Looking for an instant camera? You’re not alone. Instant film is as popular today as it has ever been. Fujifilm and Polaroid are still making Instax and I-Type films, along with the cameras to match. As PCMag’s chief camera reviewer, I’ve been testing instant cameras for over a decade. In that time, I’ve tried dozens of models and snapped shoeboxes full of instant photos, so I know what I’m talking about. Most instant photographers should opt for Fujifilm Instax film and pair it with either the advanced Mini 99 or the entry-level Mini 12. However, the list below also includes cameras that use Instax Square and Wide formats, as well as classic Polaroid film, which are better suited for artists and creators. Check out all of our top picks below, followed by everything you need to know about today’s instant cameras.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 19, 2025: With this update, our lineup of recommended instant cameras remains unchanged. The existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability. We currently have one instant camera in PC Labs for evaluation.
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Pros & Cons
Wide standard lens with vignette control
Creative filters and multi-exposure options
Exposure compensation to brighten or darken photos
Bulb mode for long exposures
Sports mode to freeze moving subjects
Three focus zones
Doesn’t support in-camera charging
No selfie mirror
Dim plastic optics require flash indoors
Why We Picked It
The Instax Mini 99 matches Fuji’s popular Instax Mini film format with a camera that goes well beyond single-button operation. It features an exposure dial for achieving better results in challenging lighting conditions, supports double exposures, and offers several shooting modes that enable you to capture specific subjects and scenes. The camera uses the same lens as the more affordable Mini 12 and Mini 40, but incorporates an optical vignette mask and LED lights that add color filter effects to your analog snapshots. Altogether, it gives you more creative control than any other non-digital Instax.
Who It’s For
Family photographers: If you’re tired of taking pictures of family, friends, and your adventures that simply end up on your smartphone, the Instax Mini 99 is a pleasing breath of fresh air. It uses real instant film, and you receive a physical copy of each snapshot, allowing you to fill your fridge or bulletin board with pictures.
Filter fans: The Mini 99 features LED lights inside its body, a unique characteristic for any camera. The lights let you add a color cast, flare, or light leak effects to instant photos, so you can get a little more creative, especially if you use them in conjunction with its double exposure mode.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
4.4 by 4.0 by 2.1 inches
Weight
14 oz
Type
Analog
Memory Card Format
Fujifilm Instax Mini
Battery Type
Fujifilm NP-70S
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
35 mm
Stabilization
None
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Learn More
Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Review
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Pros & Cons
Sharp glass lens with close-up focus
Optical viewfinder with parallax frame markers
Scalloped manual focus ring with zone focus detents
Manual controls and multiple exposure support
Uses large Instax Wide film format
Color and black-and-white film available
Convenient AA battery power
Not as easy to use as one-button instant cameras
Omits full manual aperture and shutter control
Why We Picked It
Out of Fuji’s three instant film formats, Instax Wide makes the biggest prints and has the most appeal to photographers with a discerning eye. The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass is the camera to get if you want to take instant and impactful snaps with that format. It offers more artist-friendly features than the Fuji Instax Wide 400 and most other instant cameras, including multiple exposures and a glass lens that delivers sharp results and close focus.
Who It’s For
Shutterbugs: The Lomo’Instant Wide is a substantial camera with a manual focus lens, so it requires dedication to pick it up, and some skill to achieve the best results. Discerning photogs are rewarded with large, sharp Instax Wide photos, and will appreciate the artistic double exposure feature.
Big print fans: Instax Wide film is twice the size of the popular Instax Mini format, so if you prefer a larger print size, look to the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass. Its glass lens is plenty sharp to get the most out of the big film.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
4.6 by 7.3 by 4.6 inches
Weight
2 lb
Type
Analog
Memory Card Format
Fujifilm Instax Wide
Battery Type
AA
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
35 mm
Stabilization
None
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Connectivity
PC Sync
Learn More
Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide Glass Review
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Pros & Cons
Improved one-button operation
Selfie mirror and close-focus support
Works with black-and-white or color Instax Mini film
AA battery power
Affordable
Omits tripod socket
No double exposure or other artsy features
Why We Picked It
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the easiest, most affordable way to try out instant photography. The all-plastic camera offers easy one-button operation, bettering older models that require you to adjust the lens for different types of light. Instax Mini film is conveniently available online and in brick-and-mortar stores, while the color and black-and-white options open up numerous artistic possibilities.
Who It’s For
Kids and families: Are you looking to get your child started with photography, or simply want an easy-to-use camera for family snapshots? The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the answer. It’s simple to use, takes wallet-sized instant photos, and is a lot of fun.
Beginners: If you want an instant camera, but don’t know the difference between an f-stop and a hole in the ground, the Mini 12 is the camera for you. It just takes one button to capture a snapshot, and since the camera is so inexpensive, you can try out instant photography without draining your bank account.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
4.8 by 4.2 by 2.7 inches
Weight
10.3 oz
Type
Analog
Battery Type
AA
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Learn More
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Review
Pros & Cons
Fun, square instant prints
Very easy to use
Close focus and mirror for selfies
Color and black-and-white film available
No self timer, tripod socket, or double exposure support
Smaller photos than Polaroid cameras
CR2 batteries aren’t always easy to find
Why We Picked It
Older millennials and Gen X members grew up with square instant prints—Polaroid 600 cameras were everywhere in the ’80s and ’90s. Fuji’s Instax Square format rekindles nostalgia for the square format, and the SQ1 is the most accessible way to utilize it. This model offers one-button operation and can take color or black-and-white film, all at a lower cost per picture than modern Polaroid entries.
Who It’s For
Beginners and kids: The Fujifilm SQ1 is easy to use, even for little hands. It is a one-button camera, so you don’t have to worry about fiddling with exposure settings—just point and click.
Square photo fans: Instax Square is, as you may have guessed, square. The film is smaller than you get with a Polaroid camera, but still stirs up nostalgia, and costs less to boot.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
4.7 by 5.2 by 2.3 inches
Weight
13.9 oz
Type
Analog
Memory Card Format
Fujifilm Instax Square
Battery Type
CR2
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
35 mm
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Viewfinder Magnification
0.4x
Learn More
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Review
Pros & Cons
Compact.
Sharp, ultra-wide lens.
Automatic exposure.
Built-in flash.
Selfie mirror.
Multiple exposure support.
Includes close-up filter and split frame mask.
Color and monochrome film options.
Uses CR2 batteries.
Instax Mini format is a little small.
Why We Picked It
We love the sharp wide-angle lens of the Lomo’Instant Glass, which takes the same film as cameras like the Fuji Instax Mini 12, but captures a broader view with sharper details. It’s a good choice for shutterbugs who enjoy taking photos of larger groups or want to try out the artsy multi-exposure technique.
Who It’s For
Shutterbugs: The Lomo’Instant Glass stands out from the mainstream with its ultra-wide (21mm equivalent) lens and includes creative features like EV compensation and double exposures, making it a good option for knowledgeable photographers seeking an instant camera.
Landscape photographers: The sharp 21mm equivalent lens is an ideal focal length for capturing wide vistas, cityscapes, and architecture.
Selfie fans: If you want to snap a selfie with a couple of friends, the extra-wide lens comes in handy, allowing you to show off your surroundings if you’re by yourself.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
4.8 by 3.9 by 2.9 inches
Weight
12.5 oz
Type
Analog
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
21 mm
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Learn More
Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Review
Pros & Cons
Uses classic square instant film
Reliable four-zone sonar autofocus
Double exposure, EV compensation, and self-timer in-camera
Smartphone app for full manual exposure
Long-lasting battery with USB-C charging
Expensive film
Doesn’t work with lens filters
Why We Picked It
Although most of the instant cameras we recommend use Fuji Instax materials, Polaroid remains an option if you can accept the $2-per-picture film price. For the money, you get prints that match up with the square format of SX-70 and 600 series films from yesteryear. The Polaroid Flip is the best value among current options for I-Type film. With a sonar-driven 4-zone autofocus lens and on-body EV control, it gets exposure and focus right more often than it gets it wrong. The Flip also has a fun double exposure mode, and pairs with a smartphone app for manual focus and exposure control.
Who It’s For
Nostalgia hounds: Polaroid is the first name in instant photography, and its current I-Type format has the same square picture and plastic border as the instant format that ruled the ’80s. If you’re looking to recapture the past, there’s no substitute.
Artsy photographers: Polaroid film can sometimes deliver unpredictable results, which may encourage photographers who are picking up an instant camera to explore their creative side.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
3.5 by 4.6 by 6.4 inches
Weight
1.4 lb
Type
Analog
Memory Card Format
Polaroid I-Type
Battery Type
Internal
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
35 mm
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Connectivity
Bluetooth, USB-C
Learn More
Polaroid Flip Review
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Best Instant Camera With Interchangeable Lenses
Nons SL660
Pros & Cons
Uses Instax Square film
Supports Canon EF SLR lenses
Ample battery with USB-C charging
Multiple exposure support
Hot shoe for external flash
Viewfinder doesn’t show full frame
ND filters needed for bright light
Audible mirror thunk
Why We Picked It
If you crave the creative flexibility of interchangeable lenses but still like the idea of Instax Square film, the Nons SL660 is worth considering. It works with Canon EF glass and creates better photos than basic instant cameras with fixed, plastic lenses. The ability to change lenses opens up macro, wide-angle, telephoto, and blurred-background photo opportunities that are simply not available with most instant cameras. The SL660 costs more than others on this list, but we think the results are worth the premium.
Who It’s For
Shutterbugs: If you’re frustrated by the lack of manual control and relatively slow aperture lenses that come with most instant cameras, the SL660 is the answer. It allows you to use SLR lenses with wide apertures, enabling you to capture pictures with soft backgrounds. It also lets you choose the shutter speed and even has a hot shoe for an external flash, so you can get creative.
Professional photographers: If you want to add instant film as an upsell for portrait sessions, the SL660 should be on your shopping list. It supports SLR lenses, so you can get creative and capture instant pix with softly defocused backgrounds.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
5.2 by 5.3 by 3.6 inches
Weight
1.9 lb
Type
Analog
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Memory Card Format
Fujifilm Instax Square
Battery Type
Internal
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Connectivity
USB-C
Learn More
Nons SL660 Review
Pros & Cons
Purely analog instant camera.
Glass lens.
Folding design.
Automatic exposure.
Multiple exposure support.
Built-in flash.
Includes wireless remote.
Tricky viewfinder parallax.
Some trial and error.
Instax Square film costs more than other formats.
CR2 batteries aren’t as common as AA.
Why We Picked It
The Lomo’Instant Square is one of the quirkier instant cameras on sale today, but sometimes quirky is good. This instant folder features a glass lens and is compatible with Fuji Instax Square film, producing sharp, attractive prints. Support for multiple exposures is particularly useful for artsy shots, and the included wireless remote provides greater flexibility for setting up selfies and group photos.
Who It’s For
Shutterbugs: The manual focus lens makes this a better instant camera for experienced photographers rather than beginners. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll enjoy crisp Instax Square prints.
Nostalgia hounds: The Lomo’Instant Square’s folding form factor is inspired by the vintage Polaroid SX-70, so photographers with fond memories of old-school instant cameras will appreciate it. The uncommon silhouette is sure to spark a conversation if you run into another shutterbug while out snapping photos.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
4.8 by 6 by 1.7 inches
Weight
1.1 lb
Type
Analog
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
45 mm
Stabilization
None
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Learn More
Lomography Lomo’Instant Square Review
(Photo: Jim Fisher)
(Photo: Jim Fisher)
Pros & Cons
Slick retro styling
Fun digital filter effects
Lets you print only what you want
Digital capture with chemical film prints
Bluetooth connection and smartphone app
Poor LCD quality
Inelegant controls
No in-camera editing tools
Can only send printed images to smartphone
5MP sensor isn’t anything special
Why We Picked It
The Fuji Instax Mini Evo is a digital-instant hybrid camera with a chic retro style and a plastic-fantastic build. The digital design enables the camera to work in dimmer light and focus closer than analog models that use the same Instax Mini film, while on-demand printing ensures that you don’t waste film on missed photo opportunities.
Who It’s For
Kids and families: Kids who want to try instant photography but don’t have enough money to pay for every photo, and family photographers who want the versatility to get photos for online sharing and printing will both appreciate the Evo. Take as many photos as you want, and only print the best.
Filter fans: If you want to bring special effects and filtered color to instant photos, the Mini Evo will satisfy you. It includes mirror, light leak, and other creative and color filter effects to spice up your snapshots.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
3.4 by 4.8 by 1.4 inches
Weight
10 oz
Type
Compact
Sensor Resolution
5 MP
Sensor Type
CMOS
Sensor Size
1/5-inch
Memory Card Slots
1
Memory Card Format
microSDHC, microSD
Battery Type
Internal
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
1600
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
28 mm
Stabilization
None
Display Size
3 inches
Display Resolution
460000 dots
Viewfinder Type
None
Connectivity
Bluetooth, micro USB
Video Resolution
None
HDMI Output
None
Learn More
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Review
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
(Credit: Jim Fisher)
Pros & Cons
Full manual exposure control
Crisp lens with close focus
Precise LiDAR autofocus
Large, bright viewfinder
Works with external flashes
USB-C charging port
Bluetooth remote via smartphone app
Polaroid film is expensive and tricky to use
1/250-second shutter is limiting in bright light
No manual focus
Tripod release plates may block film door
Why We Picked It
The Polaroid I-2 is the best modern-day platform for the company’s oversized, square film format. It works with I-Type, 600, and SX-70 films, all of which match the 3.1-inch square dimensions and look of Polaroid snaps that dominated the instant market before the days of Fuji Instax. The glass lens and LiDAR focus system produce crisp photos, while creative photographers will appreciate the option to switch between automatic and fully manual exposure control.
Who It’s For
Polaroid devotees: It takes some determination to choose Polaroid film over Instax, but if you don’t mind the price and sometimes unpredictable results that come with I-Type film, the I-2 is simply the best camera available for it.
Shutterbugs: Few instant cameras offer the full manual exposure control and off-camera flash support found in the I-2. If you want to take full creative control over your instant photography and to get the best results from expensive I-Type film, it’s worth getting the I-2.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions
3.6 by 4.7 by 5.9 inches
Weight
1.2 lbs
Type
Analog
Memory Card Format
Polaroid Originals I-Type
Battery Type
Internal
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
40 mm
Viewfinder Type
Optical
Connectivity
Bluetooth, USB-C
Learn More
Polaroid I-2 Review
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Buying Guide: The Best Instant Cameras for 2025
What Are the Different Instant Film Formats?
Understanding the various instant film formats is an important first step before making a purchase. Let’s start with the most popular option, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini. This film is about the size of a credit card when you take its border into account, and the image area measures 2.4 by 1.8 inches (HW).
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Film is available in color or monochrome and is compatible with cameras from various brands, including Fujifilm, Lomography, Mint, and Nons. Our favorite entry-level model, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, retails for approximately $90 and is available in a variety of colors. If you’re a more serious shutterbug, consider the Lomo’Instant Automat Glass, which has a wider-angle lens (better for selfies) and supports multiple exposure images. Our overall favorite is the Mini 99. It uses the same lens as the basic Mini 12 but includes internal LED lights to add color-filtered effects to pictures and offers a level of manual exposure control.
Clockwise from top: Instax Square, Polaroid I-Type, Instax Wide, and Instax Mini film sizes compared (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Color Instax Mini film is pretty affordable. Prices vary slightly across retailers, but you can expect to spend around $0.80 per photo. Black-and-white film is a little pricier, at around $1.25 per image. And if you want film with colorful borders or other special finishes, the costs can double. Buying in bulk is one way to save money in the long run.
Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide Glass (Credit: Jim Fisher)
If you prefer a bigger image, you can opt for the Instax Wide format, which is also available in color or monochrome. The image size is approximately double that of Mini—basically two Mini shots side by side (2.4 by 3.9 inches). The Wide film costs a bit more than the Mini, so expect to spend around $1.00 per frame for color or $1.80 for black and white. Camera choices are more limited. The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is the basic option, Lomography offers the Lomo’Instant Wide and Wide Glass, and Mint has a high-end entry, the $900 InstantKon RF70.
For some photographers, instant film is synonymous with Polaroid, meaning a square format is necessary. In that case, you want Fujifilm’s Instax Square film. It’s available in both color (approximately $1.10 per frame) and black and white ($1.60 per frame), just like the Mini and Wide films. The Square format is the most recent of Fuji’s offerings and has taken off in a way Wide never did. Camera support is broad, with options ranging from the basic Fuji SQ1 to the Nons SL660 SLR. And, if you already own an old Hasselblad V camera, the Nons Instant Back is a good add-on; Instax Square film is practically the same size as the Hasselblad’s 6x6cm format.
Lomography Lomo’Instant Square (Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
You’re also likely to come across Zink cameras when shopping for an instant camera. Zink is a thermal print format, so its tonality and color fidelity aren’t on the same level as Instax and Polaroid materials, all of which use photochemical film to create images. While Zink prints generally don’t look as good as real film, the format wins out in terms of cost, at about $0.50 per print. Compatible cameras are also quite affordable. The Kodak Printomatic currently costs around $50, for instance. I haven’t yet tried a Zink camera that’s good enough to make our best-of list, however.
Can You Still Use Polaroid Cameras?
But what if you’ve got an honest-to-goodness Polaroid camera? The company has been reborn in the 21st century—it has undergone some name changes over the years, from the Impossible Project to Polaroid Originals, but today it’s simply called Polaroid. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
You can still get color or black-and-white film for an SX-70 or 600 series camera. It’s expensive, though, at around $20 for a pack of eight shots. If you don’t already have a vintage instant camera and like the idea of repurposing old technology, consider a shop like Mint Camera or Retrospekt to acquire a refurbished SX-70, 600 SLR, or another classic. We took a Retrospekt-restored SX-70 for a test drive—check out our story if you’re considering the true vintage route.
Polaroid film is larger than Instax, but the quality of its color stock is just not as good. Colors shift in cold temperatures, overall saturation isn’t as deep, and you must take care to shield it from light as it develops. The black-and-white film is much better, though—it’s less temperamental and shows excellent contrast. Both have a larger image area than Instax Square, so the more impactful image might make it worth the hassle.
Polaroid Flip (Credit: JIm Fisher)
Polaroid also manufactures new cameras, with the Now+ and I-2 being the latest additions. They work with I-Type film (around $19 per pack of eight shots) and support Bluetooth connectivity for app-based remote control. A Polaroid is a worthwhile option for artistic photographers who are willing to spend a bit more than on Instax, but it requires practice and expertise to achieve good results.
Recommended by Our Editors
You can go smaller, too. The tiny Polaroid Go Generation 2 uses tiny 1.8-inch square film, available in color only, priced at $20 for a double pack (16 exposures). The Go is definitely cute, but we think it’s worth using classic Polaroid or Fujifilm Instax Square film due to their larger image sizes.
How to Convert Digital Pictures to Instant Prints
If you have an itch to shoot film again and don’t want to have to find a local lab to develop your shots, instant film is a great alternative. It delivers results that almost match those of digital media in their immediacy.
If you have a favorite image that you shot with a digital camera and want to preserve it on instant film, you’re in luck. You can print any photo from your smartphone onto Instax Mini film using the Instax Mini Link, onto Instax Wide with the Link Wide, or onto the square format with the Polaroid Lab.
On the other hand, you can also digitize your instant prints. For tips, check out our guide to preserving your photos.
