Best instant cameras - Our complete guide

As an experienced photographer, I have a soft spot for the instant-photography cameras that are coming back in vogue. I’m sure you’ve heard the question “Let’s take a picture with my instant film camera” during an event with family or friends. This means capturing an instant photo and printing it in a few minutes. It’s a great way to immortalise the moment, and the character of the photo is unique (it’s like a nostalgic feeling). Don’t hesitate to check out my Photography Equipment page, which contains more articles on how to get started. Actually, we recently wrote an article about the latest action cameras, which we thought you might be interested in.

Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, you can be tempted by this type of camera that has become so popular. In this article, I’m going to give you the best possible guidance to help you choose the best instant camera. I will look at the best instant cameras on the market, their features, their strengths and weaknesses, user reviews and my own advice.

If you’re looking for a versatile tablet, check out our comprehensive guide to the best iPads.

You can click on the links below to go straight to the details of each Fujifilm Instant Camera:

• Fujifilm Instax Mini 90
• Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
• Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
• Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
• Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
• Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1
• Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
• Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 offers two interesting features, including the possibility of long exposures or double exposures. Thanks to these features, you can let your imagination run wild and be creative. And that’s not all! Its macro mode and flash are of good quality.

Strengths: its classic, stylish design is a real crowd pleaser and it takes great photos! It’s available in tan or black.

To tell you the truth, I have the old model of this camera, the Instax Mini 70. It’s easy to use and the photos are really nice! I would recommend a protective camera case or a shoulder bag, depending on what you prefer, to take your camera with you wherever you go.

Combining the features of a compact camera and portable photo printer, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is an instant camera with a classic 2-in-1 look. It has a 5-megapixel sensor and you can choose which photos you want to print. Its design is as stylish as it is compact. To help you manage your prints, you can download the Instax Mini Evo application.

Weaknesses: The cost per photo is considered to be high and the quality of the 5-megapixel sensor is quickly limited, but sufficient for small prints (6.2 x 4.6 cm format).

In conclusion, the Instax mini Evo is a complete and versatile camera with a stylish design. If you choose this model, I’d advise you to protect it well with good camera accessories like a quality case or a transparent case, depending on your taste.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is a camera that stands out from the rest of the pack with its distinctive vintage look and feel. Compared to the previous two cameras, its functions are more limited. It doesn’t offer many settings: You can’t turn off the flash, and the shutter is instant (you won’t have time to pose, ahah).

Strengths: good quality, easy to use.
Weaknesses: it takes a long time to develop a picture (4 to 5 minutes) and there are problems with the brightness of the pictures. I’d advise you to pay attention to this when you’re taking your photo, otherwise you’ll be disappointed with the result!

In conclusion, the design, ease of use and efficiency of the Instax Mini 40 is appreciated by users. It also provides good value for money. If you’re looking for a retro instant camera that’s easy to use, I’d definitely recommend it. Don’t forget to protect it! I recommend the following camera accessories : a case designed for this model or a very practical travel case.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the successor to the Mini 11. In my opinion, it retains all the characteristics of the previous model (its compact size, its ease of use and its fun features).
The changes are all in the design and don’t really have an impact on the ease of use.

Strengths: Selfie mode for those great self-portraits!
Weaknesses: same as the Instax Mini 40: few settings, flash can’t be disabled, instant shutter again (still no posing ahah).

In my opinion, the Instax Mini 12 is a nice, modern camera, available in several colours (purple, pink, white, green and pastel blue). A good deal for you: there is a case (to protect your instant camera) to go with each of the pastel tones of this model, or a pack that includes the case + some creative accessories.

The Instax mini LiPlay is more than just a camera, it has advanced hybrid functions: memory expansion (micro SD card), photo selection for printing, photo personalisation with dedicated application, LCD screen. Available in 2 colours: pink and black.

Strengths: 10 photo frames to choose from on the camera and 20 more to choose from via the application, audio recording (you can add a 10-second audio file to your photos).

As you can see, the Instax mini LiPlay is highly appreciated for all its creative and practical features. Feedback on this model has been very positive and it’s very complete. If you’re going on a trip with your camera, I’d recommend a protective case and a photo album to keep all your memories safe.

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a square instant camera available in 3 colours: ice blue, orange and white.

Strengths: The highlight of this camera is its “auto exposure” function, which adjusts the power of the flash according to the daylight when you take your photo. It’s a very useful feature for this type of camera. It guarantees better results!
Weaknesses: few settings, no option to deactivate the flash, viewfinder considered narrow.

I’d recommend it if you’re looking for an affordable square-format instant camera. In my opinion, Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a good instax camera. Remember to protect it with a leather case or hard-shell case to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

The Fujifilm Instax SQ40 is also a good instax camera in the square format. Its features are very similar to those of the Instax Square SQ1: automatic exposure and selfie mode. It is only available in black.

Strengths: It’s fairly quick to develop, taking less than a minute (ideal if you’re a little impatient)! Best of all, its CR2 batteries last for 300 photos.

I recommend an 80-sheet photo album or 192-sheet photo album to keep your photos safe.

The Instax Square SQ40 is a great choice if you’re looking for a square instant camera that combines a vintage look with modern features!

Good news, Fujifilm has just launched a new instant camera: the Instax Wide Evo. It’s a large format version that combines digital photography and instant printing. Its sensor can capture up to 16 megapixels when used with a microSD card. Without the card, its resolution is limited to 5 megapixels (which still makes a difference). It stands out for its 16 mm wide-angle lens. It also has a non-touch LCD screen and creative modes such as double exposure.

In terms of size and weight, this is a large format camera, but it is relatively compact. It has a retro design (like all Fujifilm cameras) with high quality finishes. Its advanced features include dials for creating lens effects. In terms of connectivity, the camera is compatible with Bluetooth and has its own mobile application (which makes it easy to update). Last but not least, the battery life is more than enough to print up to 100 photos per charge.

In a few words, the Instax Wide Evo is the perfect film for all fans of creative photography. You can capture landscapes, events, portraits and more! What’s more, it has autofocus with face detection. Although this camera isn’t cheap, it’s a good investment. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that its innovative features and quality build more than justify the price. I’d also like to take this opportunity to recommend this pouch to protect your camera.

We’ve looked at the best instax cameras. I’d also like to tell you about the paper you can print on, depending on the camera. Fujifilm’s Instax family includes 3 types of paper: Instax Mini, Instax Square and Instax Wide.

Instax Mini:

• Picture size: 46(W) x 62(H) mm
• Film paper size: 54(W) x 86(H) mm
• Compatible with the following cameras Fujifilm Instax Mini 90, Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo, Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
• Buy on Amazon / B&H

Instax Wide:

• Picture size: 99(W) x 62(H) mm
• Film size: 108(W) x 86(H) mm
• Compatible with Fujifilm Instax 300, 210 and 200 cameras.
• Buy on Amazon / B&H

Instax Square:

• Picture size: 62(W) x 62(H) mm
• Film size: 86(W) x 72(H) mm
• Compatible with Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 and Instax Square SQ1.
• Buy on Amazon / B&H

And that’s not all! These different papers come in a range of tones and themes (you are sure to find one or more that suits your taste): white, plain, rainbow, confetti, soft lavender, candy pops, macaroon, pink lemonade, spray-painted, blue marble, heart drawing, contact sheets, etc.

With new features such as Bluetooth connectivity and a dedicated camera application, the Polaroid Now+ is the successor to the Polaroid Now. Thanks to these new features, you can check the number of films available, access double exposure and a tripod mode.

Strengths: autofocus, self-timer, flash can be deactivated and recharging via USB.
Weaknesses: its size (it’s not easy to carry), the exposure isn’t always optimal depending on the photo, there’s no selfie mode and the viewfinder is considered narrow.

In conclusion, I think the Polaroid Now+ is a complete and effective instant camera. Its distinctive design is very vintage/retro and it comes in 3 colours: white, black and green. Don’t forget to protect your Polaroid camera with the famous Polaroid protective case or simply with a good quality hard shell case.

The Polaroid I-2 is a top-of-the-range instant camera that combines vintage charm with modern features. I should point out that it costs around €700 and the cost of prints is high (around €2.12 per photo). Of course, the design is unique. And the optics are of excellent quality. Quick tip: to take it with you on all your adventures, I recommend a good travel case or the Polaroid Box bag.

Weaknesses: although the camera takes sharp, high-quality photos, the colours don’t always match reality.

To sum up, despite its weaknesses and high price, the Polaroid I-2 is still very popular, especially given its iconic design, quality and ease of use. In my opinion, it’s a very nice top-of-the-range instant camera. It’s still an investment and it’s not a cheap polaroid camera.

The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the successor to the famous Polaroid Go. The new model has many of the same features as the Polaroid Go. The difference is in the design (more modern and minimalist) and the rendering. The Polaroid Go’s rendering was much more retro. The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is quite simply the smallest of all Polaroid models. You’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go to capture your best moments! Available in 3 colours – red, black and white. The design is rather classic and minimalist, ideal if you’re looking for a quality camera for creative results. To store your photos safely, I highly recommend the Polaroid Go photo album.

Strengths: Highlights include a high quality light sensor, double exposure, a self-timer, a selfie mode and a rechargeable battery. It’s also made from 30% recycled material!

In my opinion, the Polaroid Go Generation 2 is one of the best Polaroid instant cameras to buy with excellent price/performance ratio. 

I hope you will be able to make your choice more easily with these 4 new reviews of Polaroid instant cameras. These 4 instant cameras are among the best Polaroid instant cameras. About the Polaroid films, there are 3 different types : Polaroid i-type, Polaroid Go Film and Polaroid Colour 600 Film.

Polaroid i-type :

• Film format: 88 x 107 mm
• Picture size: 79 x 79 mm
• Compatible with Polaroid Now, Polaroid Now+ and Polaroid I-2.
• Buy on Amazon / B&H

Polaroid Go film:

• Film size: 53.9 x 66.6 mm
• Picture size: 46 x 47 mm
• Compatible with Polaroid Go and Polaroid Go Generation 2.
• Buy on Amazon / B&H

Polaroid – Colour 600 Film:

• Compatible with Polaroid Now, Polaroid Now+ and Polaroid I-2.
• Buy on Amazon / B&H

Here’s a lesser-known brand that offers some great options if you’re looking for an instant camera.

The Lomo’Instant is a compact, easy-to-carry, easy-to-hold instant camera, easy to handle and creative.

Strengths: 3 shooting modes (one automatic and two manual ones for more creativity), good printing technology.
Weaknesses: Difficult lighting indoors and the flash can be hidden depending on the lenses used, strap not included.

To sum up: The Lomo’Instant is an easy-to-use camera, suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers. It is also very affordable.

As the name suggests, the Lomo’Instant Automat offers advanced automatic functions for easy handling. It is available in the colours black, yellow, white and burgundy red.

Strengths: A remote control to trigger your selfies from a distance (handy for giving everyone time to get into position, ahah).

To sum up, the Lomo’Instant Automat is a very good camera, easy to use thanks to all the automatic modes it offers.

The Lomo’Instant Wide is an instant camera that offers a range of functions, but users find it difficult to use properly.

Strengths: flash off option, colour effects available, multi-exposure, time exposure, optics (wide, close-up, splitzer).
Weaknesses: fragile due to the materials used, bulky and not a compact size.

In my opinion, this instant camera can be complicated to use. I’d recommend it to people with a basic knowledge and experience of photography.

A bellows camera (that folds and unfolds like an accordion), the Lomography brand launched this new model at the end of 2018, giving it a bold retro look. It’s simply unique and only available in black.

Strengths: remote control that fits neatly into the body of the camera, colour gels that come with the camera, good quality pictures.
Weaknesses: narrow viewfinder, 3 batteries needed for the camera and remote control.

I think this instant camera has a unique style and opinions are often very clear, either you like it or you don’t like it at all.

It’s not easy to find in the usual shops. I’ll look for the links and come back!

I’d like to start by looking at the papers used by Lomography. They are exactly the same as the Fujifilm brand mentioned at the beginning of the article.

Instax mini :

Compatibility with Lomo’Instant Square and Lomo’Instant Automat cases.
Buy on Amazon / B&H

Instax wide :

Compatible with the Lomo’Instant Wide body.
Buy on Amazon / B&H

Instax square:

• Compatible with the Lomo’Instant Square.
• Buy on Amazon / B&H

Here’s a table summarising some of the interesting features of the instant cameras mentioned above.

That’s it, I’ve come to the end of this comparison of the best instant cameras, which no longer holds any secrets! It’s down to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and desires. Check out our article on the best compact cameras if you’re interested in smaller models.

If you’re familiar with any of the instant cameras we’ve mentioned, or if you already own one, don’t hesitate to share your opinion in the comments!

See you soon!

Written by Sylvain PONS

I've been passionate about photography since 2010, learning as I went along. Today, I dedicate myself to guiding others in their choice of camera gear and sharing a variety of tips to improve their photography skills.

Despite our care, a mistake may have slipped into this article. If you find any, please don't hesitate to let us know so we can correct it as soon as possible and keep our information up-to-date!