Even though it’s 2022, we still seem nostalgic for the technologies of our past. Despite our modern devices and technologies, we keep coming back to classics, such as flip phones, retro game consoles or instant cameras.
The instant camera is a product of the 70s that has recently resurfaced. Being able to take a picture, see it, and hold it in your hands seconds later is very different from shooting it with your smartphone. These days, however, instant cameras have modernized and have selfie capabilities or apps that add filters and frames to your photos.
We’ve compiled the best instant cameras available today so you can relive the past in a new way.
Must Read:
- Fun Bluetooth app with unique capabilities
- Same vintage instant camera film from the 80s
- Lens filters to add color
- The film is extra for purchase and is expensive
- Color lens filters can be inconsistent in their results
Features: 3 color choices | 5 lens filters | Compatible with i-Type and 600 film
The Polaroid Now+ is the ultimate instant camera that combines vintage and modern. It can be used as a regular camera or in conjunction with the free Polaroid app for more control. The Bluetooth-connected app lets you try out tripod mode, light painting, double exposure, portrait assist, and manual mode.
The camera has five lens filters to add creative color to your photos. Other features include an auto-switching hyper-focused optical lens, precise flash, and an LED indicator that lets you know how many shots are left in your film pack.
Features: 6 color options | 5MP sensor | Wide angle f/2 lens
As a more budget-friendly option, this instant camera from Kodak still 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 will automatically turn on the flash in low-light settings.
This camera prints 2" x 3" 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.
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- Can save your photos to SD card
- Photo quality could be a bit better
- Autofocus is average
Features: 6 color choices | 5MP sensor | f/2 wide-angle lens
As a more economical option, this instant camera from Kodak still has all the basic features of an instant camera. The camera speed allows you to take a new photo while printing the previous photo. It is also equipped with a light sensor that automatically turns on the flash in low light conditions.
This camera prints 2″ x 3″ photos on sticky paper, so you can stick them anywhere you want. You can print up to 25 photos on a single charge. And, to save your footage for later, the camera supports a microSD card up to 256GB.
- Super easy to use
- selfie-mode
Features: 5 color options | 60mm f/12.7 lens | 2″ x 3″ photo size
For mini photos, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 camera has become a current generation cult classic 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 using the exposure control dial on this one and instead only has auto exposure. Additionally, there is a selfie mode, so you can easily turn selfies into printed photos.
- large prints
- LCD screen
- Close-up lens
- Fairly bulky design
- Expensive
Features: 2 color choices | 95mm f/14 lens | Photo size 4.3″ x 3.5″
For a shot twice as wide as the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 camera, this Fujifilm produces quality instant images thanks to its 95mm f/14 lens. It has a programmed electronic shutter, automatic flash for low-light shots and a focal zoom dial. A close-up lens adapter is included with the camera so you can focus as close as 15.5 inches from the subject.
You can use the backlight to enhance your instant photos with “fill-in flash mode”. And its helpful LCD screen displays the number of shots remaining, exposure compensation and flash mode.
Bring this Canon Ivy CLIQ2 instant camera anywhere with you, 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" sticky-backed photos as the KODAK camera, but it also has built-in frames and filters you can add to your photos, such as the ability to make your photos more vivid colors or in black and white.
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.
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- cheap movie
- Large selfie mirror
- Print speed is a bit slow
- The film does not produce black colors as well as other types
Features: 3 color choices | 2″ x 3″ Pictures | 5MP image sensor
Take this Canon Ivy CLIQ2 instant camera with you wherever you go, 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″ sticky photos as the KODAK Camera, but it also has built-in frames and filters that you can add to your photos, such as the ability to make your photos more vivid or black and white . white.
It 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.
The best instant camera is the Polaroid Now+ because it combines the vintage design and familiarity of instant cameras while adding modern features like lens filters and a Bluetooth app.
|
instant camera |
Price |
Photo size |
Lens |
|
Polaroid now+ |
$150 |
3.5″ x 4.2″ |
Standard Lens: 102.35mm (40mm/35 equivalent) |
|
Kodak Printomatic |
$50 |
2″x3″ |
f/2 wide-angle lens |
|
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 |
$70 |
2″x3″ |
60mm f/12.7 lens |
|
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 |
$170 |
4.3″ x 3.5″ |
95mm f/14 lens |
|
Canon Ivy Cliq2 |
$90 |
2″x3″ |
f/2.2 lens |
Choose this instant camera...
If you want...
Polaroid Now+
The best overall option.
Kodak Printomatic
A budget-friendly instant camera.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
An instant camera that produces mini photos.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
An instant camera that produces wide photos.
Canon Ivy CLIQ2
A portable and lightweight instant camera.
While any of these instant cameras are great picks, it ultimately determines how big you want your photos to be, your photography skill level, and the price point that you're willing to spend.
Choose this instant camera... tttt tttt | If you want... tttt tttt |
Polaroid Now+ tttt tttt | The best overall option. tttt tttt |
Kodak Printomatic tttt tttt | A budget-friendly instant camera. tttt tttt |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 tttt tttt | An instant camera that produces mini photos. tttt tttt |
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 tttt tttt | An instant camera that produces wide photos. tttt tttt |
Canon Ivy CLIQ2 tttt tttt | A portable and lightweight instant camera. tttt tttt |
While one of these instant cameras is a great choice, it ultimately determines the size of your photos, your photography skill level, and the price you’re willing to spend.
|
Choose this instant camera… |
If you want… |
|
Polaroid now+ |
The best overall option. |
|
Kodak Printomatic |
An economical instant camera. |
|
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 |
An instant camera that produces mini photos. |
|
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 |
An instant camera that produces wide shots. |
|
Canon Ivy CLIQ2 |
A portable and lightweight instant camera. |
We chose these instant cameras through a combination of extensive research and using the products ourselves. We paid attention to customer reviews and ratings, prices, top brands, and different features of each camera.
Instant photos don’t necessarily have a reputation for longevity as they are prone to fading and yellowing, but if you take good care of your photos they can last for years or even decades. Caring for your instant photos involves keeping them away from light (especially sunlight), heat, and humidity.
For one, it's best not to take instant photos outside on a sunny day‑-cloudy days or indoors will produce better-lit results. In addition, be sure to take a few steps away to take sharper photos since not every camera has an autofocus feature, and closer photos can become blurry.
Also, pay attention to where your camera's flash and the lens are so that you don't obstruct either with your fingers and waste expensive film!
","dislike":"","hed":"How do you take a good instant photo?","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[],"metadata":{"parentId":"73b69a58-e5d9-4a74-a02a-3b5f975c8d79","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"best-instant-camera","dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-09-01 21:17:53.384965","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1662067073000,"lastUpdatedBy":"27051783234840286590268119258902","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":5,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techObjectInfo":null,"techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true}" class="c-shortcodeListicle g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium">Taking a good instant photo mainly depends on the overall quality of the camera. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your instant photos are perfect every time.
For one, it’s best not to take snapshots outdoors on a sunny day – cloudy days or indoors will produce better-lit results. Also, be sure to take a few steps away to take sharper photos, as not all cameras have an autofocus feature and closer photos can become blurry.
Also, pay attention to the location of your camera flash and lens so you don’t clog either with your fingers and waste expensive film!
Here are some other options to consider:
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