Instant cameras are becoming more and more popular nowadays. In fact, there were reports that sales of instant cameras had increased by over 60% from the previous year.
Many well-known camera brands have jumped into the fray to release their own versions of best instant cameras. The good news is that you can continuously expect new models being released in an attempt to keep up with the ever-evolving technology.
An instant camera is a type of camera with self-developing film. This means that you can shoot images on special instants and then watch your photos develop in just minutes.
However, there are many modern best instant cameras out there, so it’s becoming increasingly difficult to choose the best one.
Top Pick
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
- Great price for instant photos
- Long battery life
- Sleek and stylish design
Budget Pick
Fuji Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
- Compact design
- Easy to use controls
Value to Money
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automatic Glass
- Can shoot long exposures up to 25 seconds
- Comes with a tripod
5 Best Instant Camera For Photography
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Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro
Main Features
Rating: 4.5
Photo Size: 2.1 x 3.4 Inch
Technology: 4Pass
Connectivity Type: Bluetooth
Weight: 0.88 lbs
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro instant camera is an ideal choice for getting instant photos on the go. Bring it with you everywhere and capture memories on-the-spot by easily snapping a photo and having it print out immediately in 2×3 size.
This powerful little instant camera (1.5 x 4 x 2 inches and weighing under 1 pound) will make your life easier, being small and lightweight enough to slip into a pocket or purse.
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro instant camera prints on special ZINK paper, which consists of dye crystals that transfer heat to activate the color.
This best instant camera comes in a 60-count pack and each 2×3 photo appears within 10 seconds, so it’s perfect for parties or other occasions where you want to print photos quickly and easily without ink cartridges or ribbons.
Structure and Handling
On the front of this instant camera is the lens, where you’ll find the focus ring that adjusts the clarity of your image.
Just behind it is a monochrome LCD screen that shows what mode you’re in (photo, video, or selfie) and functions like shutter speed, light value mode, self timer, etc.
It has a built-in flash which you can turn on and off by using the switch up top (on the left), as well as select between red eye reduction, red eye removal, and no flash modes.
The sleek design has a color lamination for vibrant colors, LED light indicator, slide-out print cartridge and compatibility with Bluetooth and NFC enabled devices (including iOS and Android smartphones).
It’s flexible too, because it can function wirelessly or with its own internal battery.
Image Quality
The Mini Shot 3 instant camera takes high-quality photos with resolutions up to 3872 x 2592 pixels.
They come out clear and in focus, thanks to the fixed f/2.8 lens system (50mm fixed focus) which is paired with an automatic digital zoom (4x).
You’ll get good shots even when there’s not enough light, thanks to the built-in flash and automatic light value mode.
The light value counts how much ambient light there is and adjusts photo exposure as a result.
This way, your photos aren’t too dark or washed out as they would be in low-light conditions with an amateur instant camera.
Pros
- Amazing portability
- High quality photo results
- User friendly Kodak App
- Value to money
- Best instant camera
Cons
- No Wifi
Verdict
In a nutshell, the Kodak Mini 3 Retro gives you the sensation of having your own personal photo studio with you at all times.
You can directly print high-resolution photographs from Instagram or your gallery straight from your smartphone with simple setup through this instant camera. The help for Kodak’s app allows you to get the most out of every shot.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
Main Features
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Dimensions: 107.6mm x 121. 2mmx 67. 3mm
- Resolution: 640 x 480 pixels
- Lens: 3.3mm, f/2.8
- Viewfinder: Real image viewfinder, 0.37x with target spot
- Memory Card Support: MicroSD/TransFlash (not included)
- Battery Type / Capacity : 3 AA Batteries (LR6), 1100 mAh (alkaline) or 800mAh (Ni-MH)
- Shutter Speeds: 1/60, 1/100, and 1/143 sec.
- Battery life: About 100 Instax mini photos
- Price: $52.95
- Image quality: High
- Operating temperature: 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
- Size (LWH): 3.75 inches, 4.4 inches, 2.6 inches
The Fujifilm Instax Mini is one of the best instant cameras you can buy. It has a compact design, making it easy to carry or fit inside your bag.
With the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11’s lightweight body, you can create credit card-sized photos perfect for placing on display in your home or office.
Fujifilm Instax Mini can produce two by 3-inch snapshots in just a matter of minutes.
Fujifilm Instax Mini also has easy-to-use controls and an automatic exposure adjustment to provide you with shots that require little or no editing at all.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Flash adds fun and excitement to your photo taking with its dazzling flash. It is perfect for outdoor use and will never leave you struggling to take a good picture.
You can expand the dynamic range of your shots by using this product’s built-in high-key mode and self timer function.
It comes with everything you need, including 3 AA size batteries, for instant picture taking at any time.
Build Quality and Handling
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a small, compact camera that comes in 5 colors. It’s designed to be simple and easy-to-use for the consumer market.
If you’re looking to get into instant photography, but don’t know how or where to start, Fujifilm Instax Mini is probably the best instant camera for you! The Instax Mini gets a score of 4.3 out of 5 in the DXO Mark rankings, which is higher than Fujifilm’s Instax 210.
It’s not quite as high as its cousin, the Mini 8, but almost close enough to call it a tie!
Image Quality
The image quality of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is generally good, although it has some flaws that might be annoying depending on your use case.
Fujifilm Instax Mini uses print film that is slightly less wide than the Fujifilm Instax Mini film, resulting in image borders being somewhat larger.
The images are sharp and vivid with good contrast. They show moderate noise when enlarged, but overall even high ISO shots look nice.
If you want to scan your images or share them online with friends, you will be happy to know that the Instax Mini 11 produces no color or contrast shifts in scanning and sharing, unlike older Instax cameras and here fujifilm instax mini film helps too.
Pros
- Great price for instant photos
- Long battery life
- Sleek and stylish design
- Improved auto exposure
Cons
- Selfie mode is little fragile
Verdict
The Fujifilm Instax Mini is a great instant camera as it is easy to use and creates high-quality images. With this product, you can instantly print your favorite pictures from any special occasion or event.
This instant camera is the perfect choice for those who want to have a good time capturing their favorite memories with family and friends.
Fuji Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
Main Features
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.7 x 3 inches
- Resolution: 640 x 480 pixels (300,000 pixels)
- Lens: 60mm, f/12.7
- Viewfinder: Real image finder; 0.37x magnification and target spot
- Memory Card Support: MicroSD/TransFlash (not included)
- Battery Type / Capacity: 4 AA Batteries (alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH)
- Shutter Speeds: Bulb (Max. 8 Seconds), 1/2 sec., 1/4, 1/8, and 1/15; Auto: 2 to 5 seconds (when using new batteries)
- Price: $68.87
- Self Timer Function
- Image quality: High
- Operating temperature: 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
Another excellent instant camera from Fujifilm is the Instax Mini 90, which will let you take incredible photos every time with its automatic exposure measurement technology.
This product has a built-in high-key mode that allows you to achieve the perfect shot.
With this product, you can experiment with different settings and effects to take creative photos.
It has a self timer function that will let you seamlessly take pictures of yourself or your group.
If you are alone and wanna take your shots, self timer function helps you there too.
The Instax Mini 90 is the perfect choice if you have complete creative control over your shots.
Image Quality
The Fuji Instax Mini 90 is like the Instax Mini 8 but it includes several features which make it more like a instant camera. Like the Mini 8, this camera uses mini film (which has one instant picture on each negative) to take instant pictures.
The print size for both instant cameras is 2.13″ x 3.4″, the same as general Instax film. The lenses for general Instax film and this instant camera are both equivalent to a 60 mm lens on a 35mm camera.
So the Mini 90 should capture about the same amount of detail as the Mini 8. The difference in image quality between these two cameras is processing.
Flash
The Mini 90 Neo includes a flash, unlike the Mini 8. The flash is stronger than most other Instax camera and can be turned on and off manually.
You get a dial in this instant camera to change the light settings: high-key mode (which brightens pictures with dark colors), low-key mode (which enriches details in shadows), landscape mode (the camera’s built-in lens does not use the flash), and indoors mode (which is good for well lit indoor pictures).
The camera’s exposure compensation dial can be used to manually adjust exposure.
The Mini 90 Neo also includes a tripod socket and a self timer that can measure 10 seconds.
Build Quality and Handling
The Mini 90 Neo has an all-plastic body with a faux leather covering, similar to the Instax Mini 70. The camera feels sturdy in the hand, although some users complain about sharp edges on the strap holder.
The fujifilm instax Mini 90 Neo instant does not have a self timer button like newer Instax cameras, so you will need to hold down the button for a few seconds after triggering the shutter.
Also, most people don’t think it’s possible to load film into this instant camera incorrectly because of its unique cartridge structure. However, it is possible to load film incorrectly and you must push on both buttons simultaneously to open the cartridge and remove any excess film.
Pros
- Cute, compact design
- Easy to use controls
Cons
- Flash is not very strong
Verdict
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic brings the best instant camera to its product. It has an excellent design and produces high-quality images.
With this product, you will be able to take photos at any special event without having to carry around an extra heavy device.
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automatic Glass: Best for Nighttime
Main Features
- Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz (492 g)
- dimensions: 5 x 4 x 3 inches
- Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels (300,000 pixels)
- Lens: 60mm, f/12.7
- Viewfinder: Real image finder; 0.37x magnification and target spot
- Memory Card Support: MicroSD/TransFlash (not included)
- Battery Type / Capacity: 4 AA Batteries (alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH)
- Shutter Speeds: Bulb, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/15; Auto: 2 to 5 seconds (when using new batteries)
- Price: $99.90
- Image quality: High
- Operating temperature: 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
The Lomo’Instant Darkroom is the perfect instant camera if you want to experiment with your photos.
This instant camera will let you add a retro, cross processing look and feel to your shots without any hassle.
It has four indicator lights that will tell you when it’s ready to take a photo, when the flash is charging and when it’s ready to fire. With this product, you will be able to take high-quality pictures with special effects every time.
Image Quality
The image quality for this Lomography instant camera is one of the lowest among the manual-focus toy cameras. The contrast, saturation and sharpness are all very low, but a lot of detail remains.
This means that there is a large amount of information in each frame – enough to be edited significantly without yielding much noise or losing important detail.
This makes it one of the best instant cameras for nighttime photography, which can otherwise be difficult to produce a high-quality image.
The low contrast and saturation mean that images produced will often seem a little washed out – even in well-lit shots. However, this leads to the camera being more flexible in its usage. It can help to create surrealistic or otherworldly images, which can be a lot of fun.
However, low image quality also means that the camera is less ideal for photographing high-contrast objects – such as those in direct sunlight. In these cases, there will often be prominent lens flare and ghosting artefacts on the shots.
Controls
The camera has very few manual controls, which can be seen as either a benefit or a downside depending on your preferences. To switch between taking photos and videos, users just need to click the shutter button twice.
As there is no aperture control, it’s best for nighttime use when there aren’t many different light sources – otherwise you’ll find yourself with the aperture open so that everything is overexposed, or closed down so far that everything is underexposed.
I would say that this the best instant camera if you want to take photos of people in low-light areas without flash, as there are no flash capabilities.
Pros
- Can shoot long exposures up to 25 seconds
- Comes with a tripod
Cons
- Requires 4 AA batteries to operate (not included in purchase)
Verdict
The Lomography Lomo’Instant automat is the perfect instant film camera for photographers who want to explore different options with their shots.
It will allow you to experiment with your photos and capture moments that are worth remembering.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6: Best for Portraits
Main Features
- Main features:
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.7 x 3.3 inches
- Resolution: 1,200 x 800 pixels (300,000 pixels)
- Lens: 60mm; f/12.7
- Viewfinder: Real image finder; 0.37x magnification and target spot
- Memory Card Support: MicroSD/TransFlash (not included)
- Battery Type / Capacity: 4 AA Batteries (alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH)
- Shutter Speeds: Bulb, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/15; Auto: 2 to 5 seconds (when using new batteries)
- Price: $149.99
- Image quality: High
- Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz (819 g)
- Operating temperature: 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
If you want to experiment with your photos, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 will provide you with endless possibilities. You can adjust the settings manually to get different effects every time.
With this product, you can use filters and other special effects to create unique images worth remembering.
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is the latest in Fuji’s line of best instant cameras.
Instax Square SQ6 takes square pictures (90mm × 90mm) on Fuji-made film strips in addition to the usual credit card sized images taken by most other models.
The camera has a built-in flash and several exposure controls.
Image Quality
SQ6’s brand-new image sensor is borrowed from Fujifilm’s premium X-series mirrorless cameras.
As a result, SQ6 can produce very good quality images with plenty of dynamic range and excellent color rendition.
The square format ideally complements the square of Instax Square instant prints and your Instagram or Facebook feed.
You can also take advantage of its square format to shoot Instagram Stories and other ephemeral social media posts that will eventually disappear.
Build Quality
SQ6 has a very good build quality that you can feel when holding it.
It’s also aesthetically pleasing with its black color scheme, rounded edges, tapered front end, and brand name printed on the back of the camera in metallic silver.
SQ6 looks like a digital camera for casual shooters who want to take better pictures by having more control over the camera settings.
The front end of SQ6 has a standard hot shoe that can accommodate an additional flash, which you don’t get with instant cameras that use peel-apart instant film cartridges.
On top of SQ6 are power button on the left side, shutter release button on the right side, and mode dial on the middle.
On the back side of the camera is a retractable 3-inch LCD touchscreen display with a dedicated selfie shutter button for selfie mode.
The touchscreen display can be folded down to face outward or inward, depending on your shooting preference.
SQ6 Lens
SQ6 has a built-in / non-interchangeable lens with a focal length equivalent to 53mm (35mm equivalent). The lens itself is made from Fujifilm’s own high-grade glass.
SQ6 lens has a maximum aperture of f/10 and minimum focal distance of 1 meter which is standard for an instax camera.
The lack of interchangeable lenses means you can’t use it with existing Fujifilm X mount lenses.
Pros
- It- Easy to use, even for beginners.
Cons
- It has a limited exposure time of 5 seconds
Verdict
If you are looking for an instant film camera that will allow you to experiment with different effects, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is just what you are looking for.
It can be fun to use and perfect for those who want to capture their best moments in a unique way.
Polaroid Z2300 10MP Instant Digital Camera
Main Features
- Main features:
- Dimensions: 16 x 8.8 x 5 inches
- Resolution: 10.2 MP (4,536 by 3,264 pixels)
- Lens: n/a; fixed focus and non-zoom lens
- Viewfinder: No viewfinder provided
- Battery Type / Capacity: 4 AA batteries (alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH)
- Shutter Speeds: n/a; fixed.
- Price: $99.99
- Weight: 27.9 oz (1 lb. 3 oz); with 4 AA alkaline batteries installed
- Operating temperature: 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
- Image Quality: High and HD
Have you ever wanted to take instant photos in high definition? If you are looking for an instant film camera that can help you do just that, the Polaroid cameras like this is just perfect for your needs.
It will provide you with HD quality photos that you will love to use.
Image Quality
The Z2300 measures 10.0 megapixels, the same resolution as more expensive versions of this camera.
It uses a CMOS sensor, which is common in a digital camera, and an LCD screen for viewing the photos you take. It also has 4x optical zoom; other versions have 5x or none (the latter means you have to rely on digital zoom instead).
The camera has a fixed-focus lens that works well in most cases.
Color reproduction is good, and the contrast is acceptable. The resolution of this particular version of the Polaroid cameras is quite high for an instant film camera, some other versions only have 6 megapixels!
Pros
- It- Easy to use, even for beginners.
Cons
- Does not have prolonged exposure capabilities.
Verdict
The Polaroid z2300 instant camera will provide you with high-quality images that you will love to use.
It is perfect for those looking for an instant photo camera that will take high definition images.
Best Instant Cameras FAQs
Are instax cameras worth it?
They are worth it for me because I like the instant gratification of having something physical to hold on to after taking a photo.
I just wish that they had better quality control and more features.
Is Kodak better than polaroid?
I prefer the features on the Kodak instant cameras to the polaroids. Panasonic, Canon, Fuji, etc all have cameras too.
What are some good instant cameras?
I really like the Kodak Mini Shot instant camera, but it is being phased out. You can still find one on Amazon or ebay though. There are also many other decent cameras on Amazon.
What are some ways to make instant cameras better?
They need more features. Better low light capability, adjustable aperture, self timer, selfie modes, panoramic modes, etc.
There is a new model that has some of these things called the mini 90 neo classic , but it is pretty expensive at $179 on Amazon.
Best Instant Cameras: Buying guide
There are countless instant cameras on the market today. These cameras do not use film like DSLRs or Point and Shoot Cameras.
But instead, the user inserts a cartridge that contains the photo paper into the space where you insert film in other cameras. The camera lights up for approximately 8 seconds while this happens.
If you’ve ever wondered what the best instant camera is, then you’re in luck! We have an entire list of amazing instant cameras for sale. If you’re truly looking to buy the best instant camera, be sure to take a look at our guide below.
If you’re looking for something to take pictures of your family, pets, vacations or anything else where quality is not quite so important, an instant camera might be a great choice for you.
The best thing about the instant camera is that it’s easy to use and has many cool features.
Points to Consider While Purchasing Best Instant Cameras
There are four major factors that should influence your buying decision of instant cameras.
Cost
While all instant cameras are relatively cheap (compared to Digital Cameras), some offer better value while others will turn out to be too expensive for the casual photographer.
You need a camera that is cost-effective and offers a good amount of features without costing a lot.
Design
Your camera should be comfortable to hold and carry around with you, especially since you will probably need it on the go.
Selecting a design that is sleek and stylish will keep you happy in the long run.
Ease of Use
The best instant cameras will be easy to use and not difficult to figure out the features.
