The best instant camera 2024: top retro models from Polaroid to Instax

The best instant cameras make it fun and easy to try your hand at analogue photography. From simple point-and-shoots to smarter hybrid models, we've extensively tested all of the top instant cameras. Based on our reviews, we've ranked our favorites in the expert guide below, to help you find the right instant camera for your needs and budget.

From our tests, we think the best instant camera for most people right now is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12. With a straightforward interface that's easy for beginners to use, the Mini 12 makes it easy to frame and create retro-style prints. We also appreciate that its film refills don't cost the earth.

If you're in the market for something smarter, we recommend looking at the Polaroid Now+. It's a hybrid instant camera that delivers large, vibrant prints. It also benefits from Bluetooth connectivity, which adds an extra layer of shooting modes for creative photographers to try out.

Our comprehensive round-up features a wide range of instant cameras, each reviewed in the real world by our team of experts. We test each camera thoroughly to see how it performs in a series of shooting scenarios, assessing factors such as battery life, usability and image quality. We've distilled the results in our list below, together with a few useful tips to keep in mind when choosing an instant camera.

Written by
Tim Coleman
Written by
Timothy Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. Tim notes, "the nostalgia for instant cameras isn't going anywhere soon, with an growing number of connected options featuring in this list. One of the key factors to keep in mind is the cost of film refill packs, which can significantly increase the cost of using an instant camera."

The quick list

If you're looking for a shortcut to the best instant cameras, you can read a summary of our favorite options in the round-up below. If there’s something that catches your eye, you can use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full feedback.

The best instant camera in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for all of the best instant cameras in our list. We've tested each option extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations are genuine.

The best instant camera overall

Instax Mini 12 on a brick wall in front of graffiti

(Image credit: Future)
The best instant camera overall

Specifications

Lens: 60mm
Focusing: Normal and macro
Flash: Built-in
Self-timer: None
Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to use
+
Accurate viewfinder

Reasons to avoid

-
Overexposes in bright light
-
Handling is a little slippery
Buy it if:

✅ You’re new to instant photography: Easy to use and affordable to buy and refill, the Instax Mini 12 is an accessible route into analogue shooting.

✅ You want rich vintage prints: Using the Fujifilm’s colorful Instax film, the Mini 12 produces lovely party prints with a rich vintage look.

Don't buy it if:

You shoot in sunlight a lot: The Mini 12 tends to overexpose images in bright sunlight, which isn’t helped by the always-on flash.

❌ You like perfect ergonomics: Its smooth, bubble-like design makes the Mini 12 a tricky, slippery camera to hold, and fiddly for selfies. 

We think the ideal instant camera should be easy to use, comfortable to hold and capable of producing attractive prints at a reasonable price. Picking up where the Instax Mini 11 left off, Fujifilm’s latest effort gets even closer to perfection. While our tests found that its bubble-like design can be a little slippery in the hand, it’s otherwise easy for anyone to use.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 turns on with a twist of the lens, which is more intuitive than previous editions. You still get the useful option of pulling the lens out to engage close-up mode, while the addition of parallax correction improves viewfinder accuracy, so what you see when framing is closer to what’s actually printed.

We found in our review that it still tends to overexpose snaps in bright sunlight, but repositioned exposure and flash sensors mean your fingers are less likely to affect readings. While prints can feel small, the Instax Mini 12 makes it easy for newbies to capture vibrant party snaps at a relatively low cost. If you’d prefer similar performance with a retro flavor, we suggest looking at the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 review

The best instant camera for big prints

Polaroid Now Plus sitting on stone surface

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
The best instant hybrid for big prints

Specifications

Lens: 35-40mm
Focusing: Autofocus
Flash: Built-in
Self-timer: Yes
Film type: Polaroid 600 & Polaroid i-Type

Reasons to buy

+
Perfectly sized prints
+
App versatility via Bluetooth

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier film than rivals
-
A little bulky
Buy it if:

✅ You want larger prints: The 3.1in square format of Polaroid prints is generous, and larger than the rival Fujifilm Instax format.

✅ You like lots of modes: The option to experiment with lens filters and shooting modes in the partner app adds creative potential.

Don't buy it if:

You have a small budget: When you factor in the cost of film refills, the Polaroid Now Plus is an expensive camera to run.

❌ You want a portable camera: With the classic Polaroid look, the Now Plus is a relatively bulky bit of kit that’s too big for a pocket.

Combining the boxy form factor, dual-lens autofocus and detailed image quality of the Polaroid Now with the Bluetooth connectivity of the OneStep+, we think the revamped Now+ is Polaroid’s most complete instant camera to date. 

Connecting to the updated smartphone app unlocks a realm of creative shooting modes: in addition to self-timer, double exposure, light painting and manual modes, there’s now an aperture propriety option for experimenting with depth of field, as well as a tripod setting for use with the screw mount underneath. 

While the Now+ remains as easy to use as any point-and-shoot, we found in our review that it’s also a great option for getting creative. What limits this creativity somewhat is the cost of Polaroid I-Type film, which makes you think twice about wasting shots. But when you get it right, we found in testing that results are just as instant photos should be: delicious, vintage-style squares that are large at 4.2x3.4in (with a 3.1in image area).

Read our in-depth Polaroid Now+ review

The best hybrid instant camera

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)
The best hybrid instant camera you can buy

Specifications

Lens: 28mm
Focusing: Autofocus
Flash: Built-in
Self-timer: Yes
Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini

Reasons to buy

+
Best-looking instant camera
+
Fun image effects
+
Bluetooth printer for phone snaps

Reasons to avoid

-
Poor digital image quality
-
Portrait-only UI
Buy it if:

✅ You value creative potential: With a wide range of filter and effect combinations, the Mini Evo is ideal for trying different styles.

✅ You want a connected camera: Though it works as a standalone camera, the Mini Evo can pair with your smartphone as a portable printer.

Don't buy it if:

Image quality matters: Its low-resolution sensor makes the Mini Evo a better choice for personal printed snaps than social sharing.

❌ You don’t need digital: The Instax Mini 40 has a similar vintage look and none of the connected tricks, plus a cheaper price tag.

If you're looking for a camera that mixes the charm of instant photography with the convenience of digital shooting, the Instax Mini Evo is a fine choice. Its digital image quality won't beat your smartphone, but that's not the point. The main benefit here is being able to decide which shots you print out, to avoid wasting precious film. Based on our time with it, we think the Mini Evo is also one of the most attractive instant cameras on the market – and more compact than Fuji's other models.

Another great party trick is the Mini Evo's ability to double as a printer for your smartphone snaps. There's also an option to apply numerous built-in effects and filters before you hit the print button. 

While these digital elements mean the Instax Mini Evo doesn't offer a 'pure' instant photography experience – and is more complex than alternatives like the Instax Mini 11 – we found that its versatility and charm more than compensate for those who want something more than a point-and-shoot.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review

The best simple instant camera

A hand holding up a Polaroid Go instant camera on a beach

(Image credit: Future)
The best small and simple instant camera

Specifications

Lens: 34mm
Focusing: Normal (fixed)
Flash: Built-in
Self-timer: Yes
Film type: Polaroid Go instant film

Reasons to buy

+
Pocket-size format
+
Point-and-shoot simplicity

Reasons to avoid

-
Bespoke film is small and expensive
-
Lacks autofocus
Buy it if:

✅ You want a compact instant camera: Scaled-down dimensions make the Polaroid Go the most portable instant camera in this list.

✅ You want point-and-shoot simplicity: With a small form factor and just a few buttons, the Polaroid Go is straightforward to use.

Don't buy it if:

You want a macro mode: Fixed focus is fine for selfies, but the lack of a macro mode makes it tricky to shoot close-up subjects.

❌ You want affordable refills: Polaroid Go film is around 25% more expensive per shot than Fujifilm’s Instax Mini.

With the Go, Polaroid has edged ahead of Fuji on instant innovation – something that hasn't really happened since the late 1980s. It's officially the world's smallest analogue instant camera, fitting in the palm of your hand. No Zero Ink paper here: the Polaroid Go uses a real chemical development process, in square format like I-Type film – only significantly smaller.

It's essentially a shrunken version of the Polaroid Now, with most of the same features. That includes self-timer and double-exposure modes, which should please more advanced photographers, as well as instant beginners. Autofocus hasn't made the cut, however. From our review, that means there's a higher chance of ending up with blurry results if you don't keep a good distance from your subject.

At launch, it cost roughly the same as the full-size Polaroid Now, making it a lot pricier than the entry-level Fuji Instax Mini 11. Still, we think that's a figure worth paying if you want an instant camera you can take just about anywhere.

Read our in-depth Polaroid Go review

The best premium instant camera

A print being ejected from the Polaroid I-2

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
The best pro-grade instant camera for Polaroid fans

Specifications

Lens: 98mm
Focusing: LiDAR
Flash: Built-in
Self-timer: Yes
Film type: Polaroid i-Type Film / 600 Film / SX-70 Film

Reasons to buy

+
Manual exposure controls
+
Crisp LiDAR autofocus
+
Bluetooth control and app

Reasons to avoid

-
More expensive than rivals
-
Less consistent than Instax
Buy it if:

✅ You want manual controls: Unlike most instant cameras, the Polaroid I-2 gives you full control over shutter speed and aperture settings.

✅ You want reliable autofocus: Even with a single AF point, the I-2 is very good at locking on to subjects nearby and far away.

Don't buy it if:

You’re on a budget: Thanks to its advanced features, the Polaroid I-2 is premium camera with expensive film costs to match.

❌ You need a compact option: Bulky in the hand and in a bag, the Polaroid I-2 is the biggest instant camera around right now.

Proving that instant cameras are more than toys, the Polaroid I-2 is a premium shooting tool with advanced features. It’s the first instant camera to offer full manual exposure controls. Together with seamless Bluetooth app connectivity, LiDAR autofocus and an LCD display, it unlocks new potential for serous instant photographers.

Our review found the I-2 bigger and heavier than its cheaper rivals. It was too cumbersome to use with one hand in testing, but felt durable overall and retained that all-important retro charm. Even with just a single AF point, the LiDAR system proved surprisingly effective at locking on to subjects near and far, provided they were in the center of the frame.

The Polaroid I-2 is capable of producing subtle, vintage-style prints, but results were less consistent than from Instax cameras we’ve tested, and many stills shot on auto were overexposed. Shutter speed and aperture controls mean experienced photographers have more flexibility to find a better balance, although you’ll need to spend a lot on film to learn what works. Its price will put off amateurs, but if you want an advanced instant camera that’s creatively engaging, the I-2 is a solid choice.

Read our in-depth Polaroid I-2 review

The best pocket instant camera

Three Canon Zoemini S instant cameras on a table surrounded by photos

(Image credit: Canon)

6. Canon Ivy Cliq+ / Zoemini S

The best instant camera that easily fits in your pocket

Specifications

Lens: 25.4mm
Focusing: Normal and Landscape
Flash: Built-in, ring flash
Self-timer: Via smartphone app
Film type: Canon ZINK Photo Paper

Reasons to buy

+
Flexibility of digital and physical prints
+
Useful companion app
+
Compact design 

Reasons to avoid

-
Zink prints not 'true' instant
-
Sub smartphone image quality
Buy it if:

✅ You want app connectivity: Combining the fun of film with the versatility of digital, the Cliq+ doubles up as a Bluetooth printer.

✅ You like a pocket-friendly design: Miniature dimensions make the Canon Ivy Cliq+ an easy smartphone companion to travel with.

Don't buy it if:

You want a quick camera: Slow to start up and sluggish to shoot an image, the Cliq+ is much slower than the Instax Mini 12.

❌ You value outright image quality: Though its prints are detailed, the 8MP sensor can’t compete with a flagship smartphone.

Canon's first instant effort blends analogue printing with digital smarts. The zero ink paper it uses doesn't need exposing to light like regular instant film, so the camera can be much smaller. This is a truly pocket-sized option, beating even Fuji's Instax Mini LiPlay for portability. 

A built-in LED ring flash helps you take pleasing portraits, the mirrored lens barrel is made for selfies, and automatic focusing means this a great party camera. That said, we found in testing that it can be sluggish to start up, and printing a picture takes around 10 seconds – much slower than our current favorite, the Fuji Instax Mini 12. Its credit card-sized prints are detailed though, with colors resembling a traditional 35mm photo.

Battery life typically stretches to two packs of 10 images, but even with an SD card installed, it won't take any more pictures once you're out of film. From our hands-on time with it, we found the 8MP sensor is merely on par with today's entry-level smartphones, and with no built-in screen, you'll need a computer to review your digital snaps. While it's a lot simpler than other hybrid cameras, being able to use it as a Bluetooth printer for your smartphone does give it an edge over bulkier instant cameras. It's sensibly priced, too. 

The best retro instant camera

Fujifilm Instax SQ40 camera in reviewer's hands

(Image credit: Future)
The best instant camera with a retro design

Specifications

Lens: 66mm
Focusing: Normal and selfie
Flash: Built-in
Self-timer: None
Film type: Fujifilm Instax Square

Reasons to buy

+
Decent-sized square prints
+
Point-and-shoot simplicity

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier than many rivals
-
Limited room for creativity
Buy it if:

✅ You like its looks: Its classic retro design perfectly matches its analogue prints, making the SQ40 a stylish choice for those that care.

✅ You want retro party prints: It’s easy for anyone to take decent images with the SQ40, and Fujifilm Instax prints give lovely vintage vibes.

Don't buy it if:

You want creative control: The SQ40 is a point-and-shoot solution, with little room for manual adjustments or technical creativity.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: At almost twice the price of the Instax Mini 12, the SQ40 is significantly pricier than alternatives in this list.

In many ways, we think the Fujifilm Instax SQ40 is everything that an instant camera should be. For starters, its old-school design is both stylish and easy to use. The body is relatively chunky, but it features a small contour on the rear that we found makes it easier to hold than the Mini 12.

We didn’t find too much opportunity for creativity during our review, but the payoff is point-and-shoot simplicity. The Instax SQ40 handles brightness automatically, generally adjusting well in all but bright sunlight, where it can overexpose a bit. There are just two modes to choose between: standard and selfie. The latter adjusts the focus distance to 0.3-0.5m for close-up shots.

We did find its fixed angle of view slightly tight, but parallax correction at least means what you’re seeing through the viewfinder is essentially what you’ll get printed out. And the 62 x 62mm square prints the SQ40 produces deliver exactly the desaturated, vintage vibes you’d expect from a retro camera. It’s pricey, but the SQ40 is a fantastic party camera that almost anyone can use.

Alternatively...

The best instant printer

The Fujifilm Instax Link Wide printer on a table

(Image credit: Future)
The best portable instant printer

Specifications

File format: Fujifilm Instax Wide
Battery: Li-on, rechargeable via microUSB. Approx 100 shots
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Film type: Fujifilm Instax Wide

Reasons to buy

+
App provides great range of control
+
Only prints the photos you want

Reasons to avoid

-
Instax Wide is pricey format
-
Slow to charge
Buy it if:

✅ You want prints from your camera roll: The Instax Link Wide is built to produce big instant prints via Bluetooth from your smartphone photos.

✅ You want a portable option: A straightforward app, built-in battery and tidy design make the Instax Link Wide a convenient travel printer.

Don't buy it if:

You want affordable prints: Instax Wide film is the most expensive of all Fujifilm’s instant formats, and the costs quickly add up.

❌ You want the full instant experience: The Instax Link Wide makes prints from digital images, rather than analogue from start to finish.

The downside to most instant cameras is their size: if you want large photos, you'll need a large camera, which can be a pain to lug around. An instant photo printer takes up a lot less room, and lets you print directly from your smartphone. That almost certainly means better image quality than what you'll get from the cameras on this list.

The Instax Link Wide is entirely controlled by a smartphone companion app, letting you edit, crop and customize your pictures before printing, and has a built-in battery that's good enough for up to 100 prints between charges. It could be quicker to top up, needing several hours on mains power before it's fully charged, but that's really our only criticism. 

Because it develops photos, rather than printing them like an inkjet, each one has the signature contrast-heavy and colorful style we expect from instant film. You'll have to wait a minute or two between pressing print on your phone and the final image appearing in your hands, but that's all part of the charm of instant film.

We think it's a better buy than the Instax Wide 300 camera, which hasn't seen an update in eight years and is rather cumbersome to use. If you want the biggest instant photos possible, this is arguably the best way to go about it.

How to choose the best instant camera for you

While most instant cameras are simple and relatively affordable, there are still a few key things to think about when picking the best instant camera for your needs and budget.

The cheapest models will usually amount to little more than toy cameras with basic point-and-shoot settings. These are fine if you just want a straightforward camera for fun party snaps. But you’ll need to spend a little more for modes like macro-focusing, while the higher-end is where you’ll find hybrid digital functionality. This allows you to hook up your camera to a smartphone for further creative controls – or to produce physical prints from your smartphone’s camera roll.

Print quality and size are also worth considering. Although no instant brand delivers super-accurate results (that’s part of the vintage charm), Instax arguably produces the most natural images. Polaroid prints tend to have a dreamier look, which can be just as appealing, depending on your preferences. Films also come in different sizes to suit specific cameras, so it’s worth considering whether you’ll want pocket-sized prints or something bigger.

While instant cameras are generally affordable, you’ll need to factor in the cost of film. It can add up pretty quickly, so pay attention to the price per pack – and think about how many pictures you’re likely to shoot on a regular basis. Polaroid film tends to be pricier than Instax – for the price of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots, you can get two packs of ten Instax Mini film. 

Some instant cameras with digital screens or smartphone connectivity allow you to preview your shots before printing them out, to dramatically reduce wastage (and therefore the cost of dud snaps).

The Polaroid I-2 and two instax cameras on a table

(Image credit: Lauren Scott)

What is the difference between Polaroid and Instax?

Polaroid and Fujifilm's Instax are the two biggest brands in instant cameras. While both use similar technology, using chemical reactions that self-develop each image in your hand, the main difference between them is the type of film their cameras take.

Polaroid cameras take one or two types of film: the larger I-Type, which produces square format photos, and the newer 'Go' film, used by its tiny Polaroid Go camera. You can choose between color and black-and-white film, along with a range of different border colors.

Instax cameras offer a wider variety of film types: there's Instax Mini, Square and Wide film. Like Polaroid's film, these can't be mixed and matched between cameras, so choosing your preferred film type is an important part of picking the right instant camera for you.

Which is the best type of film? Polaroid's I-Type has the edge for size, but Instax film tends to work out as a little more affordable. For example, for the price of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots, you can get two packs of ten Instax Mini film. 

For a full comparison between the instant camera brands, check out our Polaroid vs Instax guide. And to compare the sizes of all the different Polaroid and Instax film types, check out our full ranked list below.

Polaroid Now Plus Sample Image

Polaroid I-Type vs Instax Square film (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Which instant camera film is the best?

1. Instax Mini
The most common instant film format, producing pictures measuring just 62 x 46mm.

2. Instax Square
Fuji's take on the square format film popularized by Polaroid. Camera support for these 62 x 62mm photos is more limited.

3. Instax Wide
Twice the size of instax mini and twice the price, but photos measure a meatier 99 x 62mm. 

4. Polaroid I-Type
Designed for use in the Impossible I-1and OneStep 2, I-Type film packs don’t have batteries built in, so can't be used with vintage Polaroids.

5. Polaroid Go
Polaroid's answer to Instax Mini, the Polaroid Go film measures 66.6mm x 53.9 mm and is designed to work with the camera of the same name.

6. Polaroid 600
Film designed for vintage Polaroid 600-type cameras. It can also be used in the Impossible I-1 and OneStep 2.

7. Polaroid Zink 2x3
Credit-card sized instant film that uses heat-sensitive ink to produce images. Colors are more traditional than Instax. Compatible with many Zink-based cameras and printers.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

Are new instant cameras still being made?

Instant cameras might seem a little old-school in 2024, but they're definitely still being made. In fact, they’re an increasingly popular photography format. Inspired by retro cameras from the days when analogue film was the norm, these modern remakes are designed to recapture the accessible fun of point-and-shoot photography.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to buy an instant camera in 2024. Unlike smartphone photography, instant cameras give you a physical print to hold in your hands straight away, stick on the fridge or share with your friends. It’s a novel, tactile way to reconnect with photography’s fun factor.

Another bonus is how easy it is to shoot with an instant camera. The best options are really simple to use, making it straightforward to capture warm vintage prints. Most feature just a handful of buttons and limited shooting modes, leaving you free to focus on framing. What’s more, instant cameras tend to be available at much more affordable prices than compact cameras. That means they can be a great way for kids to get into photography, too.

Analogue photography has enjoyed a revival in recent years, and the trend shows no signs of going away any time soon. Instant cameras let you have a slice of the throwback pie without the steep learning curve, expense and hassle of more complicated film photography techniques.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 sitting on a grass lawn

(Image credit: Future)

How we test instant cameras

There's only one way to test instant cameras, and it isn't by pixel-peeping resolution charts – for these analogue snappers, it's all about real-world use. After analyzing each camera's design, build quality and features, we load it up with film and take it out for a day of instant photography. We take a range of shots of different subjects: people, high-contrast scenes and objects like flowers, to give us a good sense of how well the autofocus works (if the cameras has autofocus) and the kind of colors you can expect in different situations.

We also turn the flash on to see how that fairs, and time how long it takes for the print to be ready. Some instant cameras, like the Polaroid Now+, also have companion apps, so in those cases we'll test how well they connect to a smartphone and also take any special features (like double exposures, or light painting) for a spin to see how well they work in practice.

Timothy Coleman
Cameras editor

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 


With contributions from