There was a time when instant cameras were so furious. However, they died slowly under the double attack of digital cameras and social media. The former made it easy to capture and store the photos, while the latter brought photo sharing capabilities. They together made film cameras obsolete. But, moving forward a decade or so to this day, and instant cameras are becoming popular again. This attraction is probably generated because of the popularity of retro photo filters on various social media channels. After all, the best way to capture a photo in retro colors is to use a retro camera. Whatever the reason, instant cameras are a hot product today and Fujifilm is producing some of the best of them. They launched a series of instant cameras with their latest offering being the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 ($ 62, 98). A successor to the Instax Mini 8, let’s find out everything about the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 in our review:
to draw
The Instax Mini 9 follows the same design language as its predecessor, so much so that you won’t be able to tell the difference between the two at first glance. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Fujifilm is taking the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach here and I really like it. The camera is square with curved edges, which makes it easy to capture and capture photos. THE front is dominated by a large lens which shares the remaining space with the flash, ambient light sensors, shutter and on / off button. The biggest visual difference in Instax Mini 9 is the front mirror that is placed next to the opening gives lens to see yourself while taking the selfie . It also comes with a detachable macro lens. We will talk more about them later.
The back is very minimalist, with a display in the upper right corner and a hatch that covers the built-in compartment that houses the film cartridges. There’s not much going on on the sides with just the top and right getting some action.
The top has an opening where the processed photos come out while the right houses the battery compartment. The camera comes in several different colors, including Lime Green, Flamingo Pink, Cobalt Blue, Smoky White and Ice Blue. We have the lime green version here at Beebom. Overall, I really love the look and feel of the camera . When it comes to designing, Fujifilm took it down from the park.
Usability
The camera is very easy to use. Rounded corners make handling much easier. It also comes with a detachable bracelet, very useful for someone with slippery hands. THE battery and installing the photo cartridge is quite simple . You just need to open the hatch and insert them. The hatches are very secure, but easily removable. THE start button is mechanical with firm feedback, while the capture button is easy to locate due to the indentation around it. Ambient light sensors help the camera to automatically suggest the exposure modes to use, which I found quite perfect. In short, when it comes to usability, you won’t find a portable camera that is easier than Instax Mini 9 to operate.
Performance and Image Quality
For the uninitiated, instant cameras are those that instantly print photos taken . They contain chemically treated sheets of paper that, when exposed to light, change the color to replicate the image taken. So, when you buy an instant camera, keep in mind that pixels don’t count here. What matters most is the dynamic range, as the photos are very small (credit card size), the differentiation between the different objects becomes very important for the production of a clear photo. For what it should offer, the Instax Mini 9 delivers on its promise.
Ambient light sensors, together with the manually adjustable aperture, allow you to take pictures that are very good. The room sensors automatically suggest among the different presets you should use (marked with a flashing LED). Most of the time, I have found that it is necessary. All you need to do is rotate the light ring to the corresponding flashing LED to select the preset. However, if you are not satisfied with your prediction, you can manually choose the setting using the light ring. There are four main presets to choose from, which are indoor / night (f / 12, 7), cloudy / shaded (f / 16), sunny / slightly cloudy (f / 22) and sunny / clear (f / 32) . The size of the aperture determines the amount of light the camera allows you to choose from based on the ambient lighting conditions. There is also a way High-key, which should be used if you want to take photos with an extremely bright background.
As mentioned earlier, the camera comes with a selfie mirror which helps you adjust the viewfinder while taking a selfie. It also comes with a removable macro lens that allows you to take photos at short distances (between 35 and 50 cm). You can use the lens to take a close-up selfie or any close-up photo. The image quality is as expected, it won’t surprise you, but it still brings a big improvement over the old Polaroid / instant camera, keeping the retro style alive. You will certainly be happy with the results.
Film cartridge
The film cartridge is basically the heart of the product as it should be. The individual films are similar to the size of a credit card with the image acquiring an area of ​​46 mm by 62 mm . The photo sheets are housed in a very compact plastic cartridge containing 10 sheets. a double pack that has two cartridges with 10 sheets each costs about 13 dollars. The price per cartridge decreases as you increase the number of the cartridge in a package. The small size of the cartridge makes it very easy to transport. In addition, you can choose between different types of cartridges, the basic ones come with a white border, but you will also have the option to buy cartridges with colored and printed borders.
Disabilities
If you know what you’re getting into when buying this camera, you won’t find any major flaws beyond the cost of the film cartridges. The cost per photo is something that will prevent you from using this camera extensively. In addition camera does not come with a single cartridge when you buy it. You will have to buy the cartridges separately, even when you are buying a new camera that increases the cost. Furthermore, there is nothing to dislike here. Just remember, with this that you are not capturing a photo, you are capturing a memory.
Should you buy the Instax Mini 9?
The Instax Mini 9 will delight you as only a few cameras can. It takes you back to the simplest times, where taking pictures only forces you to aim and shoot. You don’t have to mess with all the settings and which ones don’t. You just take the camera and enjoy the experience of using it. Using the camera will bring back long-forgotten memories and put a smile on your face. Therein lies the strength of the Instax 9 Mini, and keeps its promises as announced. If you can afford it, you will not regret making that purchase. Now, check out some of the photos we clicked on the image below.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Review: a beautiful camera with nostalgia
The Instax Mini 9 is a pleasure to use. The quality may not match that of a DSLR, which is understandable, but using it is pure satisfaction. We at Gadget-Info.com had a lot of fun using this camera. What you see in the photo above is the team enjoying the experience. If you have money to spare, you will enjoy owning this one. Let us know your thoughts about the camera in the comments section below. Also, tell us if you are planning to buy one or not.
Buy Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 ($ 62, 98)
