In an age dominated by technology, the best instant cameras offer what others can’t: instant physical images and a ton of nostalgia.
Photography has been an important part of many people’s lives for decades. This is because it has the power to capture a significant moment and make it last forever. Photography is so popular that over the years, cameras have evolved to allow us to take a photo in a more practical way and not just limited to specific moments.
With technology, photos are now a part of our daily lives. However, this convenience comes with a price: most of our photographs exist only in the digital world and tend to be forgotten even if you post them on a social network. It is true that they can still be printed but we reserve this for those special moments, not for every occasion. This is where instant cameras step forward and position themselves as the best option in case you want to take a picture and print it in a matter of seconds. In the midst of such a technological world, the best instant cameras allow you to freeze and save any moment, accompanied by a good dose of nostalgia.
It’s no surprise that we see these cameras everywhere. Influencers have had a lot to do with the boom they are having, since it is very common to see them with these on their social networks, sharing their snapshots. Instant cameras have the advantage of offering you a practically automatic and immediate impression.
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In recent years, instant cameras have risen in popularity again.
That’s why we have more and more models every day, which makes finding the best instant cameras a little more difficult. But it’s not an impossible task either. As we’ve seen, not all of them are the same, even when they share the same main function, so we’ve put together the best options so you know how to choose the one that best suits you.
1. Kodak Printomatic
The Kodak Printomatic is a basic instant digital camera, perfect for beginner photographers and/or photography enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use piece of equipment.
It combines digital image capture in 5MP resolution. Although its image quality is average and it lacks features such as a timer or an LCD screen, the design is rather simplistic in the best sense of the word, with the blue model standing out most. If you need a more advanced camera, there are other options available on the market, but if you just need something affordable and easy to use , the Kodak Printomatic will do the job for under 75 Euros.
2. Polaroid Go
The Polaroid Go is a pocket-sized version; it is a perfect camera if you travel a lot. It is the smallest analog instant camera on the market.
Despite this, it offers advanced features such as a timer, flash and double exposure mode. It also has a viewfinder that acts as a mirror for taking selfies. The camera uses Polaroid Go film that produces images with white edges and a retro style. In short, the Polaroid Go is a compact but powerful instant camera that for less than 100 euros , allows you to capture moments quickly and fun anywhere.
3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 instant camera is a great choice for almost everyone , even though it doesn’t have any advanced features.
It’s priced at just over 90 Euros, but the photos are of very good quality and it’s very easy to use. Even in selfie mode. If you just want to get a decent print without much effort and at an affordable price, this is the best choice. Its ease of use, coupled with its slim design, makes it suitable for children and beginners.
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4. Polaroid Now
Those looking to capture more artistic photos without losing the nostalgic touch of classic Polaroids should opt for the Polaroid Now.
It is small in size but not pocket-sized and has very good image quality and is easy to use. It is priced at 130 euros, but it is a perfect option for beginners who aspire to evolve as true photographers in the future.
5. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
The Instax Mini Evo instant camera is a hybrid camera that appeals to us thanks to its sleek looks.
It also features a three-inch colour LCD screen that allows you to preview and select images before printing them, thus avoiding wasting film on unwanted photos. So, while it may be more expensive than others at 195 Euros, it is actually saving you more money than many more affordable cameras. Also of note is the ability to use the Instax Mini Evo app to print photos from your mobile.
6. Fujifilm Mini LiPlay
One of Fujifilm’s most recent offerings is the Mini LiPlay , which not only functions as an instant camera but also as a printer.
Thanks to this dual function, it’s no surprise that it costs 195 euros. The camera has a glass lens , a mirror for selfies , and lets you take a look at your images before printing. This is a pocket-sized model that’s easy to carry around and captures any moment instantly.
Which makes it a great option as a travel camera. On the other hand, if you just need to print a photo that you have on your phone, you can do so using the app. If you are looking for a multi-functional device, this is your best option.
7. Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro
Continuing with the camera/printer trend, the Mini Shot 3 Retro is also part of this set for the modest price of 129 Euros.
Although it is not as small as others, it is still slim enough to carry around with you. It has a front mirror perfect for selfies and group photos, and has a Bluetooth connection which allows you to print images from your phone. In addition to this, the camera provides very good quality images. If you are looking for something practical, quality, affordable and multifunctional, look no further.
8. GREENKINDER Instant Print Camera for Kids
The GREENKINDER Instant Print Camera for Kids is a versatile and engaging device that combines digital photography with instant printing capabilities.
This 1080p camera features both front and rear lenses, allowing for selfies and regular shots, with a 2.4-inch display for easy framing and playback.What sets this camera apart is its ability to instantly print black and white photos using thermal printing technology, eliminating the need for ink cartridges. The camera comes with three rolls of print paper, good for up to 180 photos, and a 32GB memory card for storing digital images and videos.
Beyond basic photography, the GREENKINDER offers a range of features including 10x digital zoom, time-lapse, and burst shooting modes. It also includes built-in games and music playback, making it a multi-functional entertainment device for children.The camera’s 1000mAh rechargeable battery provides 3–4 hours of continuous use. With its durable design, included lanyard, and child-friendly interface, it’s well-suited for young photographers aged 3–12. The addition of stickers and colored pencils encourages creativity, allowing kids to personalize their printed photos. While not a true Polaroid, this camera offers a modern, kid-friendly take on instant photography, blending digital capabilities with the tangible joy of printed pictures.
What is the function of instant cameras?
Just as the name suggests, an instant camera is one that takes and prints a photo instantly.
So how do instant cameras work? When you take a photo, the cyan, magenta and yellow layers of the film are exposed to light. Rollers apply pressure to the chemical strip at the end of the film. The substances on the film react and development occurs. For many years, instant cameras were synonymous with Polaroid and Kodak , but today other well-known brands have joined the manufacturing of these cameras.
This makes them one of the best cameras for traveling , or one of the vintage-style cameras that are back in fashion.
What should you consider when buying an instant camera?
Like any type of camera, instant cameras also have a variety of specifications. This is what you should pay attention to before purchasing one.
The price and quality of the film
While instant cameras are more affordable than many other digital cameras, it is the cost of the film that makes a real difference in price because we need it for the camera to perform its main function and there is a variety of prices depending on the brand. However, being more expensive does not mean that they are better. In fact, the quality of the film is also a variable that depends mainly on the brand, with Kodak, Polaroid and Fujifilm standing out among many.
Film measurements
While you might expect all instant cameras to work with a standard film size , they don’t. Just as cameras vary in size, so do films. Pay attention to the film size your instant camera supports.
Remote use
Instant cameras launched in recent years have the ability to be used remotely via a mobile phone. An official app from the brand allows you to set a timer to take the pictures you want without having to hold the camera in your hands. If you are a fan of selfies or group photos, it is essential to keep this in mind before buying your new camera.
Battery
Yes, even in instant cameras the battery is still a very important point of interest. The good thing is that almost all instant cameras have very good battery life and they run out after taking a certain number of important photos. These cameras can last a long time because some do not have a screen that drains the battery. Some are battery operated, others need a USB cable to recharge power.
How to connect your mobile phone to an instant camera to print a photo?
The first thing you should know is that not all instant cameras are also printers. As you will see later, some do fulfill this function. For example, the Instax Evo and the Mini LiPlay , both from Fujifilm, have this function.
In the case of both, as is usual with cameras of this style, you must have the official app of the brand downloaded on your mobile. From the app you just have to look for the image you want to print in your gallery, click on it and then press ‘ print ‘. In less than five seconds you will have your physical image.
How to take care of instant photos?
Taking care of instant photos doesn’t require much effort. Like any photograph, you should store them in places with low humidity and you shouldn’t expose them too much to sunlight. That will be enough to make your photos last for years.
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