Polaroid Pic 300 vs FujiFilm Instax Mini 9… Instant cameras have existed since 1948, when according to online sources, the first of the Land Cameras was manufactured and released commercially by Polaroid. Over time, with the advent of DSLRs and smartphones, instant cameras became obsolete, and alongside other out-of-date items such as the typewriter and cassette tape, they became the face of “retro” or “vintage.”
We were prepared to see the last of these cameras, so it was a pleasant surprise when several years ago, FujiFilm and Polaroid started manufacturing them again. They were given a cute makeover that stood out among the sea of black, feature-packed DSLRs.
In this report, we’re comparing two brands that dominate the instant camera niche – Polaroid’s Pic 300 and FujiFilm’s Instax Mini 9.
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Contents [hide]
Comparison Chart
Let’s first compare these cameras’ specs and features.
Instant Camera | ||
Check Price | Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 | Polaroid PIC-300 |
Weight | 307g | 757g |
Product Dimensions | 116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm | 121mm x 64mm x 127mm |
Colors Available | 5- cobalt blue, ice blue, flamingo pink, lime green, smokey white | 4 – black, blue, purple, red |
Exposure Modes | 4 + Hi-Key mode | 4 |
Exposure Control | Manual Switching | Manual Switching |
Picture Size | 2.4 inches x 1.8 inches | 2.1 inches x 3.4 inches |
Batteries | 2 AA-size | 4 AA-size |
Unique Features | Built-in Selfie Mirror, Close-up lens attachment | |
Flash | Built-in flash | Built-in flash |
Key Differences: Polaroid Pic 300 vs FujiFilm Instax Mini 9
The chart above is a truly helpful tool to quickly and easily spot the important differences between the Pic 300 and the Instax Mini 9. Let’s go ahead and expound further.
Size, Weight, and Color
Based on the numbers given, Polaroid’s Pic 300 is bulkier and heavier than FujiFilm’s Instax Mini 9. By how much? With a weight of 757 grams, the Pick 300 is heavier by at least two times than the Mini 9, which weighs only 307 grams.
When it comes to size, the dimensions clearly indicate that at 121mm x 64mm x 127mm, the Pic 300 is bulkier than the Mini 9, whose product dimensions include 116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm. Note that the difference in size is not that significant, considering that both of these instant cameras are bulky.
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Exposure Modes
Both cameras feature 4 exposure modes that you can choose by simply switching the knob. These modes are pre-programmed for common environments/situations such as indoors and cloudy weather.
But when it comes to added exposure features, the Instax Mini 9 has a Hi-Key mode, which when selected yields photos with a softer impression.
Unique Features
The FujiFilm Instax Mini 9 wins over the Polaroid Pic 300 because of its unique features. There are two added extras to look forward to with this instant camera.
First, it comes with a selfie mirror, which eliminates the guesswork and allows you to shoot only precisely-framed selfies. The mirror is located next to the lens.
Second, this camera comes with a close-up lens attachment, which gives you the flexibility to shoot up to 35 cm. away.
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Polaroid Pic 300 vs FujiFilm Instax Mini 9: Final Word
So what’s our verdict? These two instant cameras are good, but one is better than the other.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 has more features than the Pic 300, which should definitely help you shoot great selfies and scrapbook-worthy images.