The only instant cameras worth your money
There’s something magical about using instant cameras that smartphones can’t match. You can capture a moment, print it out, and then give the photo as
There’s something magical about using instant cameras that smartphones can’t match. You can capture a moment, print it out, and then give the photo as a gift or hold onto it. Image quality won’t be all that good, but imperfections are part of the allure. We tested instant camera models from popular brands and landed on a handful that we think are the best. Some aim to preserve the classic experience above all else, while others support companion apps and the ability to print stored photos. Fujifilm’s latest Instax cameras are the best out there for most people. The company’s Instax Mini Evo is a bit pricey, but it produces great-looking images and offers a lot of creative control. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the Instax Mini 13 also takes good photos but has fewer features. The Polaroid Flip is the best retro-focused experience (be warned: prints are pricey!), while Kodak’s Mini Retro 3 might be a better purchase for some because its prints are quite affordable by comparison. The best instant camera Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Score: 8 Pros Cons Great use of dials and buttons Lots of printing flexibility Good battery life Internal storage is limited No viewfinder Where to Buy $234 $212.8 at Amazon $234.99 at Best Buy $234 at B&H Photo Film type Fujifilm Instax Mini film Film size 2 x 3 inches / Weight 285 grams Charging method USB-C / Companion app Yes Other features LCD screen, smartphone printing Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera that bears a resemblance to its premium X100 line of cameras that cost hundreds more. Its vintage dials and buttons look so stylish that they caught the attention of passersby as I walked around Los Angeles. It’s easy to balk at its price tag, but this camera offers a level of flexibility that sets it apart (and could save you from wasting a bunch of prints). The camera’s dials also let you apply lens options and effects, from retro filters to monochrome shades, and you can even remotely trigger shots from the app. Its 3-inch LCD screen can be used as a viewfinder, and it also lets you preview and select which images you want to print.
The camera’s internal storage tops out at 45 images, which is more limited than we’d prefer, though you can send photos from a smartphone to print. Plus, unlike the Instax Mini 13 (a more budget-friendly pick mentioned below), the Evo uses a USB-C port for charging. Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review. The best instant cameras if you’re on a budget Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 Score: 8 Pros Cons Produces relatively true-to-life photos Terrific ease of use Very affordable Instax film can get pricey Minimal creative control Flash can be overpowering Where to Buy $93.95 at Amazon $93.99 at Best Buy $93.99 at Target Film type Fujifilm Instax Mini film Film size 2 x 3 inches / Weight 327 grams Charging method AA batteries Companion app None Other features Built-in selfie mirror, self-timer, film counter Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 13 is a more budget-friendly option that can take great photos mostly on par with the Mini Evo. It’s easy to use (just twist its lens to turn the camera on or off), it outperforms other budget instant cameras we tested, and we like its bright, playful designs. Its biggest improvement over the Mini 12 is its self-timer, with both two- and 10-second countdown options. Meanwhile, the Instax Mini 41 looks more sleek, but it lacks the Mini 13’s self-timer and costs about $23 more usually. The Mini 13 produced more true-to-life photos than the non-Fujifilm instant cameras I tested. I also appreciated the Mini 13’s generously sized physical viewfinder and that it shows your remaining shots, which is useful given that each print costs about $1. Like many instant cameras, it struggles in low light, though the built-in flash brightens dark scenes. The flash can’t be disabled, and it’s very powerful, which resulted in a handful of overexposed shots during testing. It lacks Bluetooth connectivity along with creative shooting modes found on pricier cameras, so you can’t edit photos, apply filters, or choose from different lens effects before printing. Fujifilm’s Instax cameras produce excellent-looking photos, but each print costs around $1. Kodak’s hybrid Mini Shot 3 Retro is pricier up front (it retails for $159.99 but it often on sale for much less) but much cheaper to buy film for, making it the better budget pick (or beginner-friendly pick).
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