Fujifilm Instax cameras were the much-requested gifts by debutants in 2012. I also wanted one for myself but I turned down the idea because I know I won't be able to afford it back then. Fast forward to 2015, I'm fortunate enough to own both the Instax Mini 8 and Mini 25. (Talk about the law of attraction!) Since then, my Instax cameras are my go-to camera whenever I want to capture a milestone – may it be a new travel destination or simple celebrations at home. Now that Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is out, I can't wait to share with you my thoughts on the brand's latest point-and-shoot instant camera. 

UNBOXING

This new camera comes in five different variants namely the Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White, and Lilac Purple. The Blush Pink is an obvious choice but the Lilac Purple also looks promising. 😍

FIRST IMPRESSION

The new Instax Mini 11 is a straightforward camera – what you see is what you get. If you're new to the instant camera scene, you'll definitely get the hang of this device in a snap because you only need to familiarize yourself with two buttons: the power/lens barrel release and the shutter buttons. 

Its chunky build makes it user-friendly to everyone in the household. Also, the camera is made with plastic but it's a tad rough in texture, enabling a person to get a good grip of the machine while shooting. The embossed brand logo at the back is also a nice touch to the clean yet good-looking cam.

The Mini 11 has a selfie mode that can also be used for other closeup shots. At first, I had a hard time figuring out how to change to this mode. After a quick Google search, all I needed to do is give the lens barrel an extra pull to extend the lens a little further. lol 

REVIEW

The new Mini 11 makes a foolproof camera for people who want to kickstart their instant camera journey. Because it has auto-exposure (Lv 5.0 to 14.5 - ISO 800), there are no settings to tinker anymore. One can easily load the cartridge and shoot away in less than a minute. However, this feature is a double-edged sword because it also tends to overexpose already bright subjects. I thought it's the same case This is already a recurring issue among other entry-level Instax cameras which is why I was not surprised when I encountered this with the Mini 11. 

[L-R] Film output in lowlight setup vs. well-lit outdoor setup

On to the bright side, photos captured in lowlight setup using the old Instax mini cameras would normally leave a pitch-black background. However, this isn't the case with the Mini 11's output. This camera does an excellent job capturing more details in the background as compared to its predecessors, making the image more on point. 

[L-R] Mini 25 vs Mini 11 (more details on the background)

I found myself taking my sweet time when looking for the best angle of my subject because of the fixed lens. On the other hand, the selfie mode allows me to get closer to the subject without moving. Selfies that are taken using this mode results in sharper details on the final image as well (vs zooming the lens closer to the subject). I'm also thrilled by the idea of not needing to bring the clip-on lens anymore. 

The selfie mode works best for selfies and not groufies (obvi!) lol

Like other instant cameras, the scene on the Mini 11's viewfinder is not the exact image on the film output but the difference is not that far from each other. The built-in selfie mirror by the lens barrel also helps the user get a good estimate of the details that can fit on the shot.

VERDICT

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Going back to the question "Is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 worth purchase?", It's a yes for me because of various reasons – good ergonomics, extended lens barrel, and better image output. With a suggested retail price of P4,999, this is the ideal camera starter for anyone who wants to get a headstart on instant photography. Its competitive pricing makes it a gift-worthy item during the holiday season. To know more about the different Instax cameras, you may head to Team Instax Philippines' Facebook page here.