The Best Instant Camera Deals This Week*
- Kodak Dock Plus Instant Photo Printer With 90 Sheets Bundle — $129.99 (List Price $199.99)
- Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro Camera Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $119.98 (List Price $179.99)
- Kodak Mini 3 Retro Portable Photo Printer — $99.99 (List Price $119.99)
- Kodak Mini 2 Retro Instant Photo Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $89.99 (List Price $139.99)
- HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer — $79.99 (List Price $129.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Looking for an instant camera? You're not alone. Instant film is as popular today as it has ever been. Fujifilm and Polaroid are still around making Instax and I-Type films, respectively, along with the cameras to match.
There are lots of reasons to reach for an instant camera. First and foremost, nothing in the digital realm beats the feeling of handing off a physical photo to someone right after you've snapped it. That's why instant film is a big hit at weddings and parties; it can be a great way to capture moments for posterity in a way that's different from just another smartphone image. Younger millennials and Gen Z photographers might also look to it as a step away from the digital doldrums and a way to keep any truly private images away from hackable cloud data services. And you can't discount artists, who are always looking to make their work stand out in a crowded landscape.
Read on for the top instant cameras we've tested, followed by everything you need to know to find one that meets your needs.
Table of Contents
Fujifilm Instax Mini 99
Most Advanced Instax Mini Camera
Why We Picked It
The Instax Mini 99 matches Fuji's popular Instax Mini film format with a camera that goes well beyond single-button operation. It includes an exposure dial for better results in difficult lighting, supports double exposures, and has several shooting modes that help you capture specific subjects and scenes. The camera uses the same lens as the more affordable Mini 12 and Mini 40 but builds in an optical vignette mask and LED lights that add color filter effects to your analog snapshots. Altogether, it gives you more creative control than any other non-digital Instax.
Who It's For
Avid photographers who want to use an analog-only camera for instant photos should put the Mini 99 at the top of their list since it allows for shutter timing and exposure value adjustments. The Instax Mini 12 and 40 simply don't give you that level of control.
PROS
- Wide standard lens with vignette control
- Creative filters and multi-exposure options
- Exposure compensation to brighten or darken photos
- Bulb mode for long exposures
- Sports mode to freeze moving subjects
- Three focus zones
CONS
- Doesn't support in-camera charging
- No selfie mirror
- Dim plastic optics require flash indoors
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.4 by 4.0 by 2.1 inches |
| Weight | 14 oz |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | Fujifilm Instax Mini |
| Battery Type | Fujifilm NP-70S |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 35 mm |
| Stabilization | None |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Best Instax Mini Camera for Beginners
Why We Picked It
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the easiest, most affordable way to try out instant photography. The all-plastic camera offers easy one-button operation, bettering older models that require you to adjust the lens for different types of light. Instax Mini film is conveniently available online and in brick-and-mortar stores, while color and black-and-white options open up lots of artistic possibilities.
Who It's For
The Instax Mini 12 is the camera to get if you want an instant camera just to have one. Teens and college-age kids should enjoy it for capturing memories without the risk of leaving a digital trail. And it's sure to be a hit for family photographers who want to fill up a physical photo album or decorate their fridge.
PROS
- Improved one-button operation
- Selfie mirror and close-focus support
- Works with black-and-white or color Instax Mini film
- AA battery power
- Affordable
CONS
- Omits tripod socket
- No double exposure or other artsy features
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.8 by 4.2 by 2.7 inches |
| Weight | 10.3 oz |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | |
| Battery Type | AA |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | |
| Stabilization | |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | 0 feet |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1
Best for Instax Square Prints
Why We Picked It
Older millennials and Gen X members grew up with square instant prints—Polaroid 600 cameras were everywhere in the '80s and '90s. Fuji's Instax Square format rekindles the square nostalgia, and the SQ1 is the most accessible way to use it. This model offers one-button operation and can take color or black-and-white film, all at a lower cost per picture than modern Polaroid entries.
Who It's For
Photographers who like the square format should find the SQ1 easy to appreciate. It's a point-and-shoot with a plastic lens that produces quality photos. That said, it's not the most versatile option. Pick the Lomo'Instant Square or the Nons SL660 if you're after an Instax Square camera with more manual control.
PROS
- Fun, square instant prints
- Very easy to use
- Close focus and mirror for selfies
- Color and black-and-white film available
CONS
- No self timer, tripod socket, or double exposure support
- Smaller photos than Polaroid cameras
- CR2 batteries aren't always easy to find
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.7 by 5.2 by 2.3 inches |
| Weight | 13.9 oz |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | Fujifilm Instax Square |
| Battery Type | CR2 |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 35 mm |
| Stabilization | |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.4x |
| Connectivity | |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
Best Glass-Lens Instax Mini
Why We Picked It
We love the sharp wide-angle lens of the Lomo'Instant Glass, which takes the same film as cameras like the Fuji Instax Mini 12, but captures a broader view with sharper details. It's a good pick for shutterbugs who like to take photos of larger groups or who want to try out the artsy multi-exposure technique.
Who It's For
The Lomo'Instant Glass costs more than double the basic Instax Mini 12, so it's not as much of an impulse purchase. It's worth spending more if you like the look of a wide-angle lens (its view is similar to a 21mm full-frame lens) and crave sharper prints than you can get with plastic-lens alternatives.
PROS
- Compact.
- Sharp, ultra-wide lens.
- Automatic exposure.
- Built-in flash.
- Selfie mirror.
- Multiple exposure support.
- Includes close-up filter and split frame mask.
- Color and monochrome film options.
CONS
- Uses CR2 batteries.
- Instax Mini format is a little small.
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.8 by 3.9 by 2.9 inches |
| Weight | 12.5 oz |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | |
| Battery Type | |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 21 mm |
| Stabilization | |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Lomography Lomo'Instant Wide
Best for Instax Wide Prints
Why We Picked It
Out of Fuji's three instant film formats, Instax Wide makes the biggest prints. The Lomo'Instant Wide is the camera to get if you're interested in taking instant and impactful snaps with that format. It offers more artist-friendly features than you get with the Fuji Instax Wide 300, including multiple exposures and a split-image attachment for the lens.
Who It's For
Photographers with an artistic eye are the typical target market for Lomography cameras. The Lomo'Instant Wide requires some know-how to use, so you feel comfortable setting manual focus by distance and experimenting with the creative attachments before you purchase it. The big prints you get in the end are worth the effort.
PROS
- Uses large Instax Wide film.
- Exposure compensation control.
- Built-in flash.
- Multiple exposure capability.
- Manual focus lens.
- Sync socket for external flash.
- Wide-angle and macro conversion lenses available.
- Selfie mirror.
CONS
- Bulky.
- Can be expensive for high-volume shooters.
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.75 by 7.5 by 3.75 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 lb |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | |
| Battery Type | AA |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 35 mm |
| Stabilization | None |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Lomography Lomo'Instant Square
Best for Fans of Folding Cameras
Why We Picked It
The Lomo'Instant Square is one of the quirkier instant cameras on sale today, but sometimes quirky is good. This instant folder uses a glass lens and works with Fuji Instax Square film to produce sharp, attractive prints. Support for multiple exposures comes in handy for artsy shots, and the included wireless remote gives you more freedom to set up selfies and group photos.
Who It's For
The Lomo'Instant Square is an instant camera for camera nerds. The folding design is a throwback to 1970s Polaroids and allows you to toss the camera into your coat pocket for jaunts outside the house. It is a manual focus camera, so you need to estimate subject distance and set the lens manually before taking a photo, at least if you want in-focus results.
PROS
- Purely analog instant camera.
- Glass lens.
- Folding design.
- Automatic exposure.
- Multiple exposure support.
- Built-in flash.
- Includes wireless remote.
CONS
- Tricky viewfinder parallax.
- Some trial and error.
- Instax Square film costs more than other formats.
- CR2 batteries aren't as common as AA.
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.8 by 6 by 1.7 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 lb |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | |
| Battery Type | |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 45 mm |
| Stabilization | None |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | 0 feet |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Nons SL660
Best Instant Camera With Interchangeable Lenses
Why We Picked It
If you crave the creative flexibility of interchangeable lenses, but still like the idea of Instax Square film, the Nons SL660 is worth a look. It works with Canon EF glass and creates better photos than basic instant cameras with fixed, plastic lenses.
Who It's For
Photographers after ultimate creative control should consider the Nons SL660. The ability to change lenses opens up macro, wide-angle, telephoto, and blurred-background photo opportunities that simply aren't an option with most instant cameras. The SL660 costs more than others on this list, but we think the results are worth the premium.
PROS
- Uses Instax Square film
- Supports Canon EF SLR lenses
- Ample battery with USB-C charging
- Multiple exposure support
- Hot shoe for external flash
CONS
- Viewfinder doesn't show full frame
- ND filters needed for bright light
- Audible mirror thunk
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.2 by 5.3 by 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.9 lb |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | Fujifilm Instax Square |
| Battery Type | Internal |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | |
| Stabilization | |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Polaroid Now+
Best for Classic Polaroid Square Prints
Why We Picked It
Although most of the instant cameras we recommend use Fuji Instax materials, Polaroid remains an option if you can make peace with the $2-per-picture pricing. For the money, you get prints that match up with the square format of SX-70 and 600 series films from yesteryear. The Polaroid Now+ is the best camera you can get that works with the company's modern I-Type film. As for features, this model supports long and multiple exposures, as well as remote control over Bluetooth. The package also includes a set of lens filters; you can use those to add a color gel or get more dramatic skies from black-and-white film, for instance.
Who It's For
Photographers with an artistic eye or serious nostalgia for classic square-format Polaroid should enjoy the Now+ most. Today's Polaroid film is a little trickier to handle and use than Fuji Instax materials, but the 3.1-inch square format is roomier than Instax Square (2.4 inches) and offers a healthy dose of artistic options, including short-run materials like Black and Green Duochrome. The Now+ has some features you don't get with the basic Now camera, but it's still a point-and-shoot with a plastic lens. Photographers who want to relive their Polaroid days with a semi-pro camera should look into a restored SX-70 from Retrospekt instead.
PROS
- Big, square instant photos
- Color, black-and-white, and limited-run films
- Easy one-button operation
- Smartphone app for creative control
- Tripod socket
- Convenient USB charging
CONS
- Color film delivers inconsistent results
- No selfie mirror
- Film is expensive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.7 by 4.2 by 5.6 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | Polaroid Originals I-Type |
| Battery Type | Internal |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 35 mm |
| Stabilization | None |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution | |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, micro USB |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | 0 feet |
| Video Resolution | |
| HDMI Output |
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Best Digital Art Filters
Why We Picked It
The Fuji Instax Mini Evo is a digital-instant hybrid camera with a chic retro style and a plastic-fantastic build. The digital design means that the camera works in dimmer light and focuses closer than analog models that take the same Instax Mini film, while on-demand printing ensures that you don't waste film on missed photo ops.
Who It's For
The Instax Mini Evo is a good camera for anyone who wants to make instant prints, but just not for every photo. It includes a bunch of in-camera filters for creatives and is easy enough for anyone to pick up and use. Pros and photo hobbyists likely won't like the editing and file transfer limitations Fuji built into the system, but the rest of us can enjoy the charming photochemical prints it produces.
PROS
- Slick retro styling
- Fun digital filter effects
- Lets you print only what you want
- Digital capture with chemical film prints
- Bluetooth connection and smartphone app
CONS
- Poor LCD quality
- Inelegant controls
- No in-camera editing tools
- Can only send printed images to smartphone
- 5MP sensor isn't anything special
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.4 by 4.8 by 1.4 inches |
| Weight | 10 oz |
| Type | Compact |
| Sensor Resolution | 5 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 1/5-inch |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | 1 |
| Memory Card Format | microSDHC, microSD |
| Battery Type | Internal |
| Minimum ISO | 100 |
| Maximum ISO | 1600 |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 28 mm |
| Stabilization | None |
| Display Size | 3 inches |
| Display Resolution | 460000 dots |
| Touch Screen | |
| Viewfinder Type | None |
| Viewfinder Magnification | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, micro USB |
| Maximum Waterproof Depth | 0 feet |
| Video Resolution | None |
| HDMI Output | None |
Polaroid I-2
Best Polaroid for Shutterbugs
Why We Picked It
The Polaroid I-2 is the best modern-day platform for the company's oversized, square film format. It works with I-Type, 600, and SX-70 films, all of which match the 3.1-inch square dimensions and look of Polaroid snaps that dominated the instant market before the days of Fuji Instax. The glass lens and LiDAR focus system make for crisp photos, while creative photographers should appreciate the option to switch between automatic and fully manual exposure control.
Who It's For
The I-2 is best for artists and photo enthusiasts since its film requires some care to use and costs more than the Fuji equivalent. Nonetheless, it offers a rewarding experience for creators who prefer Polaroid's film either for its size or the sundry special edition emulsions in the catalog. There's nothing else like it available to purchase new, but don't forget about something like a restored SX-70 if you want a true retro experience for less.
PROS
- Full manual exposure control
- Crisp lens with close focus
- Precise LiDAR autofocus
- Large, bright viewfinder
- Works with external flashes
- USB-C charging port
- Bluetooth remote via smartphone app
CONS
- Polaroid film is expensive and tricky to use
- 1/250-second shutter is limiting in bright light
- No manual focus
- Tripod release plates may block film door
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.6 by 4.7 by 5.9 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs |
| Type | Analog |
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Sensor Type | |
| Sensor Size | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Memory Card Slots | |
| Memory Card Format | Polaroid Originals I-Type |
| Battery Type | Internal |
| Minimum ISO | |
| Maximum ISO | |
| 35mm Equivalent (Wide) | 40 mm |
| Stabilization | |
| Display Size | |
| Display Resolution |