Instant cameras have become a popular category for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can whip one out at a party or event and take a snap, then a couple of minutes later you have a real, physical, instant photo that everyone can touch, feel and enjoy instead of staring at a screen. It’s also a lot cooler than a smartphone shot thanks to the retro, nostalgic vibes of analog photography.
Given the large number of camera brands on the market, choosing one can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide that will help you choose the best instant camera for you based on factors like price, instant film size, photo quality and more.
Best instant cameras for 2026
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. $208 at Amazon
Polaroid Best instant camera with large film Polaroid Now+ (2nd Generation) Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 451.5g (without film) Polaroid is a name synonymous with instant cameras, and its Now+ model is the best choice for larger film. Though the prints are slightly smaller than those produced by Fujifilm’s Instax Wide 400, I prefer the square format that evokes old school Polaroid photos. It also offers a host of features like an updated app with creative shooting modes including manual modes, a self-timer, double exposure, light painting and an aperture priority option for depth of field. Though the 2nd-generation model suffered from occasional exposure issues, the new model has largely corrected that and added a tripod mount to boot, along with some new colors. The main downside is the relatively high price of Polaroid’s i-Type film. $83 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $150 at Best Buy
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
Leica Best luxury instant camera Leica Sofort 2 Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 320g (without batteries and film) If the canape table at your typical gathering has caviar blinis and quail egg tartines, your instant camera of choice may be Leica’s Sofort 2. It’s a point-and-shoot model with a 28mm equivalent f/2.0 lens that shoots mini-sized Sofort film (or Fuji’s Instax film). While the specs aren’t too impressive for a $400 instant camera, Leica did nail the social aspect with the ability to capture digital images to a microSD card, view them on the three-inch LCD display and then share them with friends using Leica’s FOTOS app. It doesn’t take the best photos of any instant camera, though it does offer great battery life and nice portability. However, the main reason to get this model is the Leica brand and red dot. That lets others know that you may be taking lighthearted pictures, but you definitely know what you’re doing. $399 at B&H Photo
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.
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