The 5 Best Instant Film Cameras

1. Fujifilm’s Instax Square SQ1

Best For: People who want a fun, simple way to share instant photos at parties, gatherings, etc.

Fujifilm’s Instax brand might be the most popular instant film camera. It's become THE camera for parties, wedding receptions, and small gatherings as an immediate, personable gift to give your beloved company. On the SQ1, Fujifilm has removed multiple manual controls found on the previous model, the SQ6, and created a point-and-shoot instant camera that's incredibly simple to use. Although the controls are more limited, the improved auto-exposure system in the new Instax Square SQ1 delivers better-looking instant photos than the previous model.

The Simplicity

This camera is the perfect testament to new film users; it allows you to shoot and share with the touch of a button.

Better Exposure

Optimized for better exposure, the SQ1 is now made for darker scenarios with improved flash capabilities.

2. Polaroid Now+ Instant Film Camera

Best For: Creators who love Polaroid’s classic name and even more classic products.

This isn't just any camera; it's a creative suite that fits in your hand, offering more artistic control and options than I've ever seen in its predecessors.

One feature that genuinely stands out is the authentic double exposure. It's not a digital trick but a genuine layering of two moments, allowing for serendipitous results. You can combine perspectives, overlay images, and even blend inspiration, all within a single, tangible Polaroid photo. It feels like a nod to the classic film techniques, and the results? Nothing short of enchanting.

But what got me hooked was the manual mode on the Now+. It's a game-changer. The level of precision and control it offers is something I hadn't expected to find in an instant camera. Dialing in the exact exposure I wanted felt liberating and grounding, giving me a sense of creative freedom and technical control usually reserved for my DSLR.

Autofocus 2‑Lens system

In other words, sharper photos effortlessly. The Polaroid Now+ decides which lens is suitable, so you get beautiful portraits in more places, more often — even without the flash.

Self‑Timer

Get yourself in the shot with the self-timer. In just one tap, you’ve got 9 seconds to gather your friends and smile.

3. Lomography Instant Wide

Best For: Those who admire the artistic, experimental side of instant photography with additional lenses, accessories, and exposures.

Whether you’re lounging in the sun at a pool party in the Hollywood Hills, savoring a cup of tea with your pup doing backflips, cycling through Chilean vineyards, or reconnecting over Sunday brunch with friends–simply choose your desired shooting mode and start your journey! The 21mm equivalent Ultra Wide-Angle Lens attachment lets you capture every moment and more. Take wide, bright landscapes to post on Instagram, or take the ultimate selfie with all your friends included in the frame. For stunning long exposures, switch to Bulb Mode on your Lomo’Instant Wide. Engage your creative side with light painting by manually keeping the shutter open for as long as you need.

Close Up Addition

When you just can’t get close enough, simply slip on the Close-Up Lens and focus up to 0.1m!

Unlimited Multiple Exposures

With the MX switch's flick, you can instantly create awe-inspiring multiple-exposure classics.

Color Gels

Add artistic style to your shots and experiment with cool and crazy results—4 brightly colored flash gels let you paint your Lomo’Instant Wide shots with a smack of color.

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini

Best For: People who want a fun, simple way to share instant photos at parties, gatherings, etc.

The Instax Mini from Fujifilm is a classic camera that can be seen on nearly every wedding reception table, adding a touch of fun and color to the event. With its automated settings, colorful shell, and built-in selfie mirror, this mini marvel makes it easier to keep your memories alive. It even calculates the best brightness for taking a picture, letting you know which setting to use with an illuminated lamp. All you have to do is turn the brightness adjustment dial to the position (mark) of the lamp, and you're ready to go.

Selfie Mirror

You can check your framing with the mirror next to the lens.

Close-Up Lens Attachment

Close-up shooting up to 35 cm away is possible.

High-Key Mode

Setting the brightness adjustment dial to the high-key mode mark allows you to take pictures with a softer impression.

5. Polaroid I-2

Best For: Creators wanting to take their instant film to another level with FULL manual control.

First, the clarity of each shot needs to be discussed. The I-2 features a three-element autofocusing lens that blew me away with its sharpness. Moreover, it's equipped with a LiDAR sensor, which allows it to adjust focus based on the subject's distance, which is incredibly handy in those low-light scenarios we all dread.

Don't be fooled by its nod to retro charm; the I-2 is brimming with contemporary features. It's compatible with popular films, including i-Type, 600, and the ever-so-nostalgic SX-70. With a touch of modern-day magic, it boasts Bluetooth connectivity and pairs seamlessly with an app, unlocking a world of excellent remote functionalities.

Regarding performance, the I-2 is nothing short of a superstar in Polaroid's roster. It's armed with a nifty 98mm f/8 lens, akin to a 50mm f/2.8 lens in the 35mm camera world. This feature is particularly noteworthy as it bestows the I-2 with a wider aperture relative to many of its siblings, some peak at f/11 or even f/16. Regarding aperture agility, you'd be hard-pressed to find a Polaroid camera with similar capabilities without time-traveling back to the 80s.

Stunning Bokeh

There's a distinctive bokeh effect that I hadn't encountered in my previous instant film escapades.

Manual Control

Truly the most manual you can get with an instant film camera.