Any special occasion is best paired with good photos. With the increasing interest in using instant cameras for their retro vibes, there are now many to choose from. These cameras vary depending on portability, image, quality, and price. This guide will help you find the best instant cameras that are suitable for your retro photo needs.
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Table of Contents
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Polaroid Now+
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro
Fujifilm Instax Wide 400
Our Criteria
The best instant cameras strike a balance between striking design, lightweight build, and image quality. However, there are other factors to keep in mind when selecting the perfect one. Here’s what we considered when creating this list.
Image Quality
Retro-style photos with a soft, blurry aesthetic can be charming, but a good instant camera should ideally feature a high-quality lens for producing sharp, clear images. After all, not every shot needs to be an artistic statement. Be sure to sample images before you buy to help gauge the camera’s capacity for producing detailed images.
Design and Portability
Portability is key for an instant camera – it should be compact and easy to carry, whether you’re traveling or attending events. Also, take the design into account and select a camera with a stylish aesthetic.
Battery
Some instant cameras run on disposable batteries, while others feature rechargeable options. We included variants for both in our list so that you can choose which option best fits your lifestyle and preference.
Additional Features
There are a number of additional features of instant cameras you should watch for as well:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Selfie mirror
- Built-in LCD and viewfinder
- Different shooting modes
- Flash control
- Exposure control
- Additional accessories
Cost
Instant cameras are generally budget-friendly, but prices vary significantly based on features and size. You can get a great budget camera or invest more. Don’t forget to account for the ongoing cost of film packs, as some brands or formats are pricier than others.
Best Instant Cameras Buying Guide
Since the first Polaroid camera debuted in 1947, instant-print cameras have captivated the world. Their ability to produce photos was immediately a game-changer, compared to the time-consuming process of classical development.
But in the era of smartphones and digital cameras, do instant cameras still make sense? Definitely! If you’re into the whole retro aesthetic and prefer physical photos, an instant camera is what you need. Today’s instant cameras have been modernized with sleek, portable designs and added features, like the ability to connect to your smartphone to access previews and multiple printing options.
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1. Best Overall: Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Price: $199
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo offers a chic, retro-style camera body that can provide high-quality photos. With its credit card-sized prints, it’s a good choice if you want to keep your photos in your wallet or compile them in a scrapbook. The camera has an LCD that is best to use when choosing photos you want to print, which helps to conserve instant film. The LCD also allows you to edit your photos using filters.
In addition, the Instax Mini Evo offers exposure adjustments, white balance control, flash on/off settings, and a macro mode. A self timer and selfie mode with a dedicated shutter button enhances its versatility. Plus, its companion smartphone app adds features like a remote shutter, printing modes, and more.
2. Best for Square Photos: Polaroid Now+
Price: $119.99
If you’re looking for an instant camera with a boxy build and a set of lens filters as part of the bundle, the Polaroid Now+ is your best bet. The second generation is now available, and it still uses Polaroid’s modern i-Type instant film, which is exclusive to new Polaroid cameras, but also works with 600 Type films.
The camera produces square-format Polaroid photos, has a wide lens that can capture a larger area, and produces the vintage photos Polaroid is known for. As with many modern instant cameras, you can connect it to your smartphone using the Polaroid app. Through it, users can access various creative tools, such as aperture priority, light painting, double exposure, and manual mode.
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3. Most Affordable: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Price: $79
With its compact and stylish design, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 has become one of the most popular instant cameras to follow its predecessor, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11. It offers an automatic exposure feature that’s very useful in different lighting conditions, as it automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter is pressed. Moreover, it’s developed to be user friendly with an improved 60mm lens. You just shoot the photo, and the auto exposure feature will do the rest.
The Instax Mini 12 features a close-up mode that ensures perfect centering of nearby subjects, along with a selfie mirror for flawless self portraits. Its compact design makes it suitable, even for children, with a budding passion for photography. Conveniently, a set of AA-sized batteries powers the camera.
4. Best for Scrapbooking: Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro
Price: $115
If you’re into scrapbooking, the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is what you’re looking for. This instant camera allows you to use the Kodak Photo Printer mobile app to decorate your photos with frames, stickers, filters, and other customizations, which are great for scrapbooking fans. While the newer Kodak Mini Shot 4 Retro model is also available, the previous-generation model is considered much better.
Equipped with Kodak’s advanced 4PASS technology, this camera delivers vibrant, prints in seconds. The built-in LCD viewfinder allows you to preview images before printing, with the choice of classic border or sleek borderless formats. Through the Kodak Photo Printer smartphone app, users can edit their images using beauty filters, frames and more. The camera runs on a single, easy-to-replace battery.
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5. Best for Wide Format: Fujifilm Instax Wide 400
Price: $149
If you prefer wide images, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is worth considering. However, be aware that it’s among the largest cameras on this list, though it can still fit comfortably in your backpack or carrying bag. (An official accessory bag is available for a price.)
The instant camera excels at capturing group shots, landscapes, and photos with ample negative space. It includes a self timer and built-in tripod mount for added convenience. With a dedicated macro lens, it delivers stunning close-ups. You can manage your photo collection by connecting the camera to your smartphone via the Instax Up app. The Fujifilm Wide 400 is a camera powered by batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of instant camera film do I need for these cameras?
There are multiple kinds of film for instant cameras, depending on the model. Fujifilm uses Instax film for their instant cameras. There are various film options, such as Instax Mini, Instax Square, and Instax Wide.
Polaroid, which is the most popular instant camera at this time, also has various film, such as Polaroid I-Type (which can’t be used in vintage Polaroid instant cameras), Polaroid Go, Polaroid 600, and Polaroid Zink 2×3. Just make sure that you use a film that is compatible with your instant camera.
Can any of the instant cameras on this list connect to a computer?
None of the instant cameras on this list can connect to a computer to view or manage photos via Bluetooth or USB. The Bluetooth connectivity feature only connects to each of the cameras’ supported mobile apps. As for the USB ports, they only support power delivery – not data delivery.
Is an LCD necessary for an instant camera?
No, but an LCD in an instant camera is a great add-on. You can see photos before printing them out, which saves tons of instant film.
Image credit: Pexels
