Best Instant Cameras

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Instant cameras deliver physical prints seconds after you press the shutter. The market is dominated by two systems: Fujifilm's Instax (Mini, Square and Wide) and Polaroid (i-Type, 600, SX-70 and Go). Each has distinct looks, costs and strengths.

We compared cameras on image quality, ease of use, film cost and availability, features and value. See Polaroid vs Instax for a deeper comparison.

Instax vs Polaroid in brief

Instax film is generally cheaper per shot, very consistent and produces sharp, saturated prints. Polaroid film has a larger, iconic square format and a dreamier, more variable look, with longer development times and more sensitivity to temperature.

The best instant cameras

Film formats

• Instax Mini: credit-card size, cheapest.
• Instax Square: square format.
• Instax Wide: larger landscape prints.
• Polaroid i-Type and 600: classic square format.
• Polaroid Go: small square format.

Hybrid cameras

Hybrid cameras like the Instax Mini Evo capture digitally and let you choose which images to print. They save film but lose some of the spontaneity.

Features to consider

Autoexposure, flash control, selfie mirrors, close-up modes, double exposures and app control vary between models.

Film cost

Film is the ongoing cost. Instax Mini is cheapest per shot; Polaroid is more expensive. Budget accordingly.

Vintage Polaroid cameras

Vintage Polaroid cameras like the SX-70 and 600 series use current Polaroid film. Refurbished cameras are available. See instant film vs 35mm.

Storing instant film

Store film in a cool place, refrigerate for long-term storage and let it come to room temperature before use.

Choosing by use

• Parties and kids: Instax Mini for cheap, reliable prints.
• Groups and landscapes: Instax Wide.
• Classic look: Polaroid Now or I-2.
• Selective printing: hybrid cameras like the Instax Mini Evo.
• Pocket carry: Polaroid Go or small Instax models.

Getting better instant photos

Instant film has limited dynamic range, so avoid harsh backlight and very high contrast scenes. Use flash for indoor and backlit portraits. Get close to your subject but respect minimum focus distances. Shoot outdoors in open shade for flattering light. With Polaroid, shield prints from light right after they eject and keep them warm in cold weather.

Accessories

Photo albums sized for instant prints, protective sleeves, lens filters for Polaroid and camera cases protect prints and cameras. Some hybrid cameras support printing from phones.

Preserving prints

Store prints away from sunlight and heat, in albums or boxes. Don't cut Polaroid prints, which contain chemicals. Scanning favorites preserves them digitally.

Buying vintage Polaroids

Look for refurbished SX-70 and 600 cameras from reputable sellers. Test rollers, shutters and flash. Clean rollers regularly to prevent spots on prints.

Instax film types

Instax Mini film comes in many variants, including different frame borders and monochrome. Instax Square and Wide have fewer variants. All Instax film is widely available and relatively consistent, making it easy for beginners.

Polaroid film types

Polaroid makes film for different camera types: i-Type (for modern cameras without batteries in the pack), 600 (for older 600 cameras, with a battery in the pack), SX-70 (for SX-70 cameras), and Go film. Color and black-and-white versions are available, along with special editions. Using the right film type for your camera matters for exposure.

Cost per shot

Instax Mini is typically the cheapest per shot, followed by Square and Wide. Polaroid film costs noticeably more per shot. Budget-conscious shooters and parties favor Instax; enthusiasts who love the Polaroid look accept the cost.

Instant cameras for kids

Simple Instax models are durable, easy and affordable for kids.

Common problems and fixes

• Washed-out prints: too much light; move to shade or use the camera's darker exposure setting.
• Dark prints: not enough light; use flash or move closer to the light source.
• Blurry close-ups: too close for the lens; use the close-up mode or step back.
• Spots or streaks: dirty rollers; clean them gently with a damp cloth.
• Polaroid colors off: temperature; keep film and prints warm in cold weather.

Film storage and expiration

Instant film has an expiration date and performs best when fresh. Store unopened packs in the refrigerator for long-term storage, never the freezer unless the maker says so, and let packs reach room temperature before loading. Once opened, use packs within a reasonable time. Expired film can still produce interesting results, but with shifts in color and contrast.

Budgeting for a new instant camera

Remember that the camera is only the start. Film is the ongoing cost, and most people shoot more than they expect. If budget matters, choose a format with cheaper film and buy multi-packs.

Instant camera etiquette at events

At weddings and parties, instant cameras make great guest books. Bring extra film and an album for guests to add prints.

Instax formats compared

Instax Mini prints are small, wallet-sized photos, the cheapest per shot and the most popular format. Instax Square offers a square frame reminiscent of classic instant photos, in a size between Mini and Wide. Instax Wide prints are roughly twice as wide as Mini, great for groups and landscapes. Cameras are specific to one format, so choose the format first, then the camera.

Hybrid and printer alternatives

If you love instant prints but also want to print from your phone, consider a hybrid camera or a standalone instant printer that prints phone photos on Instax film. It gives you the physical print without committing film to every shot.

Our bottom line

For most people, an Instax Mini camera is the easiest, most affordable way into instant photography. If the classic Polaroid look is what draws you in, the extra film cost is worth it. If you want to print only your best shots, a hybrid is the smart compromise.