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5 Best Instant Cameras for Printing Nostalgic Photos
It's better than sending them to the cloud, that's for sure.
In a world of smartphones, smart homes, and high-tech wearables there is nothing more nostalgic than an instant camera. Recall the halcyon days of being a youth with a Kodak waterproof disposable. You might not have taken any pictures worth saving, but you learned important lessons about film photography that kids with iPhones don't get.
It turns out the Polaroid isn't dead—and neither is Kodak for that matter. These brands, as well as Fujifilm, all still make instant cameras with film that's widely available and cheaper than the stuff for fancier cameras. For the budding photographer, or just the casual picture taker who wants something more special than an Apple photo roundup, these instant cameras will make a perfect gift. We've picked our five favorites of the dozens on the market.
Pros
- Super compact
- LCD screen to preview photos so you never waste film
- Instax film is easy to find
- Tons of filters to mess with
Cons
- Saving photos digitally requires app download or SD card purchase
- Requires some upkeep
This is the Esquire pick. It checks all of our boxes. Looks much more expensive than it actually is? Check. Is it also a printer? Check. Takes quality photos? check and mate.
The Instax Mini Evo is Fujifilm's mini, handheld wonder. It is gorgeous and will pass for a traditional film camera in front of your friends who don't know a thing about cameras. And it uses Fujifilm, which is the easiest to find and most affordable instant camera film. That's a big reason why we've gone Instax for most of this list. We don't want to strand you with a camera and no film, that would be a bad look.
What makes the Mini Evo our favorite is the LCD preview screen. Not only can you see how your photos are gonna turn out before using up that precious film, but you can also apply filters before printing. With lens and film affects galore, this isn't just an instant camera. It's Instagram-ified.
Pros
- Takes Instax Mini film
- Extra durable
- More fun to shoot with than other modern instants
Cons
- It's an investment
Another pick that we have tried and loved around here is this compact, classy camera from Leica. The SOFORT 2 is a joy to shoot with. Of all these selections, it's the one that best mimics a modern digital camera in terms of functionality and button layouts. It's the go-to instant camera for our Commerce Editor Luke Guillory, who had this to say:
"I'm not a film guy, but I know my way around a camera. It's pretty much the same as the Instax Mini Evo, but I think it's just a tad better. I love the wide angle shots compared to a phone camera, and compared to other cameras on the list it's more durable. An investment, yes, but it's a fun one."
Pros
- Simple point-and-shoot
- Selfie mirror
- Comes in fun colors
Cons
- Lacks more complex features
If you're a millennial, this is probably the camera all your friends have. For our generation, instant cameras are a fun throwback that we may not want to spend over $100 bucks on. The Instax Mini is priced for the "splurge for a weekend trip" demographic.
Honestly, it's nice to take pictures at a party without worrying about them being instantly uploaded to the Cloud. This camera makes doing that easy, affordable, and fun. You don't need to be a photography major to use it. Just point, shoot, and print.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Small enough to throw in a bag or purse
- Made for easier selfies
Cons
- Square photos aren't for every occasion
- Lacks the features of the Evo
Here's something a little more unique, but still just as reliable as the other Instax cameras. The Square SQ40 is the Wirecutter pick for best overall, and while we disagree, we understand why. It is compact and easy to use, even more so than the Mini Evo. Its lack of advanced functions actually might work in your favor if you want something like your Mini 12, only in a different aspect ratio.
That's the cool thing. Square photos rock. They are ideal for selfies and portraits, but listen, people aren't the only thing that benefits from being framed symmetrically. In the right situation, this is the artistic choice.
Pros
- A more fully-featured camera than the Instax
- Shoots full-sized photos
- Comes with lens filters
Cons
- Film is expensive
- Bulky
Brand names can go a long way and Polaroid is one that really hits people in the feels. We are talking about a name once synonymous with photography itself. Currently, Polaroid offers a few options for modern instant cameras. The best is the second-generation iteration of the Now+.
With dual-lens focus, exposure, and flash settings, the Polaroid Now+ rivals the Instax Mini Evo in terms of functionality. Notably, it shoots larger, full-sized photos. This makes the camera a bit bulkier, but that's a trade-off to consider. It also comes with fun lens filters to give that nostalgic look.
Just hit the print button and voila. You don't even need to shake it like a Polaroid picture.
Other Good Instant Cameras
Polaroid Go Generation 2: If you like the Polaroid feature set, but want something a bit more on-the-go, try the Polaroid Go.
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro: For some reason, buying this camera alone costs pretty much the same as buying it bundled with 60 sheets of film.
What To Consider
When choosing the right instant camera for you, there are a few factors outside of the camera itself to consider.
Cost and availability of film: The main reason we chose a majority of Instax cameras is because Fujifilm is cheap compared to its competitors. It's also easy to find online. Any camera store that stocks instant camera supplies of any kind is bound to have the brand. It's why we recommend you go with Fujifilm, Polaroid, or Kodak.
Size of prints: This is a big deciding factor between the cameras on this list. Square prints are small, but classy and film is relatively affordable. Polaroid full prints will cost you more money, but ya know, they're bigger.
Extra features: You can get a basic point-and-shoot camera or you can get something with more settings and filters. What's your goal? Do you want to emulate the old days of running around with a disposable camera? Or are you trying to capture an Instagram-worthy moment and pin it up on your wall?
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