Fujifilm is known for making fantastic film cameras, and their Instax line of instant cameras are incredibly popular. In 2020, they released 2 new instant cameras: the Instax Mini 11 and the Instax SQ1. Both cameras are stylish and capable, however, there are some key differences. We compared the Instax SQ1 vs Instax Mini 11 to help you identify which camera is right for you.

Build & Film Size

The Instax line of cameras employ colorful, sleek designs, and their latest models are no different.  Both cameras are available in a range of different pastel colors, and look and feel great. 

The most notable difference between the cameras is the size of film they use. The Instax SQ1 prints large, square photos, 1.5 times the size of the Mini 11’s photos. Mini 11 pictures are close in size to a business card, and will easily fit in your wallet. 

The build of each camera reflects their differing photo sizes.  Without batteries, a hand strap, or film, the SQ1 weighs 390g (13.8 oz), while the Mini 11 weighs 293g (10.3 oz). The SQ1’s bigger, square-shaped body has rounded edges and a textured grip. It’s comparably sized to its predecessor, the Instax SQ6. Conversely, the Mini 11 is noticeably slimmer than the Mini 9, its previous model. Check out our previous post about the Mini 11 vs the Mini 9 for more details on how they compare. 

Like the SQ6, the SQ1 uses 2 CR2 lithium batteries that offer an impressive 300-shot life. The Mini 11 has a 100-shot battery life, and uses 2 AA batteries. Other than the shutter, there are no buttons on the back or top of either camera. The minimalist interface reflects the simple capabilities of both cameras. 

Functionality & Performance

If you’re looking to buy your first instant camera, either model is a great choice. Both offer simple, user-friendly features that make them perfect for beginners. Unlike the SQ6 and Mini 9, neither of the new cameras offer manual exposure control.  Both the SQ1 and Mini 11 automatically adjust the shutter speed for every exposure. The return to simplicity is liberating, allowing you to focus on framing and having fun.

Like most Instax models, there’s a small “selfie mirror” on the front of each camera. Both models also offer Selfie Mode. That is, you can narrow the focal length, which makes for better selfies or close-up photographs.

Disappointingly, the focus on simplicity means neither camera offers a self-timer mode, nor any other additional functions. This is more surprising for the SQ1, given the SQ6 had a variety of additional features including multiple different shooting modes. The removal of these bells and whistles means the key difference between the SQ1 and the Mini 11 is the size of their bodies and photos.

Nobody buys an instant camera for outstanding image quality, yet both cameras perform well. The SQ1 and Mini 11 deliver detailed imagery with nice color and contrast. The automatic exposure on both cameras does a great job; just keep in mind that the flash fires with every shot.  You can also now get Square format Instax monochrome film, which was previously only available for Instax Mini and Instax Wide formats. 

Price

The Instax SQ1 is currently available for $99.99, discounted from $149.99 until early January. Meanwhile, you can get the Instax Mini 11 with a pack of film and other accessories for $89.95. 

Which Camera Should I Buy?

With the release of the SQ1, Fujifilm has made it very easy for you to decide between their Square and Mini instant cameras. Comparing the Instax SQ1 vs Instax Mini 11, there is no clear winner. Instead, it comes down to your personal preference for photo size. 

The Instax Mini 11 has a smaller body, shorter battery life, and produces photos that fit in your wallet. The Instax SQ1 has a bigger body, bigger photos, and a longer battery life. Both cameras are simple and fun to use. Whichever model you choose, you’ll have no trouble smiling when the flash goes off. 

As smartphone cameras have become more powerful, new accessories and equipment have been developed to match. A smartphone gimbal enables you to capture smooth, stable video, even when walking or moving your phone. While the best gimbal for your phone may come down to personal preference, we’ve identified some of the best systems currently available. 

DJI OM 4

DJI manufactures some fantastic camera stabilization systems. They’re a market leader for aerial systems, aka drones. However, they also make some great gimbals for cameras and phones. In 2020 they released the DJI OM 4, and it’s their best gimbal for smartphones yet.

The OM 4 is foldable and weighs just 405g (0.89 lb), making it incredibly portable. The gimbal uses a magnetic quick-release design that allows you to attach and remove your phone very easily. It can handle phones up to 290g (0.64 lb).  With a 15-hour battery life and ergonomic grip, you’ll have no trouble using it for hours. 

The previous model, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3, is lighter, but uses a larger, non-magnetic clamp to connect to the phone. An attachable grip tripod is also included with the OM 4, whereas you’ll need to purchase the combo kit to get it with the Osmo Mobile 3.

The gimbal connects to your phone using Bluetooth and the DJI Mimo app. The app will enable you to track any object while recording, and also has some really cool features including time lapse capabilities and DynamicZoom, which automates the trippy dolly zoom effect. Like with the Osmo Mobile 3, you can also use the impressive gesture control feature to start recording when you’re in front of the camera. 

The DJI OM 4 guarantees smooth, stable recording and is loaded with features that will enhance your videos. At $149, it’s a great value gimbal. 

Zhiyun Smooth 4

Zhiyun has a great range of gimbal products, including two smartphone gimbals, the Smooth 4 and the Smooth Q2 (see below). The Smooth 4 is older and larger than the Q2, so we’ll touch on it first.

Weighing 547g (1.21 lb), the Smooth 4 is big, but makes up for it with a convenient, user-friendly control panel. There’s a dial on the side you can use to control focus or zoom manually, while two triggers on the back allow for controlled camera movements, such as tilts and pans. A small tripod extension is included with the gimbal.  

Like DJI, Zhyun’s ZY Play app extends the functionality of their gimbals. The app enables time lapse, object tracking, slow-motion, and also has a dolly zoom effect they call Vertigo. The creative PhoneGo mode helps you to create a scene transition using rapid movement. 

The Smooth 4 has a 12-hour battery life, with an indicator on the handle for easy monitoring. The gimbal also supports two-way charging. That is, you can charge your phone through the gimbal even while the gimbal is charging.

Despite its size, the Smooth 4 has a little trouble with bigger phones. The maximum supported weight is 210g (0.46 lb). However, when fitted with the right phone, the gimbal delivers reliably smooth, stable video, and its user-friendly controls make it a pleasure to use.  The Zhiyun Smooth 4 has a 12 hour battery life and costs $139.99. 

Zhiyun Smooth Q2

The Zhiyun Smooth Q2 was released in 2019 and feels like the Smooth Q4’s baby sibling. Weighing 390g (0.86 lb), The Smooth Q2 is considerably smaller, yet can support heavier phones, up to 260g (0.57 lb). Of course, that’s not the only improvement. 

Like the Smooth 4, the Q2 offers object tracking, time lapse capabilities, and the Vertigo shot via the ZY Play app.  Unlike the Smooth 4, the Q2 can spin your phone 360 degrees while recording, has a 17 hour battery life, and allows you to control your phone’s native camera app. 

The Smooth Q2 also has a more minimalist interface. There’s fewer buttons, and no dial for adjusting the focus and zoom. However, the gimbal’s small joystick does still provide some nice control. You can use it for smooth camera movement while recording. 

The Smooth Q2’s sleek, aluminum build is remarkably portable. In fact, it’s not much bigger than the average smartphone, so you can fit it in any bag or a large pocket. Currently available for $149, it’s another great value gimbal. 

Which Gimbal Should I Choose?

The best gimbal for your smartphone depends mostly on you. All three gimbals featured above are affordably priced, high-functioning, and deliver steady, stable video.

If portability is a priority, go for the Zhiyun Smooth Q2. It’s arguably more, if not equally powerful to the other two gimbals, yet smaller and lighter. If you want a gimbal that gives you complete control, particularly over the focus and zoom, the Smooth 4 is a great choice. Meanwhile the DJI OM 4 is a great blend of portability and usability. Whichever model you choose, all three gimbals are well worth their price tags. You won’t regret your choice. 

Data storage is a contentious topic, and critical to a successful project workflow.  If you’re planning to use an external drive, there’s an important decision you have to make. Do you want an SSD or HDD? Hard disk drives (HDD) are more commonly used, while a solid-state drive (SSD) is generally smaller, faster, and more expensive. However, the SSD vs HDD debate has intensified in recent years as more affordable SSDs like the Sandisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2 have been released.

If you’re not sure which type of external drive you should use, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of both below. But first, what’s the difference?

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A hard disk drive is a data storage system used in most computers and servers. A HDD uses moving electromechanical parts coated in magnetic material to read and write data. Most HDDs contain circular, flat disks made of glass or metal called platters. The platters rotate, while magnetic heads on a moving arm read and write data to the surface of each platter. The mechanism looks like a small, metallic record player. 

If you’ve used an external HDD before, you may have been warned to be careful about moving it, and not to move it at all when it’s in use. That’s because a physical jolt could potentially disrupt the moving parts as they are reading and writing data.  Imagine if you dropped an actual record player on the ground while it was playing music. Wouldn’t you be surprised if it continued playing? Similarly, if you’ve ever dropped a computer on the ground and experienced data loss, it’s because the mechanics of the internal HDD were damaged.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A solid-state drive also stores data, however it uses different internal components.  The name, solid-state, references the fact that an SSD does not contain moving parts. Instead, an SSD uses two microchips: a flash memory chip that stores the data, and a controller chip. The controller chip manages the data and communicates with the computer or electronic device that’s using the SSD.

While they may not be as prolific as HDDs, SSDs are not new. The founders of SanDisk filed a patent for a flash-memory alternative to a magnetic disk drive in 1989, and released the first commercial solid-state drive in 1991. The SSD had a 20MB capacity and cost $1000. Today, SSDs have much larger capacities and much lower price tags. They are used inside smartphones, tablets, and some computers, including most Apple computers. 

SSD vs HDD

The obvious advantage of an SSD is the lack of moving parts. As a result, an SSD is physically smaller, and less susceptible to damage when it experiences a bump or shock. Using a microchip instead of an electromagnetic disk, an SSD can also read and write data faster than a HDD. 

The Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2 is SanDisk’s flagship solid-state drive. The SSD weighs 77.5g (0.17 lb), and comes in three sizes, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. The SSD is IP55 water and dust resistant, vibration resistant up to 1500G, and can withstand a drop from up to 2 meters. The Extreme PRO V2 also has a read and write speed of up to 2000 MB/s, twice as fast as the previous generation.  Each size costs $299.99, $499.99, and $899.99 respectively. 

Conversely, most HDDs have bulkier, heavier builds and much slower read and write speeds, approximately 130MB/s. They often have comparable water and drop resistance to SSDs, however this only applies when the HDD is not in use. The internal moving parts mean a HDD is more fragile when reading or writing data. The cost for a 1TB HDD ranges between $70-100.

The advantages of the SSD are clear. It’s smaller, more durable, and can read and write data at 15 times the speed of most HDDs.  Every project faces unique challenges, yet the Extreme PRO V2 is guaranteed to offer safer storage of your data and incredibly faster transfer times. 

SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2 vs Other SSDs

The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2 also offers advantages over other SSDs. As mentioned, SanDisk recently released a new generation of this model with twice the read and write speed, up to 2000 MB/s. While there are SSDs on the market that technically offer a faster speed, they suffer a disadvantage. Data throttling.

Technical innovation means that SSDs can now read and write data at faster speeds. Consumers have also come to expect smaller, more portable bodies. As a result, SSDs are drawing more power within a smaller build, increasing the risk of overheating.  A 2015 study found that high temperatures wear down flash memory faster than heavy usage, and that cooler drives generally last longer. 

Most SSDs have built-in temperature sensors that enable them to identify when the drive is starting to heat up. After 10-20 minutes of use, they start to turn off in nanosecond intervals to cool down. While this process prevents overheating, it also slows the read and write speed of the drive. The process is called data or thermal throttling. The forged aluminum core of the SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD allows it to stay cool without throttling. That means it can sustain a faster read and write speed for longer than other SSDs on the market. 

Other benefits of the Extreme PRO V2 include 5-year limited warranty, compatibility with USB-C smartphones, and password protection backed by 256-bit AES hardware encryption. 

The Verdict

Unless you have strict budget restraints, there is a clear winner in the SSD vs HDD debate. Solid-state drives have a smaller build and will more safely store your data than a HDD. Technological innovation means new SSD models like the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2 can also sustain considerably faster read and write speeds than a HDD without overheating. When investing in an external drive, you may find that a dollar spent is worth more than a dollar saved.

According to Focusrite, their Scarlett range of audio interfaces has helped produce more records than any other range of interfaces in history. However, Focusrite also manufactures another line of USB interfaces. The Clarett range includes 3 interface models and is also relatively popular with musicians, producers, and audio engineers. But what’s the difference between the two? We compared the Focusrite Clarett vs Scarlett (3rd generation) interfaces to find out.

The Focusrite Clarett interfaces include the 2Pre, 4Pre, and the 8Pre. The Scarlett interfaces include the Solo, 2i2, 4i4, 8i6, and the 18i20.

Inputs/Outputs

Before you decide on a range, it’s important to consider how many inputs and outputs you’ll require. There are six Scarlett audio interfaces to the Clarett’s three, with more options for consumers that don’t require as many inputs and outputs. 

For example, let’s take a look at the Scarlett Solo, the most affordable Scarlett audio interface. The Solo has 1 XLR preamp, 1 line level input, and 2 balanced line outputs. It’s a great option for a musician or vocalist who only ever needs to record a single input. It’s currently available for just $109.99. 

Conversely, the smallest Clarett audio interface is the Clarett 2Pre. This 10-in 4-out interface has 2 combo mic/instrument/line level XLR inputs, 1 stereo loopback input, 1 optical ADAT input (allowing you to add 8 additional inputs), 1 5-pin MIDI input/output, and 4 balanced line outputs.  It’s currently priced $439.99. 

Comparing the Scarlett Solo and Clarett 2Pre indicates a key difference between the two ranges. With a wider range of input/output options, the Scarlett range has more mass market appeal. In fact, as we pointed out in our Scarlett interface comparison post, the key differentiator between Scarlett models is the number of inputs and outputs per interface.

Clarett is different. With fewer models starting at a higher price point, Clarett is a high-end range targeted at musicians and artists that require more inputs and outputs and a higher quality recording. This is more evident when comparing the audio recording specs of both ranges. 

Sound Quality

The specs suggest that Clarett interfaces can record sound at a higher quality. If you were to record sound using an interface from each range and listen back, you may even hear the difference. But it’s worth noting that interfaces from both ranges convert sound at a professional grade quality of 24-bit/192 khz.

The frequency response on Scarlett interfaces is 20hz-20khz, while the maximum mic input level (at minimum gain) is +9dBu. Clarett interfaces can record a response from 20hz-35khz, and a maximum mic input level of +18dBu. Similarly, the Solo preamps have a gain range of 56 dB and a dynamic range of 111dB A-weighted, while the Clarett preamps reach 57 dB of gain and a maximum input level up to 119 dB A-weighted.

These differences translate to a higher headroom on the Clarett interfaces, allowing them to handle higher input levels without distortion or clipping. The headphone output on Clarett interfaces also has a higher maximum output level of 16 dBu to the Scarlett’s 7dBu. This ensures you can hear the additional detail you’re recording via a Clarett interface. 

Similarities

As mentioned, All interfaces from both ranges convert at the same rate up to 24-bit/192 khz, and also offer Air mode on at least 1 input. Air mode is an optional feature that boosts high frequencies to enhance sound quality, particularly for vocal or acoustic recordings. 

Interfaces from both ranges also have a similar look and feel and a portable, lightweight build. The Scarlett 18i20 and Clarett 8Pre differ slightly from their siblings. The 18-in, 20-out interfaces have a long, thin build and attachable ears for easy racking in a studio.

Verdict

Focusrite offers 9 great audio interfaces across two ranges. However, the best audio interface for you depends on your personal requirements. The Scarlett range provides you with a wider variety of options starting at a lower price point. Clarett interfaces offer more inputs and outputs and stronger recording capabilities.

Whatever you personally decide is best between the Focusrite Clarett vs Scarlett ranges, there’s a Focusrite audio interface that’s right for you.