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Disclosure: When readers buy the independently chosen products on this site, we earn a commission.
Overview
Top Polaroid Cameras12 Mistakes to Avoid (VIDEO)Instant Cameras ExplainedPopular Accessories
Cheap Polaroid Cameras
Reviews and Buying Guide
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the large number of instant cameras available to buy. Each one has its unique set of features and specs, and with dozens of models to choose from knowing which one to purchase can be tricky.
To make it easy for you, we have research over 20 new instant cameras and picked the best ones. All winners take excellent pictures, are easy to use, and also quite cheap. Let’s take a look at the top choices.
TOPPICK
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 90 is another great addition to the premium INSTAX line of instant cameras. It offers a range of features you would expect to find on a much larger and more expensive model, yet its size and low price point would beg to differ.
The camera, for one, optimizes photo quality by automatically detecting the brightness level of the environment and adjusts the flash and shutter speed accordingly.
Photos looked consistently excellent, even in situations with less than ideal lighting. It also offers a double exposure mode - pushing the button twice quickly results in two images being produced on a single film sheet, a feature you can undoubtedly have a lot of creative fun with.
Alternatively, shoot spectacular light trails by holding down the button and keeping the shutter open for up to ten seconds. The possibilities are endless with the INSTAX Mini 90.
There's more: it even offers a "kids mode" that automatically adjusts the shutter speed when shooting fast-moving subjects such as pets, sports, and children to capture images with a minimum of streaking. Then you can instantly print your photos on brilliant 2.4x1.8-inch paper.
The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 90 is a compact and lightweight instant camera that offers a comprehensive suite of creative features and is an excellent buy when you are looking for an awesome and very fun instant camera.
BUDGETPICK
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
The Polaroid Snap combines the best features of digital photos with the convenience and fun of an instant print camera. A built-in 10MP sensor is waiting to capture brilliant images, comparable to the quality found in much more expensive products.
It prints out vibrant 2x3-inch photos in less than a minute thanks to the integrated ZINK printer, which produces great images with a quality that's second to none. The photos themselves feature an adhesive backing for easy attachment to most surfaces.
A micro SD card holds all of your photos up to a maximum carrying capacity of 32GB, perfect for storing the best moments. The design of the camera is strikingly minimalistic and very reminiscent of classic Polaroid cameras. The compact size makes the camera easy to carry, and it is also is small enough to fit into most pockets.
Enjoy the experience of taking and printing your photos with the Polaroid Snap. It makes it easy to share the best moments of your life thanks to the integrated inkless printing tech and brilliant photo capabilities. The Snap is on of our top choices in this review.
Polaroid Z2300 Instant Digital Camera
The new Z2300 is a Polaroid camera for sale that brings exceptional compactness and versatility to the table. The camera is small enough to fit into most pockets, making taking it with you a snap (pun intended). It features an integrated ZINK inkless printer that will let you instantly capture and print pictures on 2x3-inch paper - all in less than a minute.
You can also modify what you print thanks to the onboard editing tools, and choose to print photos, save them to an SD card, or both. The Polaroid even lets you simultaneously take pictures while printing.
Its list of features is excellent: a 6-power zoom lens, 3-inch LCD to view and edit your photos, and 32MB of internal storage with an optional, gigantic 4GB external SD storage. Also, the camera offers three choices of compression quality, a 5-mode flash strobe light, auto while balancing, smile detection, time stamping and much, much more.
The Z2300 is hands down one of the best Polaroid cameras out there when you consider the many built-in features, affordable price, onboard editing, quick printing, and outstanding photo quality.
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Camera
Fujifilm's INSTAX Mini 8 is an incredibly compact and lightweight yet surprisingly cheap Polaroid-type camera that you can take anywhere.
The body has been redesigned to be slimmer and lighter, weighing a mere 6.4 ounces and easily slips into most pockets. Instantly shoot and print photos on the high-quality 2.4x1.8-inch paper so you can share them with friends and family.
The camera has an impressive list of features such as an automatic exposure setting to capture better images, a High-Key mode that lets you take soft yet bright pictures for portraits, and an improved viewfinder that offers greater clarity and visibility than previous models.
While the automatic aperture setting is the default, you can easily override it to take manual control over how much light is let in. The camera runs on two AA batteries and offers a good battery life, making it perfect for events and travel. For fun, engaging, and brilliant instant images, the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 is a great choice.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm INSTAX Wide 300, as the name suggests, takes and prints extra-wide photos in a compact and easy to transport package. The camera is designed to work with ISO800 film, a high-speed film that captures images with unparalleled clarity without streaking as well as having an exceptional low light sensitivity.
The INSTAX is ruggedly constructed of hard plastic and features a built-in socket for mounting on a tripod. The 95mm, f14 lens automatically extends and offers two focus zones – from three feet to 10 feet, and from 10 feet to infinity. This lets you take better pictures, from portraits to landscapes.
The optical viewfinder brings clarity and visibility, allowing you to compose a great shot every time. You can also add high- and low-key effects to your photos thanks to the light and dark control settings. The camera operates on two AA batteries, offering an extended battery life without needing to worry about recharging.
The Fujifilm INSTAX Wide 300 offers fantastic wide-format photos on 3.4x4.2-inch paper in an instant. It is incredibly simple and easy to use and very rugged so that it can follow you anywhere.
Fujifilm INSTAX 210 Wide Instant Camera
Fujifilm's INSTAX 210 Wide delivers amazing and large color photos, well, instantly. It is a durable and ergonomically designed camera that features a large LCD showing focal distance and film count, both very useful in everyday use. The shape of the camera is pleasantly rounded and is comfortable to hold thanks to the side grip that ensures it will not slip from your hands.
Automatic photo setting features abound on this camera, from the pre-programmed electronic shutter ranging from 1/64 to 1/200 of a second, to an automatic flash for low light conditions. The lens is self-retracting and beautifully designed to deliver high-resolution photos with incredible contrast. The camera also features two shooting ranges: three to 10 feet, and 10 feet to infinity. This comes in handy for different photos, from people to nature.
The brilliant images are printed on extra-wide 4.25x3.4-inch paper, resulting in photos that are much larger than comparable instant cameras. The camera's viewfinder is also a big plus, with a large viewing angle allowing you to compose great images.
Wide and brilliant photos are the names of the game with the Fujifilm INSTAX 210 Wide Instant Camera. It is a fun, easy to use, and cheap instant-print camera. We highly recommend it.
Polaroid Cube+ Mini Lifestyle Action Camera
The Polaroid Cube+ Mini Lifestyle Action Camera is an extremely compact camera that delivers brilliant still photos and videos. However, don't let the tiny size fool you: this camera is no joke.
An 8MP still camera is augmented by a video camera that shoots full HD videos up to a resolution of 1440p, perfectly designed to capture all of life's amazing moments. Wi-Fi is also incorporated, so you can instantly upload images online and share them with the world.
The battery will last up to 107 minutes of continuous video recording before needing to be recharged. The lens is well built - offering up to 124 degrees of viewing area so that you can record extra-wide fields of view.
The Polaroid also features an SD card that will hold up to 128GB of photos and videos, plenty of storage space for most use cases. It is completely weatherproof, splashproof and shockproof, and will take virtually anything that you throw at it.
Polaroid's Cube+ Mini camera is small enough to be put in your pocket, yet large enough to handle excellent still photos and HD videos on your adventures. In short, while it does not print paper copies it is a truly exceptional Polaroid camera that’s a lot of fun to use.
Polaroid Z2300 Instant Digital Camera
The new Z2300 is a Polaroid camera for sale that brings exceptional compactness and versatility to the table. The camera is small enough to fit into most pockets, making taking it with you a snap (pun intended).
It features an integrated ZINK inkless printer that will let you instantly capture and print pictures on 2x3-inch paper - all in less than a minute. You can also modify what you print thanks to the onboard editing tools, and choose to print photos, save them to an SD card, or both. The Polaroid even lets you simultaneously take pictures while printing.
Its list of features is excellent: a 6-power zoom lens, 3-inch LCD to view and edit your photos, and 32MB of internal storage with an optional, gigantic 4GB external SD storage. Also, the camera offers three choices of compression quality, a 5-mode flash strobe light, auto while balancing, smile detection, time stamping and much, much more.
The Z2300 is hands down one of the best Polaroid cameras out there when you consider the many built-in features, affordable price, onboard editing, quick printing, and outstanding photo quality.
12 Instant Photography Mistakes to Avoid (Video)
Instant Cameras Explained
Polaroid cameras used to the best thing in the world back in the 1970s to 90s. They made a brief comeback with the popularity of Outkast’s hit single Hey Ya! but then went below the radar when they filed for bankruptcy. Now, they’re back and better than ever.
Even though Polaroid is the most widely known brand of instant photos and film, they’re not the only ones in the game. However, because of their popularity, modern instant cameras are still referred to as Polaroids, similar to the cases of Xeroxing for photocopying for and Lego for building blocks.
Why are Instant Print Cameras Still a Thing?
We know what you’re thinking: why on Earth would you ever need an instant camera? Aren’t all modern cameras “instant” by definition? What advantages does printing your newly taken photo have over storing it in your smartphone’s memory to never be accessed ever again?
Advantages
First, let’s take a look at what sort of benefits you can get from using a digital camera.
Easy to use
There aren’t a lot of buttons on the camera, nor are there many things to tweak. For the photography-illiterate, instant print cameras are extremely easy to use. A single click is all it takes to capture every perfect moment.
Compact
Modern instant print cameras are a fraction of the size of expensive DLSRs. Like smartphones, these little devices fit comfortably in your pocket. Just whip it out and snap a pic of every momentous occasion when traveling.
Hardcopy in an instant
With a click, you can print out your favorite pictures within 5 seconds after taking it. You don’t need an external doodad to make a hardcopy of your favorite picture since the printer is built right into the camera.
Ink-free
Most instant print cameras are compatible with Zink technology – a type of printing technology that uses zero ink. This uses a special type of paper which is heated to activate certain dyes and colors.
Disadvantages
Picture quality isn’t the best
Instant print cameras aren’t exactly known for producing the best quality photos. Your smartphone most likely features a more powerful camera than this single-purpose contraption.
Not very customizable
Unlike DSLR cameras, instant print cameras do not have a ton of different buttons and dials. Although you can fine-tune images, the result will never be near the perfection of professional-grade cameras.
Instant printers have taken over instant print cameras
Finally, the biggest disadvantage is that instant printers – a device that connects directly to a smartphone or DSLR camera – can instantly print snapped photos. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can also use Zink printing.
Instant Camera Guide: A Look at the Basics
A majority of the instant print cameras that exist today follow a simple set of rules regarding design and functionality. In this section, we’ll go over the fundamental points of Polaroid cameras.
Build and Design
The simplicity of Polaroid cameras makes them suitable for people of all ages. Most cameras are made to be as lightweight and compact as possible easy portability. This is the perfect type of camera to take with you on fun family outings.
Lens
Although instant cameras aren’t made to compete with complicated DSLRs, you should still be wary of what sort of features the camera comes with. A retractable lens can mean a whole lot in terms of picture quality and brightness.
ISO and Shutter Speed
ISO speed defines the sensitivity level of the camera’s sensor to light. Shutter speed the amount of time allowed for light to enter into the camera. Slower speeds allow more light but increase the risk of blurred pictures. The two work hand-in-hand at affecting picture quality – you can’t modify one without the other. ISO 800 serves as the middle ground for the two and is the safest option for an amateur photographer.
Film
The best instant cameras are compatible with a wide selection of film types. The most standard of which have white borders, but others have fun designs along the edges of the photograph. Also, the camera should have an exposure counter which is basically a counter to let you know how many sheets of undeveloped film are still in the camera.
Instant Camera Terminology for When You Buy
Before you purchase a Polaroid camera, you should be aware of the terminology used to describe certain specs.
Display
Most instant print cameras have an onboard LCD display which practically renders the viewfinder pointless. The display may allow users to tune certain properties like focus, color, sharpness, and even switch to video mode.
Exposure Compensation
Exposure refers to how much or how little light can enter the camera. You may need to tweak this setting when snapping pictures in unusually bright or dark settings.
White Balance
White balance sets the color of the image based on ambient lighting. Most Polaroid cameras let you choose between automatic white balancing and manual white balancing. There are also several presets like incandescent, daylight, and fluorescent.
Contrast
Contrast determines the difference between the brightest and darkest spots of an image. High contrast refers to a vast difference between pixel colors (e.g. black and white), whereas low contrast sees the value of different pixel brightness as relatively close (e.g. dark gray and not-as-dark gray).
Saturation
This is the intensity of an image’s colors. With a less saturated image, the picture’s coloration will have a grey tinge to it. A highly saturated image really makes the colors pop, but the picture will have a cartoony look to it.
Sharpness
This setting described the clarity of the objects in a photograph. The tiniest details like wrinkles and individual hair strands can become visible or blurred by modifying sharpness. However, Polaroid cameras are not going to produce the crispest pictures ever.
Popular Accessories for Your Instant Camera
If you’re thinking of getting a Polaroid camera, then might as pick up a few groovy accessories to go with it.
Shoulder or Wrist Straps
Even though Polaroid cameras can fit right into your pocket, a shoulder or wrist strap can be a lot more helpful. You probably already have enough gadgets taking up space in your pockets anyway.
Carrying Bags
Carrying bags are great not just to store the camera when it’s not in use but to also hold onto any printed images without creasing or ripping. Try and find a bag that matches the color of your camera.
Film Sheets
You can’t print photos if you don’t have film sheets. You might want to consider purchasing film sheets in bulk online since they can be quite costly in brick-and-mortar stores.
microSD Cards
Finally, to expand storage space in your camera, you should get a large-capacity microSD memory card. You don’t need to print all of your pictures instantly – simply leave them in storage and choose which ones you want to share with others.
