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Best Instant Cameras In 2021

Jordan Carter
This product guide was written by Jordan Carter
Published January 11, 2019
Support us! GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

Pictures have a way of capturing The Moment™ much better than even the most finely tuned eidetic memory ever could. Tracing all the way from cave paintings to Instagram, it’s clear humanity loves to show off what happened, who was there, and remind you you’re missing out on all the fun. If you’re sick of missing out and want to be at the center of all history, it’s high time you get your anxiously clicking fingers on the best instant camera.

These cameras combine the nostalgia of instant Polaroids with the convenience of modern technology. They bring the best of the past and the now together, giving you something much better to record memories on than a boring smartphone, but still with the instant gratification the modern man just loves. They’re great for parties, travel, or just starting a whimsical record of your life. We’ve put this selection together to give you an idea of which camera is best for you, so take a peek through the lens and check it out.

The Best Instant Camera

1
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

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If you want the best instant camera to cover all your photography bases, then the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera is a picture-perfect choice. Evolving from previous models, it now comes with a built-in selfie mirror, and an additional macro lens to get those close-ups just right.

While the automatic exposure measurement may take some fun away for experienced snappers, it’s ideal for beginners who just want to take pictures and will focus on the technical side, oh we don’t know, eventually. There’s also a high key mode, which ensures brighter pictures while still maintaining that classic soft Polaroid look.

Retro with a usefully modern twist, the Instax Mini 9 is the perfect instant camera to tip your toe in the world of photography, and give you a unique, quirky way to showcase the nights you may not necessarily remember all the time, but want to cherish the memory of nonetheless. Or you can use it as a travel camera and capture your favorite moments during your travels.

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Key Features:

New built-in selfie mirror

Macro lens adapter for close-up shots

Automatic exposure measurement

High key mode for taking brighter pictures with a softer look

Specification:
  • BrandFujifilm
  • ModelInstax Mini 9 – Smokey White
  • Weight1.1 pounds
Pros

Fast printing Polaroids

Easy to use for beginners and experts

4 environment settings

Cons

Slightly larger than pictures appear

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Camera

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The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera is a step up from the Mini 9 and comes with a plethora of advanced, highly useful features to take your photography to the next hipsterific level. Most useful is the automatic brightness detection to adjust the flash and save many wasted shots on poorly lit photos, which is especially useful considering the price of Instax film.

The Double Exposure Mode is also fun, giving you a chance to get creative with more ordinary scenes, and the Bulb Mode makes for interesting light trail shots which you could spend hours attempting on your smartphone. Its Lightness Control feature also offers a variety of shots types to ensure you capture the perfect ambience and clarity.

On the back, you’ll find a selection of buttons and a screen which is straightforward to understand and easy to read, giving you an idea of how many photos you have left. This retro camera design mixes perfectly with more modern technology and might make you wonder why you ever needed Instagram. Make sure you store it properly in one of the camera bags from our list.

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Key Features:

Automatic brightness detection to adjust flash

Double exposure mode

Bulb mode for light trail shots

Macro mode for short distance photography

Specification:
  • BrandFujifilm
  • ModelMAIN-96513
  • Weight1 pound
Pros

Classic, retro camera design

Strap, battery, and charger included

Wonderful picture clarity

Cons

Difficult to center subjects

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3
Polaroid Snap Digital Instant Camera

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There’s perhaps no one alive who doesn’t have fond memories (real or not) of the Polaroid camera and this Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera is an exceptional re-imagining of a product that defines an era. The self timer and optical viewfinder are cool nods to the past while the indicator function for battery and paper level reminds you you’re holding something much more advanced than whatever came before it.

We also love the design which while still clearly an instant camera, looks more like a proper, bona fide digital one. For more serious photographers, this could be a bonus by avoiding the toy-association of other models which may put you off your purchase.

You also get two copies of the photograph; both physical and digital, which you can pick from later. It recognizes SD cards up to 32GB, so there’s plenty of options for storage – especially when you’ve run out of paper – and also allows you to update the firmware when needed. This also makes a great gift for photography lovers.

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Key Features:

Self timer

Indicators for ink, battery, paper, and storage space

Pop-up optical viewfinder

USB cord to charge and transfer pictures

Specification:
  • BrandPolaroid
  • ModelPOLSP01B
  • Weight13.4 ounces
Pros

Easy to use with point, click, and, print

Zero ink or toner

Compact design fits in shirt pocket

Cons

Sensitive buttons

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

4
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Instant Camera

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For people who just want the best instant camera to record happy memories and special occasions, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Instant Camera is the best value for money you’ll find. Even though it’s cheap, you still get several cool features to impress friends and relatives (and randoms on the street) and casual photographers, you won’t feel you’re missing out on more advanced functions.

There’s built-in selfie mirror, and Fujifilm have improved the picture quality to perform better in low-light situations, which prevents over-exposure of faces that plagues previous models. The casing has also been redesigned to be more sleek and streamlined, fitting comfortably in your bag or jacket pocket to take out when you know there’s a picture to take.

The Instax Mini 70 offers enough versatility to satisfy a variety of shooting options, so whether you like to snap landscape, portrait, or want to indulge your narcissistic side, this cheap and compact camera is a great stepping stone from your smartphone and towards better, more special pictures. If you love taking nice photographies, make sure you also check our guide to the best waterproof cameras.

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Key Features:

New sleek, streamlined design

Selfie mode with built-in selfie mirror

Improved picture quality, especially in low-light

Multiple other modes for versatile photographs

Specification:
  • BrandFujifilm
  • ModelMAIN-41665
  • Weight14.4 ounces
Pros

Tripod socket for mounting

Instax Share App allows you to print directly

Automatic exposure control

Cons

Battery life could be longer

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

5
Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Camera

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For an instant photo camera which guarantees quality results, the 10 mega-pixel Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Print Camera is something to seriously consider. It comes with a rechargeable battery so you never miss the perfect shot and ensures 40 prints per charge while the microSD slot (up to 32GB) allows you to take pictures with no paper loaded.

When you want to take advantage of its instant photo features, you can print with ease by just tapping a button. These pictures come out cleanly and ink-free to prevent smudging like you used to find on archaic photo printers of the early 2010s. They also have an adhesive back, so you can stick them into photo albums, scrapbooks, or telephone poles.

If you’re of the slightly pretentious, slightly artsy persuasion, the additional black-and-white picture mode is a welcome feature for you to experiment with.

The PRINTOMATIC is a compact camera with a unique design, ideal for anyone who likes to go against the grain but still take dynamic pictures. Our handy guide to the best GoPro alternatives features more great products like this.

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Key Features:

10 mega-pixel, all-in-one shoot and print camera

Rechargeable battery

Zero ink technology

Photographs have an adhesive backing to stick anywhere

Specification:
  • BrandKodak
  • ModelB075WXBGP6
  • Weight7 ounces
Pros

One stop printing

Charming, unique design

MicroSD slot for storage

Cons

Prints automatically so you cannot save shots for later

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6
Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF Instant Camera

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Going back to where it all began, the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF Instant Camera is a blast from the past updated, redesigned, and re-purposed all for the tech generation. The essential self-timer function remains, while the high quality, optical grade lens ensures crisp and clear photographs that can make even drab, depressing scenes and subjects stand out.

This is further achieved with a powerful built-in flash, while the field of view is wide enough to capture substantial landscape shots with ease. If you want to revolutionize your photography, you can purchase a variety of add-ons to further push for greatness, and the already-supplied viewfinder makes framing pictures easier than your average camera.

This Polaroid instant camera finds the balance between yesterday and tomorrow and will inspire nostalgia in even the most tech-obsessed photographers. It can take them back to a simpler time where it was all about what you could do with the camera and not how Photoshop can make it look after a little editing. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best 360 cameras.

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Key Features:

Self-timer function

High quality, optical grade polycarbonate lens

Powerful built-in flash

41 degree vertical and 40 degree horizontal field of view

Specification:
  • BrandPolaroid
  • Model9008
  • Weight14.4 ounces
Pros

Multiple add-ons available

60 day battery life

Compatible with all styles of i-Type film

Cons

Some issues with the shutter

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

7
Polaroid POP 2.0-20MP Print Digital Instant Camera

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If you’re looking for a decidedly more modern Polaroid camera, though, then the Polaroid POP 2.0 20MP Instant Print Digital Camera is the one for you. It doesn’t just step into the future but takes broad, purposeful strides to show that Polaroid is not a company that’s stuck in the past.

They prove this by designing a camera with a massively intuitive and easy-to-use touchscreen and offering onboard photo editing to add filter, borders, and stickers to your snaps, or leave them exactly the way they are, while still maintaining the iconic Polaroid layout.

There’s no computer, printer or ink required, with the camera capable of recognizing microSD cards up to 128GB. This Polaroid digital camera has also made waves in the notoriously picky photography community by printing larger pictures than any other instant camera available.

To sum up, this classic brand shows everyone it’s not afraid to stand at the forefront of development and continues to be an industry leader just like old times. Be sure to also check out our list of the best GoPro accessories for more great items like this.

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Key Features:

20 mega-pixels

Intuitive and easy-to-use touchscreen

On-board photo editing studio for filters, borders, and stickers

Pictures are larger than other instant cameras

Specification:
  • BrandPolaroid
  • ModelPOL-POP1BKAMZ
  • Weight1 pound
Pros

No printer, computer, or ink required

Supports microSD cards up to 128GB

Syncs to your phone or tablet via wifi or Bluetooth

Cons

Colors could be more vibrant

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

8
Leica Sofort Instant Camera

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Our premium choice for the best mini instant camera is the Leica Sofort Instant Camera which stands somewhere between classic design and modern technology, offering something for everyone. It comes complete with a variety of camera settings, including double exposure, macro, selfie, and party modes to ensure you can capture any moment.

As a camera, it’s remarkably simple to use and requires almost zero learning curve, even for beginners. This is accentuated with the straightforward back buttons and easy-to-read screen, which displays flash and brightness settings, battery level, and current focus zone (of which you can choose between 3).

If you’re like the look of this and want to make the jump up from a camera which doesn’t quite offer the amount of features you’ll find here, the good news is that it’s compatible with Instax mini film cartridges, so you won’t see your current stash go to waste. Also included is a battery charger for on-the-go shooting and carrying strap to keep it safe and secure. You might not be able to use your selfie stick with this camera, but rest assured that you will get amazing selfies nevertheless.

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Key Features:

Variety of settings for every occasion

3-Zone manual focus system

Straightforward buttons on reverse

Compatible with Instax Mini Film

Specification:
  • BrandLeica
  • ModelSofort
  • Weight1.4 pounds
Pros

Battery charger and carrying strap included

Classic design re-imagined for today

Built-in electronic flash

Cons

Flimsy casing requires delicate care

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

9
Lomography Lomo’Instant Camera

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Just like a flash we’ve come to the end of our selection. The Lomography Lomo’Instant Camera offers a unique photography style that both beginners and snapping vets will love. Immediately, you’re drawn to the unusual construction and design, which may be enough for some, but if you’re still not wholly convinced, just wait till you see what it has in store for you.

There are 3 shooting modes to ensure you capture scenes and subjects in an instant. These are Flash-On Auto Mode, Flash-On Manual Mode, and Flash-Off Manual Mode, and are easy to switch between when needed depending on the scene and shooting environment.

You can also indulge in your creativity with unlimited long exposure shots, different-colored flash gels, and the chance to invest in a variety of accessories which can increase photo quality (and fun) such as the Fish-Eye Lens and Portrait Lens attachments. Not only will the Lomo’Instant be a hit at parties, it can also capture every special moment you come across, whether it seems special right then or not. Make sure you also check our guide to the best mirrorless cameras for more great products like this.

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Key Features:

3 shooting modes

Ultra-advanced lens system

Largest aperture settings out of all instant cameras

Multiple, unlimited long exposure shots.

Specification:
  • BrandLomography
  • ModelLI100B
  • Weight1.63 pounds
Pros

Great for parties and capturing special memories

Compatible with Instax film

Different color gels allow you to change flash color

Cons

Pictures are a little underexposed at time

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Instant Camera Buying Guide & FAQ

How We Chose Our Selection of Instant Film Cameras

Brand - Everyone has a favorite camera brand and most find it difficult to shake from what they know and love. It might be because they have fond memories of the first camera they had, it might be because they’ve had bad experiences with other brands in the past, or maybe they’ve fallen prey to the marketing machine.

Whatever it is, we went through a variety of instant camera brands to find the best for you. The usual suspects are there, as you’d expect, but we’ve also thrown a couple of curve balls in you may not have heard of. This doesn’t mean they’re of lesser quality, though, and if you take the time to check them out, it might surprise you.

Reviews - Admittedly, we’re no photographers, but the people who leave glowing, comprehensive reviews are. Even though we’re not as informed about the nuances of instant cameras (and photography in general) as we’d like to be, we can at least rely on experienced customers to give us a snapshot of what to expect.

These reviews were vital in narrowing down a substantial selection to the nine you’ve seen above. They helped us make crucial decisions between one product and another, and as difficult as these picks were, se knew we were making them for good reason, so thanks reviews. We owe you a beer or two.

Price - We all know how expensive a photography hobby can be, especially when you’re just getting started. With this in mind, we ensured we found a wide range of prices so that every budding photographer could indulge in their passion.

From effective budget models great for getting started to more expensive options you graduate to once you’ve finally cracked the code to perfect pictures, there’s something for everybody. As elitist and exclusive photography can feel for some, this comfortable, versatile price range guarantees Polaroid photography will not die the sad, slow death we’ve seen other retro hobbies suffer from before.

person holding instant camera

Features To Look For In Instant Film Cameras

Film Capacity - Before buying your instant camera, find out its film capacity. This is the amount of Polaroid camera film the camera accepts at any one time. Fujifilm Instant Cameras fits a cartridge of ten camera papers inside while products such as the Polaroid Snap can hold as much as twenty in a single cartridge.

With digital instant cameras that allow you to mount a microSD card, you don’t have to worry as much about taking the perfect picture every time as you can save them for later and decide which ones you want to print.

Selfie Mirror - Even if you’re not a selfie guy, there will be a time where your partner or buddies convince you to take one, so you may as well make it easier for yourself by finding an instant camera with a selfie mirror. These make framing the picture and ensuring everyone is in the shot simple proving you don’t need the front facing camera of smartphones or a selfie stick to take the perfect self portrait.

Battery - Battery anxiety is a real thing in this device-obsessed age and it’s no surprise such anxiety can also affect photographers, too. Having fully charged batteries ensures you won’t miss out on fascinating, groundbreaking shots, and means you’ll be able to capture anything and everything around you.

Instant cameras are available with either standard batteries or rechargeable lithium ion batteries. For peace of mind and photo security, ensure you bring replacements or a charging port to swap out should you need to.

Exposure Measurement - Different exposure levels allow for different levels of light to be present in your photo. Having a camera with several exposure levels gives you more versatility in different light situations and helps you capture quality photos in all kinds of environments without you struggling to discern what’s what after it prints.

white Fujifilm Instax mini camera beside printed photos

Paper Type - The paper type becomes a Polaroid photograph once you take the picture. This is inside the cartridge and what comes out after snapping your photo. To ensure you can get out there taking photos as soon as possible, check your paper type is compatible with the camera you’ve bought.

Fujifilm has their own line of paper that while expensive are certain to work with your camera and will often work with any camera that prints. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, though, and may not be true for top competitors such as Polaroid, so be diligent when buying printing paper so you don’t end up having to go through the hassle of returning them.

Accessories - To get the most from your instant camera and to explore a variety of different shooting techniques and settings, you can invest in a range of camera accessories. These accessories will vary between fish eye lenses and color gels to alter the hue of the flash.

Depending on what you want from your camera, they are a cool way of experimenting with your creativity and trying something a little different to regular Polaroid pictures. They can also be beneficial for helping you discover your niche or favored shooting technique.

Not everybody needs accessories, and they might not be relevant for casual photographers, but those serious about exploring as many possibilities, settings, and modes as possible will find a lot of value in testing out different instant camera accessories.

Instant Camera FAQ

Q: Do Polaroid pictures fade?

A: They do, but not any faster than a standard photograph taken with a digital camera and printed on photo paper would. Polaroid pictures look faded and washed-out by default, so account for that when thinking of where you will display them. If you’re really concerned about keeping them fade-free, it’s advised you store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, which is the biggest cause of fading for photographs.

Q: Do you need to shake a Polaroid picture?

A: Contrary to a belief popularized by a generation of kids taking Andre 3000’s word as gospel you should not shake a Polaroid picture. The practice became so widespread that Polaroid had to come out and warn customers that shaking it does more harm than good. There are probably still thousands of people who continue to shake a Polaroid after printing, they might not even realize they’ve doing it, kind of like it’s ingrained in our subconscious.

While past Polaroids may have required shaking, the technology for development has evolved so much that there’s no need for moving or shaking any longer. Instead, you’re best off placing it somewhere flat where dust and debris won’t interfere with its development and waiting for your awesome photo to come fully into focus.

instant camera and-photos with laptop on table

Q: Do Polaroid cameras need ink?

A: Some do, some don’t it entirely depends on which camera you purchase. More recent models of Polaroids and instant cameras rely on digitalization and an inkless printing process created by Zink, which we assume probably stands for Zero Ink.

If you’re an old soul, then you can still find Polaroids that rely on ink, but there’s a chance they’ll soon die out, so get your hands on one while you still can, or be ready to embrace the future of instant photography.

Q: How do instant cameras work?

A: Instant cameras work how other filmed cameras do, only they cut out the middleman negatives and instead produces the photograph immediately. It releases the chemicals and combines the colors which fill in the outline that’s taken when you press the shutter button.

This picture needs to come out straight away though (or close enough to straight away for us to call it instant). After taking the photo, the camera rolls the film paper out, which helps to distribute the colors accordingly. As it reacts with the light outside the camera, the developer dye comes into effect, which results in the photo you eventually see.

Sources

  1. Why Do We Take Photos? - Picture Correct
  2. How Instant Film Develops - How Stuff Works
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