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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- ALL-IN-ONE PHOTOGRAPY - The Point-and-Shoot PRINTOMATIC Camera offers a powerful 5MP sensor and wide angle f/2 lens. The Printomatic is the ideal all-in-one solution for capturing and sharing vibrant prints instantaneously wherever you are
- FAST EASY AND FUN – This Point and Shoot the camera speed allows you to shoot a new photo while printing the previous shot. It also comes equipped with a light sensor that will automatically turn on the flash in low-light settings
- ONE STOP PRINTING - The Kodak Printomatic camera instantly prints 2x3” photos. The camera uses Kodak Zink Photo Paper, so no ink cartridges, toners or film are needed. The photo prints are durable, water-resistant, tear resistant and smudge free
- CHARMING DESIGN – Comes in Variety of Fun, Bold Colors. Compact design Slips neatly into your shirt pocket. Make it easy to carry around as you go about your day, ensuring you always have Your Printomatic with you. Optical viewfinder.
- INSTANT VALUE - Despite its many digital technological advancements the Kodak Printomatic Camera is an easy-to-use product. The camera has slots for attaching a neck strap, and saves photos to a MicroSD card. No USB Included.
- fujifilm instax mini 12 camera + instant mini film (60 sheets)
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film, 3 Twin Packs (60 Sheets). Start shooting as soon as the moment strikes, with enough film for 60 Photos!
- Deals Number One Travel Camera Case + Adjustable Strap - with a perfect cut out hole for the lens that will keep your camera safe everywhere you go with adorable free-open-close case.
- Deals Number One 64-Photo Album - You can easily attach 64 wonderful photos of you and your family and friends, at the same time it prevents your films from dust, dirt, lost & damage.
- Awesome Gift Kit Includes: Deals Number One Microfiber cleaning cloth, Sturdy Tiger 60 colorful stickers. It’s the perfect present for birthdays, holidays, and any special occasions that you want to make even more special. Note: Film Packaging varies, Includes Three twin packs each containing 20 sheets, in retail packaging
- POLAROID NOW+ FILM BUNDLE: 16 Color Photos included in the box. It's the Polaroid camera you love PLUS so much more. Our Bluetooth-connected app features full manual control - double exposure - light painting - noise trigger - and more! Now+ Generation 2 is now made with 40% recycled plastic.
- DUAL LENS AUTOFOCUS: Get the perfect shot, automatically. The Polaroid Now+ feature a dual zone (Close-Up & Standard) auto-switching hyperfocal optical lens system.
- CONNECTED ANALOG CAMERA: The Polaroid Now+ is our most creative camera yet. Unlock even more creative tools with the Polaroid App and easy to use Bluetooth connection. App available for iOS and Android.
- FULL FEATURED: Tripod mount ready, USB-C powered rechargeable battery, auto-focus dual lens system, Accurate Flash, Bluetooth connected App and bonus 5 lens filter kit. Plus, the original Polaroid square format compatible with both i-Type films and 600 film
- BONUS GIFT: The Polaroid Now+ includes a bonus lens filter kit. Includes 5 creative lens filters – Starburst, Red Vignette, Orange, Yellow and Blue.
- Kit Includes 9 Items: All items come with Manufacturer Supplied Accessories:
- FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12 Instant Film Camera (Lilac Purple) + INSTAX MINI Instant Film Pack | 10 Exposures + Fujifilm Instax Mini Candy Pop Film - 10 Exposures + Photo Album + 20 x Assorted Frame Stickers
- Drawstring Pouch + Idea Booklet + 4 Pack of AA Batteries + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- The INSTAX MINI 12 Holiday Bundle includes a feature-loaded instant camera with vibrant colors, perfect for capturing joyful memories.
- Effortlessly switch to Close-up mode with a twist of the lens, ideal for perfectly framed selfies with parallax correction for accurate shots.
- Slim body size with transparent ring lens
- Automatic Exposure - The Mini 11 automatically selects the optimal shutter speed in any environment. Mini 11 captures bright backgrounds and bright subjects, even in dark scenes.
- 1-touch Selfie Mode – The Mini 11 has a built-in macro mode and selfie mirror for the perfect selfie. You don’t need a close-up lens attachment. Just pull out the lens barrel until the “Selfie Mode” mark appears
- Customize your camera - 2 shutter button accessories are included - Jewel button and a Glow button.
- 2 - AA Batteries
- MiniMate flamingo accessory kit includes: Fujifilm instax mini 11 instant film camera (Blue) Fujinon 60mm f/12.7 Lens - Optical Viewfinder.
- Selfie Mirror Integrated on Lens - Built-In Flash and Auto Exposure Mode - Two shutter button design accessories (glow-in the-dark and jewel-like button covers) - Matching camera strap.
- Fujifilm instax mini twin pack instant film (50 exposures) credit card size prints.
- Be inspired by our exclusive bundle. “Always be yourself unless you can be a flamingo, then always be a flamingo”.
- 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
- Includes FujiFilm Mini 11 Camera Lilac Purple, The Fujifilm Mini 11 Camera Lilac Purple 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 11 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 Warrant
- 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
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.