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The Best Instant Cameras

Since the start of photographic history, film has stood the test of time, withstanding the ever-growing influence and innovation of digital photography. Instant cameras have been around since the 1940s – the first Polaroid camera, the Model 45, sold out in minutes on the day of its release in 1948, and it’s easy to see why.

Instant cameras make the joy of film photography accessible to everyone. Since then, they have been one of the most exciting and accessible products ever introduced to consumers due to their balanced approach to nostalgia and innovation. Our guide to the best instant cameras in 2024 covered everything you need to know about the best brands, film types and which is perfect for the film lover in your life.

Why are instant cameras so popular?

First off, instant cameras are undeniably hip. Since Polaroid first featured the emblematic rainbow stripe on their models in the 1970s, their instant cameras have been akin to a photographic fashion icon. Brands like Polaroid and Instax by Fujifilm offer designs that are both highly functional and iconic.

For many, part of the allure of an instant camera is the soft, imperfect image that you capture, which carries with it a nostalgic flair that photography purists would struggle to dispute. Instant cameras are especially abundant among young people for this reason. They are often favoured by those interested in the unique aesthetics of traditional film photography, but are put off by the technicalities. They greatly streamline this process to make producing nostalgic film photos a breeze.

Additionally, there’s something enchanting about the tactile aspect too. While classic film photography works to the same effect, having a physical copy of your photo in the palm of your hand within fifteen minutes takes this to the next level, as the DIY feel you get whilst working at that efficiency is unmatched.

Shooting on an instant camera is a unique experience, as when using a digital camera for example, you can take as many shots as you like until you find the right one. This isn’t the case with an instant camera – to produce a good shot, you need to have it planned out and do your best to nail it the first time, which many find gives them a new approach to photography, and even a greater appreciation for the craft.

Of course you can also use a mix of creative styles when shooting with a hybrid instant camera, such as the Instax Mini Evo, as hybrids combine the best of analogue with digital capabilities. Below, we’ve listed some of the most exciting instant models on the market right now, with something for all users.

Polaroid instant cameras

Since instant cameras first started rolling out, Polaroid has been arguably the biggest hitter in the market, and an undisputed pop culture icon. Their modern instant cameras retain retro designs, along with modern innovations found in other instant cameras.

Polaroid’s main budget instant camera is the Polaroid Go. Like its counterparts, the Polaroid Go comes in a variety of colours – including red, black and white – and boasts the title of the smallest instant camera in the world.

This model comes with big creative potential in the form of modern features, like its built-in self-timer and selfie mirror. You can even buy colour filters for this tiny camera, which snap onto the front of the camera and are remarkably effective.

Polaroid Now Gen II is Polaroid’s upgraded instant camera. This is larger than the Polaroid Go, but packs in more features like autofocus and double exposure. Like the Go, this model is made with 40% recycled materials, which is understandably impressive for an instant camera. The Now+ Gen II includes many added benefits of the Polaroid App – this opens the doors to aperture priority and manual mode photography, which vastly expands your creative control.

The Polaroid I-2 is an impressive piece of engineering – it’s the first analogue instant camera with built-in manual controls, released in September 2023. It comes with six camera modes, Polaroid’s sharpest lens yet (going up to an aperture of f/8 for eye-catching subjects) and a sleek design. Furthermore, it’s compatible with Polaroid SX-70 film; Polaroid’s original instant camera film. This is a brilliant choice for every level of photographer, from beginners to the most advanced.

Instax instant cameras

Fujifilm’s Instax range is recognised for its easy-to-use cameras and bubbly designs. Additionally, Instax cameras produce vibrant, high-quality prints that pop.

The Instax Mini 12 series comes in five different colour-ways (namely Pastel Blue, Mint Green, Lilac Purple, Clay White and Blossom Pink), which really make an impact. Asides from their design, the Mini 12 features close-up mode, automatic exposure and flash control. This model comes with five-second high-speed printing as well for super-efficient shooting and development.

For fans of retro cameras, the Instax Mini Evo combines this with contemporary features like a rear LCD screen. The Instax Mini LiPlay is a smaller hybrid model that can be used as a standalone camera as well as a printer, which can be controlled using Bluetooth. Instax also offers the opportunity to shoot with square film – the Square SQ40 is a retro-inspired camera that produces beautifully exposed prints.

Discover everything you need to know in our Ultimate Guide to Instax Cameras and Printers to find the perfect one as a gift or for yourself.

The Instax Pal marks another innovation for Fujifilm's Instax lineup - and a remarkably fun one at that, too. This cute, vibrant camera packs a 4.9MP sensor, a 16.25mm f/2.2 equivalent wide-angle lens, and, most importantly, can even be used as a keychain. Its petite size (not even 4cm tall!) means you can place this camera anywhere for outlandish shots, and control it with the simple Instax Pal app with an arsenal of amusing creative features. It communicates seamlessly with any Instax printer, including the Mini Link 2 bundled in. While die-hard photographers might turn their noses up at this little camera, it's undeniable that the Instax Pal is cute, quirky, and can bring a smile to anyone in your life, especially kids and teens just getting started with photography.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 99

For fans of that retro, analogue experience, Fujifilm has added yet another instant film camera to its roster to cater to that feeling. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 has an endearing retro design – a leather grip embossed with a classic silver logo gives this model a timeless feel. Pairing it with its own leather camera case makes for a perfectly stylish combo.

In terms of the technology that goes inside its small design, it’s one of their most powerful instant cameras. Three focusing modes (from Macro to Landscape) and creative shooting modes like Double Exposure and Sports along with six colour effects make this the ultimate enthusiast instant camera. Nothing is sacrificed regarding handling – a lens dial to control focus distance and a Manual Vignette Switch make controlling this camera effortlessly smooth, too. At such a small size, this camera is brimming with flair and is certain to grab attention.

Leica instant cameras

Leica is arguably the most iconic camera manufacturer of our time. The brand is synonymous with unique image quality, user experience, and an extended history makes Leica one of the most beloved and celebrated brands among photographers. While Leica has always specialised in rangefinders and digital cameras, they’ve also dipped their toes into the world of instant cameras, and effectively so.

The Leica SOFORT 2 is one of the most impressive instant cameras on the market. It contains ten lens effects and film styles, as well as a macro mode for close-up detail shots. This camera’s lens contains Leica’s precise German-engineered optics, and the design is unmistakably classy. The SOFORT 2 is a brilliant balance between classic style and modern technology. What’s more, it’s compatible with Instax Mini film, and comes with a manual print lever that means you can choose to only print your best shots and save your precious film.

Instant camera film, explained

One of the biggest appeals of instant cameras is the ease of development of your film. For the most part, instant film behaves like traditional film – light strikes the light-sensitive film when the shutter opens and a photo is taken. However, instead of producing a negative as traditional film does, the film is directly converted to a positive image, and develops by itself using dyes.

It’s a good idea to take care with your film after shooting. After taking your photo, it’s best to shield the film as it’s still sensitive to light after it’s ejected by the camera. Most instant cameras have a film shield that will protect the film for the first few seconds.

After that, keep the film shielded from strong light sources – you can do this by placing it face-down, putting it inside a pocket or an empty film box. Despite what popular culture may tell you, you should not shake your film after it’s ejected (Polaroid or otherwise), as it can create blemishes, marks and bubbles on the final image.

The range of different film types that an instant camera can take can often confuse users. Below, we’ve listed each instant camera discussed, along with the film that it takes and the packs you can buy.

Film photography has been integral to us for more than 50 years at Park Cameras, so we stock a huge range of cameras for fanatics and those just getting started. With our fun, easy-to-use choices and our more enthusiast models, we’re sure we have something for you, and as the perfect gift.

Browse our range of instant cameras, film and more to get stuck in with some of the most fun and exciting cameras on the market!

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By Thom Pyle on 12/11/2023