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 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.
- Modern analog + digital hybrid instant camera with a sophisticated design and features
- 10 lens effect and 10 film effect options and 5 creative film styles with a degree control dial
- 3.5" LCD Monitor, Wide-Angle Lens, 16 Megapixel Camera.
- Prints high-quality, 3” x 5” instax WIDE instant photos (instax WIDE instant film sold separately). Captures images at a print-ready 318 DPI
- Includes Shoulder Strap, Lens Cap, USB Type C Cable, Quick Start Guide and 1 Year Limited Warranty
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- ALL-IN-ONE BUNDLE: Everything you need to start shooting and sharing memories instantly – Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 Instant Film Camera (Black) with Optical Image Viewfinder, Auto Exposure, and Built-In Flash, a stylish Shutter-fitted protective case with removable strap, Fujifilm Instax Mini Twin Pack Instant Film (40 sheets), a 64 photo album,
- TIMELESS STYLE WITH A MODERN EDGE: Blends retro-inspired design with up-to-date features, making it both a practical tool and a trendy accessory.
- SMART EXPOSURE CONTROL: Automatically adapts shutter speed and flash settings to deliver consistently bright and clear photos in any lighting environment.
- SELFIE-READY FEATURES: Equipped with a built-in selfie mirror and close-up mode, allowing you to take perfectly framed selfies and detailed close-range shots effortlessly.
- Note: Film Packaging varies, Includes Two twin packs each containing 20 sheets, in retail packaging
- 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
- NEW Polaroid Flip Instant Film Camera: The best of life is analog. Sand between your toes. Butterflies in your stomach. Their hand in yours. Life’s best moments happen out there – in the real, physical, touchable, analog world. Flip is the camera for an analog life.
- Hyperfocal 4-lens system: The Flip uses four sharp lenses which are automatically selected depending on the distance to the subject. This means four focal sweet spots that ensure sharper focus for a variety of styles, from cultivated portraits to spontaneous street photography.
- Always in focus with Sonar Autofocus: The Flip uses sonar waves to assess the subject of your shot and then selects the correct lens for maximum focal clarity. Since sonar isn’t affected by light, the Flip works just as well in dark or super bright conditions. Sharp shots, no matter your style of photography.
- Our most powerful flash: The flash in our Flip is our most powerful ever thanks to the design-space allocated in the Flip’s ‘lid’. It’s also capable of adapting its power according to the distance of your subject – up to 4,5 meters away. With the Flip, tricky light situations aren’t that tricky.
- Scene analysis for well-exposed pictures:. Underexposed. Overexposed. Through the Viewfinder LED, the Flip’s Scene analysis alerts you when your shot is over or underexposed, and when your subject is too close.
- 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.
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.