best instant camera with lcd screen manufacturer

The Instax Square SQ6 feels solid and durable, and it stands apart for its exceptional image quality and ease of use. The cost of its 3.4-by-2.4-inch prints have gone up to a still reasonable 90¢ each recently, and while their 2.4-by-2.4-inch image area is about half an inch smaller in each dimension than classic Polaroids, the SQ6’s results look just as good, if not better. The Instax film reproduces a wider range of tones and more pleasing-looking colors than any other option currently available—including Polaroid’s revived instant film cartridges. The SQ6’s exceptionally sharp lens further improves quality, even compared with other Instax cameras, and its exposure-compensation controls and multiple-exposure mode give you options if you want to get creative.

The Instax Mini Evo is the best attempt at a hybrid instant-and-digital camera we’ve seen so far. It offers all the analog charm of an instant camera but with digital control over which images to print onto Instax Mini film using a small LCD screen. At about 70¢ per image, that’s a thrifty restraint to ensure you’ll only print your favorites. A smartphone app unlocks features that the tech savvy will have fun fiddling with, including remote shooting and printing images from a smartphone library.

If all you need is a fun toy for taking easy snapshots, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is perfect. Its compact body feels durable, with controls that are intuitive enough for you to pass this camera off to a family member, and its 3.4-by-2.1-inch prints (with a 2.4-by-1.9-inch image area) cost only about 60¢ per print, so it won’t break the bank. But its photos aren’t as sharp or saturated as those of our main pick, it doesn’t offer as much creative control, and its batteries last for only about 100 shots, whereas our top pick promises 300 shots per set of batteries.

The Wide 300 produces larger, wider prints at a lower price than the Instax Square SQ6 and runs on AA batteries, but the camera is quite a bit larger than most modern instant cameras and gives you fewer options.

For larger, wider-angle prints, we like the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300. Ideal for landscape and group shots, it produces 3.4-by-4.3-inch photographs (with a 2.4-by-3.9-inch image area and classic white borders) that are closer in dimensions to old-school Polaroids. Those images cost about 90¢ each, which is about the same price as the Instax Square SQ6. With only one button for exposure compensation and another for flash output, you can just point and shoot, but it’s considerably bulkier than our top pick, and you get fewer creative options.

The best instant cameras are still incredibly popular, even in today"s digital age. We"ll help you choose the best one so that you can start capturing and printing your very own retro photos.

It"s the simplicity of the best instant cameras that makes them so appealing for people of all ages and experience levels. After all, they"re so straightforward that they make some of the best cameras for kids(opens in new tab) as well as the best cameras for beginners(opens in new tab).

And the results are utterly unique; the best instant cameras produce a unique kind of photograph that people spend ages trying to recreate using Instagram filters and Lightroom presets(opens in new tab). Yet there"s nothing that matches the real deal!

Cameras from Polaroid, Instax, and Lomography use a traditional photochemical exposure process that creates striking lo-fi shots with crushed contrast, saturated colors, and ethereal exposures that are unique to instant film.

There are no settings to adjust, no focus points to fiddle with – you simply point the camera at your subject(s), frame your shot, and press the shutter button! For this reason, instant cameras are ideal for families, parties, and weddings, and even enable kids to get creative.

There is also a new breed of digital instant film cameras(opens in new tab), that combine the thrill of instant photography with the convenience of modern-day technology. Canon, Fujifilm, and Kodak have all ventured into this world – and the result is a much smaller, digital camera with an image sensor that captured every sensor and a built-in digital printer.

We"ve divided our guide to the best instant cameras into sections for film and digital. If you pick the former, don’t forget to pick up the right kind of instant film(opens in new tab) to have plenty of ammunition for your shooting! And get the best Instax photo albums to display your finished prints!

Why you can trust Digital Camera WorldOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

If you"re after full-size instant photos that are great quality and possess that elusive "vintage look", the Polaroid Now+ is without the best instant film camera available. It combines the same image quality and base shooting of the Polaroid Now(opens in new tab) and the modern-day features of the OneStep+ so that the user can have the best of both worlds. It has several creative modes you can use such as light painting, aperture priority, double exposure, portrait mode, and many more which are available through the app.

There are also several physical lens filters that create a starburst effect, a red vignette, and blue, yellow, and orange colors for in-camera effects. The biggest downside to instant photography is how expensive the film is but we can promise you, that you"ll have more fun using this than any other kind of film camera. You might end up spending a fair amount on film, but the memories you capture with it will be priceless.

If we’re looking for one instant print camera that does it all – plus we’re satisfied with the credit card-sized print format output from the device itself – then the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo camera has much to recommend it.

Once we’d discovered what all the unmarked buttons do, and got over our initial period of familiarization, it quickly became apparent that, unusually, this isn’t an instant print camera we’ll rapidly become bored of. And that in our book makes it well worth the asking price.

The Polaroid Now is a welcome arrival to the Polaroid product line and a worthy addition to the increasingly crowded instant camera world. For pure point-and-shoot simplicity, the Polaroid Now is hard to beat – and while the Instax Mini 11(opens in new tab) does have it beaten on price, we prefer the full-size square prints that Polaroid delivers.

And much as we love the Instax line, when you"re shooting an old-school instant film there"s nothing quite like the tactility of holding a big, boxy Polaroid. If you don"t need the extra bells and whistles of the OneStep+, the Polaroid Now is sure to wow.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a chunky, plastic camera that comes in a variety of refreshing pastel colors. It may not hot have the same vintage feel as the Polaroids but it does have its own charm. Whether you"re going on holiday, attending a wedding, or escaping to the countryside for the weekend, the Instax Mini 11 is small enough to keep in your bag at all times.

You can also buy rather trendy, cross-body cases to keep them in so it"s even more accessible. It"s powered by two AA batteries that need to be replaced fairly frequently. Fujifilm has done away with the exposure control dial and instead opted for automatic exposure so you have one less thing to worry about and are less likely to waste shots. The film works out at roughly $1.30/£1 per image though you can often save a little bit by bulk buying in packs of five. They make great gifts for adults or kids if you want an easy-to-use instant film camera.

Instax cameras are knockabout fun with a side of lo-fi cool, and none exemplify this more than the beautiful Instax Mini 40(opens in new tab). With its stylish black-and-silver trim, the Mini 40 looks the part, and it"s incredibly simple to operate. There are no exposure controls, or really controls of any kind; you just point, and shoot. This might be a bit too simple for some users, but if you"re the kind of person who just wants to produce instant images without having to worry about it, this is a fantastic buy. The simplicity also makes it a good option for kids, who will be able to easily get the hang of operating it.

Instax prints are smaller than Polaroids, but still, look pretty great, and will develop with unbelievable speed. Plus, let"s not forget, that the film is cheaper to buy, and these costs will add up over time if you"re a frequent shooter.

The Polaroid Go is a palm-sized camera that everyone will fall in love with faster than it takes a photo to develop. Bigger instant cameras balance exposures better, and rival Instax Mini cameras deliver slightly better image quality indoors – but neither are as fun to use nor will make you as many friends, as the Go… which still produces pleasing pics.

A consideration is that Instax Mini film(opens in new tab) works out cheaper than Polaroid Go film, but then you"ll also need to replace those AA batteries on the Mini whereas the Go just needs a USB to top up the power. And the Go boasts double exposures, which you won"t get unless you opt for pricier options like the Instax Mini 90. A fun and funky little camera, the Polaroid Go will be the star of your next party and will deposit an endless amount of memories in your pocket or wallet. And if you"ve got kids, this could be the ideal camera for little hands to get started with. Don"t forget to pick up a pack of the new Polaroid Go instant film.

Available in brown or black, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is Fujifilm’s only instant camera to handily come with a rechargeable battery, which the company claims will last as long as 10 (credit card-sized) film packs. With retro styling, it feels like it"s pitched at the photo enthusiast, with some manual control over exposure and even the option to disable the built-in flash if you feel pictures are too bright.

A double exposure mode extends creativity options for the curious (although results can be a bit hit and miss here) as does a shutter-release button above its lens, which doubles up as a selfie mirror (another shutter-release button is in the usual top-plate location). The advantage here over a cheaper instant-print camera is an LCD display strip at the back revealing your chosen settings. The viewfinder is small but adequate for its purpose, while the faux leather finish adds a splash of style.

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is the big daddy of the Instax family. It"s powered by four AA batteries rather than the usual two but this chunky camera isn"t far off the size of a medium format system. It"s able to deliver much larger prints using the Instax Wide film packs which makes it much better for group shots.

However, if you"re looking for a camera to take selfies with, the chunky design of the Instax Wide 300 makes it really hard so one of the smaller cameras on this list might be better. Despite its size, it is still relatively lightweight thanks to its plastic build and it benefits from a lens that can extend up to 95mm. The built-in flash is much more powerful than on other Instax cameras and is great for use as a fill although the viewfinder is still really small. It doesn"t have any creative modes and can"t be used with an app but if you just want larger prints, then this is the best option for you.

If it wasn"t for The Impossible Project stepping in to keep Polaroid going, we would never have had the Polaroid OneStep+ - a modern, retro-look camera nodding towards the golden era of instant film photography. The OneStep+ is the second camera to be released under the new name Polaroid Originals and follows on from the OneStep 2(opens in new tab) (confusing, we know).

The Instax Square SQ1 is powered by two small CR2 lithium batteries (included) that the manufacturer claims will last a whopping 300 shots (30 packs of film). As you might expect the camera uses Instax Square film, with a size and shape reminiscent of traditional Polaroid prints.

It"s as simple as cameras get, with automatic exposure and focus (after you select between standard or close-up shooting), so you simply point and shoot and you get a pristine photograph whether you"re indoors or outdoors.

The only reason this isn"t ranked higher is because it omits a number of really useful features from the now-discontinued Instax Square SQ6(opens in new tab), such as self-timer, tripod mount and double exposures. So if you want more advanced features you"re best to look towards Polaroid"s options, but if you want straightforward shooting with sumptuous square shot, look no further.

Not only can you take photos using the Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay but it can also print photos from your phone. It"s small enough to fit in your pocket which makes it perfect for having on you at all times and there is space for a Micro SD card so can images can be stored as well as printed. Its gorgeous design makes it stand out from the other digital instant film cameras and it comes in a range of colors including Blush Gold (our favorite), Stone White, and Elegant Black.

The Kodak Smile Instant Print(opens in new tab) is one of the best digital instant cameras(opens in new tab) – a modern update of instant photography that combines the best of analog with the beauty of digital. This slim-as-a-smartphone camera sports a sleek design and uses Zink (zero ink) technology – it"s essentially a miniature printer with a lens, producing 2x3-inch sticky-backed prints.

Inside the camera is a relatively humble 5MP sensor (up to 10MP through interpolation), though for images this size you don"t need all the resolution in the world. Ultimately the pictures it produces look more like printer images than they do instant photographs – not necessarily a bad thing, but they don"t possess quite the same magic as instant film.

Kodak"s Mini Shot 3 is a tidy little instant print camera that"s great for anyone who doesn"t want anything too complicated. It doesn"t use Zink like the Kodak Smile above but houses a proper little printer that uses Kodak"s 4PASS all-in-one cartridges to spit out little square prints, 3 inches by 3 inches. The colors pop a good deal better than Zink, and they are also rated to be long-lasting.

The camera overall is pretty cheap and running it isn"t too expensive either, making it a good option if you want to shoot instant on a budget. It also produces 10MP digital photos that you can save via Bluetooth on the app (and you do have to do it this way; there"s no internal storage). A cheap option that"s good fun for anyone, especially those who aren"t too confident with using a camera.

We test cameras(opens in new tab) both in real-world shooting scenarios and, for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera"s ISO range. We only use real-world testing for our guides to instant and compact cameras - comparing results against similar models that we have tested.

A fan of retro photography? You might also likeThe best film cameras(opens in new tab), the10 best point-and-shoot cameras(opens in new tab)and thebest cameras for beginners(opens in new tab).Round up of today"s best deals

With its compact size, excellent image quality, and a myriad of additional features, the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay came out on top as the best instant camera that we tested. Its sleek and thin design makes it incredibly easy to carry around, as it will fit in any bag and most pockets. Many of the smaller cameras sacrifice image quality for portability, but not this one. The LiPlay is a hybrid that utilizes the best parts of digital and film, all in one convenient and compact package. The review screen, in-camera filters, and frames offer quick and easy creative control over the image, and the digital storage option allows for more than one copy of a photo to be printed. A world of possibilities opens up with the use of a compatible app. By connecting your phone to the Mini LiPlay, features like remote capture, time stamping, and adding recorded sounds via a scannable QR code are easily accessible. Although some of the prints came out a bit dark, this camera"s numerous settings give the user more creative control, enabling them to get a great shot in any situation.

While it"s helpful to be able to make adjustments in the camera"s settings, the additional control features, especially those offered by the app, also require a little more time to get familiar with, giving the Mini LiPlay a bit of a learning curve. When using the autofocus, the printed photos often come out dark, so it"s important to get the settings just right for different types of light. Being less point-and-shoot-ready means it"s harder for anyone to just pick this camera up and start snapping pics, so if you"re looking for a camera that you can easily pass around a party, others require less time to understand. But overall, the Instax Mini LiPlay has supreme portability while also taking high-quality photos, and offering numerous creative options, making it the best of the bunch.

If you"re looking for an instant camera that takes great photos without needing to mess with settings beforehand, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a nice, easy-to-use option. Along with being straightforward to operate, this camera produces square mid-sized photos, which were among the most accurate with their range of colors in various lighting conditions. The stunning images displayed vivid blues, rich reds, vibrant yellows, and lush greens, with realistic highlights and contrast. The design of the SQ1 is modern and stylish, and its performance was consistent and reliable throughout our testing. We happily kept reaching for this camera, as it excels at capturing fun and cherished moments by simply pointing and shooting.

Even though the SQ1 is user-friendly and consistently takes great pics, it doesn"t allow for much creativity. While it does have a selfie mode and a little mirror to help with framing, that"s as far as the additional settings go. There is no adjustable flash, timer, filters, or multiple exposures, so the controls are as minimal as it gets. The biggest annoyance with this model is that the film packs are susceptible to jamming. This only happened to us with two packs, but it"s worth noting because, along with wasting film, it caused the shot counter to malfunction and display an inaccurate reading. Fortunately, this hiccup wasn"t a constant occurrence, and we found this camera to be otherwise reliable in its functionality and ability to produce amazing images.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is one of the best options for instant photos at a lower price. It excels at taking pictures in low light, making it ideal for sharing at parties and other social gatherings, and it"s also small and rugged enough that we had no qualms with just throwing it in our bags just in case the right moment presented itself. This camera is also very simple to operate, as the focus, flash, and exposure are all triggered automatically, allowing friends or kids to easily pass it around to get some fun and quirky shots. It comes in a variety of colors to match any personality, making it a great and fun option for everyone, from children to grandparents.

Our main gripe with this camera is its performance in bright light. The majority of the outdoor photos we took ended up overexposed, with the background being washed out. There"s no way to turn the flash off, which further increases the chances of the images looking overexposed. The images are small (about the size of a credit card), which can be disappointing, as smaller details tend to get lost due to the size of the prints. This camera also lacks the creative controls present in some of its more expensive competitors, so it"s difficult to know if/how the photo will turn out until you see it. Another slightly annoying thing was that the shot count indicator was often inaccurate; at times, it would show that there were prints left when it was actually empty, which may not seem like a big deal, but it"s enough to ruin the moment of more candid shots. However, if you can live with these drawbacks, the Instax Mini 11 is a fun camera for all ages that can produce nice keepsakes.

Many people are drawn to instant cameras because the format and flexibility are fun and offer creative opportunities. The Lomography Lomo"Instant Wide is a great option for more experienced photographers or those who don"t mind taking some time to get familiar with their camera settings before use. This camera provides far more adjustability than most of the others, as it comes equipped with interchangeable wide and macro lenses, color flash filters, a lens splitter, and the ability to take multiple and long exposures. These extra features are backed up with beautiful photo quality and an extra-wide format that clearly shows a wide range of colors and smaller details. In fact, the Lomo"Instant Wide had the best color accuracy and consistency of saturation of all the cameras we tested and did the best at adapting to the different lighting conditions, proving its high-level capability in any situation.

Like most of the cameras we tested, the Lomo"Instant Wide has a tendency to overexpose photos that are taken in bright sunlight, though not to the extent of most of the others. It is also one of the bulkier models on the market and costs a bit more due to its premium creative features. The most frustrating thing about this camera is that the printer is susceptible to jamming, which often results in wasted film — we even had some entire packs of film that were unusable after removing a jam. The film is also quite temperature-sensitive, so shooting in colder conditions can lead to prints showing signs of damage with weird lines and/or vignetting. However, when the camera functions properly, the images that it produces are beautiful. So, for those who are willing to spend a little more to get extra creative control and larger, high-quality prints, the Lomo"Instant Wide is definitely worth checking out.

If you"re a fan of the classic Polaroids from back in the day, the Polaroid Now+ i-Type is a fun and updated version from the brand that started it all. While keeping with the same vintage styling as the originals, this model is compatible with a mobile app that gives it a modern upgrade. By connecting to the app, creative features like double exposure, remote shutter, light painting, and more are easily accessible, giving the user many options for self-expression. This camera also comes with a set of five color lens filters, along with a carrying case, so getting creative is easy even without the app. Most of the competitors that have app connectivity are digital cameras that print digital photos, but the Now+ i-Type is an analog machine that prints on film while also offering many of the benefits of digital.

Even though the Now+ i-Type has some updated features, the quality and consistency of the images could have been better. Its limited color range and tendency to overexpose resulted in prints being blown out most of the time and small details often got lost due to the lack of clarity. This camera is also a bit bulky, which makes it harder to transport, and its shape and design make it somewhat awkward to shoot with. On top of that, the film for Polaroids is more expensive and takes longer to develop than most of the others, which would be more understandable/acceptable if the image quality was better. Still, we found this camera to be easy to operate, and the app gives it a fun and contemporary update. If you find the retro look and feel appealing but would also like the option of making adjustments to your film prints, this camera is worth checking out.

For this review, we dedicated weeks to using each camera in numerous places and under all kinds of lighting conditions to determine how each performed. Our test results represent more than 100 hours spent taking over 1000 photos in lighting conditions ranging from dimly lit bars to sun-soaked beaches. We also let our creativity run wild and took hundreds of images using long exposures, flash filters, multiple exposures, and every other creative option these cameras offer. We then compared the different results to determine the best contenders.

Our testing for instant cameras is comprised of four rating metrics:Image Quality (40% of overall score weighting)User Friendliness (35% weighting)Features (15% weighting)Battery (10% weighting)

Our testing experts for this review were professional photographer Laura Casner and product tester Genaveve Bradshaw. Together they put each camera through dozens of tests, comparing all the prints side-by-side. They were joined by Adam Yee, who has been around all types of cameras for his whole life, as his grandfather was a professional photographer for more than 50 years. Adam first developed an interest in photography as a teen when he started shooting skateboarders, documenting the antics of his young friends. These days, Adam works in the production field producing everything from studio shoots to photojournalism projects worldwide. Together, this trio brings a wealth of knowledge to these fun little devices.

In a world where we increasingly rely on digital platforms to preserve cherished experiences, instant cameras offer refreshingly real, physical keepsakes of time spent with friends and family. To find the best analog or hybrid machine for capturing memories, we focused most of our testing on overall image quality. We also carefully considered how easy each camera is to use, the different image settings and creative options offered, and how long the batteries last. Ultimately, our goal is to help you find the best fit for your lifestyle and photography desires.

While instant camera prices occupy a relatively narrow range, there are certainly opportunities to maximize your dollar. If you"re seeking the best price-to-performance ratio, we suggest the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11. This relatively inexpensive camera offers the classic instant camera experience at a fraction of the price. For some fun features, great portability, and fun tiny prints, the Polaroid Go Instant Mini comes at a great price. If you have a background in photography and want to try a bit more experimentation, spending more on something like the Lomography Lomo"Instant Wide may serve you well. It is the most reasonably priced model we"ve found for what you get, and it offers creative extras like flash filters, multiple exposures, and interchangeable lenses. For those seeking a compromise between all of these attributes, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 presents a middle point, both in functionality and price.

We spent the majority of our testing time meticulously comparing photo quality from camera to camera. In doing so, we made sure to take photos that spanned the entire gamut of lighting conditions, from bright sunny days to dimly lit parties and pubs. We then compared all of the resulting photos side-by-side, focusing on clarity, color saturation, and exposure. We also paid attention to how consistently each camera produced usable photos versus a costly dud destined for the trash. The reality is that no camera was perfect, but some had more of a propensity to churn out top-tier keepsakes.

Earning the top score in this metric, the Lomography Lomo"Intant Wide provided the most consistent, high-quality photos in the broadest range of conditions. Its images generally came out with vivid colors, good clarity, and proper exposure, all with that vintage analog patina that is a hallmark trait of film. It is also one of the few instant cameras we"ve found that can handle outdoor shooting on sunny days without washing out large areas of the image. Lovers of old Polaroid cameras will undoubtedly appreciate the wide film format, which more closely approximates those older models" size than many of its modern siblings.

Not too far behind, the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay provides similarly high-quality images. Compared to the Lomo"Instant Wide, its only shortcoming is that the prints are much smaller and tend to shoot dark, especially when using the autofocus. However, it does offer numerous creative modes that allow the user to make the necessary adjustments and get a great shot in any situation.

Only slightly below the podium in this metric, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 provides excellent clarity and color composition for indoor use. However, if you take the camera outside, the photos look noticeably washed out compared to the other top models. It can still produce good outdoor images, but the results will be much better without shooting towards the open sky or when shooting in the shade. Like the Mini LiPlay, it also downgrades the image size to about the size of a credit card. This allows the film to be cheaper, but it may not be what some people want in an instant photo keepsake.

Dropping just out of the high-quality tier and into the upper end of average, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 creates larger wide-format photos, which often come out dark but display rich colors. The available settings allow the user to make the necessary adjustments for differing conditions. This camera captures textures well, shoots best in ambient indoor lighting with dispersed natural light, and produced the most lovely black and white images of any camera we tested.

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 consistently captured a wide range of colors, with blues and cooler tones showing up especially vibrant. The images that were shot outdoors with indirect light were gorgeous and did the best job of displaying accurate skin tones. This camera took some great shots indoors, but required a little more messing with the settings to accomplish this.

Instant cameras shine in social situations. Thus, you"ll want their operation to be simple enough that you could pass it around at a party and end up with some nice photos. If you"re looking to get more creative with your camera and try out some advanced features like double exposures, the controls for selecting those modes must be intuitive and straightforward. Every double exposure that goes awry because you didn"t have the correct settings dialed in is wasted film and just a bit heartbreaking. To assess user-friendliness, we used every function on every camera, passed them all around to newbies to get their thoughts, and loaded dozens of film packs throughout the course of our testing.

Of all the cameras we laid our hands on, we would consider the Fuji models (the Instax Square SQ1, Instax Mini LiPlay, Instax Mini 11, Instax Wide 300, and Instax Square SQ6) foolproof enough for anyone to pick up and get a good photo with minimal instruction; all of these models offer basic point-and-shoot functionality. The SQ1 came out as the best in this category, which wasn"t surprising because it is easy to get a great photo at a moment"s notice with this camera. While most also have some additional settings that can be fiddled with, they are simple enough that even a newcomer should have success picking them up the first go around. Even if they don"t, it"s unlikely the photo will be totally ruined.

The Kodak Smile Instant Print also offers one of the more intuitive processes of the group. Its mostly digital design (essentially a digital camera with a small printer inside) allows for simple point-and-shoot functionality, so there is no need to fiddle around with settings beforehand. However, if you want to access some of its advanced features — like adding a border or filter — you"ll want to read through the manual.

The Polaroid Now makes taking photos relatively easy, but you have to take extra care while developing. The Polaroid film must be completely covered during the developing process, either by putting the pictures face down on a flat surface or putting them in your pocket once they are taken. We often found ourselves out and about without any convenient flat surfaces to put developing photos, which is a bit of an annoyance. The film is also temperature sensitive, so it either needs to be kept close to the body in cold temps or cooled in hot temps while developing. We ended up with a few damaged prints while shooting in cold conditions.

The Lomography Lomo"Instant Wide scored lower here for a couple of reasons. This camera has issues with the film jamming, something we"ve unfortunately now seen across three different purchases over the years. On a more positive note, the Lomo also offers additional accessories and more manual adjustments than the other models, giving it a greater learning curve. The controls are reasonably straightforward, and they open up many more creative opportunities, but the camera takes some time and experimentation to fully master. While this brought the score down in this metric, this could be seen as a bonus for the right user. We"ve kept this camera in our lineup over the years because it really does have potential for greatness, but the film-jamming issue is truly unfortunate. Be sure you can return the Instant Wide from whoever you purchase it from, just in case.

Many people choose to take photos with spartan instant cameras instead of intricate digital ones because, as the saying goes, "creativity is the mastery of simplicity." Despite this, having more options and control over your pared-down camera can allow you to flex that creative muscle even more. For this metric, we evaluate the level to which each camera allows you to fine-tune your images. We also consider additional creative features like multiple exposures, colored flash filters, or digital integration.

Our hands-down recommendation for anyone looking to get creative with their photos is the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay. This camera offers the most variety in its settings and image adjustments of any of the options we tested. It includes a review screen, digital storage, multiple filters, ten in-camera frames, remote capture, a selfie mirror, the ability to print photos taken on your phone, and more via the compatible app.

The Lomo"Instant Automat Glass Magellan and Polaroid Now+ i-Type take the silver and bronze spots, respectively. Both offer a good variety of controls, like an adjustable flash, multiple exposures, and a remote shutter. Both also come with colored lens filters, but the Polaroid can only access its extra settings through its mobile app, while the Lomo"s controls are mostly in-camera, with a handful of additional add-ons, like a close-up lens and a splitzer attachment.

The Kodak Smile Instant Print and Canon Ivy CLIQ2+ both sit just below the middle of our features score sheet, offering control settings like flash adjustability, updated features like digital storage, and a few creative options like in-camera filters. However, they lack the ability to take multiple exposures and can"t be attached to a tripod. Each of these two cameras has some small options that the other doesn"t, so you may have to select an option based on your preferred features. For example, the Kodak Smile has a review screen and a timer with 3 or 10-second options, while the Canon has a mirror on the front for taking selfies and includes a wrist strap.

With all the technological advancements of the 21st century, it"s not surprising that rechargeable batteries are commonly found in instant cameras. They are cheaper, more sustainable, and more convenient overall. However, only slightly more than half of the cameras we tested have made this switch, and the others still have single-use batteries. For this metric, we looked at the shots per charge as listed by the manufacturer and tested the accuracy. We also considered the time it took to recharge or the cost of replacing the batteries.

Quite surprisingly, four of the higher-scoring cameras here have single-use batteries. The one rechargeable high-scorer is the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay, adding to the reasons why it was an easy all-around favorite. Fujifilm dominated in this area with four models receiving high marks, with the Lomography Lomo"Instant Wide and Polaroid"s Now+ i-Type and Go Instant Mini also coming out toward the top. All of these top-scoring models used the same batteries or a single charge throughout testing and were never completely drained, either meeting or exceeding the manufacturer"s claims.

Occupying the bronze medal spots of our scorecard are the Kodak Smile Instant Print, Polaroid Now i-Type, and Lomo" Instant Automat Glass Magellan, with only slightly lower scores than the top performers. The Lomo lasted all the way through our tests, but the fact that it doesn"t come with the two CR2 batteries needed caused it to lose some points. The Kodak and Polaroid both required one partial recharge during testing. The Kodak lasted a surprisingly long time after it read as "out of battery." We never reached Polaroid"s claim of 15 packs or up to 60 days, but we also never killed the battery completely. However, after about six packs of film, it seemed to lose some juice, and we couldn"t use the self-timer until giving it a brief charge.

An instant camera can add a whole new dimension to how you capture and commemorate your life, whether it be everyday happenings or special events. A great one will also allow you to have some fun along the way. We"ve certainly enjoyed all the goofy poses these cameras can elicit and the token nostalgia that comes with them. We hope that this review has led you to a camera that will help you make some memories.

There are some great instant cameras out there, especially those we"ve listed below. However, we shouldn"t discount compact instant printers, which make for a good alternative, and one we"ve seen some big new launches in during 2022. Models like the Fujifilm Instax Link Wide or the new Instax Mini Link are essentially instant cameras that leverage your phone camera, which will likely feel more natural for digital natives, anyway.

While they lack the charm of an all-in-one instant camera, these printers are also a lot smaller and let you print photos that you or your friends have on your phones. Because smartphones are now so advanced, the photo quality also tends to be superior to standalone instant cameras. We remain fans of Instax prints over the Zink ones favored by manufacturers like Canon, but make sure you"re judicious with your printing – as the film costs can quickly add up.

They might be retro, but the best instant cameras are still very on-trend, capturing your best moments and then developing and printing the results in minutes. Reliving your memories on Instagram is one thing, but there"s something to be said about how that same instant gratification is achieved in physical, nostalgic printouts from instant cameras.

There"s nothing that quite captures the charm, candor, and authenticity of shots taken with an instant camera, but that"s not to say there"s only one way to go when choosing yours. Instant cameras (and instant film, for that matter) come in many shapes and sizes. So, you not only have a variety of options to choose from, but you can also get a collection going if you"re into that sort of thing.

Whether you"re looking for a basic toy model or a smarter connected option, we"ve put together this guide to the finest instant snappers. Based on hundreds of hours spent hands-on with the latest and best instant cameras, some of which are among the best cameras for photography, every entry on our list has been extensively tested to see how it measures up – so you can be confident in our recommendations.

Whatever type of instant camera you’re in the market for, you should find an option to fit your needs and budget in our list below. And if you"re not sure where to start, above is a size comparison (which you can expand using the icon in the top-right) of all the major instant camera film types. Pick the right size for you and use our "specifications" section below each camera in the list to find which film type it uses.

If you"re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use camera that won"t overwhelm anyone that"s new to instant photography, Fujifilm"s Instax Mini 11 is our current favorite.

It may lack the more advanced modes and controls that you"ll find on more expensive models, but that"s a big part of its charm. We found in our tests that the auto exposure system takes out a lot of the guesswork, meaning you just have to point and shoot to get decent credit card-sized instant prints.

A tiny mirror built into the front of the camera and a pop-out lens barrel for close-ups means it"s easy to get an instant selfie, while the affordable packs of Instax Mini film make it a great addition to any party. It"s available in a range of fun colors, so you should be able to find one that suits your style.

Combining the boxy form factor, dual-lens autofocus and detailed image quality of the Polaroid Now with the Bluetooth connectivity of the OneStep+, the revamped Now+ is Polaroid’s most complete instant camera yet. Connecting to the updated smartphone app opens up a realm of creative shooting modes: in addition to self-timer, double exposure, light painting and manual exposure options, there’s now an aperture propriety mode for experimenting with depth of field, as well as a tripod mode for use with the new screw mount beneath.

If you"re looking for a camera that mixes the charms of instant photos with the convenience of digital shooting, the Instax Mini Evo is a fine choice. Its digital photo quality won"t beat your smartphone, but that isn"t the point – the main benefit is being able to decide which shots you print out, to avoid wasting precious film. The Mini Evo itself is also one of the best-looking instant cameras around and more compact than Fuji"s other models.

If the Instax Mini 11 (see number one) looks just a little too toy-like for your tastes, the Mini 40 is a more design-centric alternative. It has the same retro styling as Fuji"s more expensive instant cameras, only underneath the skin it"s mechanically identical to the Mini 11.

With variable shutter speed, an automatic flash and auto exposure system that work together to ensure more of your photos produce usable results, and an adjustable lens barrel that"s purpose-built for selfies, it"s easy to recommend for both newcomers to instant film, and those that already appreciate the medium. Our tests showed that it produced pleasing results reliably. It uses Instax Mini film packs, which is still among the most affordable kinds on the market.

Slightly more advanced than the Instax Mini 11, the Instax Mini 70 comes with five shooting modes (including that all-important selfie mode). Despite having a few more features, it doesn"t cost too much - but again you need to factor in some budget to pay for some Instax Mini Film.

In terms of usability, one thing to be careful of with the Instax Mini 70 is obscuring the flash with your finger when you"re taking shots vertically, but you get used to how it works with enough practice.

With the Go, Polaroid has edged ahead of Fuji on instant innovation – something that hasn"t really happened since the late 1980s. It"s officially the world"s smallest analogue instant camera, fitting squarely in the palm of your hand.

It"s true that some hybrid instant cameras are even more pocketable, but they tend to "cheat" by printing images on Zero Ink paper, rather than with a chemical development process. You get the real deal here, in square format just like the larger I-Type film, only significantly smaller.

It"s a shrunken-down version of the Polaroid Now (see above), with most of the same features, including self-timer and double-exposure mode, which should please more advanced photographers as well as instant beginners. Autofocus sadly hasn"t made the cut, however, so there"s a higher chance of ending up with blurry results if you don"t keep a good distance from your subject.

Physically, the Now bears a strong resemblance to its OneStep 2 predecessor, retaining that iconic – if bulky – throwback form but removing a few buttons, refining the viewfinder and replacing the LED lights with a much clearer digital shot counter.

It"s designed for quick and easy snaps, and the new autofocus makes that simpler than ever, proving largely consistent in spitting out sharp, distinctive shots. It also eliminates much of the guesswork associated with a fixed-focus system – a welcome development, given the high price of I-Type film.

The value-minded SQ1 makes Fuji"s Instax Square format film that much more approachable for anyone unfamiliar with instant photography. It has the same easy- to-understand features and useful auto exposure system of the Instax Mini 11, only the photos it spits out are almost twice as large.

An adjustable lens barrel and built-in mirror are useful for close-ups and selfie shots, and the automatic flash is usually smart enough to keep indoor and low-light snaps looking good once they develop. There aren"t any other shooting modes to think about, or even luxuries like a tripod thread, and the plastic construction feels noticeably less premium than the more expensive Instax SQ6, so this is a camera better suited to instant newcomers rather than creatives looking to experiment with the medium.

Canon"s first instant effort is actually more of a hybrid, blending analogue "film" with digital smarts. The Zink (zero ink) paper it uses doesn"t need exposing to light like regular instant film, so the camera can be much smaller. The Ivy Cliq+ / Zoemini S is truly pocket-sized, beating even Fuji"s Instax Mini LiPlay for portability.

A built-in LED ring flash helps you take pleasing portraits, the mirrored lens barrel is purpose-built for selfies, and focusing is automatic, making this a great party camera. Still, it can be sluggish to start up and printing a picture takes around 10 seconds – much slower than our current favorite, the Fuji Instax Mini 9. The credit card-sized prints it produces are much more detailed, though, with colors more like a traditional 35mm photo than the dream-like lomographic effects seen with other instant film.

Battery life typically stretches to two packs of 10 images, but even with an SD card installed, it won"t take any more pictures once you"re out of film. The 8MP sensor is merely on par with today"s entry-level smartphones, and with no built-in screen, you"ll need a computer to review your digital snaps.

Big hardly covers it. The Instax Wide 300 is the size of an old-fashioned medium-format rangefinder camera, even a small folding field camera. It’s because it uses Instax wide film packs rather than the regular Instax mini. The Instax 300 wide might look big and clumsy but it’s light, and the generous grip makes it easy to hold and use. You power up with a spring-loaded switch around the shutter release, which extends the 95mm lens.

The Instax wide format is much larger than a digital sensor, so this equates to a moderate wide-angle lens. For a big camera, though, the Instax Wide 300 has a tiny viewfinder. It takes practice even to get your eye lined up with the eyepiece.

Unlike the original instax SQUARE model, namely the analog/digital hybrid SQUARE SQ10, the SQ6 has a different idea in mind. Shaped like the Instagram logo and very much targeted at the kind of younger user who shares their creations on the platform, the camera runs on a pair of CR2 batteries and spits out 6.2x6.2cm prints, with the selfie mirror integrated into the front of the camera allowing for more effortless self captures.

Instax square prints feel like more serious photographs, with their larger size giving your subject more room to breathe. Fujifilm throws in orange, purple and green flash filters to allow for an instant injection of colour into images, and as the body is nowhere near as cumbersome as some of the other options here, it ends up being as convenient to carry as it is fun to use.

Combining retro-analogue charm with modern-day digital credentials, this is essentially a basic, low-resolution digital camera with a printer built-in for making instant snapshots. This gives you the opportunity to properly frame up your subject, and check it"s something you actually want to print, before wasting expensive film (it uses Instax mini).

One of the gimmicks of the LiPlay is the function to record a sound along with your image capture and "embed" it on to your print in the shape of a QR code. You can then gift that to a friend and ask them to scan the code to playback the sound - modern digital ways are much easier though so how much you bother with that remains questionable.

The downside to most instant cameras is their size: if you want large photos, you"ll need a large camera, which can be a pain to lug around. An instant photo printer takes up a lot less room, and lets you print directly from your smartphone. That almost certainly means better image quality than what you"ll get from the cameras on this list.

Because it develops photos, rather than printing them like an inkjet, each one has the signature contrast-heavy and colorful style we expect from instant film. You"ll have to wait a minute or two between pressing print on your phone and the final image appearing in your hands, but that"s all part of the charm of instant film.

We think it"s a better buy than the Instax Wide 300 camera, which hasn"t seen an update in eight years and is rather cumbersome to use. If you want the biggest instant photos possible, this is arguably the best way to go about it.

While most instant cameras are simple and relatively affordable, there are still a few key things to think about when picking the best instant camera for your needs and budget.

The cheapest models will usually amount to little more than toy cameras with basic point-and-shoot settings. These are fine if you just want a straightforward camera for fun party snaps. But you’ll need to spend a little more for modes like macro-focusing, while the higher-end is where you’ll find hybrid digital functionality. This allows you to hook up your camera to a smartphone for further creative controls – or to produce physical prints from your smartphone’s camera roll.

Print quality and size are also worth considering. Although no instant brand delivers super-accurate results (that’s part of the vintage charm), Instax arguably produces the most natural images. Polaroid prints tend to have a dreamier look, which can be just as appealing, depending on your preferences. Films also come in different sizes to suit specific cameras, so it’s worth considering whether you’ll want pocket-sized prints or something bigger.

While instant cameras are generally affordable, you’ll need to factor in the cost of film. It can add up pretty quickly, so pay attention to the price per pack – and think about how many pictures you’re likely to shoot on a regular basis. Polaroid film tends to be pricier than Instax – for the price of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots, you can get two packs of ten Instax Mini film.

Polaroid cameras take one or two types of film: the larger I-Type, which produces square format photos, and the newer "Go" film, used by its tiny Polaroid Go camera. You can choose between color and black-and-white film, along with a range of different border colors.

Instax cameras offer a wider variety of film types: there"s Instax Mini, Square and Wide film. Like Polaroid"s film, these can"t be mixed and matched between cameras, so choosing your preferred film type is an important part of picking the right instant camera for you.

Which is the best type of film? Polaroid"s I-Type has the edge for size, but Instax film tends to work out as a little more affordable. For example, for the price of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots, you can get two packs of ten Instax Mini film.

4. Polaroid I-TypeDesigned for use in the Impossible I-1and OneStep 2, I-Type film packs don’t have batteries built in, so can"t be used with vintage Polaroids.

5. Polaroid GoPolaroid"s answer to Instax Mini, the Polaroid Go film measures 66.6mm x 53.9 mm and is designed to work with the camera of the same name.

7. Polaroid Zink 2x3Credit-card sized instant film that uses heat-sensitive ink to produce images. Colors are more traditional than Instax. Compatible with many Zink-based cameras and printers.Are new instant cameras still being made?Instant cameras might seem a little old-school in 2022, but they"re definitely still being made. In fact, they’re an increasingly popular photography format. Inspired by retro cameras from the days when analogue film was the norm, these modern remakes are designed to recapture the accessible fun of point-and-shoot photography.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to buy an instant camera in 2022. Unlike smartphone photography, instant cameras give you a physical print to hold in your hands straight away, stick on the fridge or share with your friends. It’s a novel, tactile way to reconnect with photography’s fun factor.

Another bonus is how easy it is to shoot with an instant camera. The best options are really simple to use, making it straightforward to capture warm vintage prints. Most feature just a handful of buttons and limited shooting modes, leaving you free to focus on framing. What’s more, instant cameras tend to be available at much more affordable prices than compact cameras. That means they can be a great way for kids to get into photography, too.

There"s only one way to test instant cameras, and it isn"t by pixel-peeping resolution charts – for these analogue snappers, it"s all about real-world use. After analyzing each camera"s design, build quality and features, we load it up with film and take it out for a day of instant photography. We take a range of shots of different subjects: people, high-contrast scenes and objects like flowers, to give us a good sense of how well the autofocus works (if the cameras has autofocus) and the kind of colors you can expect in different situations.

The best instant cameras obviously aren’t going to be used by professionals shooting at sports games or up the side of mountains. However, they still offer a satisfaction and feeling that other cameras, from smartphones to the best cameras money can buy, just can’t truly replicate.

There’s a simplicity to instant camera photography that many people enjoy. It’s often nicer to shoot, print and make a memory instantly than it is to sweat over photographic perfection and spend hours in the editing suite. There’s also obviously the instant gratification and pleasing retro feeling of holding a printed photo in the hand — something that by default we aren’t used to in today’s smartphone age.

Thanks to these reasons, and their cheapness and simplicit, instant cameras are often the go-to choice for parties and weddings, and also for giving images as heartfelt gifts.

Unlike the analogue instant cameras of old, today’s instants have a range of features to help them blend seamlessly into digital society. These range from the ability to add filters, through to smartphone connectivity, allowing users to print pictures from their phone’s camera roll.

Many of the best instant cameras cost under $150, while some cost less than $100, making them great guilt-free purchases for special occasions. We’ve rounded up our favorites that you can buy right now, to help you make the right choice. Read on for our pick of the best instant cameras.

With its 38-millimeter wide-angle, multicoated f/4.5 glass lens, the Lomo"Instant Automat gives you sharper images, better low-light performance and a wider field of view than its competitors.

Auto mode lets the camera adjust aperture (f/4.5- f/22), shutter speed and flash output. The Automat has a remote built into its lens cap, so you can more easily take group shots or exposures up to 30 seconds. (It has a tripod mount, too.) Zone focusing helps measure the proper distance for the best shot, and we liked its optical viewfinder. The camera and remote use two different batteries (sold separately).

Pictures from the Lomo Instant Glass Magellan were incredibly sharp. Its size made it convenient to carry around, and it performs well in low-light; it did not even require a lighten mode to take some night shots in the yellow streetlamp of a park. Lomography sells several versions of the Lomo’Instant Automat, some of which include add-on lenses, such as a "Splitzer" gizmo that divides the frame into different sectors, and a lens for shooting extreme close-ups, up to a foot from your subject.

One of several Fujifilm Instax Mini models in this list of the best instant cameras, the Mini 40 shares many of its specs with the Instax Mini 9 at number 8 (and the newer Instax 11), but wraps them in a cool retro body.

It lacks the bells and whistles of some of the other entries here — particularly the two sitting above it — but what it loses in features it makes up for in ease of shooting; this is a really simple instant camera to get the best from.

Not that it"s without any features at all: a selfie mode is a nice extra and there"s a constantly firing flash that gives it better skills in low-light conditions than you might expect.

The Lomo"Instant Square Glass features a 95-mm (45-mm equivalent) glass lens that encourages creativity. Its old-school bellows design will be unfamiliar to most, but it folds flat to about one-third of its operational size, making it more convenient to tote.

A variety of manual controls include the ability to take multiple exposures and a long exposure mode that keeps the shutter open for up to 30 seconds. The camera has a self-timer, as well as a remote control that detaches from the camera (and requires its own battery).

Portraits have an evocative quality — clear, with soft flesh tones — while landscapes provided pinpoint detail and pleasing colors, similar those from the Lomo"Instant Automat. Night shots, with and without flash, and augmented with available streetlights, can make a storyteller out of any casual shooter.

This simple and inexpensive digital camera has a number of features we really like: A slide-open mechanism protects the lens and keeps the camera from turning on accidentally; buttons on the back make it easy to navigate menus; and you can review photos on the Smile"s small LCD display before opting to print them out.

The Kodak Smile Classic"s design riffs on the iconic Polaroid instant camera, but in a slightly more compact design. The thing we liked the most about the Smile Classic is its massive prints, which measure 4.25 x 3.5 inches—very satisfying. While the camera prints out every photo you take with it, you can also use it to print photos from your smartphone, and add filters and stickers in the process. Of course, with larger prints comes more expensive paper, but it"s a good tradeoff.

With its classic retro style and 60-mm, f/12.7 lens, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is an appealing choice for hobbyists seeking a change of pace. An easy-to-read monochrome LCD readout keeps track of your settings and film counter, while the Mode button lets you cycle through different scenarios (such as sports or landscape).

The Mini 90 has an electronic macro setting for more creative shots, as well as two shutter buttons to make it easier to snap portraits or landscape photos. Unlike with some other instant cams, you can turn the Mini 90"s flash on or off.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 comes in a variety of bright colors: Cobalt Blue, Flamingo Pink, Ice Blue, Smoky White and Lime Green. Combined with a smooth, curved design and a dotted hand strap, it looks a bit toy-like. Still, it is exceptionally easy to use.

An included close-up lens accessory snaps on with an audible click. From there, an LED lamp on the side of the lens guides you on where to adjust the exposure. A high-key option lightens images and assists in exposing darker environments. The camera automatically lights up on the mode that"s best for your shot, but you have to rotate the lens to the right place before taking the shot and be sure to keep the proper distance from your subject.

The default 60-mm f/12.7 lens has a minimum focusing distance of about 2 feet, while the close-up lens lets you focus from approximately 1 foot away. Because of the camera"s automated functions, there are limited customizable settings. The close-up lens made focusing tricky; you have to center the focus circle just slightly to the upper right of the subject.

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is a bulky beast. It has a 114-mm, f/14 lens and uses only Instax Wide film for a picture that"s ideal for capturing landscapes or groups of people. While the camera has a digital readout, it has fewer controls than the Mini 90.

It includes a snap-on close-up lens which is easy to lose. The camera"s auto flash optimizes the lighting according to distance, and you can choose the fill-in flash with a flash-on LCD button.

The best thing about the Instax Wide 300 is the size of its pictures: They are big. And despite the camera"s weight, its handgrip makes it comfortable to hold. Daylight images were bright with accurate color, though the focus was a bit soft. The default focus distance is almost 9 feet. Unlike some Instax cameras, the Wide 300 lets you twist the lens one way to focus from 3 to 9 feet and the other way to capture images from 9 feet and up.

Fujifilm"s Instax Square SQ6 is the company"s first fully analog square cam with a 65.75-mm lens. The camera features three focusing ranges: macro (1 to 1.6 feet), auto (1.6 to 6.6 feet) and landscape (6 feet and up).

Auto exposure control calculates the brightness to adjust the shutter speed and flash, but the SQ6 gives you plenty of flexibility, including flash suppression and various shooting modes. Whichever one you pick, the camera will make its own internal adjustments. The package also includes three color filters — orange, purple and green — that can be fitted over the flash to add a color cast to your photo.

The camera also includes a self-timer and a tripod mount. You get some control over your images — including flash and double exposure — but this camera gives you much larger square prints.

With the Automatic setting, the SQ6 captured accurate color and skin tones, though the image was not super sharp. As I got closer to the subject, the skin tones were truer, even with the flash on.

Instant cameras are not exactly instant. You have to wait at least 90 seconds for the picture to "fill in" to view the finished result, but we often found it took several minutes for the completed image to fully bake, revealing richer color and sharper focus.

Some instant cameras use the Fujifilm Instax film cartridges, which come in several sizes and varieties. This is the photo paper that Polaroid cameras have traditionally used: the paper is exposed to light, and the chemicals react to produce an image.

Other instant cameras use Zink paper, which uses heat to activate colors in the paper. The advantage to Zink is that you don’t have to worry about accidentally exposing the paper to light, as you do with Instax film. However, we’ve found that Zink prints tended to be less vibrant overall.

With traditional instant cameras, ev