The best instant cameras in 2023

The best instant cameras are still incredibly popular, even in today’s digital age. We’ll help you choose the best one so that you can start capturing and printing your very own retro photos.

It’s the simplicity of the best instant cameras that makes them so appealing for people of all ages and experience levels. After all, they’re so straightforward that they make some of the best cameras for kids (opens in new tab) as well as the best cameras for beginners (opens in new tab).

And the results are utterly unique; the best instant cameras produce a unique kind of photograph that people spend ages trying to recreate using Instagram filters and Lightroom presets (opens in new tab). Yet there’s nothing that matches the real deal!

Cameras from Polaroid, Instax, and Lomography use a traditional photochemical exposure process that creates striking lo-fi shots with crushed contrast, saturated colors, and ethereal exposures that are unique to instant film.

There are no settings to adjust, no focus points to fiddle with – you simply point the camera at your subject(s), frame your shot, and press the shutter button! For this reason, instant cameras are ideal for families, parties, and weddings, and even enable kids to get creative.

There is also a new breed of digital instant film cameras (opens in new tab), that combine the thrill of instant photography with the convenience of modern-day technology. Canon, Fujifilm, and Kodak have all ventured into this world – and the result is a much smaller, digital camera with an image sensor that captured every sensor and a built-in digital printer.

We’ve divided our guide to the best instant cameras into sections for film and digital. If you pick the former, don’t forget to pick up the right kind of instant film (opens in new tab) to have plenty of ammunition for your shooting! And get the best Instax photo albums to display your finished prints!

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Instant film cameras

Polaroid Now+

(Image credit: Polaroid)

1. Polaroid Now+

The best for large instant prints with that vintage look

Our expert review:

Specifications

Type:

Instant camera

Film type:

Polaroid 600 & Polaroid i-Type

Image size:

108x88mm

Lens:

102.35mm (40mm full-frame equivalent) / 94.96mm (35mm equivalent)

Focus modes:

Automatic

Flash:

Built-in

Self-timer:

Yes

Viewfinder:

Optical

User level:

Beginner

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Reasons to buy

Full-size prints

Excellent image quality

Brilliant app and creative functions

Reasons to avoid

–

Prints work out expensive

–

No selfie mirror

–

Some features are app-only

If you’re after full-size instant photos that are great quality and possess that elusive ‘vintage look’, the Polaroid Now+ is without the best instant film camera available. It combines the same image quality and base shooting of the Polaroid Now (opens in new tab) and the modern-day features of the OneStep+ so that the user can have the best of both worlds. It has several creative modes you can use such as light painting, aperture priority, double exposure, portrait mode, and many more which are available through the app.

There are also several physical lens filters that create a starburst effect, a red vignette, and blue, yellow, and orange colors for in-camera effects. The biggest downside to instant photography is how expensive the film is but we can promise you, that you’ll have more fun using this than any other kind of film camera. You might end up spending a fair amount on film, but the memories you capture with it will be priceless.

Read our full Polaroid Now+ review (opens in new tab) for more details

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

If we’re looking for one instant print camera that does it all – plus we’re satisfied with the credit card-sized print format output from the device itself – then the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo camera has much to recommend it.

Once we’d discovered what all the unmarked buttons do, and got over our initial period of familiarization, it quickly became apparent that, unusually, this isn’t an instant print camera we’ll rapidly become bored of. And that in our book makes it well worth the asking price.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review (opens in new tab) for more details

Polaroid Now

(Image credit: Polaroid)

The Polaroid Now is a welcome arrival to the Polaroid product line and a worthy addition to the increasingly crowded instant camera world. For pure point-and-shoot simplicity, the Polaroid Now is hard to beat – and while the Instax Mini 11 (opens in new tab) does have it beaten on price, we prefer the full-size square prints that Polaroid delivers.

And much as we love the Instax line, when you’re shooting an old-school instant film there’s nothing quite like the tactility of holding a big, boxy Polaroid. If you don’t need the extra bells and whistles of the OneStep+, the Polaroid Now is sure to wow.

Read our full Polaroid Now review (opens in new tab) for more details

Best cameras under £100

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a chunky, plastic camera that comes in a variety of refreshing pastel colors. It may not hot have the same vintage feel as the Polaroids but it does have its own charm. Whether you’re going on holiday, attending a wedding, or escaping to the countryside for the weekend, the Instax Mini 11 is small enough to keep in your bag at all times.

You can also buy rather trendy, cross-body cases to keep them in so it’s even more accessible. It’s powered by two AA batteries that need to be replaced fairly frequently. Fujifilm has done away with the exposure control dial and instead opted for automatic exposure so you have one less thing to worry about and are less likely to waste shots. The film works out at roughly $1.30/£1 per image though you can often save a little bit by bulk buying in packs of five. They make great gifts for adults or kids if you want an easy-to-use instant film camera.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 review (opens in new tab) for more details

Instax Mini 40

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

A stylish instant camera that uses Fujifilm Instax mini film

Our expert review:

Specifications

Type:

Instant camera

Film type:

Fujifilm Instax Mini

Image size:

6.2×4.6cm

Lens:

60mm f/12.7

Minimum shooting distance:

30cm

Exposure modes:

Automatic

Flash:

Built-in (cannot be deactivated)

Self-timer:

Viewfinder:

Optical

User level:

Beginner

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Reasons to buy

Easy to use

Textured black finish

Reasons to avoid

–

Fiddly selfie mode

–

Flash can’t be deactivated

Instax cameras are knockabout fun with a side of lo-fi cool, and none exemplify this more than the beautiful Instax Mini 40 (opens in new tab). With its stylish black-and-silver trim, the Mini 40 looks the part, and it’s incredibly simple to operate. There are no exposure controls, or really controls of any kind; you just point, and shoot. This might be a bit too simple for some users, but if you’re the kind of person who just wants to produce instant images without having to worry about it, this is a fantastic buy. The simplicity also makes it a good option for kids, who will be able to easily get the hang of operating it.

Instax prints are smaller than Polaroids, but still, look pretty great, and will develop with unbelievable speed. Plus, let’s not forget, that the film is cheaper to buy, and these costs will add up over time if you’re a frequent shooter.

Read our full Instax Mini 40 review (opens in new tab) for more details

Instax Mini Film at Amazon for $8.44

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Polaroid Go

(Image credit: James Artaius)

The Polaroid Go is a palm-sized camera that everyone will fall in love with faster than it takes a photo to develop. Bigger instant cameras balance exposures better, and rival Instax Mini cameras deliver slightly better image quality indoors – but neither are as fun to use nor will make you as many friends, as the Go… which still produces pleasing pics.

A consideration is that Instax Mini film (opens in new tab) works out cheaper than Polaroid Go film, but then you’ll also need to replace those AA batteries on the Mini whereas the Go just needs a USB to top up the power. And the Go boasts double exposures, which you won’t get unless you opt for pricier options like the Instax Mini 90. A fun and funky little camera, the Polaroid Go will be the star of your next party and will deposit an endless amount of memories in your pocket or wallet. And if you’ve got kids, this could be the ideal camera for little hands to get started with. Don’t forget to pick up a pack of the new Polaroid Go instant film.

Read our full Polaroid Go review (opens in new tab) for more details

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 review

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

Available in brown or black, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is Fujifilm’s only instant camera to handily come with a rechargeable battery, which the company claims will last as long as 10 (credit card-sized) film packs. With retro styling, it feels like it’s pitched at the photo enthusiast, with some manual control over exposure and even the option to disable the built-in flash if you feel pictures are too bright.

A double exposure mode extends creativity options for the curious (although results can be a bit hit and miss here) as does a shutter-release button above its lens, which doubles up as a selfie mirror (another shutter-release button is in the usual top-plate location). The advantage here over a cheaper instant-print camera is an LCD display strip at the back revealing your chosen settings. The viewfinder is small but adequate for its purpose, while the faux leather finish adds a splash of style.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 review (opens in new tab) for more details

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300

(Image credit: Wex)

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is the big daddy of the Instax family. It’s powered by four AA batteries rather than the usual two but this chunky camera isn’t far off the size of a medium format system. It’s able to deliver much larger prints using the Instax Wide film packs which makes it much better for group shots.

However, if you’re looking for a camera to take selfies with, the chunky design of the Instax Wide 300 makes it really hard so one of the smaller cameras on this list might be better. Despite its size, it is still relatively lightweight thanks to its plastic build and it benefits from a lens that can extend up to 95mm. The built-in flash is much more powerful than on other Instax cameras and is great for use as a fill although the viewfinder is still really small. It doesn’t have any creative modes and can’t be used with an app but if you just want larger prints, then this is the best option for you.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 review (opens in new tab) for more details

Fujifilm Instax Wide Film at Amazon for $12.99

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polaroid onestep+

(Image credit: Polaroid)

9. Polaroid OneStep+

An upgrade from the One Step 2 now with Bluetooth controls

Average Amazon review:

☆

Specifications

Type:

Instant camera

Film type:

Polaroid 600 & Polaroid i-Type

Image size:

108x88mm

Lens:

103mm/89mm

Minimum shooting distance:

60cm

Focus modes:

Macro, Normal and Landscape

Flash:

Built-in

Self-timer:

Yes

Viewfinder:

Optical

User level:

Beginner

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Reasons to buy

Large, excellent prints

Bluetooth-enabled shooting modes

Reasons to avoid

–

Expensive per shot

–

Built-in battery only

If it wasn’t for The Impossible Project stepping in to keep Polaroid going, we would never have had the Polaroid OneStep+ – a modern, retro-look camera nodding towards the golden era of instant film photography. The OneStep+ is the second camera to be released under the new name Polaroid Originals and follows on from the OneStep 2 (opens in new tab) (confusing, we know).

The camera benefits from the addition of an 89mm portrait lens and the integration of Bluetooth connectivity which allows the user to operate it using a remote shutter on a smartphone. It also features several creative shooting modes such as double exposure and light painting and has a noise-sensitive trigger that will fire if you clap. This is definitely one of the most exciting and best instant cameras around. It looks great, is fun to use, and is a no-brainer for any instant-photography fanatic.

Instax Square SQ6

(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)

The Instax Square SQ1 is powered by two small CR2 lithium batteries (included) that the manufacturer claims will last a whopping 300 shots (30 packs of film). As you might expect the camera uses Instax Square film, with a size and shape reminiscent of traditional Polaroid prints.

It’s as simple as cameras get, with automatic exposure and focus (after you select between standard or close-up shooting), so you simply point and shoot and you get a pristine photograph whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

The only reason this isn’t ranked higher is that it omits a number of really useful features from the now-discontinued Instax Square SQ6 (opens in new tab), such as a self-timer, tripod mount, and double exposures. So if you want more advanced features you’re best to look towards Polaroid’s options, but if you want straightforward shooting with sumptuous square shot, look no further.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 review for more details

Digital instant cameras

Best instant cameras: Fujifilm instax mini LiPlay

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)

Not only can you take photos using the Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay but it can also print photos from your phone. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket which makes it perfect for having on you at all times and there is space for a Micro SD card so can images can be stored as well as printed. Its gorgeous design makes it stand out from the other digital instant film cameras and it comes in a range of colors including Blush Gold (our favorite), Stone White, and Elegant Black.

The camera itself features an LCD screen, a selfie mirror, a 4.9MP sensor (which although small is plenty big enough for 1.8 x 2.8 – inch Instax Mini prints), and built-in memory to store 45 images. In terms of size, it measures just 82.5 x 122.9 x 36.7mm and weighs 255g. Photos can also be edited in the LiPlay app where you can add filters, borders, and other effects before printing and the internal memory mean you can take multiple photos before deciding which is the best one to print.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay review (opens in new tab) for more details

Kodak Smile Classic

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

12. Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera

A hybrid camera that’s small enough to fit in your pocket

Average Amazon review:

☆

Specifications

Type:

Instant camera

Film type:

Zero Ink (ZINK)

Image size:

2x3in

Lens:

32mm f/2.8

Minimum shooting distance:

Not given

Shooting modes:

Colour, B&W

Flash:

Built-in

Self-timer:

Yes

Viewfinder:

LCD screen

User level:

Beginner

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Reasons to buy

Slim, sleek design

microSD slot (3-shot internal storage)

Reasons to avoid

–

ZINK prints aren’t quite as good

–

Limited battery life

The Kodak Smile Instant Print (opens in new tab) is one of the best digital instant cameras (opens in new tab) – a modern update of instant photography that combines the best of analog with the beauty of digital. This slim-as-a-smartphone camera sports a sleek design and uses Zink (zero ink) technology – it’s essentially a miniature printer with a lens, producing 2×3-inch sticky-backed prints.

Inside the camera is a relatively humble 5MP sensor (up to 10MP through interpolation), though for images this size you don’t need all the resolution in the world. Ultimately the pictures it produces look more like printer images than they do instant photographs – not necessarily a bad thing, but they don’t possess quite the same magic as instant film.

The ability to add up to 256GB of microSD memory means that you can snap to your heart’s content, then cherry-pick the images that you want to print. The integrated battery keeps the camera nice and svelte, though you only get around 40 prints per charge – a far cry from the 120-160 shots you get from Polaroids. The LCD screen is definitely on the basic side, too, so don’t go expecting the same kind of fidelity as in your traditional DSLR or mirrorless screen.

Best instant cameras: Kodak Mini Shot 3

(Image credit: Kodak)

13. Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro

An instant printer/digital camera combo, with retro charm

Specifications

Type:

Instant camera

Film type:

4PASS All-in-One Cartridge

Image size:

3x3in

Lens:

Not specified

Minimum shooting distance:

Not given

Shooting modes:

Filters, exposure control, bordered, borderless

Flash:

Built-in

Self-timer:

Viewfinder:

1.7 inch LCD

User level:

Beginner

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Reasons to buy

Cheap and cheerful

Very portable

Reasons to avoid

–

Still not as good as film

–

No internal storage

Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 is a tidy little instant print camera that’s great for anyone who doesn’t want anything too complicated. It doesn’t use Zink like the Kodak Smile above but houses a proper little printer that uses Kodak’s 4PASS all-in-one cartridges to spit out little square prints, 3 inches by 3 inches. The colors pop a good deal better than Zink, and they are also rated to be long-lasting.

The camera overall is pretty cheap and running it isn’t too expensive either, making it a good option if you want to shoot instant on a budget. It also produces 10MP digital photos that you can save via Bluetooth on the app (and you do have to do it this way; there’s no internal storage). A cheap option that’s good fun for anyone, especially those who aren’t too confident with using a camera.

How we test cameras

We test cameras (opens in new tab) both in real-world shooting scenarios and, for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera’s ISO range. We only use real-world testing for our guides to instant and compact cameras – comparing results against similar models that we have tested.

A fan of retro photography? You might also like The best film cameras (opens in new tab), the 10 best point-and-shoot cameras (opens in new tab) and the best cameras for beginners (opens in new tab).