The Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Instant Camera in 2025 Instant cameras are popular for one simple reason: they are fun. They let you capture a spontaneous moment at a party or event and, within minutes, share a physical photo for everyone to enjoy. While the image quality is not perfect, the nostalgic charm of these instant prints is a big part of their appeal. Choosing the right instant camera can be tricky. You need to consider factors like price, film size, photo quality, and the variety of models available. This guide will help you find the best instant camera for your needs so you can get the most enjoyment out of it. What to Consider Before Buying an Instant Camera The most important factor for most people is the size of the film. When people think of retro instant cameras, they often picture a square image. If that is what you want, Fujifilms Square format or either of Polaroids formats are your best bet. If you prefer a larger image, Fujifilms Instax Wide is the way to go. For those who want a smaller, more affordable format perfect for pinning on a fridge or slipping into an envelope, Fujifilms Instax Mini or Polaroids Go format are ideal. Fujifilm offers three main formats. Instax Mini film produces an image of 2.44 x 1.81 inches. Instax Square creates a 2.44 x 2.44 inch image. Instax Wide is the largest, with an image size of 2.44 x 3.9 inches. Polaroids options include the smaller Go format, with an image size of 1.81 x 1.83 inches, and the larger i-Type size, which offers a square image of 3.11 x 3.11 inches. Leica and Lomography cameras also use Fujifilms film formats. Cost is another major consideration. Fujifilms Instax films are generally the most affordable. Instax Mini color film can cost between 60 and 75 cents per shot. Square and Wide film are typically around 1.00 to 1.20 per shot. Polaroid film is a bit more expensive, with i-Type film costing about 2.00 per shot and Go film around 1.00 to 1.35 per shot. Buying film in multi-packs can lower the cost per photo. Image quality is not the primary goal with instant cameras, as they naturally have a softer, more nostalgic look compared to digital photos. However, some models from Fujifilm and Polaroid tend to produce sharper and more consistent results than others. The price of the cameras themselves varies widely. Basic models can be found for well under 100 dollars, while feature-rich hybrid cameras can cost over 200 dollars. Features that increase the price include USB-C connectivity, Bluetooth for smartphone printing, the ability to print digital photos, and design elements like a selfie mirror. Best Instant Cameras for 2025 For a modern square format experience, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 offers a classic design with automatic exposure for easy use. If you prefer the popular mini film, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 is a top choice for its creative controls and vintage aesthetic. For a more playful and simple option, the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid model that lets you print photos from your smartphone. For the smallest and most portable option, the Polaroid Go Generation 2 is a tiny camera that is perfect for carrying anywhere. Those wanting the classic Polaroid experience should consider the Polaroid Now Generation 2. It is a Bluetooth-connected camera that uses the larger i-Type film. For the biggest possible instant photos, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is the best option, featuring a built-in flash and a simple point-and-shoot design. If you are looking for a more advanced Polaroid, the Polaroid I-2 is their first instant camera with built-in autofocus, offering the highest image quality in their lineup. For a fun and colorful mini camera, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is very user-friendly and great for beginners. Creative photographers might enjoy the Lomography Lomo Instant Wide, which offers multiple creative modes like multiple exposures and a built-in wide-angle lens. At the premium end, the Leica Sofort 2 is a hybrid instant camera that combines high-end design with the ability to print from your phone or shoot directly with the camera. Finally, if you love the idea of instant prints but already have a camera you love, consider a portable printer. The Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer works with smartphones to print on wide film, while the Polaroid Lab can turn your smartphone photos into classic-looking Polaroid prints.
