10 Fun Instant Cameras to Purchase
Instant photography is back! Sure, the digital revolution involving smartphones is miraculous, but there’s nothing like watching a freshly taken photo print and develop in front of your eyes. Take a look at our list below for some of the best instant cameras on the market today.
Best Overall: Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
With candy colors and influencer cred, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera is a one-of-a-kind instant camera. It’s powered by two AA batteries and features a close-up lens for shooting up to 35 cm away. It has high-key modes that allow you to adjust the brightness to capture images with a softer impression, and can signal the recommended aperture setting with a flashing LED light. Selfie lovers appreciate the mirror on the front of the camera, and everyone relishes the the surprise of waiting for pics to develop—just be sure to budget for film (it’s an expensive habit).
Best Value: Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera
If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use instant camera, choose the Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera. It may not have some of the intricate controls that pricier models have, but it does have user-friendly modes has indoor, fine, cloudy, clear scene settings which can be adjusted via the top dial. Users like the energy-saving auto-off function which helps extend the battery life, and the countdown pane which tells you how many images available to print.
Best Photo Quality: Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Print Camera
Kodak long produced the world’s finest film. So it’s no surprise that the Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Print Camera bests the rest in quality. Compared to other models, the Kodak printomatic camera prints superior calibre smudge-proof, water-resistant photos of up to 10 MP. You can use the photos as decorations, thanks to its adhesive-backed print. With its fast camera speed, you can simultaneously shoot as your photos print. In addition to its built-in flash and two picture modes, you can enjoy the use of zero Ink technology. Users love the included neck strap, and that you can save pics to micro SD card instead of immediately printing on pricey instant paper.
Best Features: Polaroid Originals OneStep+
It’s back, baby! Compared to its previous versions, the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ features several improvements that sharpen your photography skills. Pair the camera with the Polaroid Originals app and access six various creative tools (an improvement over its predecessor), or enjoy the use of app-controlled features like double exposure and light painting. This model boasts a portrait lens focal length of 89mm and a manual control mode via the Companion app. Photography enthusiasts love how you can easily switch between standard and portrait lenses and its compatibility with iOS and Android devices. Reviewers also applaud the camera’s reliability, adaptability in different settings, and its artistic potential it affords.
Best Portable: Polaroid Snap Touch Portable Instant Print Digital Camera
If you value portability and affordability when purchasing an instant camera, Polaroid offers the Snap Touch Portable Instant Print Digital Camera. This mini, colorful instant camera has a compact, pocket-sized design which is ideal for anyone who loves traveling and engaging in DIY projects. It has a wrist strap for secure handling, and fans appreciate that it doesn’t skimp on features like the selfie mirror, MicroSD card slot, auto-timer, and built-in flash.
Best Aperture: Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera
There’s a lot to love (and people do) about the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera. For some, it’s top selling point is its handsome, gift-worthy style, but for serious pros it’s the long-exposure options. For example, when using the flash-on manual mode, you can select normal for daytime shooting or B shutter if you prefer longer exposures (the camera regulates the amount of flash required in auto mode). Impressed with its obvious quality, picture takers truly relish the incredible amount of shooting options and creative modes this instant camera offers (including a kids mode which utilizes a fast shutter to capture subjects in motion).
Best for Wide Photos: Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera is an affordable instant camera that’s a worthwhile addition to any photographer’s arsenal. It can automatically extend its 95mm lens and features two focus zones. It’s powered by four AA batteries and has a close-up lens for shooting up to 0.4 meters from the subject. Light and dark control let you able to add high and low-key effects in the picture. Fans love this wide version for its “massive” 2.44 x 3.9-inches prints, ideal for capturing instant snaps of groups.
Best for Square-Print Format: Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is ideal for users wishing to share their content on social media. A selfie camera situated at the front of the camera allows for effortless self captures; a self-timer lets you snap pics at just the right moment. Adjust the shutter speed to control the surrounding brightness, or enhance images via three color filters that fit over the flash to add tints to your prints. Users love its now iconic 1:1 format, and the just-right 6.2 x 6.2 cm size of the Instax square’s photos.
Best Compact: Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
Seize the moment and print the memory, instantly, with the Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera. Lightweight, compact, and portable, the Snap Instant Digital Camera prints 25 photos on a single charge and holds up to 10 photos. It has a built-in rechargeable battery and supports microSD cards up to 32GB. Moreover, it uses Zink Zero Ink technology, which not only saves you money but time as well. It also features a pop-up optical viewfinder and a USB cord to charge and connect it to a computer.
Best Wireless: Kodak Mini shot 2 in 1 Wireless Instant Digital Camera
Arguably one of the most efficient instant cameras on the market today, the Kodak Mini Shot Wireless Instant Digital Camera is one of many recent cameras that support wireless connectivity. You can send your shots to any iOS/Android device via Bluetooth to view and edit. It features a 10MP camera that captures high-quality images and prints them in a matter of seconds. With its powerful 4pass printing technology, printed photos are smudge-proof due to a laminated protective layer that dries off instantly after production. Users love that the compact, pocket-size design combines the best features of an instant camera and digital printer.
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