The 5 Best Instant Cameras

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Instant cameras seem to be all the rage right now. They combine old-school Polaroid cameras with new-world technology. They can print out photos that you want to share instantly with friends and family, so they’re a must-have for any special occasion.

What Is an Instant Camera?

An instant camera uses self-developing film, which takes photos like a traditional camera and instantly prints out the photograph. It is easy to use; simply snap, print, and share your photos. Some photographers use them regularly, while others find these to be fun novelty items. Regardless, you’ll love being able to print photos out on-the-spot at weddings, birthdays, and other special events.

Top 5 Instant Cameras

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Camera

Amazon’s #1 best-seller in cameras and photos, the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Camera produces superior credit card-sized photos. The new slimmer, lighter body is complemented by new features and enhancements, such as automatic exposure measurement and improved viewfinder for enhanced clarity, visibility, and subject viewing. The new High-Key mode allows you to take brighter pictures with a soft look. The camera also has an automatic light sensor and signals the recommended aperture setting with a flashing LED light.

This comes in a variety of colors. It is one of the “Most Wished For” items on Amazon and has outstanding online reviews, including nearly 6,200 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also recommended by The Wall Street Journal, The Independent, and Digital Trends. If you want to buy a camera set to complement your new camera, consider the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera With Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film Twin Pack.

Currently $59.89 on Amazon

Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera

The Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera produces vivid, high-quality business card-size full-color, glossy photos. It features manual exposure compensation, auto flash in low light, auto adjust, and 1/60 sec electronic shutter. It also enters an energy saving state after five minutes of inactivity. It uses ZINK zero ink technology, so the photo is dry-to-the-touch, without the use of ink cartridges or ribbons. It also features an adhesive back, so you can stick it to any surface. It has four scene settings, so you can get a bright, sharp shot in any light. It counts down like a disposable camera, so you know how many pictures are left before you need to change the film. It also includes a wrist strap and the batteries you need to get started.

This is available in a range of colors. It is recommended by CNET, The Telegraph, and The Wirecutter. It also has outstanding online reviews, including nearly 600 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $69.99 on Amazon

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera prints larger photos, closer to the size of old Polaroids, so it’s ideal if you want to photograph a wider scene. The new contemporary design has improved features like tripod socket, real image finder, and lens ring dial with focus zone setting. It features two lens settings, a detachable close-up lens, optical viewfinder, and a mirror for self-portraits. The light and dark control can also add high and low-key effects to the picture.

This has great online reviews and is recommended by The Wall Street Journal, The Independent, PCMag, The Wirecutter, and Mashable.

Currently $93.99 on Amazon

Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

The Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera has various capture modes, including color, black and white, sepia, and Polaroid Classic Border Logo formats. It also has a photo booth option with four pictures on each page. The compact 10-megapixel digital camera has a modern, minimalist design and features a self-timer, a battery low indicator, a no paper indicator, and auto-adjust. The Zink inkiness printing technology ensures that you won’t need ink cartridges, ribbons, or toner, so there’s less waste. It produces high-quality, borderless, smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-resistant 2x3” prints in under a minute.

The improved color balance produces brighter, sharper images with vivid, high-res colors. It prints dry-to-the-touch and the adhesive backing makes it easy to post. You can share the photos, and your images will also be saved on the memory card, so it’s ready to upload onto your computer and social media. It has a built-in lithium ion battery and a micro SD card slot that holds up to 32GB.

This is available in a range of colors. It has great online reviews and is recommended by CNET, The Wall Street Journal, and The Independent.

Currently $89.99 on Amazon

Lomography Lomo Instant Camera

The Lomography Lomo Instant Camera features a number of advanced accessories and features, such as lens splitters, flash filters, manual control options, multiple exposure capabilities, and support for off-camera lighting. The lens cap also doubles up as a remote, so you can take self-portraits. The ultra-advanced lens system has a variety of shooting options including wide angle and portrait options and a setting for daytime shots and night shots with a flash. The smooth leather surface looks nice, but is prone to scratches, so you may want to buy a case.

This is available in two colors. It has great reviews and is recommended by The Wall Street Journal, The Independent, PCMag, and Mashable. It is also backed by a 30-day no-hassle return policy.

Currently $99.00 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best instant cameras. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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