Choosing the perfect instant camera to capture your memories can be a daunting task with so many options available.
In recent years, instant photography has had a resurgence in popularity, with two brands standing out among the rest: Polaroid and Fujifilm.
In this article, I am going to focus on comparing two of their most popular models, the Polaroid Go and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, to help you decide which one is best for you.
Both the Polaroid Go and Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 offer unique features that cater to different preferences.
The Polaroid Go boasts of its compact size and classic appeal, while the Instax Mini 11 comes with automatic exposure control, making it user-friendly for all types of users.
The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of photography experience you’re looking for.
As you continue reading, I’ll delve deeper into the specifics of each camera, comparing their design, features, and overall performance.
By the end of this comparison guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision and choose the instant camera that best suits your needs.
Polaroid Go vs Instax Mini 11 (Design and Size)
Polaroid Go Design
The Polaroid Go is a compact instant camera with a modern twist on a retro look. Its design combines a streamlined body and unique features that make it user-friendly.
The small size of the Polaroid Go, measuring only 105mm long, 84mm wide, and 61mm tall, ensures that it fits comfortably in your hand, and its contoured shape follows the natural curve of your grip.
Despite its small size, the Polaroid Go still maintains the iconic boxy look, which is reminiscent of the classic Polaroid cameras.
Instax Mini 11 Design
When it comes to the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, the design is also modern yet retro-inspired. The camera sports a more rounded and sleek appearance, which is visually appealing and user-friendly.
Although slightly larger than the Polaroid Go, the Instax Mini 11 measures 107.6mm long, 121.2mm wide, and 67.3mm tall.
The Mini 11 is still compact enough to be conveniently portable and fits comfortably in your hand.
This camera is available in several cool pastel shades, adding style and personality to your photography experience.
In both the Polaroid Go and Instax Mini 11, you will find a blend of sleek design elements and a nod to the classic instant camera’s retro aesthetics.
While the Polaroid Go focuses on a more boxy look, the Instax Mini 11 incorporates a rounder and smoother form.
Both cameras, though, prioritize user experience and functionality, providing you with user-friendly and stylish instant photography choices.
You Might Like to Check Another Comprehensive Guide On > Polaroid Go vs Now.
Polaroid Go vs Instax Mini 11 (Camera Features)
Viewfinder and Autofocus
The Polaroid Go has a simple, small viewfinder, which is relatively easy to use, but it lacks an autofocus feature.
This means you need to carefully frame your shot and manually adjust the focus to get a sharp image.
On the other hand, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 comes with a built-in viewfinder and an accompanying autofocus system. This feature enables you to focus better and get the perfect shot with minimal effort.
Built-in Flash
Both Polaroid Go and Instax Mini 11 are equipped with a built-in flash for low-light situations.
This essential feature ensures that your photos look great even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Instax Mini 11 has an automatic exposure adjustment feature that will adjust the flash intensity and shutter speed according to the surrounding light conditions.
Polaroid Go also offers similar functionality, so you won’t have to worry about manually tweaking the flash settings.
Selfie Mode and Mirror
When it comes to selfies, both cameras have unique features that cater to your selfie needs.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 boasts a dedicated selfie mode, which you can activate by pulling the lens barrel out until it clicks into place.
This mode adjusts the focus for close-range shots, making it ideal for selfies and close-up shots. Additionally, the camera has a small mirror on the front for easier framing of your selfies.
In contrast, the Polaroid Go doesn’t have a dedicated selfie mode or a selfie mirror.
However, you can still creatively use the large white frame surrounding the lens to frame your selfies.
It may not be as convenient as having a selfie mirror, but it adds to the charm and novelty of the Polaroid Go.
Overall, both cameras offer different features that cater to different user preferences. For a more advanced autofocus system and a selfie mode, you might prefer the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11.
If you’re looking for something compact and unique, the Polaroid Go might be the right choice.
What Is The Film Types and Sizes of Polaroid Go & Instax Mini 11?
Polaroid Go Film
Polaroid Go uses i-Type film, which is specifically designed for Polaroid instant cameras.
This film is available in both color and black-and-white variants, giving you the option to capture memories in a variety of tones.
The size of the Polaroid Go film is quite small, measuring 2.623 x 2.122 inches (66.7 x 53.9 mm).
It’s important to note that this camera is not compatible with 600 film, which can be used in other Polaroid cameras.
The i-Type film yields high-quality images with vibrant colors and sharp details. Plus, the film takes about 10-15 minutes to fully develop, allowing you to see your photo moments after it’s taken.
Instax Mini 11 Film
Instax Mini 11 utilizes the Instax Mini film that is compatible with all Instax Mini series cameras. This film is slightly larger than the Polaroid Go film, with a size of 3.39 x 2.13 inches (86 x 54 mm).
Instant film for the Instax Mini 11 is available in both color and black-and-white options as well.
The Instax Mini film produces bright, beautiful photos with rich saturation.
The film develops faster than the Polaroid i-Type film, often within 2-3 minutes, making it perfect for moments when you want to share your memories as quickly as possible.
In summary, both the Polaroid Go and Instax Mini 11 use different film types and sizes, with the Polaroid Go utilizing the smaller i-Type film and the Instax Mini 11 opting for the larger Instax Mini film.
Each film produces high-quality images in both color and black-and-white, so your choice would ultimately depend on your preferences for size, film compatibility, and development time.
What Type of Battery and Power Do Polaroids Go and Instax Mini 11 Use?
Polaroid Go Battery
For the Polaroid Go, you’ll enjoy the convenience of a built-in rechargeable battery.
This compact instant camera is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it an excellent choice for capturing memories on the go.
To charge the Polaroid Go, all you need is a Micro USB cable, which comes included with the camera.
Once fully charged, the battery lasts for about 15 packs of film, so you can focus on taking amazing photos rather than worrying about the battery running out.
Instax Mini 11 Battery
Unlike the Polaroid Go, the Instax Mini 11 operates using AA batteries. This can be both a benefit and a drawback depending on your preferences.
On one hand, using AA batteries allows for greater flexibility, as you can easily find replacements in most stores.
Additionally, you can choose between disposable or rechargeable AA batteries, giving you the option to use more eco-friendly power sources if desired.
However, the main disadvantage of the Instax Mini 11 battery system is that the camera does not have a built-in rechargeable option like the Polaroid Go.
This means that you’ll need to purchase and carry spare AA batteries, which may be less convenient for some users.
In summary, the Polaroid Go offers a convenient built-in rechargeable battery that can be easily charged with a Micro USB cable, while the Instax Mini 11 uses AA batteries, giving you flexibility in power options but requiring you to carry spare batteries.
Ultimately, the choice between these two instant cameras will depend on your personal preferences and requirements when it comes to battery and power options.
Polaroid Go vs Instax Mini 11 (Image Quality and Performance)
Polaroid Go Performance
The Polaroid Go offers you a compact design with a focus on portability and fun. When you comparing the image quality, its performance is decent for an instant camera.
The photos you take with the Polaroid Go tend to have a slightly vintage-feel, with a bit less sharpness than some rival cameras.
This can be particularly appealing if you’re looking for a nostalgic touch in your instant photos.
Brightness levels in Polaroid Go images are acceptable, but you may notice that they’re not as vibrant as some other instant cameras in the market.
The camera features a fixed aperture of f/12 which helps in capturing images with relatively good depth.
However, it lacks sophisticated exposure control, which may result in slight over or underexposure in certain lighting conditions.
Color reproduction in the Polaroid Go is a mixed bag. While you can achieve satisfactory results with well-lit subjects, the camera may struggle with accurately reproducing colors in low-light situations.
Instax Mini 11 Performance
On the other hand, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a strong contender when it comes to instant photography.
Its image quality generally surpasses the Polaroid Go, delivering sharper and more vibrant photos.
The photographs produced by the Instax Mini 11 typically appear brighter and more vibrant, with good contrast and saturation.
The Instax Mini 11 offers a variable aperture with two settings: f/12.7 and f/32. This allows for greater control over the exposure, resulting in more consistent image quality across different lighting situations.
Its built-in exposure control feature helps ensure that your photos are well-balanced, avoiding overly dark or washed-out images.
In terms of color reproduction, the Instax Mini 11 produces photos with accurate and vivid colors.
This camera handles a variety of lighting conditions well, so you can expect more consistent results regardless of the environment you’re shooting in.
In short, both the Polaroid Go and Instax Mini 11 offer you unique instant photography experiences.
While the Polaroid Go has a nostalgic image quality with decent performance, the Instax Mini11 provides better overall image quality, exposure control, and color reproduction.
Each camera has its strengths, and your choice depends on your priorities and preferences in instant photography.
Additional Features and Functions
Shooting Modes
The Polaroid Go and Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 both come with different shooting modes to enhance your photography experience.
The Instax Mini 11 has an automatic exposure mode that adjusts the shutter speed and flash output according to the lighting conditions, ensuring well-exposed photos every time you shoot.
On the other hand, the Polaroid Go offers a simple point and shoot experience without specific shooting modes.
Double Exposure Mode
The ability to create artistic double-exposure shots is a unique feature found in some instant cameras.
Unfortunately, neither the Polaroid Go nor the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is equipped with a double exposure mode.
If this is a feature you’re particularly interested in, you may want to consider other instant camera models that offer this capability.
Bluetooth Connectivity
In terms of Bluetooth connectivity, the Polaroid Go and Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 are traditional instant cameras with no built-in Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity functionality.
If you’re looking for an instant camera with the added functionality of connecting to your smartphone, you might want to explore other camera models that provide this feature.
Polaroid Go vs Instax Mini 11 (Film Cost and Value)
When considering an instant camera, it’s important to factor in the ongoing cost of film.
In this part, I’ll compare the film costs and value for both the Polaroid Go and the Instax Mini 11.
Polaroid Go Film Cost
The Polaroid Go uses its own specific film packs, which are smaller than the standard Polaroid film. Each film pack contains 8 sheets, and the cost per pack varies depending on the quantity you purchase.
On average, you can expect to pay around $10-$15 per pack, making the cost per photo around $1.25-$1.87. Remember to factor this into your budget when considering the Polaroid Go.
Instax Mini 11 Film Cost
The Instax Mini 11 utilizes Instax Mini film packs, which are generally more affordable than Polaroid Go film.
Each pack comes with 10 sheets, and the price per pack can range from $6 to $10 depending on quantity and where you purchase it.
This results in a cost per photo between $0.60-$1.00, making the Instax Mini 11 a more economical option in terms of film cost.
It’s essential to consider both the upfront cost of the camera and the ongoing film cost when making your decision.
While the initial price of the camera is a one-time expense, the cost of film can quickly add up over time.
Weigh the pros and cons of each option and make a choice that suits your preferences, photography style, and budget.
FAQ
Which camera has better image quality?
The image quality between the Polaroid Go and the Instax Mini 11 can slightly differ.
The Polaroid Go offers a vintage look with less contrast and saturation, while the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 generally produces brighter, more vibrant images.
That being said, your preference ultimately determines which image quality is considered better.
How do the sizes of the cameras compare?
In terms of size, the Polaroid Go is smaller and more compact, making it ideal for travel and easy to store.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is larger in comparison, but still comfortable to hold and carry around.
Are there unique features in each model?
Both cameras offer unique features. The Polaroid Go has a self-timer option, allowing you to include yourself in shots without rushing.
It also has a double exposure feature, which enables creative layering of images.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is designed with an automatic exposure function, adjusting its settings to suit various lighting environments, making it more user-friendly.
How do the film options compare?
The film options vary for both cameras. Polaroid Go uses Polaroid Go Color Film, which produces vintage-looking photos with somewhat less-saturated colors.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 uses Instax Mini Instant film, delivering brighter and more vivid images.
Both types of film come in various pack sizes, and it’s important to note that they are not interchangeable between cameras.