The instant camera is a product of the early 1900s that has resurged recently. The ability to snap a photo, see it, and hold it in your hands seconds later is much different than taking a picture with your smartphone. These days, though, instant cameras have become modernized and have selfie capabilities or apps that add filters and frames to your photos.
We’ve compiled the best instant cameras available today so you can relive the past in a new way.
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The Polaroid Now+ is the quintessential instant camera that combines vintage and modern. It can be used as a classic point-and-shoot camera or in conjunction with the free Polaroid app for more controls. The Bluetooth-connected app lets you try tripod mode, light painting, double exposure, portrait assistant, and manual mode. The camera has five lens filters to add creative color to your photos. Other specs include an auto-switching hyper-focused optical lens, accurate flash, and an LED indicator that lets you know how many photos are left in your film pack. As a more budget-friendly option, this instant camera from Kodak still has all the basic features of an instant camera. 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. This camera prints 2" x 3" photos on sticky-backed paper, so you can stick them anywhere you’d like. You can print up to 25 photos on a single charge. And, to save your images for later, the camera supports a microSD card of up to 256GB. For mini photos, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 camera has become a cult classic of the current generation for its ease of use and fun color options. The camera automatically selects the optimal shutter speed based on your surroundings. Unlike previous mini camera models, Fujifilm opted out of the exposure control dial on this one and instead just has automatic exposure. In addition, there is a selfie mode, so you can easily turn selfies into printed photos. For a photo twice as wide as the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 camera, this Fujifilm produces quality instant images thanks to its 95mm f/14 lens. It has a programmed electronic shutter release, automatic flash for low-light shooting, and a focal zoom dial. A close-up lens adapter is included with the camera so you can focus as close as 15.5 inches from the subject. You can use backlighting to enhance your instant photos thanks to the “fill flash mode. And its helpful LCD screen displays the number of shots remaining, the exposure compensation, and flash mode. Bring this Canon Ivy CLIQ2 instant camera anywhere with you, thanks to its small size (4.8 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches and 9.6 ounces). It produces the same 2” x 3" sticky-backed photos as the KODAK camera, but it also has built-in frames and filters you can add to your photos, such as the ability to make your photos more vivid colors or in black and white. This is the best “selfie camera” on this list with its large, 2-inch mirror on the lens. It also lets you save your photos to a microSD card (sold separately) for later use. For one, it’s best not to take instant photos outside on a sunny day‑-cloudy days or indoors will produce better-lit results. In addition, be sure to take a few steps away to take sharper photos since not every camera has an autofocus feature, and closer photos can become blurry. Also, pay attention to where your camera’s flash and the lens are so that you don’t obstruct either with your fingers and waste expensive film!
