Instant film photography is experiencing a revival, thanks to its affordability, versatility, and overall charm. It’s inexpensive to get started with an instant film camera, and even better, it’s easy to find the cheap instant film. This means you can take as many pictures as you want, without worrying about running out of the film.
We researched dozens of instant film cameras, evaluating them on ease of use, photo quality, and value. Our top pick is the Fuji Instax Mini 90, which produces high-quality instant photos, has a built-in flash, and is compatible with a wide range of Instax films.
Here are the best instant film cameras available online.
Best Instant Film Cameras: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Instant Film Cameras Reviews
- POLAROID GO MINI CAMERA + MINI FILM BUNDLE: The Polaroid GO Everything Box has everything you need to get stared. Bundle includes Polaroid GO camera and a double pack of GO color film, 16 photos.
- NEW FILM FORMAT: The Polaroid Go camera only takes Polaroid Go format film. It's the same Polaroid magic you know and love, only smaller.
- NEW & IMPROVED: Our new Go Generation 2 analog instant camera is now made with 30% recycled materials and the internal lithium-ion battery charges via USB-C
- CREATE BIG, SMALLER: Portable, wearable, and take-anywhere-able. The Polaroid Go camera is your new mini partner in creativity.
- SELF-TIMER & SELFIE-READY: Find your light with the reflective selfie mirror, and pick your pose with plenty of time, thanks to the self-timer.
- POLAROID NOW: The Polaroid Now 3rd Generation Instant Camera is the classic analog instant camera, optimized for sharper pictures in more lighting conditions for even better photos and even more fun.
- NEW & IMPROVED: Featuring a better light meter position, improved ranging sensor, upgraded two-lens autofocus system, built-in tripod mount, photo filter compatibility and even self-timer and double-exposure modes.
- CLASSIC DESIGN: Iconic Polaroid design available in six new colors. Mindfully made with 40% recycled materials and a USB-C rechargeable battery.
- FUN AND CREATIVE: Press the self-timer button once to start the clock for a group shot. Press the self-timer button twice to create a Double Exposure and capture two scenes in one image.
- POINT. SHOOT. KEEP FOREVER: Now 3rd Generation is compatible with Polaroid i-Type Film and 600 Film. Capture real life in iconic, full-sized Polaroid pictures.
- Built-in Selfie Mirror
- Close-up Mode with Parallax Correction
- Automatic Exposure and Flash Control for ideal photos every time
- Prints high-quality, 2” x 3” instax mini instant photos (instax mini instant film sold separately)
- Includes: Hand Strap, (2) AA Batteries, Quick Start Guide and 1 Year Limited Warranty
- INSTAX COMPATIBILITY: Use our film with your Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras including the Mini 12, Mini 11, Mini 9, Mini 8, Mini 7+, Mini 40, Mini SP-2, Mini Link, Mini 90, Mini 70, Mini 40, Mini Hello Kitty, Polaroid PIC 300 and other Instant Film Cameras!
- PREMIUM QUALITY: These Instax films are Hi-Speed ISO 800 so you can be sure they will capture your shots in the best light, giving you beautiful, natural looking colors with awesome grain quality.
- CLEAR PHOTOS IN AN INSTANT: Snap a picture and immediately get a high res photo printed in seconds with your Fujifilm camera – photos are high quality with optimal grain quality.
- MINI WALLET SIZED: Our white film sheets provide you with credit card sized photos (5.4 x 8.6 cm) for you to carry precious memories with you anywhere right in your bag or pocket!
- PHOTOS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME: Using thin-film technology, images develop quicker! Using emulsion, development accelerators and control tech, your photos will last forever.
- Wide Format - 10.6 X 8.4 Cm (Film Size) - The Unique Super-Wide Format Film Allows You To Fit More In Your Frame To Capture Large Group Shots, Clear Macro Close-Ups And Far Away Landscapes.
- Works with: WIDE 300 and other Instax Wide style cameras and Wide Link printers
- Hi-Speed Iso 800 Film - With Superb Grain Quality, Instax Film Ensures Vibrant Color And Natural Skin Tones
- Easy-To-Load Cartridge - Every Cartridge Is Designed And Labelled For Easy Loading And Filled With 10 Prints Each
- Develops Instantly - Press The Shutter, Capture A Moment, And Watch The Photo Slide Out And The Image Develop In Front Of Your Eyes.
- NOW CAMERA + FILM BUNDLE: The Polaroid Now Generation 2 point-and-shoot analog instant camera has all you need to catch every life moment in an original Polaroid photograph.
- FILM INCLUDED: The Now Everything Box includes the Now i-Type Instnat Camera (Black) plus a double pack of Color i-Type Film (16 photos) to get you shooting right out of the box.
- NEW & IMPROVED: Our new Now Generation 2 analog instant camera is now made with 40% recycled materials and the internal lithium-ion battery charges via USB-C
- DOUBLE EXPOSURE: The Now camera can frame two moments in one with double exposure, or get yourself in the picture with self-timer and an accurate flash to make everyone look like they should.
- POINT. SHOOT. KEEP FOREVER: Now camera is compatible with both i-Type film and 600 film.
- 20 Sheets Instant Film Compatible With The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera & The Full Line Of The Fujifilm Instax Cameras Mini 8, Mini 90, Mini 70, Mini 50S, Mini 25, Mini Hello Kitty, And The Polaroid Pic 300 Instant Film Cameras
- Quality This Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Films Are Hi-Speed Iso 800 - With Superb Grain Quality, Instax Mini Film Ensure Vibrant Color And Natural Skin Tones
- Its Your Moment This Films Are Credit-Card Size - 5.4 X 8.6 Cm (Film Size) - The Unique Credit-Card Sized Film Is Easy To Carry In Your Purse Or Wallet And Has That Classic White Frame That You Can Leave Blank Or Personalize With Fun Messages
- Develops Instantly Capture Your Moments And Enjoy The Picture Right Away. All You Do Is, Press The Shutter, Capture The Moment, And Watch The Photo Slide Out And The Image Develop In Front Of Your Eyes
- Includes FujiFilm Mini 12 Camera Mint Green, The Fujifilm Mini 12 Camera Blossom Pink features a Fujinon 60mm f/12.7 Lens, Optical Image Viewfinder, Auto Exposure and a Built-In Flash. Instantly produces image prints fun and simple. Fujifilm Mini 12 Camera BUNDLE is Colorful, Fun, Compact and really Cool.
- Includes 40 Film designed for shooting photos with a press of a button and instantly printing it out with the Fujifilm Mini series, enjoy to watch the images develop practically before your eyes.
- A unique Shutter fitted case with a removable strap for extra comfort was designed to both hold and protect your camera. Fashionable and practical. Be smart, be safe. Camera under Fujifilm USA warranty. Case and accessories under Shutter Brand Warranty
- Fujifilm instax mini twin pack instant film (40 exposures) credit card size prints.
- Note: Film Packaging varies, Includes Two twin packs each containing 20 sheets, in retail packaging
- The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera features a Fujinon 60mm Lens, Optical Image Viewfinder. Polaroid style- instant click and print camera producing credit card size prints. Quickly capture those fun moments and savor them forever
- Selfie Mirror Integrated on Lens - Built-In Flash and Auto Exposure Mode and has a Matching camera strap
- Includes 50 Instax Film designed for shooting photos with a press of a button and instantly printing it out with the Fujifilm Mini series, enjoy to watch the images develop practically before your eyes
- Make the most of your Fujifilm instax mini 12 camera bundle and enjoy the fun MiniMate accessories we’ve provided in this kit: Fujifilm instax mini 12 camera, Instax mini film 50 exposures, Custom fitted MiniMate case & a 20 Pocket Flamingo print Photo Album
- Note: Film Packaging varies, Includes Two twin packs each containing 20 sheets, in retail packaging and an additional 10 sheets pack that may be in bulk packaging - A total of 50 Sheets.
- Compact and cute design. Easily twist the lens to turn on and off
- Built-in selfie mirror for easy selfies Close-up mode with parallax correction
- Features automatic exposure and flash control for bright photos that are not “washed-out”
- Prints out high-quality, 2” x 3” INSTAX MINI instant photos in approximately five seconds (Development time thereafter is approximately 90 seconds). Uses INSTAX MINI instant film, which is sold separately.
- Includes: Hand strap, user manual, (2) AA batteries and 1-year limited warranty
Best Instant Film Cameras Buying Guide
Before choosing the best instant film camera you should consider following options:
1. Image Quality: This may be the most important aspect when it comes to choosing a film camera. It is important to understand that film cameras don’t offer the same image quality that digital cameras do.
With that being said, film cameras are the closest thing to capturing a digital image when it comes to quality. You have the option to shoot in either black and white or color.
The film type you choose will depend on your intended use. For instance, if you intend to take a lot of portraits then you should probably stick with black and white film.
On the other hand, if you plan on taking pictures of landscapes, then color film is the way to go.
2. Lens: All instant cameras come standard with a built-in wide-angle lens.
This lens is perfect for capturing group shots or even self-portraits. You also have the option to purchase an additional telephoto lens to get a more detailed shot.
3. Flash: Many of the camera models will come standard with a flash. If it doesn’t come standard, you can purchase an add-on flash to get the job done.
The built-in flash will give you the ability to take a picture in any lighting condition. The add-on flash will allow you to capture a picture in a darker setting.
4. Film Cost: Film is the one expense that you don’t want to overlook when it comes to instant film cameras.
You can purchase the film in either a pack or a single shot variety. The film will vary in price depending on the type of film and the intended use.
For instance, if you are shooting in black and white, then you can get a 400 shot roll of film for around $15. If you are shooting in color, you can get a single shot for around $2.
5. Camera Design: Instant film cameras come in all sorts of different designs. You can find a camera that resembles a vintage Polaroid or you can get a camera that looks like a DSLR.
The camera you choose will ultimately depend on your intended use. If you want a camera that can double as a digital camera, then you should probably stick with a camera that looks more like a digital one.
What else you should know about the best instant film cameras
1. What are the best instant film cameras?
The best instant film cameras include the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 70, the Lomo’Instant Automat, and the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2.
2. What are the features of a good instant film camera?
Some features of a good instant film camera are that it should be lightweight and portable, it should have a timer, and it should have a flash.
3. How do instant film cameras work?
The instant film cameras work by using a chemical process to produce the image. The film is exposed to light and then the chemicals are used to develop the image.
4. What are the benefits of using an instant film camera?
There are several benefits of using an instant film camera:
1. They are fun and easy to use – perfect for snapshot photography.
2. They produce unique, one-of-a-kind images that cannot be replicated with digital or traditional film cameras.
3. They are portable and lightweight, making them ideal for traveling.
4. They are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for those on a budget.
5. What are some of the best instant film cameras on the market?
Some of the best instant film cameras on the market are the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat, and the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best instant film cameras. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best instant film cameras will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.