Despite the ubiquity and high performance of modern digital cameras, a niche group of people still turn to analog or hybrid devices like the instant camera. Its ability to create tangible prints out of everyday moments still fascinates many — us included. Here are our six favorite cameras, in no particular order.
1. Instax Mini 12
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is one of the simplest and most affordable gateway cameras for instant photography. If you’ve never owned or used an instant camera before and don’t want to spend too much on a new hobby, the Mini 12 is the best option for you.
Its one-button operation lets you take great pictures with minimal hassle. You can turn it on — maybe switch to close-up mode for selfies — and snap a pic in an instant. It uses the Fujifilm Instax Mini film and costs less than a hundred dollars.
2. Polaroid Flip
The Polaroid brand name has become synonymous with instant cameras, and the Polaroid Flip is one of its best new models. It uses a simple clamshell mechanism that turns the unit on and off, minimizing the chances of it accidentally taking photos when you don’t want it to.
The Polaroid Flip features one of the strongest flashes in the Polaroid line, making photography at night or in dim lighting conditions easier. It can use Polaroid 600 or Polaroid i-Type film, which may be more expensive, but comes with that signature dreamy Polaroid look.
3. Instax Mini 99
The Instax Mini 99 is a powerful yet user-friendly model for those who want to take their instant photography to the next level. It has an exposure dial to help with shoots in darker or more challenging lighting.
The Mini 99 also allows you to shoot with double exposures and colored LED lights, creating unique effects. These modes and filters give you more creative control over the entire process, making the most of your Instax Mini film format.
4. Instax Square SQ40
The square print is classic instant photography. While Polaroids have dominated the sector for decades, Fujifilm Instax cameras are competing well, with the Instax Square SQ40 being among the best devices for the format.
With only three modes, the Instax Square SQ40 is incredibly easy and intuitive to use, even for beginners. It also has a high battery life, allowing you to shoot around 300 pictures with a single charge.
5. Polaroid Go Generation 2
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is probably the smallest analog instant camera available on the market, fitting most pockets, as the name suggests. It’s incredibly portable and a great conversation starter. Despite its size, it’s still easy to handle. The form factor is also ideal for children or people with small hands.
The small body also translates to smaller prints. The Polaroid Go Generation 2 uses the specially designed Polaroid Go instant film, which measures 4.7cm by 4.6cm.
6. Nons SL660
The Nons SL660 is the priciest on this list, but it’s also one of the most unique and flexible. It allows you to shoot with interchangeable lenses like a DSLR, supporting anything with a Canon EF mount. It also has a hot shoe mount that allows you to shoot with an external flash. These features provide more precise and creative control, drastically improving the quality of your prints.
This camera is ideal for photographers who want more control over their image. With multiple lens options, you can shoot macro, wide-angle and other unique photo setups that might not be possible with other instant cameras.
Types of Instant Film You Can Use
Modern instant cameras use one of six film types from two leading brands — Fujifilm and Polaroid. Here’s an overview of the differences:
Fujifilm Instax
Fujifilm Instax films are the go-to for all Instax cameras. Other brands like Lomography also use these film types for their instant cameras. Instax films have relatively sharp image quality with naturalistic colors and solid contrast. The main difference lies in their sizes.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini: Print size – 8.6cm by 5.4cm; Image size – 6.2cm by 4.2cm
- Fujifilm Instax Square: Print size – 8.6cm by 7.2cm; Image size – 6.2cm by 6.2cm
- Fujifilm Instax Wide: Print size – 8.6cm by 10.8cm; Image size – 6.2cm by 9.9cm
These sizes can come in colored or black and white film stock. Instax also produces film cartridges with unique border colors or designs.
Polaroid
There are also three main types of modern Polaroid films, differing in size and mechanism. Polaroid films are known for a colored cast that can create a more moody feel. The Polaroid 600 can have a pinkish cast, especially in darker environments. On the other hand, the i-Type has a warm greenish tint.
- Polaroid Go: Print size – 6.66cm by 5.39cm; Image size – 4.7cm by 4.6cm
- Polaroid 600 and i-Type: Print size – 10.7cm by 8.8cm; Image size – 7.9cm by 7.9cm
The Polaroid 600 and i-Type models come in the same size and are available in both color and black and white variants. The main difference is that the 600 cartridge has a built-in battery, allowing it to work with older Polaroid cameras. The i-Type has none, so it can only work with modern camera models.
All Polaroid films also come in multiple border colors.
Why Instant Cameras Are Popular Again
Instant cameras come from the analog days of photography, where images were processed physically with various chemicals. However, they have remained popular alongside other analog technologies and physical media. Why?
- A break from the digital: Digital cameras have only grown more advanced, with stronger sensors and multi-megapixel quality. Instant cameras break that sharpness and clarity with a more spontaneous shooting experience.
- Tactile experiences: Instant cameras give you a physical print moments after taking the picture. This physical souvenir can come with a unique sense of satisfaction.
- Mindful use: With a limited number of shots per cartridge, people become more thoughtful and deliberate about the photos they decide to take.
A Timeless Way to Capture Memories
Analog is not dead. There are dozens of modern instant cameras available on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, there’s an instant camera out there that can help you capture unique, tangible moments.
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