Instant cameras were first introduced in the 1940s by Polaroid. Today, 40 years later, these have risen from the ashes. Unlike bell-bottoms, this was a came back that we all benefit from.

Because of their increasing popularity, instant cameras now exist in all shapes and sizes. This means more options and tougher decision-making. Fortunately, we have prepared a guide with the best options tailored to you.

Want to dive into more camera equipment? Explore the various gear you might need.

The 3 Best Polaroid cameras

1. Polaroid Now+

Key features

• Film type: Polaroid 600 and Polaroid i-Type
• Image size: 108x88mm
• Lens: 102.35mm (40mm full-frame equivalent) / 94.96mm (35mm equivalent)
• Focus modes: Automatic
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes
• Viewfinder: Optical

Reason to get

• Full-size prints
• Outstanding image quality
• Brilliant and innovative app

Reason to avoid

• Some features require the app
• No selfie mirror
• Expensive prints

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for high quality and entertaining experience.

2. Polaroid OneStep+

Key features

• Film type: Polaroid 600 and Polaroid i-Type
• Image size: 108x88mm
• Lens: 103mm/89mm
• Minimum shooting distance: 60cm
• Focus modes: Macro, Normal and Landscape
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes
• Viewfinder: Optical

Reasons to get

• Bluetooth connectivity
• You can use your smartphone as a remote
• Retro design
• Large, fantastic prints
• Creative shooting modes

Reasons to avoid

• Built-in battery only
• Expensive prints

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for high-quality and vintage designs.

3. Polaroid Go

Key features

• Film type: Polaroid Go instant film
• Image size: 4.7x4.6cm
• Lens: 34mm
• Shooting modes: Automatic, double exposure
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes
• Viewfinder: Optical

Reasons to get

• Super portable
• Beautiful design
• Selfie mirror
• USB charging

Reasons to avoid

• Not good with intense exposure
• Small prints
• Expensive prints

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for a cute, nostalgic and portable option.

The 5 Best Instax cameras

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

Key features

• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
• Image size: 6.2x4.6cm
• Lens: 60 m
• Minimum shooting distance: 30cm
• Flash: Built-in (cannot be deactivated)
• Viewfinder: Optical

Reasons to get

• Point-and-shoot simplicity
• Classy retro design
• Easy to insert film
• Batteries included
• Selfie friendly

Reasons to avoid

• Auto-exposure can struggle
• Selfie mode hard to access
• Mandatory to use flash

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for simplicity and textured design.

2. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Key features

• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
• Image size: 6.2x4.6cm
• Lens: 60mm
• Minimum shooting distance: 30cm
• Flash: Built-in (cannot be deactivated)
• Self-timer: No
• Viewfinder: Optical

Reasons to get

• Beginner-friendly
• It comes in a range of pastel colours

Reasons to avoid

• Mandatory to use flash
• The viewfinder is not the best

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for a simple, stylish and portable option.

3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90

• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
• Image size: 6.2x4.6cm
• Lens: Retractable 60mm
• Minimum shooting distance: 60cm
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: No
• Viewfinder: Optical

Reasons to get

• Retro design
• Multiple shooting modes
• Long-lasting rechargeable battery

Reasons to avoid

• Small viewfinder
• More expensive than other models

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for a simple yet high-end camera

4. Fujifilm Instax SQUARE6

Key features

• Film type: FUJIFILM INSTAX SQUARE instant print film
• Image size: 6.2 x 6.2cm
• Lens: retractable 65.75 mm
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes

Reasons to get

• Inexpensive
• Selfie friendly
• Wide-angle field of view
• Accurate colour representation
• Square-format prints are a handy size

Reasons to avoid

• Blown highlights common
• Lack of control of exposure
• Non-standard batteries
• Small viewfinder

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for an affordable camera and true analogue experience.

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay

Key features

• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
• Image size: 62 mm x 46 mm
• Lens: 28 mm (35-mm film equivalent)
• Minimum shooting distance: 10 cm
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes

Reasons to get

• Portable
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Records 10-second audio clips
• Good image quality

Reasons to avoid

• Not good in bright light
• Limited battery life
• Autofocus is slow

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for a portable Instax that goes beyond taking pictures.

The 5 Best instant cameras (mixed brands)

1. Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera

Key features

• Film type: KODAK ZINK Photo Paper
• Image size: 2ʺx3ʺ
• Lens: 27-mm f/2.2 fixed-focus lens
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes

Reasons to get

• You can edit photos from the LCD screen
• Connectivity with your phone (as a remote controller and to share photos)
• Rechargeable battery
• Extensive storage capacity

Reasons to avoid

• Average print quality
• Expensive paper

Who should buy it

Beginners or kids looking for a fun and uncomplicated option.

2. Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro

Key features

• Film type: Kodak Photo Paper
• Image size: 3ʺx3ʺ
• Flash: In-built

Reasons to get

• Portable
• Affordable Print Cost
• Bluetooth connectivity
• App with nice features
• High-quality photos
• Good battery life
• Print what you like and cancel the rest

Reasons to avoid

• Does not connect with computers
• Some customer complaints about responsiveness

Who should buy it

Beginners looking for cheap film and dislike having to print every picture.

3. Canon Ivy Clig+/Zoeminis

Key features

• Film type: ZINK photo paper
• Image size: 2×3″
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes, via Mini Print app
• Viewfinder: optical

Reasons to get

• Bluetooth connection
• Thin and light design
• Good quality prints
• Connects with smartphones to print
• Selfie mirror
• Rechargeable battery

Reasons to avoid

• No way to review photos on the camera
• Feels fragile
• It does not work without paper, even with the microSD card.

Who should buy it

Great for beginners looking for an all-in-one pocket-size option.

4. Lomography Lorno' Instant Automat

Key features

• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
• Image size: 2.4 by 1.8 inches
• Flash: Built-in
• Viewfinder: optical
• Minimum shooting distance: 40 cm

Reasons to get

• Well balanced exposure and colours
• Wide angled lens

Reasons to avoid

• Mediocre photo quality
• The battery is not rechargeable
• Expensive
• The batteries can be hard to find.
• The Mini film format is small.

Who should buy it

Fans of the Instax Mini format and wide lenses.

5. Leica Sofort

Key features

• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film
• Image size: 62 x 46 mm
• Lens: 60 mm f/12.7 (34mm in 35 mm equivalent)
• Minimum shooting distance: 60cm
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: yes
• Viewfinder: Optical

Reasons to get

• Wide range of shooting modes
• Cool design
• Portable

Reasons to avoid

• No manual controls

Who should buy it

The ones looking for a versatile option and don't mind paying a bit extra.

Rent or subscribe to a camera

We have left you with 13 great options. If you are still indecisive or don't want to commit, rent or subscribe to a camera now.

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