Finding the best instant camera involves pinpointing a quality, convenient, and easy-to-use camera. There has been an increase in the popularity of instant cameras in the last five years. And there are even new ones being released this year!
To find the best instant camera, you should consider the print quality, performance, and price. So we have reviewed all available options to give you our top 9 picks. Our first choice is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13. This is because of its great portability, superb image quality, and extra features, all for a very reasonable price.
What Is the Best Instant Camera?
The best instant camera overall is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13: cheap, pocket-sized, and fully automatic. For a wider range of prices and formats, see our full list below.
Here is a quick roundup table of our top choices. You can go to our buyer’s guide and FAQ section if you’re looking for more info about instant cameras.
How to Choose an Instant Camera
Three things separate the cameras on this list. Work through them in order and the shortlist picks itself.
Start with film format, because it sets what every print costs you. Instax Mini prints are credit-card sized and the cheapest film here to run, at around $1.12 a shot. That covers the Instax Mini 13, the Mini LiPlay, and the Lomo’Instant Automat. Polaroid prints are bigger and cost more, about $1.36 a shot for the Polaroid Go and $2.37 for the Polaroid Now. The Instax Square SQ1 sits between the two formats.
Then decide how much control you want. Most of these cameras are point-and-shoot and nothing else. The Polaroid I-2 is the only one here with selectable apertures, shutter speeds, and a full manual mode. The Lomo’Instant Automat is the only one with exposure compensation and multiple exposures.
Last, choose film or digital. The Kodak Mini Shot 3 and the Kodak Printomatic are digital cameras with a printer inside, so you see a shot on screen before you spend paper on it, and their prints cost about $0.63 each. The Mini LiPlay does the same thing but prints on real Instax film.
9 Best Instant Cameras
Read on to find out more about each camera in detail.
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 13
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Focal Length |
Focal Length
60mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
327 g
|
| Colors |
Colors
Candy pink, frost blue, clay white, lagoon green, dreamy purple
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Fujifilm Instax Mini
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Easy to operate, auto exposure and flash, 2- and 10-second self-timer, selfie mirror, parallax correction
|
| Best For |
Best For
People looking for a cheap but very capable instant camera
|
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 is the newest instant camera on our list. The hugely successful Instax Mini range is so popular I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve seen them being used in public.
It produces 2 x 3-inch prints that eject automatically and take about 90 seconds to develop. The electronic shutter, the flash output, and the exposure all adjust to the ambient light on their own, so you just point and shoot.
You twist the lens to turn the camera on, then twist it again for Close-Up Mode, which focuses from 0.3 to 0.5 m for selfies and small subjects. The big addition is a built-in self-timer. An LED-equipped lever switches between 2- and 10-second settings, so you can set the camera down for group shots or use the short timer to cut blur from handheld selfies.
Rangefinder cameras don’t allow you to view through the lens. So when shooting close up, it can be hard to frame. But the viewfinder has parallax correction for Close-Up Mode to ensure the whole subject is in the frame!
The Instax Mini 13 still has a selfie mirror and is perfect for taking pictures with friends. Even the wrist strap is clever. It doubles as an angle-adjustment stand that tilts the camera slightly upward, so the self-timer works without a tripod. And the Instax Mini series does an exceptional job of ensuring the whole frame is correctly exposed, even when using the flash at night!
Considering all these points, this is the best instant camera for simple and detailed photographs. The trade-off is control. The flash fires on every shot, and there are no manual exposure settings. Photographers who want to pick an aperture should look at the Polaroid I-2 further down. And you can buy a variety of fun Instax Mini film packs with different borders.
2. Polaroid Go Generation 3
| Brand |
Brand
Polaroid
|
| Focal Length |
Focal Length
63.75mm
|
| Aperture |
Aperture
f/14.4 and f/32
|
| Weight |
Weight
251.9 g
|
| Colors |
Colors
Purple, teal, light blue, white, black
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Polaroid Go
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
World's smallest analog instant camera, double exposure, self-timer, selfie mirror, rechargeable battery good for up to 15 film packs
|
| Best For |
Best For
Kids, families, or those who want a very portable instant camera
|
The Polaroid Go Generation 3 is the world’s smallest analog instant camera. But despite its size, it is packed with special features. It can take double exposures and has a self-timer and a tiny selfie mirror.
This is the best instant camera if you are looking for portability. It weighs 251.9 g without film and measures 106.5 x 83.8 x 64.6 mm, so it really does disappear into a coat pocket. And it’s ideal for travel photography or even day trips!
This instant camera is super simple to operate. So the whole family can take pictures with it. This makes it the perfect instant camera to bring to a party with your friends. And it’s also perfect for kids who are starting in photography. The third-generation model also has a stronger flash than the earlier Go cameras, which is exactly what a dim party room asks for.
Polaroid is the most famous brand for instant cameras. So you can trust that the Polaroid Go is up to scratch. I recommend this camera for people who want to take their instant camera everywhere! Its rechargeable battery runs for up to 15 film packs between charges, and you can buy Polaroid Go instant film separately with white or black frames.
The print is where you pay for that size. Go film is the smallest format on this list, and at about $21.79 for 16 shots it works out near $1.36 a print. The lens is fixed focus with only two apertures, so there is nothing to adjust. Anyone who wants to frame carefully or control a shot should look at the Polaroid I-2 further down instead.
3. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Focal Length |
Focal Length
65.75mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
394 g
|
| Colors |
Colors
Glacier blue, terracotta orange, chalk white
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Instax Square
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Automatic exposure, selfie mode, stylish design, prints in seconds
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginner photographers and printing retro-looking square photos
|
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is not only stylish but also comes with several creative features. And as its name suggests, the SQ1 instant film comes in a 1:1 square format.
This instant camera features automatic exposure control. This function allows you to get better shots in low-light conditions. And it brightens both the subject and the background at the same time.
And its selfie mode automatically adjusts exposure and focal length. This helps to frame the shot thanks to the attached selfie mirror. This also works great for close-up photography!
The Instax Square SQ1 operates similarly to the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13. You turn the lens to turn on the camera. And you can then turn the lens some more to activate the selfie mode.
I recommend this camera to photographers who love the square aesthetic, like Instagram’s. Its simple operation makes it a brilliant choice for beginners. And the available colors make it the perfect camera to match your preferred aesthetic.
Two things to weigh before you buy it. Beyond its automatic exposure the SQ1 has no settings at all, so a badly exposed shot is a wasted print. And square Instax film costs more per print than the Mini film the Instax Mini 13 uses. If you want the bigger square print, that is what you are paying for. If you mostly want cheap prints, stay with the Mini format.
4. Polaroid Now 3rd Generation
| Brand |
Brand
Polaroid
|
| Aperture |
Aperture
f/11 to f/64 (six settings)
|
| Weight |
Weight
448 g
|
| Colors |
Colors
Teal, pink, coral, arctic blue, purple, yellow, pebble white, black
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Polaroid i-Type, Polaroid 600
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Two-zone autofocus (0.4-1.3 m and 1 m to infinity), double exposure, self-timer, tripod mount, rechargeable battery good for up to 15 film packs
|
| Best For |
Best For
Polaroid lovers who want the classic square print with modern autofocus
|
The Polaroid Now 3rd Generation is the instant camera on our list with the best exposure and image quality. This is the best Polaroid camera for photography.
It’s another fantastic option to bring your camera on a trip. The rechargeable battery runs for up to 15 film packs, around 120 photos, between charges. So a weekend away will not flatten it.
Its autofocus works by switching between two focus zones, 0.4 to 1.3 m and 1 m to infinity. So it picks the right one for a portrait or a wider scene without you thinking about it. And six apertures from f/11 to f/64 let it meter properly in bright sun as well as indoors, which is why its exposures are the most consistent here.
This instant camera is also a good option for double exposures. And this Polaroid model also has a handy self-timer and a tripod mount, so you can get yourself into the group shot.
Due to its image quality and multiple features, the Polaroid Now is one of the best Polaroid cameras you can buy. It shoots both Polaroid i-Type film and Polaroid 600 film, with black-and-white or color borders, so you are not locked to one stock. That film is also the reason to think twice. An i-Type pack is about $18.99 for 8 shots, roughly $2.37 a print, which is more than twice the cost of shooting Instax. And at 448 g this is the heaviest camera here, so if you want something for a jacket pocket, the Polaroid Go Generation 3 above is the better buy.
5. Lomography LomoâInstant Automat
| Brand |
Brand
Lomography
|
| Focal Length |
Focal Length
60mm (35mm equivalent)
|
| Weight |
Weight
355 g
|
| Colors |
Colors
Black
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Instax Mini
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
4 lenses, built-in flash, exposure compensation, multiple and long exposures, color gel filters, remote control
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want creative, experimental instant camera features
|
The Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat is the best camera for instant wide-angle photography. It’s unique because it has 4 types of lenses. It has a built-in 35mm-equivalent lens, and a close-up, fish-eye, and wide-angle lens!
This instant camera has many special features that make it a great choice. This includes a large aperture, exposure compensation, and a remote control shutter release. And it is the perfect choice if you are looking for creative features.
You can take multiple- or long-exposure shots in Bulb mode. It comes with a Splitzer attachment that shields the lens for interesting “slice-and-dice” photos. And it has color gel flash filters.
The Lomo’Instant Automat delivers pocket-sized prints. And it uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film. I suggest this instant camera for photographers who want a serious instant camera.
Of course, this level of an instant camera comes at a higher price. So it may be best for people who take photos on instant cameras most of the time.
6. Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Focal Length |
Focal Length
28mm (35mm equivalent)
|
| Aperture |
Aperture
f/2
|
| Weight |
Weight
255 g
|
| Colors |
Colors
Elegant Black, Stone White, Blush Gold
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Instax Mini
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Hybrid digital sensor with LCD preview, built-in microphone for 10-second sound clips linked to each print via QR code, Bluetooth printing from your phone, selfie mode and mirror
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a hybrid digital-and-instant camera with extra creative features
|
The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid instant camera. It shoots digitally first and lets you pick which shots become prints, so you are not burning film on a shot you have not seen yet.
That matters if you dislike the gamble of a fully analog camera. The LiPlay has a small screen on the back, so you frame and check the shot before you commit to printing it, a genuine advantage over the fully optical cameras elsewhere on this list.
It weighs 255 g, uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film, and has a built-in microphone that records a 10-second sound clip with each shot. Scan the print's QR code later and the clip plays back. It also prints wirelessly from your phone over Bluetooth, so it doubles as a pocket photo printer.
The catch is price and simplicity: at around $190, it costs roughly double the Instax Mini 13 above, and the screen and app add a menu to learn. If you just want to point, shoot, and hold a print, the Instax Mini 13 does that job for less.
7. Polaroid I-2
| Focal Length |
Focal Length
98mm (38mm full-frame equivalent)
|
| Aperture |
Aperture
f/8-f/64
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Polaroid i-Type, 600, SX-70
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
LiDAR autofocus, 6 shooting modes including full manual and aperture priority, shutter speeds 1/250s-30s
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want full manual control and the sharpest prints of any instant camera
|
The Polaroid I-2 is Polaroid’s flagship instant camera, and it is built for photographers who found every other camera on this list too automatic.
It has a LiDAR autofocus system and seven selectable apertures from f/8 to f/64, plus six shooting modes including full manual and aperture priority. Shutter speeds run from 1/250 s to a 30-second Bulb mode, so you can shoot light painting and long exposures, not just snapshots.
It is also the most flexible camera here on film: it shoots Polaroid i-Type, 600, and SX-70 film, so you are not locked into one format.
None of that comes cheap. This bundle runs to around $730 with film included, by far the most expensive camera on this list, and the manual controls take real practice to use well. If you just want a print in five seconds with zero thinking, look at the Instax Mini 13 at the top of this list instead.
8. Kodak Mini Shot 3
| Brand |
Brand
Kodak
|
| Focal Length |
Focal Length
70mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
400 g
|
| Colors |
Colors
Yellow and black
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Kodak 3 x 3-inch film
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
10 MP resolution, easy, one-button operation, Bluetooth for portable printing and photo sharing, creative filters with an app, cost-saving film
|
| Best For |
Best For
Casual photographers or those who enjoy playing with filters
|
The Mini Shot 3 is a great instant camera from the photography giant Kodak. This instant camera has a slim design that produces square images. It comes in bundles that include the Kodak 3 x 3-inch film.
One of the biggest selling points of this instant camera is that it also functions as a portable polaroid printer! This means you can print out photos taken on your camera phone.
I also like that the instant camera shows you your photo before you print it out. This means you can check to see if it is blurry or not! At this point, you can also apply some creative filters to your images with the Kodak printer app.
Kodak claims this instant camera and film are more cost-effective over time than any other. So this is worth considering if you plan to use your instant camera daily.
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 is a perfect instant camera for casual photographers. I suggest it for people who like to make fun edits to their photos. And it also suits people who want to print multiple photos and hand them to friends!
Just know that this is not really a film camera. Like the Kodak Printomatic below, it is a digital camera with a printer built in, so there is no negative and no one-of-a-kind print. Its 4PASS refills do work out at about $0.63 a print, the cheapest running cost on this list. But if the appeal of an instant camera is the film itself, buy the Instax Mini 13 or the Polaroid Now instead.
9. Kodak Printomatic
| Brand |
Brand
Zink
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
5 MP
|
| Print Size |
Print Size
2 x 3 inch (Zink, sticker-back)
|
| Print Time |
Print Time
About 50 seconds
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Digital sensor with LCD preview before printing, no ink required, compact and lightweight
|
| Best For |
Best For
Casual photographers and kids who want a cheap, disposable-feeling instant camera
|
The Kodak Printomatic takes a different approach to instant photography: it is a digital camera with a built-in Zink printer, not a film camera.
Because the sensor is digital, you see every shot on a small preview before it prints, and you can skip the ones you do not want: no wasted film, unlike every analog camera above.
It has a 5-megapixel sensor, prints self-adhesive 2 x 3-inch photos in about 50 seconds, and needs no ink: Zink paper develops its own color when heated. At roughly $65, it is also the cheapest camera on this list.
The trade-off is print quality: Zink prints are noticeably softer and less color-accurate than genuine Instax or Polaroid film. Treat this as a fun, low-cost option for parties and kids, not a camera for anyone who cares about the print itself.
Instant Camera Buyer’s Guide (FAQs)
We hope our answers to these top questions about instant cameras will help you find the right camera.
What Is the Best Instant Camera for My Money?
The cheapest camera on our list is the Kodak Printomatic at roughly $65, but it prints on Zink paper rather than true instant film. Among the true film cameras, the Polaroid Go Generation 3 and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 are the two cheapest to buy, at around $90 each.
But the camera is the small cost. Film is where the money goes. Instax Mini film works out at around $1.12 a shot and Polaroid Go film about $1.36, while the i-Type film the Polaroid Now takes is roughly $2.37 a print. Kodak's 4PASS paper for the Mini Shot 3 is the cheapest of the lot at about $0.63 a print. So that camera is worth considering if you plan on using your instant camera a lot.
The Polaroid Go instant camera in action
What Features Should I Look for When Buying an Instant Camera?
You will want to look for features that match your shooting style the most. A flash is handy in multiple situations and photographic genres.
If you plan to take pictures of yourself with your friends, ensure your instant camera has a selfie mode. Some cameras on this list even have a mirror to help you frame yourself as best as possible.
Another important factor to consider is the camera’s usability. If you plan on buying a camera for the whole family, you will want one with fully automatic features. This allows you to simply point and shoot.
What Is the Difference Between an Instant Camera and a Digital Camera?
An instant camera will print an image as soon as you have taken a photo. Some new instant cameras let you see the photo before you print. But instant cameras will always give you a physical copy of your photo.
People find this instant photography more special as it produces a one-of-a-kind photo that cannot be recreated. But some newer instant cameras with internal memory let you print your picture more than once.
Digital cameras will not have a printing function. They will save your photos to a memory card, which you can access on a computer to edit and prepare for printing.
Conclusion: The Best Instant Camera
There are many options available to choose from as the best instant camera. But you should know that the image quality of the prints and features are not always the same. Some instant cameras are great for teenagers looking to snap some fun photos. Others are more suitable for instant photography fanatics.
Our top choice is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13. It has easy-to-operate features for photography and is fun for the whole family! But more serious photographers who want more manual options may want to look at the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay or the Polaroid I-2.
