Personality and flexibility
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a popular pick for instant cameras because of its cute aesthetic, along with the flexibility of its scene options. If you're outside when it's sunny or cloudy, or even indoors with bad lighting, Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 has it covered. Flash toggles automatically if needed, and the selfie mirror in the front takes the best self-portraits. Photos pop out immediately, and you can watch them develop right before your eyes. Just make sure you have AA batteries handy and don't be surprised that you can't have digital copies.
For
- Shoots in several scenes to get best lighting
- Features a more traditional camera design
- Has counter for remaining photo sheets
- Selfie mirror
- Uses AA batteries
Against
- Doesn't shoot in different color modes and no timer
- Frame is not optional
- Flash is automatic depending on scene setting
- Somewhat bulky
- No option for digital copies
Slim and fun
The Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer is a good instant camera if you want something compact and portable. It allows you to shoot in three color modes (Color, B&W, and Sepia), add a Polaroid frame, and there's even a 10-second timer with a selfie mirror built-in. The ZINK paper is also environmentally friendly since it uses no ink and is heat-activated. However, you can't manually adjust focus or settings, and the flash toggles on its own only in low-light situations.
For
- Slim and compact with three color shooting modes
- Ability to add classic Polaroid frame
- Has 10-second timer and a selfie mirror
- Uses ZINK "Zero Ink" paper and has a microSD card slot
- Rechargeable battery can print up to 40 images on a full charge
Against
- Cannot adjust settings for different scenarios
- Photos take a while to print
- Can't manually focus or toggle flash
- No paper indicator
When it comes to the Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer vs Instax Mini 9, the truth is that they are both good instant cameras, but they're designed for different people. However, if you are looking for the best digital camera though, both of these are not it, since they're instant and not digital.
Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer vs Instax Mini 9: Breakdown
When it comes down to the Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer vs Instax Mini 9, both of them are great instant cameras in their own right, with each having their pros and cons. However, if we must go with only one, then the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is probably the better fit for most people.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 | Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 | $60 |
| Dimensions | 3 x 5 x 5.5 inches | 3 x 1 inches |
| Design | Bulky and traditional | Slim and compact |
| Power | 2 AA batteries | Rechargeable, 40 prints on single charge |
| Flash | Yes, automatic, depending on shooting mode | Yes, automatic |
| Paper | Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film | Polaroid 2x3" ZINK Paper |
| Colors | Cobalt Blue, Ice Blue, Flamingo Pink, Lime Green, Smokey White, and retailer exclusives | Black, Blue, Yellow, Red, White |
| Manual adjustment | Yes | No |
| Selfie mirror | Yes | Yes |
| Shooting Modes | Yes | No |
| Color Modes | No | Color, B&W, Sepia |
| Timer | No | Yes |
| Frames on prints | Yes | Optional |
| Close-ups | Yes with optional lens attachment | No |
| Digital copies | No | Yes with microSD |
| Lanyard | Nylon with matching print | Clear plastic |
For what it's worth when it comes to the Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer vs Instax Mini 9 debate, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 offers more bang for your buck. The ability to adjust the exposure and light settings for your photo depending on the environment is a huge advantage, and adjusting the dial to match the scene means only the best outcomes are possible. A selfie mirror on the front lets you make sure you line up your face properly for a great self-portrait, and the button is always easily accessible.
Plus, a dial on the back of the camera tells you how many sheets of paper are remaining, so you know when you need to reload. I also love that the camera spits the sheets out instantly after the photo is taken, and then you can watch the picture develop. No time is wasted between shots and you don't have to worry about another thing to recharge because the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 just uses two AA batteries, which will last for a while.
However, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 does have flaws, and that's where the Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer comes in. The Polaroid Mint can shoot in color, black and white, and sepia, which is nice for those who like to spice up their shots with filters now and then. The 10-second timer on the Mint is also helpful if you want to take a group shot but don't have someone that can take the photo for you.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 offers more bang for your buck.
Polaroid Mint prints take up the entire sheet of ZINK paper unless you opt to have the classic Polaroid frame for fun captions or dates. However, the Polaroid Mint prints the photo as it comes out, so it takes much longer than the Instax Mini 9, which I found annoying. However, you can save digital copies of your photos if you use a microSD card, which you can't do on the Instax Mini 9.
Another thing to think about when deciding is the size and design of the cameras. While the Instax Mini 9 is cute and quirky, it's also bulky and won't fit in your pocket. The Polaroid Mint is much slimmer and easier to carry around since it's about the same as two smartphones stacked on top of each other.
Overall, we still think the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the better pick between the Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer vs Instax Mini 9. You get a lot more flexibility when it comes to shooting photos, and it's pretty easy to find at most big box retail stores (with sales to boot!) However, the Mint is more portable and has digital storage, which may be exactly what you're looking for.
Affordable and charming instant camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is one of our favorite instant cameras. The traditional design is a bit bulky, but it offers flexibility in terms of scene options for the best picture, automatic flash, selfie mirror, and instantaneous printing and development of the image. Plus it uses AA batteries so you don't need to worry about recharging. The only downsides are the fact that there's no way to save digital copies of your photos and that the Instax Mini film always has a frame.
More convenience
The Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer is a good option if you need something more compact and slim enough to fit in your pockets. It can shoot in three color modes, frames are optional, and there is a 10-second timer for your convenience. If there's a microSD card inserted, you can have digital copies of all photos, but you can't print them out later, which is a bummer. It has a rechargeable battery, but you'll only be able to print out 40 photos before it needs to recharge. There's no manual focus or adjustments though.
