The instant camera is a product of the early 1900s that has resurged recently. The ability to snap a photo and hold it in your hands seconds later is much different than taking a picture with your smartphone. These days, though, instant cameras have become modernized with selfie capabilities and apps that add filters and frames to your photos.
We’ve compiled the best instant cameras available, so you can relive the past in a new way.
Must read:
The best DSLR camerasThe best cameras for beginnersThe best cheap digital cameras
The Polaroid Now+ is the quintessential instant camera that combines vintage and modern style. It can be used as a classic point-and-shoot camera or in conjunction with the free Polaroid app for more digital controls. The Bluetooth-connected app lets you try tripod mode, light painting, double exposure, portrait assistant, and manual mode. The camera has five lens filters to add creative color to your photos. Other specs include an auto-switching hyper-focused optical lens, accurate flash, and an LED indicator that lets you know how many photos are left in your film pack. The camera also features a manual mode you can use with the free Polaroid Originals app. And with a price right around $150, fun comes in a relatively inexpensive and expressive way. As a more budget-friendly option, this instant camera from Kodak has all the basic features of an instant camera. The camera speed allows you to shoot a new photo while printing the previous shot. It also comes equipped with a light sensor that automatically turns on flash mode in low-light settings. This camera prints 2 x 3-inch photos on sticky-backed paper, so you can stick them anywhere you’d like. You can print up to 25 photos on a single charge. And, to save your images for later, the camera supports a microSD card of up to 256GB. This easy-to-use camera is also easy on the eyes with its bold color choices and compact design. Plus, it’s petite enough to fit in your shirt pocket, so when inspiration strikes, you’ll be ready. For mini photos, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 camera has become a cult classic of the current generation for its ease of use and fun color options. The camera automatically selects the optimal shutter speed based on your surroundings. Unlike previous mini camera models, Fujifilm opted out of the exposure control dial and instead has automatic exposure. In addition, the Instax Mini 11 features a selfie mode, so you can easily turn selfies into printed photos. Its compact design makes it the perfect travel companion, and it’s incredibly easy to use, making it a hit for birthday parties, gatherings, and much more. For photos twice as wide as those produced by the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 camera produces high-quality images instantly with its 95mm f/14 lens. It features a programmed electronic shutter release, automatic flash for low-light shooting, and a focal zoom dial. Plus, the helpful LCD screen displays the number of shots remaining, exposure compensation, and flash mode. You can use backlighting to enhance your instant photos thanks to the fill flash mode. A close-up lens adapter is also included with the camera so you can focus as close as 15.5 inches from the subject. It features light and dark control features, so you can capture your subject in the right light. And for your information, it works only with Fujifilm Instax Wide Film. You can bring this Canon Ivy CLIQ2 instant camera anywhere, thanks to its small size (4.8 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches and 9.6 ounces). It produces the same 2 x 3-inch sticky-backed photos as the Kodak camera, but it also has built-in frames and filters you can add for more vivid colors or black and white filters. This is the best “selfie camera” on this list with its large, 2-inch mirror on the lens. It also lets you save your photos to a microSD card (sold separately) for later use. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about ink! The camera uses ZINK (zero ink) technology to ensure your pictures turn out smudge-free. However, I also wanted to a choose a variety of instant cameras based on different purposes and pricing. Below is a look at how the best instant cameras compare on price, photo size, and lens offerings. I was also mindful of different needs and budgets. That’s why I chose portable instant cameras, ones with selfie mirrors, and wide-picture options. Also: The best cameras for beginners I chose the Canon Ivy CLIQ 2 because it prints pictures without using ink. That means it’s water and tear-resistant, and you won’t have to worry about smudges. For one, it’s best not to take instant photos outside on a sunny day. Instead, cloudy skies and indoor backgrounds will produce better lighting results. In addition, be sure to take a few steps away from the subject of your photos for sharper images, since not every camera has an autofocus feature (and closer photos can become blurry). Also, pay attention to where your camera’s flash and lens are so you don’t obstruct either with your fingers and waste expensive film!
