The Fujifilm Instax mini 11 instant camera, also known as a Polaroid camera, is as popular as ever. We have owned it for a while now and thought it was time for an honest review. In this review, we discuss, among other things, the price/quality ratio, user-friendliness and the product range. Curious about the outcome? Read our in-depth review below!
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Fujifilm instax mini 11 instant camera review
The Fujifilm instax mini 11 is an instant camera, also known as a polaroid camera. This means you take a picture and it comes right out of the camera. The Instax Mini 11 is an entry-level model and has a number of improvements over its predecessor Mini 9 (there is no Mini 10). Improvements include a new ‘Selfie mode’ and better auto exposure.
Available in different colours, the Fujifilm insta minis are ideal for festivals, parties and holidays. It is also a camera suitable for adults and children. We got this camera as a birthday present and have already used it several times on parties and city trips. We find it the ideal way to capture fun memories instantly and share them with friends and family.
Fujifilm instax mini 11 colours
Please note that unlike the more expensive models there are no additional creative exposure mode or special features. That said, the camera is easy to operate, lightweight, compact and capable of taking nice pictures in different lighting conditions.
In brief; it is an ideal camera for making instant tangible memories. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is inexpensive, compact, lightweight and easy to use. We think it's the ideal camera to take to a party or on a scenic trip.
Fujifilm instax mini 11 instant camera can be purchased from, among others
How the Fujifilm instax mini 11 works
The Fujifilm instax mini 11 is an instant camera. This means that, like a Polaroid camera, a photo comes out instantly. The photo is initially white, but within a few seconds you will slowly see the photo appear (not flutter). As indicated above, the camera is easy to use. This also makes it an ideal Polaroid camera for children. Once you have the camera inside, you can use it within minutes as the camera runs on batteries. There is a special compartment on the side of the camera that holds the batteries. In most cases, two AA batteries are included immediately.
After that, you need a ‘cassette with films’. Sounds old-fashioned and difficult to obtain but the opposite is true! Photo paper is relatively expensive but you can easily order it online. Keep in mind that without this photo paper, you won't be able to take photos. Remove the cassette from its packaging and place it in the large compartment at the back of the camera according to the instructions. After this, you are ready to take photos! The little meter to the large cassette indicates how many photos you can still take.
To take a picture, you turn on the camera by pressing the button, next to the lens. After this, you press the button near the viewfinder. There are no other buttons, simple right? Are you done and want to turn the camera off? Gently push the lens back.
In addition, the camera also has a selfie mode and a small selfie mirror on the front. To enable this mode, you pull out the lens until the words ‘Selfie on’ appear (see image below). So it doesn't get any easier than the Fujifilm instax mini 11!
How to take a picture with the Instax mini 11
Tip: The first click with a new cassette is not a photo but the front of the plastic case. So immediately take a ‘photo’ to remove it so you don't forget.
Final verdict
We highly recommend the Fujifilm instax mini 11! The camera is inexpensive, compact, lightweight and easy to use. We find it the ideal camera to take with you to a party or on a nice trip.
Plus points
- Compact
- Lightweight
- User-friendly
- Products can take a beating
- Wide range of accessories
- Available from reliable webshops
Points of interest
- Exposure is not always good. Some photos are overexposed as a result. Many find this the ‘charm’ of a poloroid, but we still think it's a shame.
- Even though the camera can take a beating, it feels cheap.
Price list
Photo paper & cases for the Fujifilm instax mini 11
Photo paper is available in an awful lot of different colours. You can easily order these online on websites such as bol.com. Below is a selection of the different options.
Click on a film package to watch it.
Giving the Instax Mini 11 as a gift or wanting to take it on the road? Then check out the cases. Available in different colours, they protect the camera from water and dust.
6 tips for the best photos
The Fujifilm instax mini 11 is easy to use but we still have a few tips! This will ensure you take the most beautiful photos.
- Make sure there is enough light: The more light, the more beautiful your photo will be. So the ideal situation is to take photos during the day and outdoors. Of course, the camera also works when it is dark but keep in mind that the background in the photo will be very dark. Do not photograph against the sun to avoid overexposure.
- Keep sufficient distance: It is important to keep the camera at least half a metre (normal position) from the person or object you want to photograph. If you use the selfie function, make sure you keep at least 30 centimetres away.
- Keep the lens clean: Might sound logical but this is also important with an instant camera.
- Do not wave: Once your photo comes out of the camera, it is important not to flutter. Let it ‘develop’ on a dark spot. For example, we put the picture upside down on the table.
- Watch the flash: Make sure you don't accidentally hold your hand or finger against the flash. Chances are your photo will fail if you do.
- Keep the camera closed: Make sure not to open the back of the camera when there are still films in it. The first few photos may catch light and therefore become overexposed.
Fujifilm Instax mini 11 instant camera specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type of camera | Instant camera |
| Photo paper | Fujifilm Mini Instant Paper |
| Development time | Approximately 90 seconds |
| Shutter speed | Variable shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/250 sec and slow synchronised flash in low-light conditions |
| Exposure | Fully automatic exposure control (flash always fires) |
| Charging / Batteries | Two AA batteries |
| Aperture lens | f/12.7 to f/32 |
| Shortest focusing distance | 30 centimetres |
| Selfie mode | Yes, the camera has a selfie/closeup mode incl. front selfie mirror |
| Flash | Built in, this one always goes off |
| Flash range | Between 30 cm and 2.7 metres. Flash recharges within 6.5 seconds |
| Weight | 293 grams |
| Dimensions (wxhxd) | 107.6 x 121.2 x 67.6mm |
| Weight | 293 grams |
| Available in | Black, White, Rose, Purple, Blue |
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