Instant cameras are popular for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can bring one to a party or event and capture a spontaneous moment, then after a couple of minutes, everyone can enjoy a physical photo instead of staring at a phone screen. The quality isn’t perfect, but those snaps have a nostalgic quality that people love.
Buying one can be tricky though — you need to consider factors like price, film size, photo quality and more. Plus, there are a lot of models to choose from. This guide will help you choose the best Instant camera for your needs so you can wring the most fun possible out of it.
What to consider before buying an instant camera
The main factor for most people is the size of the film. When most people think of retro instant cameras, they think of a square image size. That’s why Instagram, which used to have a Polaroid-like app icon, only supported square images for years. If that’s what you want, then Fuji’s Square or either of Polaroid’s formats are best.
However, if you want as large an image as possible, Fujifilm’s Instax wide is the way to go. For those who prefer a smaller size to pin on their fridge or slip in an envelope (or the cheaper film), Fujifilim’s Instax Mini or Polaroid’s Go format are best.
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With that in mind, here are the choices. Fujifilm’s Instax alone offers three formats: Mini, Square and Wide, with film sizes of 3.4 x 2.1 inches, 3.4 x 2.8 inches and 3.4 x 4.3 inches. The corresponding image sizes are 2.44 x 1.81 inches, 2.44 x 2.44 inches and 2.44 x 3.9 inches.
Leica’s Sofort 2 and Lomography models also uses Fujifilm’s Mini format, while Polaroid’s smaller Go format is 2.64 x 2.13 inches (1.81 x 1.83-inch image) and its i-Type size is 3.46 x 4.21 inches, with a square image size of 3.11 x 3.11 inches.
As for prices, Fujifilm’s Instax films are generally around $1 - $1.20 per shot for square or wide color film and $.60 - $.75 for mini color film. Those prices go up a bit if you choose custom models with colorful or patterned borders, and down if you buy in bulk. Polaroid’s i-Type film is a bit more at about $2.00 per shot or $1.00 - $1.35 per shot for Go color film.
Image quality isn’t really the point with instant cameras of course, as they’re always going to be fuzzy compared to digital photos. However, some models (notably Fujifilm and Polaroid models) are a bit better than others.
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And in terms of pricing for the cameras themselves, models with larger film are generally more expensive. It also increases if you add hybrid features like USB-C connectivity, smartphone sharing, the ability to print out photos and more, along with niceties like a selfie mirror. The best, most feature-laden cameras can cost upwards of $200 and basic versions can be well under $100.
Best instant cameras for 2025
Fujifilm Honorable mention Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Instant Film Camera Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 12 ounces (without batteries, strap, and film) Where the Instax Mini 12 is cheap and cheerful, the Instax Mini 99 offers far more control and features. The best feature is the four-colored LEDs inside the camera that can be enabled to produce in-camera “looks,” like “Faded Green” and “Light Leak,” that produces a glow simulating a broken camera. At the same time, unlike other models, you can turn the flash off completely for a more natural look. Other nice features are a rear display and sports mode, with the one downside being the lack of a selfie mirror. $199 at Amazon
Lomography Honorable mention Lomography Instant Wide Wireless connectivity: None | Camera weight: 725.7g If you’re very particular about your instant photography, Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Wide Glass is the model to get. It has perhaps the best lens of any instant camera with a 90 mm multi-coated glass model that delivers very sharp photos. It also comes with a host of advanced features, including exposure compensation control, a built-in flash, multiple exposure capability, a manual focus lens, a sync socket for an external flash, selfie mirror and the ability to add optional wide-angle and macro conversion lenses. The main disadvantages are its large size and relatively high price. $169 at Lomography