Best 35mm Film Cameras
| Last Updated: February 11, 2019
Polaroids aren’t as simple as they used to be. That is why we decided to research the 6 best instant cameras on the market today.
Instant cameras have made a big comeback in recent years. They have especially become a huge hit at parties and weddings.
They’ve even gained ground in every day life, with Instagram bloggers chronicling their trips to Disneyland or travels abroad and high school students documenting each hang out with their friends.
With so many new instant cameras flooding the market at a range of price points and formats, though, it can be difficult to decide which is better fit for your needs.
Do you want something that is cute and comes in a range of bright colors? Or would you rather have something that offers you more control over the settings?
In this guide, we will discuss how to find the perfect instant camera for your needs. We will explain the criteria we used in narrowing down our selection. We will also answer FAQs. Finally, we will list our top 6 picks.
Top 6 Instant Cameras
| Ranking | Camera | Best For | Weight | Size | Type | Review | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  | Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 | Parties, weddings, casual photographers | 10.8 ounces | 4.7 x 4.6 x 2.7 inches | Compact, analog | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #2 |  | Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass | Landscape, architecture and wide angle images. | 12.5 ounces | 4.8 x 3.9 x 2.9 inches | Analog | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #3 |  | Lomography Lomo'Insant Wide | Landscape and experimental photography | 1.6 pounds | 5.75 x 7.5 x 3.75 inches | Analog | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #4 |  | Polaroid POP | Casual, fun shots with added designs | 13.4 ounces | 3.75 x 5.5 x 2.2 inches | Analog, digital | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #5 |  | Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 | Travel and casual photography | 9.9 ounces | 3.9 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches | Analog | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #6 |  | Polaroid OneStep+ | Experimental and professional photography | 1.1 pounds | 5.9 x 4.4 x 3.8 inches | Analog | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
Finding an Instant Camera that Fits Your Needs
There are a number of aspects to consider when choosing your new instant camera. Different considerations are more or less important for different photographers. It’s important to consider how you want to use your instant camera before you make your choice.
- How much do you want to spend?
- What size film format do you want?
- Do you want a classic look or a more modern one in terms of camera design?
- How much control do you want when it comes to settings?
Here are the elements that we consider to be the most important when choosing your camera.
Cost
Instant cameras cost anywhere from $50 to almost $300. They range in abilities from simple point and shoot with minimal setting options to fully customizable modes and settings with compatible smartphone apps.
Unlike digital cameras, you also have to factor in the cost of repeatedly buying film. That can range quite a bit depending on the format you choose.
Cost alone may steer you towards a cheaper option like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9. That is especially if you want something fun, reasonably priced and hard to break for a wedding guestbook, for instance.
Are you a more experienced photographer and want to have more freedom with your settings? You may prefer something like the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass.
This camera costs almost four times as much as the Instax Mini 9. However, you have much more control over your images and can even turn the flash on and off.
Mini and Wide Format
Deciding what size film you want is an important step. It will help you to narrow down the right instant camera for your situation.
The most popular option today, the Instax Mini 9 from Fujifilm, uses the smallest film size. The image is just 2.4 by 1.8 inches. The entire film including the border measures about the size of a credit card.
You can purchase this film in monochrome or color. There are a variety of borders, including white, solid colors, blended colors, stripes, stars and other designs.
Decorative borders cost more. Colored film with a white border costs almost one dollar per shot if you buy individual packs of 10. Buying in bulk can reduce the cost by a little bit more than half.
Mini film is compatible with a number of instant cameras from Fujifilm, Lomography, Leica and Mint. We recommend Mini film if you’re planning on using it as a travel camera or to create a wedding guestbook.
That is because you can buy albums specifically created for this film from Michaels and a number of other stores. They come in a range of cute designs.
You can also buy cameras compatible with Instax Wide format. That is about twice the size of the Mini film and comes in color or black and white. It costs around a little more than one dollar per shot if you buy individual 10-packs. However, it is cheaper if you buy it in bulk.
Classic Square Format
Many photographers feel nostalgic and want that classic square, Polaroid look when it comes to Instant film pictures. Polaroid Originals still makes film for the 600 and SX70 cameras. However, it is expensive.
A bundle of three packs of color film with a total of 24 photos costs more than two dollars per photo.
Polaroid Originals does offer some unique film features that Instax does not. Those include duotone film with red, orange or yellow tints and round-frame film.
All of their film packs for their SX70 and 600 cameras also come with built-in batteries. They power the camera and flash. That eliminates the need to carry a dozen spare batteries for when your Instax Mini decides to die right before you capture the perfect shot of your friend “leaning” on the leaning tower of Pisa.
The Instax film does have the benefit of decades of technological improvements, though. Pictures develop faster and have more detail than original Polaroid film.
Fujifilm launched the Instax Square format just this year. It is supported by the Fujifilm SQ10, a digital and analog hybrid, and the Lomo’Instant Square. The film cost is closer to the Polaroid Original per image.
Flexibility with Settings
At the cheaper end of the camera spectrum, such as the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, the only setting you can change is what type of light you set the flash for. You are able to make the flash brighter or dimmer. However, there is no option for turning the flash off.
You can’t control the settings yourself. However, these cameras still do a great job as long as you have set the type of light you are in correctly. They are great for parties or everyday photos.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Polaroid OneStep+ enables you to choose a number of different settings from the camera and a smartphone app. It allows you to turn the flash on or off depending on the situation you are photographing in.
You will pay for this additional control, however. These cameras cost considerably more.
Selection Criteria: How We Ranked Our Choices
We considered instant cameras from every angle we could think of in constructing this guide, as with any of our gear guides.
- How hardy is the camera?
- What is the camera made of?
- Is the flash adjustable?
- Are there stylish design options to choose from?
- Are there additional technological features?
- Is the printer high-quality and reliable?
Here are the main criteria we used in selecting our top 6 instant cameras.
Construction
Instant cameras have a bit of a reputation for having cheap, plastic construction. Some cameras, like the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass, have glass lenses. However, most instant camera shells and lenses are still made out of plastic.
The materials available have improved since Polaroids were first released, however. All of the cameras on this list are made from reliable, durable materials.
We still recommend using your instant camera with a strap or a case attached. That will protect it should you bump into something or drop it.
Cases and shoulder straps are widely available. They can be found in a variety of colors and designs at Michaels, Best Buy or on Amazon.
Internal Technology
The internal technology is one of the biggest factors we considered in selecting our top 6 instant cameras. Most cameras we researched are equipped with an optical viewfinder. However, some have a digital viewfinder or small LCD screen.
We were especially interested to see how reliable the camera’s photo printers were. That is because an instant camera is useless if its printer doesn’t work. We only selected cameras with reliable printers.
Several cameras also come with a handy selfie mirror on the front. Those include the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass camera.
We were also interested in whether the cameras had the option of multiple lenses. Those include the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide camera’s wide-angle and macro conversion lenses.
These features will not likely make or break the camera for most users. However, it is nice to have the option of being able to develop more skills as you use your instant camera.
Finally, we wanted to investigate whether the film that cameras were compatible with was high quality or not. We were particularly interested in the level of detail in the final pictures. We wanted to know how quickly they printed and developed.
Stylish Design
One of the biggest draws of Polaroid cameras is the nostalgia surrounding them. That makes a stylish exterior more important than with professional DSLR cameras.
Most instant camera manufacturers have taken this into consideration. That has resulted in a wide range of colorful, stylish and retro designs. They run the spectrum from looking like they are straight out of the 80’s to appearing almost futuristic with bright colors and a rounded, toy-like body.
One of our favorites as far as design goes is the Instax Mini 9. These cameras have a bubbly, compact design. That makes them durable and easy to carry with you. They are available in a range of colors.
The current release comes in five retro colors (cobalt blue, ice blue, flamingo pink, lime green and smoky white). However, you can still find a wider range of colors online. Those include rose quartz, smoky purple, mint green, lavender, yellow and raspberry red.
Additional Features and Technology
Instant cameras are pretty simple as far as technology goes. However, there are some extra features that can help bump one model over another in terms of value and usability. One extra that is particularly fun is being able to convert digital photos to instant photos or vice versa.
The cameras themselves can’t take your digital photos from your phone and print them. However, some modern instant cameras have the ability to save photos you take to internal memory cards.
If you do have some photos on your phone that you would love to print as instant photos, you can purchase the Instax Share SP-2 printer for mini film or the SP-3 printer for square film.
These printers have a Wi-Fi connection. That allows you to print any photo stored on your smartphone or tablet onto instant film. Polaroid Originals also makes an instant film printer that is compatible with smartphones.
We also considered whether cameras came with a selfie mirror, additional lenses, adjustable settings, an adjustable flash and any other extra features. Some models even come equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities. They allow you to adjust settings on your phone and take photos remotely.
For example, the Polaroid OneStep+ has a free smartphone app. It lets you set up a self-timer or a remote trigger. That is invaluable if you want to be in photos and don’t want every photo to be a selfie or a poorly exposed image taken by a stranger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do instant cameras work?
With normal film cameras, the camera’s shutter opens and exposes the film to light. That creates metallic silver on the light-sensitive grains. It gives you a chemical recording of the color and light patterns.
That film has to be transferred to a dark canister in a dark room. It needs to be exposed to a series of chemicals. They remove the light-sensitive properties of the film and reveal the image.
Once this is done, the image is projected onto light sensitive photo paper. That is also developed using a series of chemical baths.
Instant cameras are interesting. That is because the film sheet itself has a series of layers containing colors and light sensitive grains like normal film. However, they also have layers of developer chemicals in between.
When you take a photo, the film sheet passes through a pair of rollers as it “prints.” They spread the reagent material between the light-sensitive layers and the image layer in the sheet. This material then seeps down through the layers and develops the photo before your eyes.
Each piece of film is actually a chemical reaction waiting to happen. So you may get the occasional piece of film that comes out either black and won’t develop a further image.
This is simply a hazard of using instant film. If you get a pack where every photo is coming out black, however, you should take it back to the store and ask for a replacement.
If your photos are coming out solid white, you likely have your flash set on too high of a setting. Make sure you double check and adjust so that your film isn’t overexposed.
2. Can my instant film and camera go through airport security?
Unused film going through the X-ray scanner once or twice will most likely be fine to use. However, there is a chance your photos will come out foggy when you do use the film.
In general, film speeds at ISO 800 or higher are particularly susceptible to X-ray damage. That includes all of your instant film packs.
To be safe rather than sorry, keep your film and instant camera in a clear plastic bag. Ask airport security to hand search it.
If the cartridge in the camera is empty, then it is fine to send the camera through the X-ray machine. But still ask them to hand search the film packs themselves.
3. Do you need to shake your Polaroid picture as it develops?
While you’ve probably heard “shake it like a Polaroid picture” on dance floors for years, Polaroid has been warning their customers against shaking their actual Polaroid pictures as they develop.
The image passes through rollers that spreads developer chemicals evenly. So shaking your picture can cause these chemicals to move around unevenly. It can actually cause separation in the layers and blobs in the final image.
While “set it gently on a flat surface and leave it alone like a Polaroid picture” isn’t nearly as catchy, it is a much better motto to follow when dealing with film.
4. How should I store my instant film?
Ideally, you should store your film in a cool, dry, ventilated place. It should be between 41 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re at home, placing the film flat on a shelf in the fridge is a good idea. However, you should never freeze your film. You certainly don’t have to refrigerate your film. However, you should try to avoid high temperatures and high humidity. That may take extra planning while traveling.
Never leave your film in a hot car. Try to keep loaded cameras away from water, humidity and direct sunlight as much as possible. Of course this is a general guideline.
If you’re walking around in the sun with your camera, the film will almost certainly be fine. When you sit down at an outdoor café table however, put it on your lap or in the shade under the table. Put it there rather than on top of the table in the sun.
If you are able to store your film in the fridge, try to take it out about 12 hours before you plan on using it. That way, it can warm up to room temperature and the chemicals will spread and interact normally.
5. How can I take better instant photos?
Instant cameras are a different beast than digital or film cameras. If you or a friend has owned one, you’re probably familiar with annoyingly overexposed images. Here are some basic rules to help you get better instant pictures.
- Don’t get too close. Most instant cameras require a minimum distance of 30 cm or 60 cm to focus on a subject. This means you have to hold the camera at arm’s length and not closer if you’re taking a selfie. Holding it closer could cause your photos to be out of focus or over exposed. That is because you are closer to the flash.
- Watch your fingers. The viewfinder doesn’t tend to be in line with the lens like viewfinders are in other cameras. So it is easy to capture your finger in your shot without noticing. Make sure you double check that all of your fingers are clear before you click the shutter release.
- Light, light, light. Try to use natural light and minimize the flash as much as possible. This tip applies to all types of photography. You will get more natural contrast and details in your subject than with direct, hot flash.
- Choose appropriate subjects. Close-up portraits and selfies work best for instant photos. While you can shoot landscape, cameras with flashes you can’t totally turn off (Instax Mini 9) will capture anything in the foreground close enough to catch the flash really brightly. The detail likely won’t be very sharp further from the camera. Make sure you select a camera with more control if you want to use it for landscapes and more complex photography.
- Try to capture candid photos (even when they’re not candid). While posed portraits and selfies are cute, you’ll likely get tired of seeing the same photo over and over. You can either take photos of your friends in a candid setting or pose a shot that looks candid, like sipping coffee or laughing in front of a colored mural.
6. What does High-Key mean?
Many instant cameras have a High-Key setting for the flash. This basically means the flash will be a little hotter than is necessary to give your photo a bright, upbeat, slightly faded look. This lighting can be really flattering in selfies and portraits since it flattens the subject. It basically eliminates wrinkles and blemishes.
It is really easy to overexpose your image much more than you mean to with High-Key, however. So make sure you aren’t too close to your subject and use this setting carefully. This setting also isn’t suited to shooting landscapes or architecture. It should be avoided in these situations.
7. How do instant photos hold up over time?
Once the photo is developed, the image should stay relatively the same over the years. If you’ve ever seen Polaroid photos that your parent’s took several decades ago, you can get a good idea of how durable they are.
Of course, if you frame one and store it in bright, direct sunlight, it is likely to fade over time. However, if you display your instant photos out of direct sunlight or in an album, they should last for decades.
If you store black and white film in the sun, it is likely to turn sepia in about a year’s time. Generally, instant film tends to be a bit more durable than normal printed photos, but try to follow the same rules for storing and displaying your images.
8. How do new instant cameras compare to classic, vintage Polaroid cameras?
Some older Polaroids still work well. However, technology has advanced considerably since they were first released. Many of the problems you run into with old Polaroids have to do with how they were stored or cared for.
For instance, if someone left the batteries in them for the last decade, they’ve likely leaked and corroded over time. That leaves you with a camera that may not work at all.
Older cameras also focused through a system called bellows. They look like an accordion and can get distorted with light and dust leaking in over time. Old lenses and shutters are also likely to jam.
Newer cameras tend to be hardier and more reliable. There is also the benefit that they are currently being made. So if you need repairs or a replacement, you can attain both of these much easier than with vintage cameras.
The technology in the film has also improved. Fujifilm packs gives you pictures that are more vibrant and detailed than Polaroid film.
Polaroid film packs do offer some features that newer film doesn’t yet have, however. That includes mono-color tinted film. That is black and white with yellow, red or orange tones showing up.
Rankings and Reviews
Below we have outlined the 6 best instant cameras that we found during our research at Photophique. We open each review with a number of variables like camera type, film format and dimensions.
After that, we cover basic pros and cons. We will explain why we chose each camera and what reviewers liked and disliked about the camera. In addition, we will outline specific considerations and features for each camera.
We will particularly focus on value for the price. In addition, we will explain which situations additional features would be useful for.
We’ve tried to format our information to help photographers choose an instant camera for specific situations. Those range from a wedding guest book to more professional projects.
We also tried to choose cameras that were different from each other in capabilities, types and film formats. That will help photographers with a range of needs find a camera that suits their situation.
#1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
- Best For: Parties, weddings, beginner photogs, casual photography
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.6 x 2.7 inches
- Type: Compact, analog
- Film Format: Mini film
Pros:
This camera is inexpensive and uses film that is easy to find and affordable. The body is cute, colorful and compact. The camera itself is easy to use and reliable.
Cons:
It is easy to overexpose images, and there aren’t many extra features that come with this camera. The settings are also pretty lean, with the flash being the only setting that you can adjust.
What Makes this Camera Special?
You’ve probably heard a lot about this camera, and for good reason. This is one of the cheapest instant cameras on the market. It is also a great value for the price.
The Instax Mini 9 has a small selfie mirror on the front and a much-improved lens adapter that helps you shoot macro images much closer to a subject while retaining detail in your image. It also comes in a variety of bright, retro colors and was basically responsible for bringing instant cameras back in fashion after Polaroid went out of business.
The design is simple and clean, and the camera doesn’t have a lot of elements sticking out that are easy to break. Its compact nature makes it easy to carry for travel or daily photography, and it fits easily into a camera backpack or a purse. There are also a range of cases with straps available at Michaels, Best Buy and online.
The settings are easy to use, with a dial on the front around the lens allowing you to choose a flash setting, ranging from High-Key to indoors. Since it takes Instax Mini format film, you can get film relatively cheaply in black and white or color, with borders ranging from solid white to a selection of fun colors and designs.
There are also a number of accessories like albums and scrapbook supplies specifically made and sold for Instax mini film, making it easy and affordable to create fun products with the final images.
A majority of people, me included, looking for an instant camera want something that is reliable and easy to use to capture instant snapshots with friends or while travelling. Settings that are useful in DSLRs for professional photography would get in the way for a majority of instant camera users.
Since the Instax Mini 9 has a non-existent settings menu, this is perfect for most people who just want to have fun with their camera (and is a particularly great option for a kid’s camera).
The low price point and reliability of the Instax Mini 9 make this our top pick for a majority of instant camera users. If you are looking to use your instant camera for more experimental shots or professional photography, like light painting and landscapes, we suggest you peruse some of our other picks like the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass or the Polaroid OneStep+.
What Do Reviewers Say?
The compact format of the Instax Mini 9 makes it easy to use one-handed, which is ideal for taking selfies. It is also easy to load new film packs since the camera comes with a handy yellow tab to line up your pack in the camera. While this may seem superfluous, none of the other cameras in this review consider this feature, making this the easiest to load film.
The camera turns on with the press of a button, and suggests the perfect light setting with a little red light on the front ring around the pop-out lens. One downside is that you can’t completely turn the flash off. That means you may be washing out or over-exposing outdoor photos.
These cameras are ideal for putting out for a wedding guest book or on a table at a party. The photos themselves make great favors. You can also create them to create a scrapbook later if you don’t want to give them away to your guests.
While the plastic body feels a little cheap compared to other instant cameras, it is also durable and reliable, and should last for years if you use it properly and store it without batteries when you aren’t using it.
Features and Considerations
The Instax Mini 9 uses AA batteries and goes through them pretty quickly. If your photos won’t print or the lens seems jammed, you are likely just low on battery power. Try replacing the batteries and turning the camera back on.
The Instax Mini 9 also only uses Mini format film so make sure you like the credit card sized pictures before you commit to them. Fujifilm also makes several wide format cameras and has recently released square format film if you prefer a more classic look.
#2. Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat
- Best For: Landscape, architecture and wide angle images
- Weight: 12.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.9 x 2.9 inches
- Type: Analog
- Film Format: Mini film
Pros:
This camera is compact and comes with a sharp, ultra-wide lens. It has automatic exposure, a selfie mirror and supports multiple exposure shots. It also includes a close-up filter and split frame mask, and is compatible with black and white and color film.
Cons:
It uses CR2 batteries, which can be harder to find than AA batteries and are more expensive.
What Makes this Camera Special?
While Fujifilm models are created to be easy to use with minimal setting variability, Lomography has been creating a growing repertoire of cameras that are compatible with Instax film but give you more creative control over your photos.
While this camera is similar to the Lomo’Instant Automat, it has the added feature of a 38mm f/4.5 glass lens, which gives you an ultra-wide shot in the same, mini film format. The photos from Lomography are a bit sharper than other models in general, which is a bonus.
This camera has a compact, smaller than normal body, and while it won’t quite fit in a pocket, it fits discreetly in a small bag or purse. You can also connect a strap to the camera to carry it over your shoulder if you’re traveling. Unlike the Instax Mini 9, the Lomo’Instant Automat Glass comes with a standard tripod socket.
There are some fun extras that come with this camera, including a lens cap that can double as a wireless shutter release, a filter for close up photos, colored gel filters, stands and clips that you can use to display images, acid-free glue dots to mount photos and a small book with photography tips.
This model can also take multiple exposure shots, and comes with a Splitzer, which is a tool that you can use to black out half or three quarters of your image for these shots.
One slight drawback is the fact that the camera requires two CR2 batteries. While these small batteries help contribute to the smaller camera size, they aren’t as easy to find as AA’s. They do last longer however, so you’ll be buying them less often.
If you’re looking for an instant camera to put out at parties, this isn’t the choice for you. If you want a compact camera that lets you experiment with settings and take artistic, clear images, this is an excellent choice.
What Do Reviewers Say?
If you don’t like the credit card size of the Instax Mini format film, the Lomo’Instant Wide is very similar as far as capabilities but provides images that are almost twice the size. If you like the smaller images though, this camera performs more like a normal film DSLR given the glass lens and added control over settings.
The Automat Glass is excellent for capturing landscapes and architecture, delivering crisp shots with a lot of detail and depth. The variety of control buttons, including an automatic and bulb exposure mode button, a flash output toggle, a multiple exposure button, exposure compensation plus and minus buttons and a focus ring, all give photographers a surprisingly high amount of control over their instant images.
This is definitely a great body for professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.
Features and Considerations
While most instant cameras have plastic lenses, the glass lens on this body gives a much crisper image than most Instax cameras deliver. The glass does have a tendency to create light flares, however, so try to shield the lens from direct sunlight or use the flares artistically. Shooting selectively in dimmer light or on cloudy days can prevents flares.
There is a noticeable vignette around the frame of the photos, which isn’t abnormal for such a wide lens, but should be accounted for when you frame your image. The camera’s f/4.5 aperture also enables you to capture better twilight images than most other instant cameras. The Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras all have an f/12.7 aperture for example, which is terrible in the same light.
There is a small optical viewfinder on the upper right corner of the camera, and film packs are loaded from the back. There are also 10 small lights on the film eject slot that allow you to count how many film sheets are available in your pack. The shutter release on the front can double as a selfie mirror as well.
All in all, this camera comes loaded with features and settings that people with a little more photography experience would enjoy playing with. If you’re in the market for something with a more simple point-and-shoot design for weddings or parties, these extra settings could get in the way.
#3. Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide
- Best For: Landscape and experimental photography
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.75 x 7.5 x 3.75 inches
- Type: Analog
- Film Format: Wide film
Pros:
The wide format film is larger, which is nice, and the camera has exposure compensation control. There is built in flash and a socket synced for external flash. The camera has multiple exposure capability and a manual focus lens, and comes with wide-angle and macro conversion lenses and a selfie mirror.
Cons:
The wider format film makes the camera more bulky. The wide format film is also slightly more expensive, which can make this an expensive choice for photographers who shoot at a higher volume.
What Makes this Camera Special?
While Fujifilm makes a camera that takes the same Instax Wide format film, Lomography’s camera is a much more serious piece of camera equipment and gives you a considerable amount of control that the Fujifilm bodies lack. Since it takes the wide format film, the camera itself is also larger, meaning it will take up more room in your camera sling bag and may not fit comfortably in your purse depending on how big your purse is.
Despite its size, the camera still has a clean, relatively compact design. The lens isn’t obtrusive, and there aren’t a lot of bulky pieces or buttons sticking out that could be easily damaged, making it a relatively portable camera.
The camera design is sleek and retro, and comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, tan and silver, blue, silver and teal. While blue, silver and teal are only available in the slightly more expensive Portobello Road model, you do get extra accessories and lenses with these cameras.
The add on wide-angle lens expands the field of view to 21 mm, which is perfect for group selfies, shots in tight spaces or landscape photography. You can also get a viewfinder attachment that can be swapped for the normal one that shows your images as they will appear with the wide-angle lens.
The macro lens attachment enables you to shoot subjects in focus just 0.1 meters away, which is another a fun feature to play around with.
The camera also gives you the ability to photograph using an infrared remote, by using the IR emitter that is built into the lens cap. This feature and others, like the multiple exposure capability and off-camera lighting support, make this a great option for photographers looking to experiment with their instant photos.
What Do Reviewers Say?
The ambient light meter the camera uses for automatic exposure is decent, but has difficulty capturing images in darker environments where the flash tends to overexpose images. You can use the exposure compensation to help correct this, however.
The flash is necessary for indoor photos since the camera comes with an f/8 stop lens, meaning your photos will be blurry and dark without the addition of extra light. The lens can step down to f/22 on bright days, which makes this camera a great option if you need one that can easily transition from indoor to outdoor shooting.
This camera is the perfect choice for camera enthusiasts who want to play around with instant film without being limited by the Instax Mini format film size. Reviewers highly recommend selecting a camera package that comes with the additional lenses and Splitzer tool to enhance your photography experience and enable you to take more interesting photos.
Features and Considerations
The controls on this body are more minimal than some other cameras with limited digital capabilities, with a shutter button on the front, rear buttons to turn the flash on or off, a multiple exposer mode toggle and a switch to set automatic exposure at 0, -1 or +1 EV. There is also a switch for automatic, bulb, or 1/30-second exposures.
This body also enables you to sync up an external flash or studio strobes however, which is a handy feature for people who feel comfortable using this equipment. The more sophisticated lighting would certainly render more detailed, lifelike shots.
#4. Polaroid POP
- Best For: Casual, fun shots with added designs
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.75 x 5.5 x 2.2 inches
- Type: Analog/Digital
- Film Format: Square film (Polaroid POP zinc paper)
Pros:
This camera has a really unique, fun design that looks more like an iPod than an instant camera. It has a low-resolution screen instead of a viewfinder. It prints photos that are the original square Polaroid format.
What really sets this camera assize is the special Zink paper specifically designed for this body.
Cons:
The screen isn’t anywhere close to the smartphone screens we’ve become used to as far as resolution or capabilities and they pick up fingerprints and dust easily. The wrist strap is clunky, and the magnetic bottom that is removed to load film comes off much too easily.
What Makes this Camera Special?
While a lot of the technology on this camera is about equivalent with an old iPod, it does have more features than many other instant cameras given its digital capabilities. You can pair it with a smartphone to unlock online functionality, and the digital screen viewfinder is sleek and unique.
One element that really sets this camera apart and made us include it in this list is the Zinc paper designed specifically to be used with the Polaroid POP. This paper is a large, square format, which in itself is nice, but also prints clearly and – the best part – each picture is a sticker.
The digital screen allows you to add custom frames, write text and put different graphics on the image before you press print. This feature, coupled with the sticker feature, makes this a great choice if you want to create fun, creative images with friends that you can stick to laptops, notebooks or other places around your house.
You can also add images to an album or scrapbook without needing additional glue dots or adhesives.
Since the camera is digital, it can also record video at a slightly lower resolution than your phone and creates GIFs in 10 to 15 seconds. These can be sent to your phone and saved or deleted if you don’t like the result.
The minimalist design is also a plus, and the camera itself looks like an iPod or Game Boy. The camera is slightly larger than we would like, but is square with a red shutter button on the back by the digital view screen. We love the design, but make sure you carry it in a case or soft cloth bag as it does scratch easily.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers in general weren’t fans of the technology in this camera. The photos take about a minute to print, and only have a resolution of about 20 megapixels, which is pretty low. Several reviewers complained that photos were grainy and people had a red cast to their skin, but there is an adjustable white balance setting that you can change to correct this.
The bottom case is magnetic and detaches too easily as well, which can be problematic if you are trying to shoot with loaded film. We are fans of the larger film format however, the customization options that are built in, the additional digital features and the fact that the photos are stickers.
The technology may be a little slow for 2018, but it is likely to improve with the next generation. Even given the slower tech however, the additional features are so unique that this would be a great choice for casual photographers and people who want a fun, easy-to-use camera for hangouts with their friends.
Features and Considerations
The low-resolution screen can be a bit laggy, but the ability to handwrite on your photos and add frames and stickers to them is unique and fun. While you can write on normal Polaroids with Sharpies and add stickers afterward, doing so digitally allows you to undo your designs if you don’t like how they come out. The non-light sensitive, sticker Zinc paper is also handy and easy to load.
If you don’t plan on using the stickers or adding extra frames and graphics to your pictures, or if you don’t want the added digital features the POP offers, this is definitely not a good option for you. For those who want an instant camera to take occasional fun photos with their friends, these photos are like large format photos from a Purikura (Japanese Photo Booth) and are definitely a lot of fun.
#5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 70
- Best For: Travel and casual photography
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches
- Type: Analog
- Film Format: Mini Film
Pros:
This camera is easy to use, and gives slightly more control than the Instax Mini 9 in a smaller camera body. This camera is great for people who want an instant camera to take with them when they travel.
Cons:
The lack of manual control over the flash is annoying, and it is easy to obscure the flash with your finger given its position on the top right corner. Controls are also limited.
What Makes this Camera Special?
The Instax Mini 70 is more compact and sleek than the toy-like Instax Mini 9, and comes with automatic focus, exposure and flash. There is a selfie mirror on the front however, which is a useful feature when you want to get in your photo. It is also small enough to fit in a large pocket or a purse, and has added features like a tripod mount, a self-timer mode and a retractable lens.
Overall, it is sleek, compact and perfect for travel, and has a retro design with a metallic-looking finish on some of the colors available. While this camera is plastic, it is built well. Make sure you use a wrist strap, however, as dropping the camera may damage the plastic casing.
Fujifilm’s main goal in developing this camera was to give people a piece of equipment that they would have fun using to create instant photos, and they accomplished this goal. This camera handles selfies particularly well, and the automatic settings and minimal control enables casual photographers to capture decent photographs with ease.
The image quality is better than with earlier Instax Mini models, and the Instax Mini format film comes with a variety of frames to create fun images. The film is also relatively inexpensive, which makes rebuying film more affordable than with larger format films.
If you want a camera that enables more serious photography, you probably want to look at newer Polaroids or Lomography camera bodies. Fujifilm has perfected a range of easy-to-use cameras that have minimal setting customization but adjust automatically to allow people to take decent photos at parties, with friends or at weddings.
What Do Reviewers Say?
Reviewers largely agree that while the Instax Mini 70 is a lot of fun to use, it is generally only good for fun. The lack of setting control limits your ability to capture a lot of detail indoors, and creates images that tend to be slightly over or under exposed. If you are just taking photos at parties, this high-key effect can actually be preferred, making this an excellent choice.
The compact size and sleek design make this camera particularly suited for travel, as it can be easily slipped in a small purse or attached to a shoulder strap. The camera’s lightweight body also makes it quite portable.
The toughest part about using this camera is figuring out how to load the film, and photographers should remember to shoot a photo after loading film to eject the black plastic cover over the light sensitive pieces of film.
Features and Considerations
Beyond the shutter on the front, which pops out when you turn the camera on, the only features on the front of the camera body are a flash, a shutter release button and the Instax logo. The photos print on the top, where it is important that you let the photo print on its own and resist the temptation to pull it out of the camera.
The back has a cover that you can open to load film packs, a viewfinder, and a small LCD screen with control buttons for flash settings, high key lighting, macro mode and infinity focus.
This camera is a great value for the low price. It is reliable, and added features like the selfie mirror next to the lens and the small size make it ideal for party selfies and travel shots in front of the Eiffel Tower.
#6. Polaroid OneStep+
- Best For: Experimental and professional photography
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.9 x 4.4 x 3.8 inches
- Type: Analog
- Film Format: Square Film
Pros:
This camera uses the classic square Polaroid film format, is easy to use and offers crisp portraits with its close focus mode. It also includes Bluetooth capabilities for manual exposure control and charges via a USB cable.
Cons:
The film is more expensive than other formats.
What Makes this Camera Special?
While the more affordable, automatic Fujifilm Instax cameras are more than sufficient for a majority of photographers who are in the market for an instant camera, the Polaroid OneStep+ is an excellent option for those who want greater control and don’t mind paying a little bit more for it. This camera is certainly a little heavier than most of the others on this list, and it is a bit larger as well, making it slightly more cumbersome to travel with and carry around.
Polaroid Originals was inspired by their classic, 1970s designs when creating this camera, rendering a vintage film camera look that photographers love. The base is a bit larger than most instant cameras, with the lens, flash and controls extending up out of the base. The look is definitely more classic than the Polaroid POP or the Instax Mini designs, but is slightly less portable for travel.
This camera comes loaded with a number of extra features, like EV compensation, a built-in Bluetooth system for remote shutter control and close focus for portraits. The shutter button is the typical Polaroid large red button on the front, but there is also a button on the back right behind the shutter that suppresses the flash when you hold it down as you shoot.
The camera also charges via a micro USB port, eliminating the need for tons of extra AA batteries. The battery depletes after about 60 days of storage though, so it is important to check if it has sufficiently charged the night before you plan on using your camera.
One feature we love is the Polaroid Originals app, which is free to download and allows you to use the camera’s additional functions, like Bluetooth and additional, special shooting modes like self-timer. The app also enables you to use double exposures and long exposures for light painting. One particularly fun feature of the app is the noise trigger function, which causes a loud noise to trigger the shutter release.
What Do Reviewers Say?
The biggest critique reviewers had was that the film is expensive, particularly when compared to similar models from Lomography. Each photo costs almost $2 with the Polaroid Original camera, while the Lomo’Instant Square offers shots at half the cost.
Reviewers generally appreciated the higher-level control available with this camera body and the consistent quality rendered in the photos when the settings were used correctly. The original square format is also a plus for many reviewers that like the classic look of the final product.
Features and Considerations
As with many instant cameras, the viewfinder is offset from the lens. This means you need to adjust how you frame your shots when you’re shooting close up. While you are unlikely to notice a difference if you are shooting a building or a group of people from further away, if you are taking a close up portrait of a pet or your mimosa at brunch, that few inches difference can ruin your shot.
Unlike many of the other cameras in this guide, the film loads from the front and comes in packs of 8 shots. The camera does also use Polaroid 600 film or I-Type film, which is slightly more expensive per shot than the Instax Mini or Wide format film.
