There are many different Polaroid cameras on the Fujifilm website (you can find them all here), but I’ve only owned two. First, the Mini 8 (which is no longer sold but there have been a few updated iterations since), and now the Mini LiPlay Polaroid Camera.
I only purchased the LiPlay because my 8 broke; I would have otherwise kept going for many more years with my 8 because it did all I wanted it to do. However, in looking for a new camera, I loved the idea of having both a polaroid camera and a polaroid printer at my disposal.
The whole idea of the LiPlay polaroid camera is that you can take photos and print them (like any other polaroid camera), or you can upload your photos to the camera via the app and print directly. It’s given me the ability to print more than one copy of photos and also print old photos that I didn’t have my camera for.
As I’ve owned two polaroid cameras, I thought it would be helpful to compare and contrast the differences between the Mini LiPlay and the Mini *insert number here* (I owned the 8, but they’re now selling all the way through 11 so I’ve made a few generalizations).
Film
- Mini LiPlay: Fujifilm mini
- Mini 8: Fujifilm mini
It was very convenient to have both cameras use the same film because when my Mini 8 stopped working I had quite a few packages of film left.
Cost
- Mini LiPlay: varies greatly between websites, but I purchased for about $130
- Mini 8: varies between sites, but I see the 11 currently going for $60 to $80
(linked at the end of this post)
Yes, it is about double the price, but if you look for “polaroid photo printers” exclusively that you can connect via BlueTooth, they go for about $100. Instead of owning both, I love being able to have the capability of both with only one item.
I find that I also use the camera more because I don’t have to worry about thinking “is this moment worth taking the photo of?” and trying to (unsuccessfully) capture quick moments.
Size/Form
- Mini LiPlay: very compact – 82.5 mm x 122.9 mm x 36.7 mm: Only a little larger than the film itself.
- This polaroid camera fits well into most of my purses.
- I’ve found that many people try to push the “sound” button on the bottom right corner instead of the button you push to take the photo.
- Mini 8: 107.6 mm × 121.2 mm × 67.3 mm: Bulkier and didn’t fit well into my smaller bags.
- It does have a thicker part that makes it feel comfortable in your hand and easy to find the button to push to take the picture.
- For an occasion that I was unsure of taking a photo, I often didn’t bring it because it took up room in my bag.
Front Mirror
- Mini LiPlay: Yes, fairly small but fairly effective
- Mini 8: No, but it isn’t too difficult to center yourself with practice if you’re taking a selfie
Wrist Strap
- Mini LiPlay: Yes
- Mini 8: Yes
I don’t have them attached and I’m just fine, but it’s an option.
Recording Sound
- Mini LiPlay: Yes, it will add a QR code to the photo you can scan to get the sound. I haven’t used this feature, but it seems pretty easy to use.
- Mini 8: No
Photo Memory Card
- Mini LiPlay: Yes, this feature allows you to save photos and upload to your computer and take multiple photos
- Mini 8: No
Choose Photo Before Printing?
- Mini LiPlay: Yes, you can take multiple photos and choose which (if any) you want to print. With the app you can also upload photos to print straight from your phone.
- Mini 8: No
Lighting Adjustment/Flash
- Mini LiPlay: automatic
- Mini 8: via dial on the front
Personally this is a huge game changer. I could never remember which setting I should be on and thus messed up quite a few photos.
Display Screen
- Mini LiPlay: Yes
- Mini 8: No
Power
- Mini LiPlay: via USB
- Mini 8: via battery
Filters & Frames
- Mini LiPlay: Yes, and can make shortcuts to your favorite ones.
- Mini 8: No
My Mini 8 was purchased from Urban Outfitters and was an exclusive color to them, and my LiPlay was ordered from Target, but these seem to be the best prices I could find (as of October 2020).
Instax Mini LiPlay: Wal-Mart // Amazon
Instax Mini 11 (the current version of the Mini 8 I owned): Target
*Links to purchase both polaroid cameras are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. This post is not sponsored.
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