Take beautiful instant photos with these top Polaroid cameras
Despite the digital uprising of the last 20 years, we've never really gotten over our obsession with Polaroid and instant film. While they're inconvenient, and present an issue when it comes to storing photos that the smartphone seems to have solved – they've never stopped being fun.
The ability to have a photo printed in your hand in mere moments is still a novelty, and the fact that no two copies are the same gives each snap a sense of importance that iPhone photos have never possessed.
And with all our innovative tech, these nifty cameras have only gotten better over the last five years. These are our top picks for instant-printing cameras in an overwhelming market.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Best overall camera
Instax Fujifilm Mini12 Instant Camera
Why we love it: Popular for a reason, this camera is compact, reliable, and affordable – currently costing just $87.20 on Amazon.
It's likely you either own one of these or know someone who does, which has spurred your own interest. The Instax Fujifilm Mini is one of the most popular instant cameras today, with their models spanning back at least 12 years. The Mini12 is their most recent release, which has improved on the 11 with a twisting lens that allows for close-up mode. This takes the guesswork out of focusing your close-up shots. It also has a new automatic flash control for better brightness detection, meaning not all shots will have that instant, shocking flash.
Best camera to travel with
Instax Fujifilm Mini LiPlay Hybrid Instant Camera
Why we love it: It combines the instant print with your phone, so you can store your photos and alter them before hitting print. The ultimate hybrid camera.
Pairing with an app via Bluetooth, this tiny camera is capable of great things. You can view your shot before you select to print, or alter it in the app before hitting print. Add wings, a crown, or a moustache if you like! Once you've found your favourite design frames, you can set them as favourites using the three buttons to the side of the camera.
Beyond its many abilities, the LiPlay Instant Camera is nice and compact, making for another ideal travel companion.
Polaroid Go Instant Mini Self Timer
Why we love it: The lightweight design of this camera makes it very portable, despite it's bulky look, while the self-timer is a great help when it comes to taking beautiful group shots.
Weighing just 240 grams, this camera from the original Polaroid brand is surprisingly easy to carry around in your bag. It makes a great companion for those who want unique photos of their travels. While it's mostly a point-and-shoot experience, it does have a self-timer, and built-in flash settings to aid with lighting. This one also has a rechargeable battery – a lot more convenient than relying on double As.
Most retro-looking retro camera
Instax Fujifilm Mini 90 Instant Camera
Why we love it: This solid, retro-looking camera has a nostalgic feel with a number of features that will excite photography enthusiasts, too.
Using the Instax Fujifilm Mini 90 feels like a retro experience. There's no digitisation, like with the Mini LiPlay, and it even has the old-school look that's been updated in the Mini12. You only get one shot with this one, which adds to the fun.
Despite this, you can add a low-key or high-key effect to the images, and fiddle with its various features. Macro makes for easy close-up photos, Party mode can give you a brightly lit image, and Landscape mode will improve your long-distance shots.
Best camera for wide-shots
Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera
Why we love it: The Instax Wide 300 creates images that are closest to the Polaroids of the 1980s and 1990s with square-framed film.
While the Instax Minis mostly dominate the instant camera market, not everyone loves the small, rectangular film they make use of. These photos are particularly tiny and don't make for excellent landscape shots. Enter the Instax Wide 300, which has a square build, and shoots and prints those wide Polariod-style images you'd recognise from 30 years ago. Beyond the nostalgic images, the camera has automatic exposure and brightness control, and a 95mm lens, which can be turned for adjustments on your close-up and wide-angle shots. The Instax Wide is available on Amazon for $174.95.
Best camera for creativity
Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera
Why we love it: The lens filters that come with this high-tech camera will make for some of your most bright and original pictures yet.
The Now Generation 2 i-Type combines some of Polaroid's best features in a high-tech camera that celebrates the old and values the new. While the photos remain truly analogue, you can use Bluetooth connectivity to alter the settings of the camera. And you don't really need digital altering, as you can buy a version that comes with a lens filter kit. With blue, yellow, orange, and red lenses, you can change the look of your photos to create something distinctive. These beautiful, filtered photos will make great gifts, or take pride of place in your albums.
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