This is a guide covering the best instant cameras.
Even during the digital age, people still go after instant cameras.
Instant cameras can print the photos you took making them a great choice for those who love to design their rooms or scrapbook.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Instant Camera
- 📷 Best Fujifilm Instant Cameras
- 📷 Best Polaroid Instant Cameras
- 📷 Best Kodak Instant Cameras
- 💸 Best Budget Instant Camera
How to Choose the Best Instant Camera?
Print Quality: The print quality of an instant camera can vary greatly between models. Look for cameras that have high resolution and produce clear and detailed prints.
Camera Features: Some instant cameras have basic features like flash and zoom, while others have more advanced features like a self-timer and exposure control. Consider what features are important to you and look for cameras that have those.
Film Types: Some instant cameras use proprietary film, while others use more standard film types. Consider the cost and availability of the film type when making your decision.
Size and Design: Instant cameras come in a variety of sizes and designs, so consider whether you want a compact camera that can easily fit in a pocket or a larger camera with a more professional look.
Table of Contents
10 Best Instant Cameras
1. Polaroid Now
Camera specifications:
- Film Format: Type Instant
- Dimensions: LxWxH 4.4 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches
- Minimum Shutter Speed: 1 seconds
- Weight: 1.3 lbs.
- USB charging: Yes (via cable)
- Battery: Rechargeable
I believe the best instant camera is the Polaroid Now.
If you are feeling nostalgic and prefer to keep special photos in between book pages or inside your wallet, then the latest Polaroid Originals Now is a perfect choice.
It feels like your mom’s old instant camera – only better.
Considered by many as the best instant camera, it now comes with autofocus that makes it easier to spot subjects and produce sharp results.
Plus, the Polaroid prints can last longer. It even has a timer so you can properly pose for a selfie or a groupie with friends.
You can charge it via USB or have a battery to power the camera. It is best for city or overseas traveling given its lightweight construction.
You can bring it along with you during a night out or when backpacking.
It is also a popular choice for day and night photos with its updated flash system. Now you can document sudden meet-ups with old pals or give crisp photo souvenirs to new friends.
This camera is available in different vibrant colors allowing you to showcase your style and personality.
You may opt for a minimalist white or a bright version.
Polaroid Now uses Color 600 film and Color Wave Edition film. The downside to this instant camera is that it’s a bit pricey for a plastic camera.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Can be battery-operated or USB charged
- Comes with a timer
- Lightweight at 1.3 lbs.
My Cons With This Camera:
- Needs to be refilled with a film
- Doesn’t come with a lens cap
2. LByzHan Instant Print Camera for Boys and Girls
Camera specifications:
- Battery: 1600 mAh built-in
- Max resolution: 24MP
- SD card: Yes (up to 32GB)
- USB charging: Yes (cable provided)
- Video modes: 1080P HD
The best budget instant camera is the LByzHan Instant Print Camera for Boys and Girls.
If you’re looking for the best instant camera for your kids or even for yourself, the LByzHan Instant Print Camera for Boys and Girls is a good pick for several reasons.
Some users consider this as the best choice for young children given its user-friendly design.
Users only need to click six buttons on this device and they can already do a lot of things with it.
The LByzHan Instant Print Camera is not like your old polaroid film camera. Unlike other instant cameras, it is multi-functional equipment.
It can record HD videos, take good photos, and print black and white photos instantly. On top of that, it also prints fast.
Before printing the images, you can select from 9 backgrounds to make their photos even more interesting.
Is it the perfect instant camera for everyone? There are a few things that you might not like about this instant camera.
For starters, you can’t transfer videos or photos wirelessly. Next, you are limited to just black and white prints.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes clear photos and HD videos
- Uses thermal paper that can be refilled
- Comes with (9) photo backgrounds
My Cons With This Camera:
- Prints black and white photos
- Photos and videos cannot be transferred wirelessly
3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera
Camera specifications:
- Format: Instant
- Dimensions: LxWxH 4.01 x 2.55 x 4.72 inches
- Weight: 434g
- Max Shutter Speed: 1/250 seconds
- Focal Length: 94.96 – 102.35mm
- Battery: Yes (built-in)
There are many reasons why Fujifilm Instax Mini is that popular among instant camera aficionados.
Sleek and stylish, these are some of the things that you can expect from Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 40.
On top of that, it gives a distinct result that you don’t get from other cameras.
It is a redesigned version of the classic Fujifilm Instax that people loved over the years.
The goal of Fuji for this redesigned model is to match the vibrant lifestyle of the current generation.
It is colored in black with premium silver accents that go with any style for any occasion.
It only weighs a pound with a height of fewer than 5 inches. This makes it easy to carry around during parties, work events, and even during weddings.
It also has automatic focus, shutter speed, and brightness, so you can create instant photo prints of superior quality.
It is the best instant camera for taking selfies. It has a built-in button, strategically located at the front so you can properly line yourself for the perfect angle.
See how the rest of the group looks as you preview the shot, through the selfie mirror.
The only thing that you might not like about this instant camera is that you can’t turn off its flash.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Compact and lightweight
- Great for taking photos at night (auto-brightness and shutter speed)
- Built-in selfie mirror
My Cons With This Camera:
- No tripod socket
- Automatic flash cannot be turned off
4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Camera specifications:
- Film Format: Instant
- Dimensions: LxWxH 8.2 x 6.2 x 4.8 inches
- Weight: 1.38 Pounds
- Image size: 62 x 46mm
- Lens: f = 60 mm, 1:12.7
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the best instant camera for a lot of users. For starters, you can expect a compact design that you can easily keep in your purse.
You can bring it to school events, office functions, and even family reunions without being too bulky around your neck or inside your bag.
With photos that come out instantly, you can write notes or encourage loved ones to write you a message on the Instax films!
At 1.3 pounds, it is a great option for people who plan on traveling light. It is also great for kids who can’t carry a bulky camera.
It’s a good alternative to some instant cameras that tend to consume a lot of space in a person’s bag.
It also comes in different colors, so you may choose the color that matches your personality.
Though you will have to set up the exposure manually, it does well even in low-light situations. This camera also operates with AA batteries.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Good price point
- Equipped with a selfie mirror
- Operates with AA batteries
- Great for low-light situations
My Cons With This Camera:
- Exposure needs to be set manually
5. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Lens specifications:
- Format Type: Instant
- Picture Size: 62 mm x 62 mm/2.4 in.x 2.4 in.
- Lens: Retractable, f = 65.75 mm, 1:12.6
- Shooting modes: Auto, Selfie, Macro, Landscape, Double exposure
- Dimensions: 118.7 mm x 128.1 mm x 58.1 mm/4.7 in. x 5.0 in. x 2.3 in.
- Weight: 393 g/13.9 oz.
The Instax Square SQ6 is Fujifilm’s take for those who love to take artistic shots.
Its features include auto exposure and double exposure giving you the freedom to play around with the camera.
The film comes in square format. This camera allows you to just point at the subject and shoot.
No more deciding if the moment should be shot in portrait or landscape mode, given that the film gives a vintage and cold feel.
To make your images even more interesting, you may choose among orange, purple, and green filters.
All of which are included in the package.
As for its weight, it only weighs 0.5 lbs. You can easily put it in your purse or your sling bag as you take instant street photos.
And in case you’re going to shoot a group, it comes with a tripod mount.
The biggest downside to the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 camera is the fact that it uses Cr2 batteries. It’s usually more expensive than AA batteries.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Lightweight design
- Colors on Instax films are more vibrant and consistent
- Has double exposure mode
My Cons With This Camera:
- Cr2 batteries are more expensive
- No memory card option
6. Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera
Camera specifications:
- Camera Type: Analog
- Dimensions: 2.4 by 3.3 by 5.9 inches
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- SD Card: Polaroid Go
- Lens: 35mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 34mm
- Image stabilization: No
- USB: Yes (micro)
If you love the vintage feel of your Polaroid films, then the Polaroid Go might be a good choice for you.
It functions the same as the standard Polaroid camera, but is built in a way that fits your hand!
It is so small that it can fit in a small bag or even in your child’s hands.
Some even consider it as the best instant camera today since it comes with different features such as double feature functionality that allows you to overlap multiple shots.
It is also cost-efficient since you can have it charged using a USB. It also has a reflective coating and a self-timer that make it ideal for taking selfies.
Unfortunately, there are a few things to watch out for. This camera is known for producing underexposed shots.
It means that you might waste a few films in the process if you are not yet sure how to use the camera.
The good news is that you can turn on the flash manually if you are shooting in low-light situations.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Double Exposure Feature
- Self-Timer
- Only weighs 0.3 kg
My Cons With This Camera:
- Known for producing underexposed shots
- Flash needs to be manually turned off for outdoor shots
7. Dragon Touch InstantFun Instant Print Camera
Camera specifications:
- Screen: 2-inch color screen
- Shooting modes: 26MP & 1080P HD
- USB charging: Yes (Type-C USB)
- Weight: 1.08 pounds
- SD Card: up to 32G
- Battery: 1000mAh
- Video modes: FHD, HD
- Image modes: 26MP, 12MP, 8MP, 5MP, 3MP, 1MP
Far from other instant cameras that we’ve featured, the Dragon Touch InstantFun camera isn’t exactly designed for travel or documentation.
Instead, it’s an instant camera that is aimed at introducing children to the world of photography.
It comes with a 2-inch screen, 5 easy-to-understand buttons, and even an anti-drop design that is perfect for children.
This can print over 750 photos. And for a toy camera, produces above-average results via its thermal printer. Also, it has a video recording capability that is handy when taking selfies.
For parents, you should watch out if the paper ran out and if the thermal printer is still running. Some users noted that the unit became too hot.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Great for kids
- Easy to use
- Records videos
- Can print over 750 photos
My Cons With This Camera:
- Uses a thermal printer
8. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
Camera specifications:
- Camera type: Instant mini
- Photo Picture Size: 62mm x 46mm
- Lens: 35mm f=60mm, 1:12.7
- Dimensions & Weight: 107.6mm × 121.2mm × 67.3mm / 293g
- Lens type: retraceable
The Instax Mini 11 is among the best in the Instax lineup. It can process photos in 90 seconds. It only weighs 1.4 pounds.
It is the best instant camera for beginners as it comes with automatic exposure and chooses the best shutter speed depending on the environment.
You also do not have to worry about taking snaps in a dark background. But since the flash is always turned on, it can also drain the batteries faster than expected.
The camera comes in (5) pastel colors, Sky Blue, Lilac Purple, Ice White, Charcoal Gray, and Blush Pink.
You can even customize your shutter button by choosing between the provided Jewel button and or a Glow button.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Prints photos fast
- Available in different colors
- Great for beginners
My Cons With This Camera:
- Flash is always turned on
9. Kodak Printomatic Camera
Camera specifications:
- Lens type: wide-angle
- Image sensor: 5MP
- Lens: 8mm
- Max aperture: f/2
- Battery: built-in rechargeable
- SD card: Yes (microSD up to 32GB)
- Weight: 0.625 lb
- Dimensions: (LxWxH) 6.25 x 6 x 2.25″
Kodak Printomatic Camera allows you to capture a new moment while printing the previous photo that you took less than a minute ago.
It is equipped with a 5MP camera that gives you sharp images on your 2”x3” printouts.
It also has automatic focus so you will surely capture moments exactly as you’ve seen them.
This comes with Zero Ink Technology that makes print cartridges, ink, and toner unnecessary.
Printouts are smudge-free, waterproof, and tear-resistant so you can keep your photos for a long time.
It also has an adhesive back in case you would want to paste it on your journal or laptop.
Lastly, it allows a micro SD card to be inserted so you can transfer your favorite images to other devices.
The only small flaw that you might not like is that the button is a bit too sensitive. There are instances when accidental shots happen.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Zero Ink Technology
- Photos are smudge-free, waterproof, tear-resistant, and adhesive-backed
- An instant camera that allows a micro SD card
My Cons With This Camera:
- The shoot button may be too sensitive
10. Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro
Camera specifications:
- Format Type: Instant
- Dimensions: LxWxH 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.97 inches
- Weight: 340 Grams
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Picture size: 2.1 by 3.4 inches
The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro can print images not just for this device, but also from your mobile phone!
All you need to do is download the Kodak Instant Printer application on your mobile phone.
The app also allows you to edit your photos before printing so you can personalize your photo and place it in your wallet, scrapbook, or photo frame.
The photos are also of premium Kodak quality.
Since the images are printed on multiple layers of ribbon, the printouts are fingerprint-proof and water-resistant so you can enjoy your photos for as long as you want.
Unfortunately, you will need to insert the cartridge manually once it runs out.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Provides premium quality photos
- Instantly prints photos taken from a mobile phone
- User-friendly app
My Cons With This Camera:
- The cartridge needs to be manually inserted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Instant Camera?
But for starters, what’s an instant camera? It’s a camera that will take and print photos in just a few seconds. It comes with a self-developing mechanism that can give you vintage prints.
What are Instant Cameras Used For?
It can be used for different things. It can be used for collecting your memorabilia or even for designing your room.
Why are Instant Cameras Popular?
Over the years, the polaroid instant camera became popular because people no longer need to go to a lab to get their photos developed. Today, a cheap instant camera can give you vintage-looking prints perfect for your wall, documentation, or even in your photo album.
What is the Difference Between a Polaroid Camera and an Instant Camera?
A Polaroid camera is a type of instant camera that uses Polaroid film to produce instant, self-developing prints. An instant camera is any camera that produces instant prints, but not all instant cameras use Polaroid film. Some newer instant cameras use inkjet or other printing technology to produce prints.
Concluding Remarks
Hope you enjoyed this buyer’s guide on the best instant cameras.
Nowadays, instant cameras aren’t always cheap toy cameras for kids. There are instant cameras that can come in handy for documenting your latest travel adventure.
Some cameras will also make it easier for you to build your scrapbook or design your room.
The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from. But be sure to compare at least three of these cameras before you decide to buy one.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
