Instant cameras are cool again! They let you take a picture and see it print right away. In a world where most photos stay on our phones, holding a real photo feels extra special. That’s why everyone, young and old, loves instant cameras.
Using an instant camera is super easy. You don’t need to be an expert. Just point, click, and in seconds, you have a picture in your hand. Each photo looks unique, with a cool, vintage style that makes every shot feel special.
These cameras are great for parties, trips, or just fun times with friends. They make it easy to capture memories in a fun way. Whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, instant cameras add a bit of magic to your pictures. So, if you want to keep your memories, an instant camera is a great choice.
Best Instant Cameras in 2024
Polaroid Now+ – The Best Instant Camera for Big Pictures
The Polaroid Now+ is great for those who love the classic Polaroid look but want more options to play with. The Bluetooth connection lets you control the camera with your phone, adding fun features like double exposure. It’s a bit big and the film costs more, but the large, vintage-style prints make it worth considering for creative photography lovers.
| Specifications | Lens: 35-40mm Focus: Autofocus Flash: Built-in Self-timer: Yes (use with the app) Film Type: Polaroid 600 & Polaroid i-Type |
| Reasons to Buy | + Bigger Pictures + Fun App Features |
| Reasons to Avoid | – Film Costs More – A Bit Big |
| Buy It If | Don’t Buy It If |
|---|---|
| ✅ You Want Bigger Pictures: The prints are large and perfect for showing off. | ❌ You Have a Small Budget: The cost of film can add up quickly. |
| ✅ You Love Creative Modes: The app gives you lots of options to make your photos unique. | ❌ You Need a Pocket Camera: The Polaroid Now+ is a bit too big for easy carrying. |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 – The Best Instant Camera for Fun Travel Photos
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is perfect for travelers who want to capture instant memories. It’s easy to use, light, and fun, making it a great choice for anyone looking to snap quick, colorful photos on the go. While the image quality might not be top-notch, the fun factor makes it a great travel companion.
| Specifications | Lens: 60mm f/12.7 Close-up Mode: Yes, for selfies and close-up shots Flash: Built-in, always on Film Type: Fujifilm Instax Mini |
| Reasons to Buy | + Easy to Use + Light and Portable + Fun Design |
| Reasons to Avoid | – Flash Always On – Basic Image Quality |
| Buy It If | Don’t Buy It If |
|---|---|
| ✅ You Want Simple Fun: The Instax Mini 12 is great for capturing fun moments on your trips. | ❌ You Want Super Clear Photos: If you need sharp and detailed images, this might not be the best choice. |
| ✅ You Need a Camera That’s Easy to Carry: It’s light and small, so you can take it anywhere. | ❌ You Want to Control the Flash: The flash is always on, which might not work for all situations. |
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo – The Best Instant Camera for Creative Travel Shots
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is perfect for travelers who want to mix the fun of instant photography with the convenience of digital. It’s light, portable, and packed with creative options, making it a great companion for capturing and sharing travel memories on the go.
| Specifications | Lens: 28mm f/2.0 Sensor: 4.9MP CMOS Display: 3-inch LCD (not touchscreen) Battery Life: Up to 100 shots per charge Connectivity: Bluetooth for smartphone pairing Storage: Built-in memory for 45 images, expandable via microSD |
| Reasons to Buy | + Hybrid Design + Creative Control + Smartphone Integration |
| Reasons to Avoid | – Limited Digital Quality – Complex Interface |
| Buy It If | Don’t Buy It If |
|---|---|
| ✅ You Want Creative Freedom: The 100 filters and effects let you get creative with every shot. | ❌ You Need High-Res Digital Photos: The 4.9MP sensor might not satisfy if you need sharp digital images. |
| ✅ You Love Instant and Digital: You can enjoy the best of both worlds with this hybrid camera. | ❌ You Want Simple Operation: The many features might overwhelm someone who prefers a straightforward camera. |
Polaroid Go – The Best Small Instant Camera for Fun Moments
The Polaroid Go is perfect if you want a small, easy-to-use camera that you can take anywhere. It’s fun to use and great for making quick, creative snapshots. However, if you need bigger prints or better performance in low light, you might want to consider other options.
| Specifications | Lens: 34mm fixed-focus lens Film Type: Polaroid Go film (small format) Flash: Built-in, can turn on or off Battery Life: Lasts for up to 120 photos, charges with USB-C |
| Reasons to Buy | + Very Small + Fun Photo Options + Cool Retro Look |
| Reasons to Avoid | – Not Great in Low Light – Small Prints |
| Buy It If | Don’t Buy It If |
|---|---|
| ✅ You Want a Tiny Camera: This camera is easy to carry because it’s so small. It’s great for travel or just keeping in your bag. | ❌ You Want Bigger Photos: The prints are small, so if you prefer larger pictures, you might want a different camera. |
| ✅ You Like Instant Photos: Take a picture and print it right away with that classic Polaroid look. | ❌ You Need Clear Photos in Low Light: The camera struggles when it’s dark, so it’s better for taking pictures during the day. |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 – The Best Instant Camera for Creative Photos
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is the best choice if you want to get creative with your instant photos. It’s fun to use, looks great, and has lots of features that let you take different kinds of pictures. However, it’s not the best for taking pictures outside on sunny days, so keep that in mind if you like outdoor photography. Overall, this camera is perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with their photos and wants something that stands out.
| Specifications | Lens: 60mm, f/12.7 Film Type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film Battery Life: Takes up to 100 pictures before needing a recharge Modes: Includes close-up, double exposure, and long exposure |
| Reasons to Buy | + Fun Photo Options + Retro Look + Good for Indoors |
| Reasons to Avoid | – Not the Best in Sunlight – Small Viewfinder |
| Buy It If | Don’t Buy It If |
|---|---|
| ✅ You Love Being Creative: The different modes let you try new things with your photos. It’s a great camera for making your pictures look unique. | ❌ You Take Lots of Outdoor Photos: If you often take pictures outside in bright light, this camera might not give you the best results. |
| ✅ You Like Retro Style: The camera’s vintage design makes it look as good as the pictures it takes. | ❌ You Want Easy Framing: The small viewfinder might make it tricky to get your shot just right. |
Kodak Smile – The Best Instant Camera for Fun, Quick Photos
The Kodak Smile is a great choice if you want a fun, easy camera that you can take anywhere. It’s perfect for quick snapshots and lets you keep your memories both in print and digitally. While it doesn’t have the best image quality, it’s simple to use and perfect for capturing everyday moments.
| Specifications | Sensor: 10MP Film Type: Kodak Zink photo paper (2×3 inches) Battery Life: Rechargeable, lasts through multiple prints Storage: MicroSD slot for saving photos |
| Reasons to Buy | + Small and Easy to Carry + Easy to Use + Save Your Photos |
| Reasons to Avoid | – No Screen for Previewing – Photos Could Be Sharper |
| Buy It If | Don’t Buy It If |
|---|---|
| ✅ You Want Something Simple: The Kodak Smile is easy for anyone to use, even kids. You just point, shoot, and print. | ❌ You Need Super Sharp Photos: If you want really clear and detailed pictures, this camera might not be the best choice. |
| ✅ You Like Both Print and Digital: You can print photos right away and save them on a memory card. | ❌ You Like to See Your Photo First: Without a preview screen, you might not always get the shot you want. |
How to Pick the Best Instant Camera for You
Picking the best instant camera depends on what you need. Here’s a quick guide:
- For Creative Photos: Choose the Polaroid Now+ or Fujifilm Instax Mini 90. The Polaroid Now+ lets you add effects through your phone. The Instax Mini 90 offers modes like double exposure for unique pictures.
- For Easy Use: Go with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 or Kodak Smile. The Instax Mini 12 is simple—just point and shoot. The Kodak Smile lets you edit before printing, so you don’t waste film.
- For Portability: Pick the Polaroid Go. It’s the smallest instant camera, perfect for travel, while still giving you that classic Polaroid look.
- For Digital and Print: The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is your best bet. You can preview photos before printing and use filters to make your shots stand out.
Each camera offers something special, so think about what’s most important to you and choose the one that fits your needs.
What’s the Best Film for Your Instant Camera?
Choosing the right film for your instant camera is simple:
- Polaroid Film (i-Type and 600): Use Polaroid film for the Polaroid Now+ and Polaroid Go. It gives you bright colors and a vintage look, but it can be expensive and tricky in bright light.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Film: For Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, Mini Evo, and Mini 90, go with Instax Mini film. It’s affordable and produces clear, credit card-sized photos, great for quick, fun snapshots.
- Zink Photo Paper: The Kodak Smile uses Zink paper, which is smudge-proof and waterproof. It’s cheaper but less vibrant than Polaroid or Instax.
Pick Polaroid for a classic feel, Instax for bright and fun photos, and Zink for durable, budget-friendly prints.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Instant Camera
Choosing the best instant camera depends on what you need. If you enjoy being creative, the Polaroid Now+ or Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 are good picks. For something easy, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 or Kodak Smile are simple to use. If you want a small camera to take anywhere, choose the Polaroid Go. For both digital and print photos, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is your best option. Each camera has its strengths, so pick the one that fits your style best.