Best Instant Cameras

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 12, 2024
Do you remember the times when it was possible to press a single button and a minute later get a physical image? Why not try out ...Read more
PROS

This print camera runs on two CR2 batteries that provide enough charge for making up to 300 shots. And if the batteries are low on charge, you can quickly replace them and continue capturing the best moments at a wedding or a birthday party.

CONS

Snapping a non-blurry, properly framed image may take 2-3 attempts.

OUR VERDICT

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 will allow even beginner photographers to make bright photos. For instance, the auto exposure control adjusts brightness, while the selfie mode adjusts the focal length.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Analog

PICTURE SIZE

2.4" x 2.4" (2.8" x 3.4" with borders)

FILM

Fujifilm Instant Color Film "Instax Square"

POWER SOURCE

2 x "CR2" batteries

WEIGHT

0.5 lb

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The double exposure mode captures beautiful night panoramas and streaks of light in photos. The camera also features a long exposure mode and advanced macro photography. The improved 0.37x viewfinder comes with a scope and parallax compensation.

CONS

The case is not the most comfortable one.

OUR VERDICT

A compact and handy camera that you can take with you outside or on a hike. The Instax can be mounted on tripods, which is especially useful when shooting in the double or long exposure mode. The macro photography mode is great for beginners.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Analog

PICTURE SIZE

2.4" x 1.8"

FILM

Fujifilm Instant Color Film "Instax Mini"

POWER SOURCE

Rechargeable battery (USB charging cable included)

WEIGHT

1 lb

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The Polaroid Snap has 6 photo modes, including normal, black and white, and vintage sepia tone that can be printed with or without borders. It also has a photo booth mode that lets you print 4 photos on one sheet.

CONS

The colors could be more accurate. 

OUR VERDICT

The Polaroid Snap Instant Digital camera is one of the best budget models on the market today. It uses a Zero Ink™ printing technology and produces smear- and smudge-proof 2x3 photos.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Digital (10 MP)

PICTURE SIZE

2" x 3"

FILM

Zero Ink™ printing technology

POWER SOURCE

Rechargeable battery (USB charging cable included)

WEIGHT

0.45 lb

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The Instax Mini 9 comes with a selfie mirror for perfect selfies every time. The close-up macro photography is now easier with the included adapter that lets you focus on distant subjects.

CONS

The flash works a little worse than advertised.

OUR VERDICT

This camera reports the recommended aperture value with a blinking LED, and the user can manually adjust the dial to the recommended value. The high tone mode is designed for fans of portraits. The camera is of compact size, which is great for traveling.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Analog

PICTURE SIZE

2.1" x 3.7"

FILM

Fujifilm Instant Color Film "Instax Mini"

POWER SOURCE

2 x AA batteries

WEIGHT

0.7 lbs

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The LCD screen provides the simple and intuitive operation. This camera can connect to any mobile device via Bluetooth to print directly from your photo gallery.

CONS

Slightly heavier than similar models.

OUR VERDICT

You can customize filters, frames, and more with a handy app. This device supports both border and borderless photos. With an automatic flash, all your selfies will be bright and vibrant. A great camera for beginners.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Digital (10 MP)

PICTURE SIZE

3" x 3"

FILM

4 PASS technology

POWER SOURCE

Rechargeable battery (USB charging cable included)

WEIGHT

1.8 lbs

WARRANTY

1 year

More Shooting Options

The Instax Square SQ6 offers the user clear and crisp images, an easy-to-operate design, and plenty of modes and settings that give more freedom to snapshot.

First, we'd like to talk about picture quality. In short, it is great here. The camera has a wide-angle lens with a focal length of about 66mm. It retracts into the body when not in use and changes its length and focus depending on the chosen mode. At one side of the lens, you will notice a small selfie mirror. It helps you make better shots so that everyone can be in the frame. The flash and light sensor is located on the other side. The print camera has a range of shooting options that the majority of instant cameras lack. It includes a selfie, macro, landscape, and double-exposure modes (it allows you to make very bright pictures darker).

You will also notice 3 buttons on the backside of the camera: the mode, the timer, and the flash on/off buttons. The photo timer can be set for 10 seconds, thus giving you enough time to join a group selfie. There is a handy paper counter on the back. It tells you how much photo paper is left. The SQ6 also has a tripod mount for clear selfies.

Finally, we find an Instagram-inspired design pretty attractive as well as the quality of materials used in the production of this model. The camera is definitely made to last!

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $114.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07CW3LYZY

Photos You Can Feel

Instant photo cameras are trending again, so be sure to get one for the parties, travels, and whatnot. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is stylishly designed, makes quality shots, and comes with nice and fun features you’ll love.

First things first, this camera has an amazing retro styled design that really sets it apart from the competitors. You and your friends will be impressed with its classy and timeless look.

Coming next is the double exposure mode. It allows you to produce two images on a single film sheet when you press the shutter twice. Capture the breathtaking panoramas and light streams like a pro, but (possibly) without being one. Yes, it’s not the hi-res camera level, but then, what can compare to the mood and feel of an instant photo? Let’s agree, holding a printed shot can be as much fun as posting digital pics on social media. (Some would say, even more fun than that.)

This camera can automatically detect the brightness and adjust the shutter speed and flash. Thanks to this, you get crisper photos with more natural colors. And if you’re fascinated with the small world, feel free to use the macro mode shot at a distance of 30-60 cm. What’s more, the boosted 0.37x viewfinder comes with a scope and parallax compensation.

Finally, if you need an extra static shot, this camera can be put on a stand. Take it with you on a trip to capture the beautiful landscapes or do group photos.

As evident, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is a universal instant camera for the 90s kids or just about anyone who likes retro photography. It’s simple in use yet versatile with many shooting modes.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00U6VUXV4

Fits the Pocket and the Budget

Looking at the Polaroid Snap, what stands out first is its user-friendly design. The camera is equipped with a 10mp 1/3.2" CMOS image sensor and a 3.4mm f/2.8 lens. It has a built-in flash for shooting in dim light and a slot for 32 Gb microSD cards to store your photos in case you'd like to make a bigger copy. Photo printing is very fast. The camera needs only 1 minute to develop an image.

Making group photos is the easiest thing in the world with the Polaroid Snap because it has a self-timer and a tripod mount on the bottom. Plus, you can add a retro look to your group images by switching to the retro mode. This model also shoots in color and black and white. Last but not least, the camera makes a beeping noise when the photo is taken. With its help, making a great shot is very easy.

Handy features don't end up here though. The lens cover is made magnetic, so you don't have to worry about it dangling around. The camera runs on a lithium-Ion battery that charges pretty quickly via any micro USB charger. Finally, we can't avoid mentioning a pocketable design of this model, making the Polaroid Snap very compact. It fits an average hand perfectly. Such a huge advantage for travelers, isn't it?

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $149.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B015JIAGE2

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4.8)

The size of the camera should lend itself to a larger print size.

Features(4.6)

Great quick fun! Super easy to use and lots of excellent features.

Capture the Moment

Everyone takes digital photos, but why not try it the fun and physical way? The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is your modern Polaroid with instant shots that go into the albums or scrapbooks. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this camera so great.

First off, it comes in bright and fun colors that your kid or teen will simply love. Pick one that they like best and make it a fantastic birthday gift. The classic body shape makes it even more fun to hold and use this cam.

Next on the list are the 3 color filters that come with the box. Make your shots original and stylish without all the filters on your smartphone.

Want to snap some instant selfies? Not a problem with the Instax Mini 9. The small selfie mirror placed on the front near the lens gives you accurate selfies on par with phone cameras. Don’t limit yourself in what you can – and cannot do; this nice little cam blends the modern and retro technology, being a fun and useful smart device.

Moving on to the automatic exposure measurement that makes your shots even better. The Instax Mini 9 flashes a LED light for the recommended setting so that you could adjust the dial by hand after that.

Another useful feature of this cam is the high key mode. With it, you’ll be able to take brighter shots with a beautiful soft look (which is just great for portraits). Note, however, that the flash in this cam is not perfect, so if you want the top notch pictures, make sure you have enough light in the room.

Finally, making the close-up (macro) photos is now easier than ever. The Instax Mini 9 comes with a special lens adapter that helps you focus on the objects at 35-50cm.

Overall, this smart instant camera by Fujifilm is great for parties, nature trips, and everyday life. Preserve the best moments on paper – and give the social media a big one up.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07RFZWZXX

Shoot & Print Instantly

Whether you’re looking to shoot or print physical pictures, look no further than the Kodak instant camera. It’s stylish, takes quality photos, and lets you print from your phone gallery via Bluetooth.

Don’t print out everything you shoot. If you don’t like the pic, simply cancel it, which is something not every instant cam can do. The Kodak Mini Shot 3 can also be used as a printer for any smart device with Bluetooth. Want the pics from your phone printed on paper? Just connect it to the cam, and voila, they’re ready for an album or a scrapbook. (Make sure you have the album with the right photo slots, though.)

Where other printers cost a lot, the Kodak saves you money by being affordable. Besides, you get a printer and a cam, which you can play with endlessly.

You can check out your shots on a handy LCD screen and decide what stays or goes away. The cam doesn’t disappoint you with dim and blurry pictures, as the automatic flash makes each one bright and vibrant. What’s more, a handy app lets you customize the frames and filters. Thanks to the 4Pass tech, each printed pic is done in ribbon layers and also laminated, so no fingerprints or water damage. Print the photos border or borderless, just as you like.

Although this cam is somewhat heavier than the competitors, it’s still fun to use and easy to hold. Fit for beginners and the pros, it’s a nice memory maker or party gadget. In short, there is hardly any reason for not getting this device. Make it yours or give it out during the holiday season.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08HCPRN88

Infographics


What Is an Instant Camera?

Perhaps each of us remembers those times when we used to share our photos with friends in printed version instead of posting them on Facebook, Instagram or any other social network. We had real photo books with real photos, all glossy and shiny smelling of fresh film. Back at those times, Polaroid company made it possible to print a photo shortly after it's being taken by using a self-developing film.

Alas, in the present days, most people choose to keep digital pics instead of those on a film, and that's a big shame. If you share our opinion and would like to have some printed photos too, opt for an instant camera. Modern instant cameras differ from their ancestors in weight and are available in analog and digital variations. What's more, the size of a printed pic doesn't exceed the dimensions of an ordinary credit card so you can easily keep some notable photos in your purse.

Further, we're going to review 5 best instant cameras and specify the benefits of each model, thereby making a choice for you much easier. For those, looking for a camera to take digital photos, reading our review on mirrorless cameras may come in useful. Users who mostly take photos of distant objects should definitely obtain a bridge camera to achieve the best possible quality.

Sources:

1. How to Get Started With Instant Photography, wikiHow.

2. Terry Sullivan Instant Cameras and Printers, Consumer Reports. December 23, 2015.

3. Instant camera, Wikipedia. November 2, 2016.

4. Michael Archambault The History and Magic of Instant Photography, PetaPixel. June 11, 2015.

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