The Best Instant Cameras, Ranked (Updated 2022)

1. Kodak Mini Shot 2

The Kodak Mini Shot 2 deserves a spot among the best instant cameras for its cute retro design, modern technological compatibility, and good quality film.

At right around $100, the Kodak Mini Shot 2 is slightly more expensive than other instant cameras on this list. It’s available in two colors, yellow and white, and features a design reminiscent of a retro camera. The design itself is cute, but it would be nice to see it available in more colors. Style and self-expression tend to be a little more important with novelty cameras.

As far as its technology goes, this instant camera keeps up with the times. The Kodak Mini Shot 2 can connect to your phone via Bluetooth to access and print cameras from your photo gallery. This is great when sending a physical card to a friend in the mail or using photos as decor.

The film itself is of good quality. 4Pass technology makes the film smudge resistant, solar resistant, and water-resistant. Depending on if you keep mementos in storage or out on display, these have the potential to be important details.

User reviews praise this camera for being easy to use and for producing great quality photos. When it comes to making memories, what more can you ask for? This camera is compact and light enough to be carried in a small purse, so it’s great for summer travel when you don’t want to carry a large bag.

The Kodak Mini Shot 2 is a great choice for those who love the nostalgia of an instant camera with the convenience of modern connectivity.

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• Mobile Device Connectivity Via Bluetooth
• Accompanying Kodak App
• 4Pass Technology Photo Printing
• Available in Two Colors

2. Polaroid OneStep+

The Polaroid OneStep+ is a great blend of retro fun and technological compatibility. This intermediate Polaroid camera deserves its spot among the best instant camera has multiple modes, lenses, and an accompanying app.

At up to $130, this instant camera is not the cheapest option on this list. It comes in black or white and features some classic Polaroid design elements like a front-facing printer and a rainbow stripe along the front of the camera. While it may be one of the more expensive options for an instant camera, it has a wide variety of features that make this investment well worth it.

For starters, this camera has a Self-Timer mode. When you’re out on a scenic hike or at a party with friends, this mode ensures everyone can make it into the shot. Using the Bluetooth-enabled app, you can put the camera in Manual mode or utilize double exposure for a more artistic look.

The Polaroid OneStep+ also comes with both standard and portrait lenses. With the portrait lens, you’re able to capture subjects clearly within one to three feet, and everything beyond three feet can be captured with the standard lens. Attention to detail was put into the design of this camera and it shows. While it’s an instant camera, it’s still capable of taking good quality artistic photos.

With the presence of the app, users can access expanded camera features and bridge the gap between a fun and easy instant camera and an advanced camera with fine-tuned features. Overall, this instant camera is a great investment piece.

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• Self-Timer Mode
• 60-Day Battery Life
• App via Bluetooth Connectivity
• Standard and Portrait Lenses Included

3. Polaroid SNAP

The Polaroid Snap is a digital instant camera that is a more pared-down sibling to the Snap Touch. With basic digital camera capabilities, multiple picture modes, and cute design, the Polaroid Snap is a great camera to tag along on your next adventure.

At just under $70, this instant camera is affordable considering it’s digital. Given that it’s a more basic model, it’s considerably less expensive than the Polaroid Snap Touch. It has a similar body design, too, which is compact and vibrant with the signature Polaroid rainbow stripe. It seems like the perfect camera to toss into a beach bag for a day of fun in the sun. Users have noted that this is a great camera to use outdoors.

This instant camera has multiple picture modes including borderless normal, black and white, and vintage sepia tone. It seems that this instant camera goes above and beyond a typical instant camera when it comes to these capabilities, allowing users to have more artistic freedom in their photography.

The Polaroid Snap is easy to use and very aesthetically pleasing. The compatible photo paper is 2×3 and adhesive-backed, making it easy to stick on your wall for decor. While it may not be an exceptionally advanced camera, it’s simplicity is something to be admired.

If you’re looking for a way to have the best of both worlds when it comes to an instant camera that has digital storage for later, the Polaroid Snap is a great choice for you. And with its affordable price, you can have these features without burning a hole in your pocket.

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• Accepts MicroSD Cards up to 32GB
• Optical Viewfinder
• Multiple Picture Modes
• Digital Instant Camera

4. Canon Ivy Cliq+

The Canon Ivy Cliq+ is Canon’s version of the digital instant camera. It’s a fun little camera with an accompanying app and some great selfie-friendly features.

This camera is just under $90, making it a great mid-range option as far as the digital instant cameras go. Although it may be a little more expensive when compared to other instant cameras on this list overall, its digital capabilities put it a notch above many others. It has a sleek body design that is small enough to put in a pocket or small purse when traveling, making this a great option to bring to a graduation party or to pass around at a wedding for guest candids. It’s available in three colors: Pearl White, Sapphire Blue, and Ruby Red.

The accompanying Canon Mini Print app gives you the ability to edit photos as well as add stickers, frames, filters, and emojis. You can also use the app to automatically trigger the shutter on the camera to take photos without excluding anyone. Users note that the app is easy to navigate, which makes a big difference for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy but still want the convenience of technology. The camera also has a reprint function to have multiple prints of the same photo.

This camera also features a large selfie mirror and a ring light surrounding the lens to make for selfies worthy of sharing everywhere. In the age of the selfie, it’s great to know that this camera keeps up with the trends.

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• Available in Three Colors
• Included Selfie Mirror and Mini Ring Light
• Compatible with Canon Mini Print App
• Adhesive-Backed Photo Paper

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 was released in February 2020, making it the most up-to-date model in the Instax series. Like its predecessors, it comes in a variety of cute colors and is easy to use. But as far as upgrades go, it boasts enhanced picture quality and modes to make capturing memories easier than ever before.

For starters, the available bundle for the Instax Mini 11 includes the camera, film, and a few other cute photo accessories for just under $85. While the carrying case is sold separately, this is still a pretty good deal considering how much comes with the actual camera. This bundle makes for a great gift since so much is included or makes a great splurge for yourself because you can get to taking photos even sooner.

The Instax Mini 9 is available in five colors: Lilac Purple, Ice White, Charcoal Gray, Blush Pink, and Sky Blue. Reviewers have noted that the camera has a cute retro vibe to it. The colors themselves are vibrant and fun, perfect for a kid or a kid-at-heart. The Ice White model also seems like the perfect instant camera to pass around to make memories at a wedding. That way, in addition to professional photography, you can have candid moments from throughout the night.

The Instax Mini 11 “captures bright backgrounds and bright subjects even in dark scenes” according to the manufacturer, putting the photo quality of this camera above others in the Instax Mini series. Keeping up with modern photo trends, this camera also has a Selfie Mode that can be utilized by adjusting the lens and using the front-facing mirror. Selfies are not just for phones any more!

All in all, this seems like a reliable and easy-to-use instant camera.

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• Jewel and Glow Button
• Automatic Exposure Adjustment
• Available in Five Colors
• Selfie Mode

6. Fujifilm Instax Mini 26

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 26 is another great member of the Instax Mini family that includes dual shutter buttons, good image quality, and easy-to-use photo customizations.

At just under $70, this instant camera is slightly cheaper than other members of the Fujifilm Instax Mini product line. It has a similar body design and comes in three color options: Pink with White, Blue with White, and Black. The dual-colored design distinguishes it from similar cameras and is an aesthetically-pleasing aspect of this instant camera.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 26 has two shutter buttons that easily allow for portrait and landscape photos. Fill-In Flash mode also detects the brightness of the background for sharp and detailed backgrounds whether it’s day or night. There is attention to detail when it comes to the overall design of this camera, as there can be limited functions on instant cameras when it comes to controlling overexposure and photo orientation.

This camera also has a great selfie mirror so you can take selfies with friends and family. Again, features like these make this camera a great addition to a wedding or other large party for guest candids. The pictures themselves are about the size of a credit card, according to user reviews, so they’re great collectible novelty keepsakes.

Overall, this camera is fun and handy. While it may not be an advanced camera, it will certainly capture great memories for a competitive price.

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• Available in Three Colors
• Two Shutter Buttons
• Lighten-Darken Control
• Close-Up Lens

7. Polaroid Snap Touch

The Polaroid Snap Touch is another great instant camera choice from Polaroid that deserves its spot among the best instant cameras for its digital camera capabilities, accompanying app, and ease of use.

With a price tag of just under $140, this instant camera has a high-end price compared to others on this list. Design-wise, the Polaroid Snap Touch is compact with a bright color scheme and the signature Polaroid rainbow stripe. With a camera this small, you can travel light while still taking good quality photos.

The Snap Touch isn’t just any instant camera. It’s an instant digital camera with an LCD touchscreen display. Having digital technology making framing and taking photos even easier, and puts it a notch above other instant cameras by also having the ability to capture 1080p video. It accepts microSD cards with up to 128GB of storage, leaving you with plenty of room to make memories.

This instant camera also comes with an accompanying app that allows you to print photos directly from your phone. And with the adhesive-backed photo paper, you can easily scrapbook your photos or hang them up. According to the manufacturer, you can also use the app to add “filters, borders, Emoji’s, Digital stickers, and more.” With the convenience of an app, you can edit and share photos in ways previously unheard of for instant cameras.

A notable downside to this camera is that it doesn’t have the classic instant photo image quality. While the digital photo quality is good, there is the element of nostalgia with instant photos that are captured with their “look.” Still, this camera is a great choice.

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• Adhesive-Backed Photo Paper
• Holds MicroSD Cards Up to 128GB
• Accompanying App
• Compact Design

8. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

The Instax Mini 9 is an absolutely adorable instant camera that comes in a variety of colors, takes quality photos, and comes in a convenient bundle.

For just under $100, this camera bundle is well worth the investment. Whether you’re buying it as a gift or for your own adventures, the Instax Mini 9 from this particular Amazon seller comes in a bundle with film, a carrying case, stickers, a mini photo album, and a few other cute accessories. For a one-stop-shop, it’s convenient and won’t break the bank. Best of all, this camera is available in five colors: Smokey White, Cobalt Blue, Flamingo Pink, Ice Blue, and Lime Green. So whatever your style, you can find something you match you perfectly.

When it comes to the photos themselves, the Instax Mini 9 automatically determines the best brightness setting for you to adjust to when taking a photo so every photo comes out in the best possible quality. This includes Indoors, Cloudy, Sunny (Slightly Cloudy), and Sunny and Bright. And for those who are always down for a good selfie, this instant camera comes with a selfie mirror. But, some users have noted that selfies can be a little tricky on this camera. A detachable zoom lens makes taking photos up objects up to 35cm away possible with good clarity.

Compact, easy to use, and adorable, the Instax Mini 9 is just begging to go on your summer adventures. And with this bundle, you can unbox and go!

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• Available in Five Colors
• Selfie Mirror
• Close-Up Lens Included
• Hi-Key Mode for Overexposed Look

9. Polaroid OneStep 2

The Polaroid OneStep 2 is a modern take on the classic Polaroid camera that comes in a variety of colors, has a few key special features, and a rechargeable battery.

At just under $80, this simple point-and-shoot camera is certainly an investment. But, considering it is a piece of nostalgia, it may be worth it just for the novelty. The camera comes in seven colors: White, Graphite, Summer Blue, Coral, Mint, Red, and “Stranger Things.” Designed in homage to the popular Netflix series, the Stranger Things-inspired design features a cobalt blue camera body with red accents. The One Step 2 sticker is also notably upside down. It’s certainly a cool collectors’ item for fans of the show.

When it comes to the camera’s capabilities, this Polaroid model does air on the side of simplicity. It features a traditional viewfinder that users praise as being more accurate over previous models of this camera and a self-timer option. For parties and vacations, this is a great way to ensure everyone is included in the photo. A double-exposure can be achieved by holding down the shutter, instantly restarting the camera, and holding the shutter down again. While it’s not noted as an official feature from Polaroid, it is mentioned in user reviews.

This camera comes with a USB charging cable, neck strap, and user manual. When it comes to being out-and-about with this camera, a neck strap is extremely useful to protect the camera from a fall.

While this camera is mostly for nostalgia purposes, it still looks extremely fun and provides a classic instant camera experience. And with several color options, you’re bound to find something that fits your style.

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• Available in Seven Colors
• USB Charging Cable, Neck Strap, and User Manual Included
• Included Self-Timer Function
• Point-and-Shoot Instant Camera

10. Kodak Smile

The Kodak Smile is a very basic digital instant camera that features a long-lasting battery, good quality film, and user-friendly design.

At just under $100, the Kodak Smile seems a little overpriced, given its features. It’s small and compact body design make it perfect for capturing memories on-the-go and has some creative design elements including a sliding cover. The Kodak Smile also has an LCD viewfinder display that allows for editing and filters. While the Amazon link here only has the camera available in blue, Kodak manufactures this camera in black, white, blue, green, and white.

This camera uses Kodak Zink photo paper, and much like the other camera manufacturers who have Zink-designed film, these prints have an adhesive back perfect for scrapbooking or hanging on the wall in a dorm room. These prints are also “zero ink” so they’re smudge-resistant as well. This instant camera is great for a college student looking to capture memories on campus!

This camera has automatic focus, built-in flash, and a rechargeable battery, so it’s easy to use even if you’re a photography novice. There’s also photo booth mode to capture multiple images on the same print to mimic a photo strip. While this camera may not be extremely advanced, it does offer some built-in editing capabilities to customize your photos as well.

Overall, this camera would make a cute gift for someone who isn’t entirely photography savvy who wants to have fun with an instant camera.

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• Adhesive-Backed Zero-Ink Photo Paper
• Built-In Editor
• Up to 40 Prints on a Single Charge
• Slim and Small Design

11. Kodak Printomatic

Kodak’s Printomatic Digital Camera is easily one of the best instant cameras on the market. Like many of its peers on this list, it performs its function solidly—after taking a picture, it is printed within a short period of time. But unlike some of the flimsier models on the market, the shots it takes are beautiful and largely error-free.

Coming in multiple colors, including yellow, blue, pink, and gray, the model itself is very minimalist, using the aforementioned colors for its body and sporting a white coat on the top half. Not adorned by any fancy designs, it is a simple look that represents what the camera is all about.

One of the neatest features of this camera is that, while the camera is printing a shot, you can then take your next picture, meaning that, while you won’t be able to take pictures in bursts, you can fill pauses by looking for and taking your next shot.

While some complained of the relatively low picture quality, most were very vocal about the camera’s value. The Printomatic Digital Camera can be purchased at a relatively low price and still take competent, if imperfect shots. There are no fancy features, but still, so long as you understand that this camera isn’t going to be full of features, it does its job quite well.

The Printomatic may be simplistic, but it is highly worth the price of admission. If you or a loved one are novices at photography, this a great place to start.

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• 1 x 4.83 x 3.11 inches
• Sports a wide angle f/2 lens
• Weighs about 0.5 lbs
• Comes in multiple colors, including pink, yellow, and blue