




Instant cameras are slowly making a comeback amidst the domination of DSLRs and smartphone photography. Since its commercial appearance in the late 1940s, the magic of instant imaging never lost its appeal to consumers. Many brands have revolutionized their designs and started pitching in a much modern spin on their products to cater to both old and new audiences.
The nostalgic experience of point, shoot, and see a photo in an instant certainly is a throwback moment. Instant photos are uniquely tactile and giftable so they never cease to go out of style. So before rushing to the nearest camera store, please check out the list of things we've gathered that were reviewed by camera expert Kenneth Aballa to help you in making that choice!
Quick List - Top Instant Cameras
Fujifilm

Creative Hybrid Imaging System, Personalized Audio Frames, and Digital Filters

An art director and a freelance photographer who shoots portraits, food, events, and products. Loves taking photos be it digital or film.

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When choosing an instant camera, start by selecting your preferred photo size and print type (film or zink). Look for a camera with a good lens, flash, and ISO 800 for clear images. Check for user-friendly features like a self-timer and Bluetooth. Consider the battery type (generic, rechargeable, or built-in) for convenience
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
The different models for you to choose from require different instant camera films. This means the type of print produced and the sizes of each differ from one unit to the other. The different models of Instax cameras, for example, can use either mini, square, or wide films. If you want larger prints, it is best to go for a Polaroid camera.
Always check on the kind of film size that is compatible with the kind of instant camera that you choose to purchase. Keep this in mind especially since you will be spending on the film whenever you need to use your camera. There are other models however that come with different accessories that make it capable of printing different film sizes.

Instant cameras focus on aesthetics as one of their selling points. With the different openings of the camera to install and release films, it is expected that most, if not all, are not weatherproof.
The size of the camera will depend on the size of the film. For example, a camera that uses a wallet-size film will be smaller compared to a camera that uses a wide film. Choose a camera that matches your aesthetic, but also consider portability as these cameras tend to get bulky.
Some instant cameras produce real film photo prints, while there are other models that use ZINK or zero-ink prints. The main difference lies in the quality of print and the type of paper used for printing. Which of the two best suits your photography style? We'll help you figure that out below.
If you are going full vintage on your instant camera experience, it is best to go for film-type photo prints. These are the ones that you will need to 'shake like a Polaroid picture' after printing before the images slowly appear.
These prints commonly have a white photo border, although now there are different colors and designs you can choose from. These are a bit more expensive, but well worth the quality of print you are getting.
Zink uses thermal paper in printing its images. This type of printing is not just reliable and smudge-proof, but it is also water-resistant. It also typically costs less than instant film.
These are your digital hybrids that produce photos that look like they came out of your home printer. Colors don't come out as vivid as they do on film printing, but this is a great option for beginners.
While the raw vibe of photos can very well be one of the main reasons instant cameras are hard to resist, having control over your shots can go a long way in taking better shots. Let's face itーif you are spending a lot on both your gadget and the film you'll be using, you want every shot to count right? Having a camera that has a retractable lens and manual flash are simple ways of capturing moments better.
The brightness of the image you are taking depends greatly on your camera lens. A larger lens can collect more light, allowing for a brighter photo. In the same way, an image can also appear brighter depending on its distance from the lens. Choosing an instant camera with a retractable lens allows you more flexibility in taking photos, even in dark areas.

An instant camera with a retractable lens will give you more options when it comes to different lighting scenarios. This is very helpful, especially if you always shoot under different conditions and at different places. But of course, these cameras will be more expensive than point-and-shoot instant cameras with fixed lenses.
The presence of light can either make or break your photos. Having complete control over your camera's flash is necessary for you to take the best shots. In an indoor low-light setting, it is best to use your flash in using your instant camera. However, when you are outdoors and taking a photo of a subject close to your lens, it is best to turn off your flash.
Having an automatic flash that fires off all the time might result in washed-out photos where faces and images can't be seen clearly. A rule of thumb you can follow is moving away from the subject if the flash is too bright and moving closer to the subject when the location is too dark.

Having a manual flash is better since you do not want the automatic flash to fire on a sunny day. It is also more versatile, and you can use it to experiment with different shooting techniques compared to an automatic flash.
To put it simply, ISO controls the brightness or darkness of your photo. The higher the ISO, the brighter the photo is. This helps in taking pictures in darker environments. This is not to say that you should always use a higher ISO. If you take a photo at a high ISO, your photo might turn out too grainy. This should only be used if you cannot brighten your photo via other methods like aperture and shutter speed settings.
Since most instant cameras are point-and-shoot, a good ISO to look for is 800. This allows you to take crisper, sharper images even in darker settings. This works well, especially for those instant cameras that don't come with their own built-in flash.

Considering the exposure triangle of cameras, a fast shutter will give you the ability to capture fast motion but will generate darker photos. A slow shutter will let more light in, but be careful since it might produce blurry photos if the subject is not steady.
A higher ISO will let more light in but will give more film grain. If you are shooting at a bright place, a lower ISO will suffice. If you have money to spare, get a camera that gives you the option to adjust the shutter speed and ISO as it will really help you under changing shooting conditions.
Instant cameras come with a lot of different features to help you maximize your gadget. This included a self-timer to get a good shot for group photos. There are also models that come with Bluetooth connectivity that helps accessibility, editing, and printing.
Self-timers make taking photos very convenientーwhether you are traveling alone or enjoying a night out with friends. If you are satisfying your wanderlust but going solo, there are moments when you don't want to bother strangers just so you can take a photo you want. Having an instant camera with a self-timer saves you from that hassle.
Are you always the designated photographer but never part of the photo? Fortunately you don't have to deal with that problem anymore with self-timers. There are even some instant cameras that come with remote shutters that allow you to pose with your friends before you click to make sure you get a good group photo.
Just because you are going all retro with your instant camera, it doesn't mean you can't use modern technology in utilizing it. New models now come with bluetooth connectivity that allow you to print photos from other devices. There are even some that allow you to connect to an app so that you can customize your photos with filters, stickers, and other AR functions you want to add.
Having a camera with autofocus will need a bit of movement to adjust the lenses to focus on your desired subject. A fixed focus lens system, meanwhile, does not move. Beginners would find it easier to work with an autofocus lens as this locks onto a subject faster. A fixed focus lens on the other hand gives you a sharper image.
Before making that purchase, make sure you know what battery the camera needs. There are models that use generic batteries, while some work with rechargeable batteries. Others have built-in batteries that you can easily charge with a usb cable. If you're going full vintage, there are cameras that are battery-free, just needing a bit of hand-cranking before use.

If you are planning to use your instant camera often, get a set of rechargeable batteries or even 2 sets so you can cycle its usage. If you are planning to use it occasionally, you can get a generic battery. It is always best to have spare batteries because you'll never know its actual charge.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture Size | Photo Print Type | ISO | Retractable Lens | Flash | Autofocus | Bluetooth Connectivity | Self-Timer | Power Supply | |||||
1 | Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo | ![]() | 100 Effects, Hybrid Magic for Timeless Memories | 50.8 x 76.2 mm | Instax Mini Instant Film | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (Internal Type, Not Removable) | ||||||
2 | Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay | ![]() | Capture Moments That Speak | 46 x 62 mm | Instax Mini Instant Film | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (Internal Type, Not Removable) | ||||||
3 | Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo | ![]() | Make Every Shot a Masterpiece | 98 x 62 mm | Instax Wide Instant Film | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB-C Charging | ||||||
4 | Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ | ![]() | Creative Hybrid Imaging System, Personalized Audio Frames, and Digital Filters | 46 x 62 mm | Instax Mini Instant Film | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (Internal Type, Not Removable) | ||||||
5 | Polaroid Now+ (Generation 2) | ![]() | Dual-Lens System With Bluetooth and Tripod Features | 79 x 79 mm | i-Type Instant Color Film | unknown | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB-C Charging | ||||||
6 | Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 | ![]() | Bold Group Shots, Epic Landscapes, Timeless Keepsakes | 62 x 99 mm | Instax Wide Instant Film | ISO 800 | 4 x AA Alkaline Batteries (LR6) | ||||||
7 | Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera | ![]() | Joyful One-Off Snaps Every Time | 62 x 46 mm | Instax Mini Instant Film | ISO 800 | 2 x AA-Size Alkaline Batteries (LR6) | ||||||
8 | Polaroid Flip Instant Camera | ![]() | Compact Flip Design With Self-Timer and Automatic Flash | 79 x 79 mm | i-Type, 600 Instant Film | unknown | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery | ||||||
9 | Polaroid Go (Gen 2) | ![]() | Ultra-Compact, Large Aperture, and Precise Light Sensor | 53.9 x 66.6 mm | Polaroid Go Instant Color Film | unknown | Internal Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB-C Charging | ||||||
10 | Kodak Mini Shot 3 | ![]() | Vibrant Memories: Snap, Preview—Print | 76 x 76 mm | 4 PASS Dye-Sublimation, Border/Borderless | ISO 100-1600 | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB Charging | ||||||
| Picture Size | 50.8 x 76.2 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | Instax Mini Instant Film |
| ISO | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (Internal Type, Not Removable) |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The Instax printer delivers sharp, detailed prints with excellent image quality and a rapid 12-second output time. Its compact, ergonomic design and user-friendly interface are well received, offering a blend of retro appeal and smartphone printing capabilities. This versatile hybrid model is highly regarded as a leading Instax Mini option, with no significant drawbacks for most users. However, the onboard camera features a low-resolution sensor that exhibits limitations in low-light conditions and lacks post-capture editing functionality.
| Picture Size | 46 x 62 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | Instax Mini Instant Film |
| ISO | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (Internal Type, Not Removable) |
| Picture Size | 98 x 62 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | Instax Wide Instant Film |
| ISO | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB-C Charging |
| Picture Size | 46 x 62 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | Instax Mini Instant Film |
| ISO | ISO 100 to 1600 (Automatic Switching) |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (Internal Type, Not Removable) |
| Picture Size | 79 x 79 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | i-Type Instant Color Film |
| ISO | unknown |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB-C Charging |
| Picture Size | 62 x 99 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | Instax Wide Instant Film |
| ISO | ISO 800 |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | 4 x AA Alkaline Batteries (LR6) |
| Picture Size | 62 x 46 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | Instax Mini Instant Film |
| ISO | ISO 800 |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | 2 x AA-Size Alkaline Batteries (LR6) |
| Picture Size | 79 x 79 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | i-Type, 600 Instant Film |
| ISO | unknown |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery |
| Picture Size | 53.9 x 66.6 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | Polaroid Go Instant Color Film |
| ISO | unknown |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Internal Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB-C Charging |
| Picture Size | 76 x 76 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo Print Type | 4 PASS Dye-Sublimation, Border/Borderless |
| ISO | ISO 100-1600 |
| Retractable Lens | |
| Flash | |
| Autofocus | |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, USB Charging |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Kenneth Aballa.
Yes! Similar to disposable and traditional film cameras, instant films also expire. Check the film packaging to know the expiration date. Using an expired film will affect the color and quality of the images.
Instant cameras usually have built-in settings for different scenarios (sunny, cloudy, indoors, etc.). If these are not available, usually you'll have to do trial and error, which can waste some of your films.
Remember that when using flash in a dark environment, consider the distance of the subject. A camera flash will only cover a selected area as it is not that powerful.
Cameras have multiple functions and purposes that are beneficial to humankind. From CCTVs to film-making to medical operations, these cameras proved to be a huge necessity. To get a piece of in-depth information and data on which camera would be suitable for any given situation, you could check out the articles on the link provided below.
Author: Chafi Lacson
Re-editor: Samantha Tidalgo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Fujifilm|Instax Mini Evo
No. 2: Fujifilm|Instax Mini LiPlay
No. 3: Fujifilm |Instax Wide Evo
No. 4: Fujifilm |Instax Mini LiPlay+
No. 5: Polaroid |Now+ (Generation 2)
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.




























