The best instant cameras are popular party items as they can shoot and print photos in full color in minutes. They are easy to transport (compact) and have well-engineered designs that look good and last for long. Therefore, although the best Mirrorless Cameras are powerful and can shoot videos as well, the best instant cameras are invaluable as well. If you are looking for one, the best are:
List of the Best Instant Cameras of 2023
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera is one of the easiest-to-use instant cameras in modern times. Its lack of sophistication does not make its inferior but makes it suitable for all types of people, with or without photography experience. It comes with large press buttons for ease of use, even for small-fingered persons. The outcome of the snap button is a wallet size photo to keep the memory close every day. This camera has a flash that activates with the snap button. It also has a front mirror for selfie lovers to take accurate shots. You can take a photo from as near as 35cm shooting distance for a real close-up pic. It uses replaceable AA batteries, which are locally available. Hence, you will not miss gorgeous scenery due to sudden low charge.
- Built in flash
- 35cm shooting distance
- Battery-powered (AA)
- Compact design
Our Verdict
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a portable instant camera with a flash that improves the quality of the photo is shoots. It is easy to operate, as most buttons are within reach of users. The longevity and portability of Instax also stand out.
2. Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
Physical photos require a bit of time and skill to develop. However, with the Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera, you can take and automatically print stunning photos within minutes. This camera has an internal memory to store and later share your memories online. It also has a memory card slot for storing photos and a reliable battery-powered design that is effortless to use.
This camera has an integrated ZINK printing technology. This tech enables full-color printing without the use of messy inks or cartridges. It is a slim, pocket-size, and lightweight design, making it the right choice for road trips, parties, and concerts. The camera is easy to operate as it lacks the complicated menus found in most digital cameras. Paste your photos on any surface you like using the self-adhesive at the back of each print.
- Pocket-sized camera
- Large internal memory
- Memory card slot
- Full-color printing
Our Verdict
The Polaroid Snap shoots clear photos and can print in full color with the touch of a button. Its pocket-sized design is perfect for traveling.
3. Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Print Camera
The Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Print Camera features a powerful 10MP sensor with a wide-angle to produce high-quality color or black and white photos. You do not need to bother with toners or cartridges as this camera comes with ZINK print papers. As soon as you press the snap button, a clear printed photo emerges from the side slot. It also has an inbuilt light sensor that activates the flash if your area of focus is under low lighting.
There is no need to save memorable photos in flash disks where you can lose them to malware. This design allows you to instantly share the perfect sized pictures with friends for their wallets, pockets, or even use the back adhesive on scrapbooks. Every shot from your Kodak PRINTOMATIC camera is made to last a lifetime. It automatically prints quality photos with a protective, water-resistant coat that prevents tearing and smudging over the years.
- Water-resistant photos
- Easy to use snap button
- Powerful sensor (10MP)
- Light and portable design
Our Verdict
Kodak PRINTOMATIC is perfect for shooting photos during social events such as parties, as it is portable. It also shoots high-quality photographs, which you can print in full color in seconds with the touch of a button.
4. Fujifilm Instax Minion Instant Film Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Minion Instant Film Camera is an easy to operate design, constructed with a very sleek and modern look. It comes with different shooting modes to choose from and denoted by related icons for ease of selection, such as cloudiness for a dark mode. The Instax minion determines the best brightness automatically for taking a picture. It additionally, informs you of the most suitable setting by flashing a corresponding LED light.
This brand features a less than a second shutter speed that lets you capture spontaneous moments easily and quickly. It will also take about 60 seconds for colors to develop, and the photo to slide out from a slot located on top of the camera. This camera has a silicone stand and a cover that ensure it endures minor falls by offering additional protection. Another advantage is the use of locally available and cost effective AA batteries (replaceable).
- Battery-powered
- Modern look
- Fast shutter speed
- Long-lasting design
Our Verdict
Fujifilm Instax Minion is a compact, battery-powered camera with fast shutter speed and a stylish, modern look. The fast shutter speed in one of its major strengths, as it enables users to shoot fast action events such as sports.
5. Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF Instant Film Cameras
The Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF Instant Film Cameras, Mint (9007), features a self-timer to take hands-free selfies and group photos. It also has a flat and stable base that eliminates the need for a tripod. However, it has a socket for installing a tripod stand if you ever want to use one. One does not need photography skills to operate this camera. In the press of a single button, your clear photo emerges instantly. Therefore, it is an excellent Polaroid camera for beginners to more experienced shooters.
This model comes with a traditional viewfinder extension on the back that makes framing up photos more accurate. Its powerful inbuilt flash allows you to take perfect and clear pictures at any time of the day. This design comes with a high-performance lithium-ion battery that will last for days under normal usage. The package includes a USB charging cable, carrying strap, and a detailed user manual for beginners. Operating this camera is relatively easy.
- Comprehensive user manual
- Clear/detailed photographs
- In-built flash (LED)
- Viewfinder extension
Our Verdict
The Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 is reputable for its ability to shoot high-quality photographs in all settings. In the dark, for instance, you could activate its flash to improve quality. Its free user manual covers the process in detail.
6. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo has many novel features, which include a bulb mode for taking photos with the shutter depressed. You will also love taking two photos in one film using the double exposure mode. It also features a high-performance flash with an automatic light intensity detector to measure the brightness of your shooting space. Consequently, the sensor adjusts the intensity of the flash and the shutter speed to produce high-quality photos.
This camera is easy to operate and ideal for beginners. It is also a perfect choice for the pros as well. Even though it has a tiny viewfinder, the LCD at the back will assist in displaying your current settings for adjustment. The exterior finishing is classical, with faux leather finishing giving it a taste of brown or black. This camera uses affordable rechargeable batteries.
- Modern finish (faux leather)
- Large LCD
- Automatic lighting
- Double exposure mode
Our Verdict
The faux leather finish of a Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 stands out. It is stylish, non-slip, and protects the camera from damage when exposed to elements such as water. Picture quality is also fantastic due to its automatic lighting system.
7. Fujifilm INSTAX 300 Photo Instant Camera
The Fujifilm INSTAX 300 Photo Instant Camera shoots wide pictures than most brands. Therefore, if you do not mind larger pictures than those of Instax Mini-series, then this camera is a perfect choice. Surprisingly, despite their large size, the pictures are of high quality, and the colors come out pretty well. It also comes with controls to adjust the brightness of the inbuilt flash. This feature makes it for taking photos under different light exposures.
This brand is easy to operate and comes with a close-up lens that delivers sharp images effortlessly. It also includes a counter for letting you know how much film is left. Its bulky size does not allow you to carry it in your pocket. However, it is worth the value as it comes with a twin pack of film for forty exposures. The packages also come in a soft fabric bag, spacious enough to take the extra film and spare batteries. It is an excellent travel companion.
- Good color balance
- Powerful close-up lens
- Easy to transport
- Adjustable brightness
Our Verdict
Fujifilm INSTAX 300 is an eye-catching, all-in-one instant camera that shoots clear close up photos. It is suitable for traveling due to its compact design.
8. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 – Instant Film Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 – Instant Film Camera features a truly square format film with a larger than a full-size frame. It also comes with a relatively long focal length that gives you a wide view angle. Its aperture is the widest amongst the other Instax cameras. It also has a fast shutter speed of less than two seconds. These features make this camera the best for getting the right exposure, such that you do not need to use a flash. The different operating modes allow you to shoot either underexposed or overexposed images.
This design is lightweight and much more compact than the other models. Hence, it occupies a smaller space in your bag, making it a perfect travel companion. It will also fit well in your pocket to allow you to take photos while enjoying the party. By design, the shutter button is flush to the casing to prevent accidental pressing when inside your tight pockets.
- Lightweight camera
- Many picture modes
- High-quality images
Our Verdict
The versatile picture modes of Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 satisfy the needs of all people. It is clear, effortless to use, and easy to transport because it is light.
9. Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat & Lenses Instant Camera
Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat & Lenses is a compact instant camera that is easy to carry in a small bag. It has a glass lens with an ultra-wide field of view that captures stunning photos. Its manual focus has three pre-set positions with a one-foot interval for locking images. If you want to shoot an image at less than one foot, you can use the included close-up filter option.
This camera is easy to operate via a lock button next to the lens. It also has a shutter release on the front that doubles as a selfie mirror, a flash, and exposure adjustment buttons. Finally, the instant camera has an A-B button to switch from automatic exposure to bulb exposure. Thus, you can keep the shutter open for up to thirty seconds for long exposures.
- Automatic exposure
- Manual focus system
- Close-up filter
- Long-lasting design
Our Verdict
Lomography Lomo’Instant is a long-lasting product with automatic exposure and a filter that delivers clear close-up shots. It is durable and effortless to use.
10. Impossible Project I-1 Analog Instant Camera
The Impossible Project I-1 is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot instant camera that grants you full control of the aperture and shutter speed via an I-1 App’s manual mode. It has an advanced LED ring flash to provide diffused lighting for taking perfect portraits. The two-way flash comes with eight focused LEDs for long-range and four diffuse LEDs for softer light at closer distances.
This camera also connects with your iOS or Android device to allow you to interact with a range of digital creative tools such as light painting. When taking a selfie portrait, use your phone as a remote trigger to stay within the frame when shooting from a distance. You may use an inbuilt self-timer to take a selfie with accurate angles too. It uses I-type and 600-type instant films.
- Eight focused LEDs
- In-built self-timer
- Two-way flash
Our Verdict
Even though analog, the value of Impossible Project I-1 is admirable. It shoots clear photographs and is effortless to set up and use indoors and outdoors.