Instant cameras (also known as Polaroid cameras) are devices that use self-developing film so your camera prints pictures instantly. Before DLSRs, point-and-shoot cameras, and smartphones, instant cameras were one of the most advanced types of camera equipment. But they were rendered obsolete by the rise of digital photography
Even in 2022, the popularity of vintage items has led to a comeback of the beloved gadget in recent years. Cameras that print appeal to young shutterbugs because it satisfies the desire for instant gratification. Plus, who wouldn’t want a camera that offers instant photo printing? Nothing compares to having a tangible memento of life’s most special moments.
The Best Instant Photo Cameras for 2022
If you are looking to buy an instant pic camera, you may be confused by the different options and formats. But have no fear — we will guide you through the forest of instant cameras and help you whittle your way to an instant camera that fits your needs. Here is our selection of cameras that print. Each has their strengths and each suits different styles of shooting.
Whether you’re looking for the best Polaroid camera or a great model from another brand, you’re sure to find the right camera at your preferred price point from our list:
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
- Polaroid Originals Go
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
- Polaroid Originals 600 Red Stripe
- Polaroid Originals Now+ i-Type
- Fujifilm Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
- Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat
- Fujifilm instax SQUARE SQ1
Best Fujifilm Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
Fujifilm is renowned in the instant-camera world for a reason. The brand continuously innovates and expands upon its roster of instant-film cameras—take the popular Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera as proof. This cute and portable instant camera offers auto exposure with a flash that reads the situation and adjusts lighting accordingly, meaning photographers can pick up and snap whenever the perfect moment strikes. Additionally, selfie mode lets you visualize the image before snapping via the front-camera mirror. From unique colors to customizable shutter buttons and a strap, users can add fun flair to show off their personal style.
With five colors to choose from and two interchangeable shutter buttons included in the kit, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 gives you plenty of ways to customize your new instant camera!
Features:
- Dimensions: 4.23 x 4.77 x 2.64″ (107.6 x 121.2 x 67.3mm)
- Lens: 2 components, 2 elements, f = 60mm, 1:12.7
- Real image viewfinder, 0.37x, with target spot
- Shooting range of 0.3m+
- 1/2 to 1/250 sec. electronic shutter
- 90-second film developing time
- 62mm x 46mm picture size
- Weight: 8.43 oz (293g) (without batteries, strap, and film)
Compatible Film:
The Instax Mini 11 is compatible with the Fujifilm instax instant film. Stock up on these must-have film packs to keep the photo printing fun going. The credit card-sized prints can be shared with friends, displayed as decor, and saved as mementos of fun.
Best Polaroid Camera: Polaroid Originals Go
One of Polaroid’s most iconic instant cameras is the Polaroid Originals Go Instant Film Camera. This portable camera is great for travelers, new parents, college students, and more. It comes with an easy wrist strap for carrying, not to mention a double exposure feature that lets photographers bring their creative visions to life. The Polaroid Originals Go Instant Film Camera features a self-timer and selfie mirror to help users capture perfectly framed snaps with friends and family. This camera comes with a USB-rechargeable battery, great for eliminating battery waste and keeping those creative juices pumping. The Polaroid Originals Go Instant Film Camera works with Polaroid Go film.
Features:
- Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.3 x 2.4″ (105 x 83.9 x 61.5mm)
- Polycarbonate + ABS plastics Outer shell
- Optical grade Polycarbonate resin
- Field of view: Diagonal 65.1 Degree, Horizontal 48.1 Degree, Vertical 49.1 degrees
- Weight: 0.53 lbs (242g) (excluding film pack)
- Vacuum discharge flash system
- High-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery (1100mAh)
Compatible Film:
The classic Polaroid Originals Go uses Polaroid Go film — they’re slightly smaller than the original Polaroid film frames. In only 10-15 minutes, you’ll see your photos develop right in front of your eyes.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
The Instax Mini Evo is an analog-style camera with an old-fashioned look. It comes with 10 lens effect and 10 film effect options so you can experiment and find the best look for you.
The camera also has a built-in selfie mirror, dual shutter buttons for portrait and landscape, and can connect the your smartphone for remote shooting. You’ll just need to download the free INSTAX MINI EVO App to unlock all its great features.
Features:
- 10 lens effect options and 10 film effect options
- Built-in selfie mirror
- Dual shutter buttons
- Control the camera and print photos with your smartphone
- Macro Mode for close-ups
- Self-timer
- Charging port
- Micro SD card (SD card not included)
- Includes Shoulder Strap and USB Cable
Compatible Film:
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is compatible with the Instax Mini instant film.
Best Fujifilm Camera for Kids: Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the perfect choice for penny-pinchers or parents shopping for their kids. Since it’s one of the most affordable instant cameras available on the market, you won’t feel so bad when your kids accidentally break it or use up packs of film like sticks of chewing gum.
It has a large plastic build that lacks the sophisticated controls that pricier models have, but its big buttons and bright colors offer visual appeal and ease-of-use for small-fingered shutterbugs. It contains a built-in flash so you can take hassle-free photos in the dark, and includes a front mirror that helps you take decent instant selfies. Its simple point-and-shoot operation also means you can change shooting modes with a turn of the lens ring. If you’re a beginner photographer seeking a cheap Polaroid camera, this is the best instant camera for you.
Features:
- Lens: 60mm f/12.7
- Picture size: 6.2×4.6cm
- Minimum shooting distance: 35cm
- Shutter speed: 1/60 sec
- Exposure modes: Sunny, Cloudy, Indoor, and Hi-key Dimensions and weight: 116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm / 307g
- Built-in flash Optical viewfinder
- Selfie mirror Close-up lens attachment
- High-key mode Brightness adjustment dial
Compatible Film:
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 instant camera accepts all Instax Mini film variants. The most commonly used is the Instant Daylight Film, which is used for natural lighting and artificial lighting. Other variants include Monochrome, Rainbow, Shiny Star, and Candy Pop.
Polaroid Originals 600
Want an affordable yet functional camera similar to the Polaroid? Impossible, the company behind Polaroid Originals, picked up where the brand had left off, creating timeless retro instant cameras like the Polaroid Originals 600. To this day, Impossible carries Polaroid’s tradition and sells refurbished, authentic Polaroid cameras to its loyal customer base of camera collectors and vintage enthusiasts.
As a basic point-and-shoot, it isn’t the most compact or travel-friendly product, but if you love the iconic boxy design of classic Polaroid cameras, this is the ideal choice. One of its useful features is its Frog Tongue, which shields your film from light. This way, you can maintain the quality of your film.
Features:
- Picture size: 79 x 79mm 106mm f/14- f/42 fixed focus lens
- Shooting/Focusing range: 4ft to infinity
- Shutter Speed: 1/3 to 1/200 sec
- Built-in automatic flash
- Accepts Polaroid 600 Type film Accepts batteries in film packs
Compatible Film:
The Color 600 Film is the original film type for vintage Polaroid 600 cameras. It captures photos in vivid color, texture, and tone and frames them in the iconic white border that makes every Polaroid photo a true masterpiece.
Polaroid Originals Now+ i-Type
The Polaroid Originals Now+ i-Type Instant Film Camera is one of the most creative analog instant cameras on the market. It features five lens filters to craft the perfect frame, with options to saturate, deepen contrast, add starbusts, insert color vignettes, and more. The Polaroid Originals Now+ i-Type Instant Film Camera also comes with a quick and intuitive autofocus to ensure each snap is impeccably sharp. The Polaroid mobile app gives photographers the chance to get creative with cinematic effects and a tripod mode. Another Polaroid Originals Now+ i-Type Instant Film Camera perk? A USB-rechargeable battery that keeps that creativity flowing for hours on end.
Features:
- Polycarbonate + ABS plastics outer shell
- 1/200 – 1sec. shutter system
- 102.35 mm standard focal length/94.96 mm closeup focal length
- 5 lens filters
- Aperture priority and tripod mode available via app
- Horizontal 40 Degree , vertical 41 Degree field of view
- 5.9 x 4.4 x 3.8″ (150.16 x 112.2 x 95.48mm)
- Weight: 16.12 oz (457g) (without film pack)
Compatible Film:
Add the Polaroid Originals i-Type film to your purchase to snap all of your new memories.
Fujifilm Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay
The Fujifilm Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay is part of a new generation of hybrid instant cameras. It’s the smallest and most lightweight hybrid camera Fujifilm has produced so far, making its pocketable form factor one of its biggest strengths. It also works both as a camera and a printer, allowing you to print photos from your phone as long as you have the mobile app.
The camera is equipped with a 2.7-inch display that previews your image. This way, you can frame scenes perfectly and adjust the lighting to your preferences. There are 30 frames to choose from, and you can even use its Remote Shooting function to take photos while standing away from your camera. Moreover, the LiPlay includes a unique Sound function that lets you play a voice clip through a unique QR code embedded in the Instax Mini print.
Features:
- Focal Length: 28mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 35mm)
- Maximum Aperture: f/2
- Focus Range: 3.94″ to Infinity / 10 cm to Infinity
- Shutter Speed: 1/8000 to 1/4
- Second Built-In Flash
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.25 x 4.84 x 1.44″ / 82.5 x 122.9 x 36.7 mm (Excluding Protrusions)
- Weight: 8.99 oz / 255 g
- Effective pixels: 2560 x 1920
- Image sensor: 1/5″. CMOS with primary color filter
Compatible Film:
The Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay is paired with the Instax Mini White Instant Film and comes in a handy cartridge. The film offers stunning photos that you can easily fit into a wallet, purse, or mini picture frame. Instax will ensure top-quality photos with its sharp, clear reproduction, vivid colors, and natural skin tones.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
Another high-quality instant camera that makes photography seamless for beginner creators? The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Film Camera, an entry-level instant film camera with just two settings and two buttons, plus a vintage camera look. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Film Camera automatically adjusts exposure based on the surroundings. It’s perfect for selfies, with a mirror to double check framing before pressing the shutter. The faux leather body and metallic-styled plastic rails further add to the vintage aesthetics, making it perfect for both a day of photography about town as well as a touch of retro décor in the home.
Features:
- Lens: 2 components, 2 elements, f = 60mm, 1:12.7
- 0.37x viewfinder , with target spot
- 0.3m and beyond shooting range
- 90-second film developing time
- Requires two AA-size alkaline batteries
- 4.09 x 4.76 x 2.55″ (104 x 121 x 65mm)
- Weight: 11.64 oz (330g) (Without batteries, strap, and film)
Compatible Film:
Like other Instax cameras, the Instax Mini 40 uses the Instax mini camera film.
Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat
The Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat camera is jam-packed with features and is incredibly easy to use. Its Automat glass helps boost the quality of your shots (especially if you opt for the Magellan edition). This fully analog camera has features that other Fuji-made cameras omit, such as long exposures and multiple exposures.
Features:
- Dimensions: 118,90 (W) x 93,60 (L) x 60mm (D)
- Exposure Area: 62mm x 46mm
- Lens Focal Length: 60mm (35mm equivalent)
- Automatic Auto exposure
- Aperture: f/8, f/22
- Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Mini Motorized Film Ejection, Unlimited Multiple Exposures Automatic Flash & Flash Off Mode Infrared Remote
- Control Transmission
Compatible Film:
The Lomo’Instant Automat uses the Fujifilm Instax Mini Film. This means you can capture memories wherever you go! Reach the pinnacle of creativity and start taking bold, brilliant, and sharp photos.
Fujifilm instax SQUARE SQ1
The Fujifilm instax SQUARE SQ1 Instant Film Camera captures content in a square format, offering even more instant-film creativity with a wider frame. With this camera, photographers don’t have to worry about perfecting those lighting settings. The Fujifilm instax SQUARE SQ1 Instant Film Camera automatically adjusts to the elements, ensuring each snap is perfectly illuminated, even in dark spaces. A built-in selfie mode and selfie mirror on the front helps users ensure those snaps are perfectly framed. The selfie mode offers a close-up range of 30 to 50 centimeters. It comes in chalk white, terracotta orange, and glacier blue.
Features:
- Lens: 2 Components, 2 Elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6
- 0.4x viewfinder, with target spot
- Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/400 sec.
- 90-second film developing time
- Uses two lithium batteries
- 5.14 x 4.66 x 2.26″ (130.7 x 118.6 x 57.5mm)
- Weight: 13.7 oz (390g) (without batteries, strap, and film)
Compatible Film:
Because of the camera’s square size, you’ll need the FUJIFILM instax SQUARE instant film to print your photos.
How to Pick the Right Instant Camera for You [Buying Guide]
Film Size
When you are deciding which camera to get the most important decision you will likely make is which size film you want to go with. Do you want something inexpensive for taking with you to a party? Do you want film that is the traditional square image you remember and that has that vintage feel? Or do you want something a bit bigger and wider? The choice is personal, so pick the camera that has the film size you want.
Is Polaroid or Fujifilm Better?
With Polaroid and Fujifilm as the established top players in the instant camera market, it’s common to wonder which company offers the best cameras in terms of image quality, performance, and product options. While the name Polaroid is synonymous with an instant photo because they helped launch the industry, it’s important to remember that the current Polaroid company isn’t the original manufacturer from decades ago.
Polaroid models tend to come in at a higher price point than Fujifilm instant cameras. They also look and feel a little less like toy cameras than their Fujifilm counterparts. That said, the image quality is relatively comparable from one company to the other.
If you’re looking for a fun, durable toy camera with instant printing, Fujifilm is a great choice. For photographers who prefer more of a retro look with the classic name, a throwback look, and plenty of film options to choose from, Polaroid is a great choice.
Are Instant Cameras Worth It?
Instant cameras have been popular for decades for a reason. There’s a certain gratification in being rewarded with a physical print right after you take the photo. When Polaroid first came out, that instant access was revolutionary. Now with the pervasiveness of digital photography, we can achieve a similar instant gratification from other sources. Instant camera prints will never stand up to the same quality as professionally-printed images taken with a more robust camera. But if you’re looking for a fun spin on photography with a quick, easy, and tangible result, instant cameras are definitely worth the price of admission.