looking for a camera, the most important part will be the image quality and it is still the same with both of these instant camera. When tested, the image produced by Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 are equally good in our opinion, because if many other similar cameras may create an exaggerated, dreamy effect with their photos, these two are not and in comparison they are more like an old film with accurate colors and true-to-life captures.
As long as you get the exposure right, the result will be vibrant and have plenty of details yet, if you also like a vintage nuance, we are sure these two are going to work just fine with such vibe. The focus is accurate almost all the time when dealing with anything even further than 2 meters from the user. In addition to the small mirror near the camera iris, Mini 9 is also featured with an optional close-up attachment.
However, this attachment is more hit-and-miss since it is only working when the object you want to capture is present between 30 cm and 60 cm away so closer or further away things will end-up blurry; overall in our opinion, this feature is made for people who want to take self-portrait rather than for other purpose. As for the exposure, both of them are very similar and even though we are trying hard to hold the hand for exposure, they are infallible.
The metering LEDs are somehow placed in an awkward position so we have to line the shot with viewfinder and then hold the camera in place then move our head to check if the exposure already set correctly and next we have to re-check the composition to take each shot. Even so, since the metering is measured from the camera’s body, it can get thrown off by high contrast scenes such as shot with much shadows still suggest the “very sunny” setting and giving you an underexposed shots.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 Ease of Use
In term of how easy these Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 are used, they are very similar and work in the same manner except for the difference in feature so all people can use either of them with much ease. What the user need to do is only pressing the button beside the lens to turn them on and the cameras will automatically activating as well as helping you determining the best brightness for taking pictures. In addition the user will need to adjust the dial round the lens to the position of lit lamp and set exposure.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 Film and Batteries
For those who wonder what is the size of Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 photos, both of them are producing a credit card sized and measured at 54 x 86 mm while the image size is only 46 x 62 mm. Both of them are powered by two AA batteries and will give you an estimated result of 100 shots while for the film we can use the 10 sheets at once so we will need to empty about 10 packs of film before needing to replace the battery.
Comparison
Now, let’s compare Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 with Mini 8. As you may already know, both of them are very similar to each other and what set them apart from the small mirror near the Mini 9 iris is the color options since Mini 9 has some new shades to offer and closeup-ready lense as well as high-key mode to give you a brighter photos.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 vs Mini 8
Conclusion
All in all, the decision is all yours to make because we are going to have different taste and most may also have different things to consider but, if we are to choose, we will go with the Instax Mini 9 simply because it is newer and will provide you some new features to ease your image capturing activities.