Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 vs mini 90 neo classic: Which should you buy?

If you're someone who's new to instant photography and wants a fun, inexpensive, and adorable tool to shoot with, or if you're younger and want to start exploring the world of photography in general, then totally take a peek at the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9.

If you're someone who's more well-versed in your instant photography or wants more creative control over your images and doesn't mind spending a bit extra, then the mini 90 neo classic is right for you.

Break it down now…

While both the Mini 9 and the mini 90 are instant cameras that print film, both cameras do vary drastically from setting to setting.

The Instax Mini 9 gives you 4 photo setting options: - Indoors/Night - Cloudy/Shade - Sunny/Slightly cloudy -Sunny/Bright.

This means that all you can do with this instant camera is to adjust the brightness of each photo that you take. Simply pick one of the four brightness settings, snap your photo, print, and wait for it to develop.

Meanwhile, the mini 90 neo classic boasts a little bit more than four brightness settings. This particular instant camera gives you shooting features like: - High party mode that makes sure the background and your subject are perfectly lit - Kids mode to help you capture fast moving animals and children - Landscape mode to shoot targets at a distance - Macro mode for close up shots - Bulb exposure mode to capture light streaks by opening the shutter for up to 10 seconds - Double exposure that'll superimpose two different images in one frame for creative control - Brightness control

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Header Cell - Column 0 Fujifilm Instax Mini 9mini 90 neo classic
FilmFujifilm Instant Film "instax mini"Fujifilm Instant Color Film "instax mini"
Picture Size62 x 46mm62mm x 46mm
Lens2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7Move in / out type lens, 2 components, 2 elements, f=60mm, F=12.7
ViewfinderReal image finder, 0.37x, with target spotReal image finder, 0.37x, with target spot and parallax adjustment for macro mode
Focusing0.6m - ∞Motor-driven 3-range switching, 0.3m - ∞ (macro mode: 0.3m - 0.6m, normal mode: 0.6m - 3.0m, landscape mode: 3.0m - ∞)
ShutterShutter speed: 1/60 sec.Programmed electronic shutter release, 1.8 - 1/400 sec. shutter speeds (macro mode: aperture automatically fixed at F22, bulb mode: maximum 10-second shutter open time)
Exposure ControlManual switching system (LED indicator in exposure meter)Automatic, LV5.0 - 15.5 (ISO800), lighten-darken control ±2/3EV, +1EV
Film Feeding outAutomaticAutomatic
FlashConstant firing flash (automatic light adjustment) Recycle time: 0.2 sec. to 6 sec. (when using new batteries), Effective flash range: 0.6m - 2.7 mAutomatic electronic flash (with brightness adjustment function), forced firing mode (with brightness adjustment function), flash off mode, red eye reduction mode
Power SupplyTwo AA-size 1.5V alkaline batteries Capacity: 100 shots (Approximately 10 instax mini film packs with new AA batteries)NP-45A lithium-ion battery.charge capacity: 10 film packs (based on our test conditions)
OthersExposure counter (number of unexposed films), film pack confirmation windowshoulder strap, Warranty, NP-45A Rechargeable Battery, BC-45C Battery Charger
Dimensions & Weight116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm / 307g (without batteries, strap and film pack)113.4mm x 91.9mm x 57.2mm, 296g (excluding the battery, strap and film)

Basically, if you're looking for a camera that'll allow you to shoot in a variety of settings and allow you to really control and perfect the final image before you capture and print it, then the mini 90 neo classic really is the right way to go. Whether you're shooting at a party, capturing your child at the park, or lounging on a sunny beach, you won't have to worry about your film being too over or underexposed.

But in the same vein, if you're looking for an effortless, easy-to-use, good quality camera that isn't going to break the bank, provides endless creative opportunities with film, accessories, and gift-giving ideas, and will totally give you that modern aesthetic you see all over social media, then the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is for you.

Cella Lao Rousseau

Cella writes for iMore on social and photography. She's a true crime enthusiast, bestselling horror author, lipstick collector, buzzkill, and Sicilian. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @hellorousseau