The Best Instant Camera 2025: Top Retro Cams Tested

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Your Guide to the Best Instant Cameras for Analog Photography

While you don't need decades of experience to appreciate the simple joy of instant cameras for analog photography, my nearly twenty years of reviewing cameras means I know exactly what makes an instant camera truly stand out, and how much they've evolved.

My team and I have meticulously tested over 30 instant cameras to compile this definitive guide. Based on our comprehensive evaluations, theFujifilm Instax Mini 12emerges as the benchmark for instant cameras in 2025. It offers unparalleled ease of use, produces vibrant party-ready prints, and boasts relatively affordable film refills. However, if your preference leans towards larger prints or more advanced manual controls, our list features several premium alternatives that might be a better fit.

Our testing process is rigorous and comprehensive. Every recommendation in this guide is rooted in genuine, real-world feedback from myself or a member of my expert team. We've shot through numerous packs of film with each instant camera, evaluating their performance across diverse scenarios, from lively indoor gatherings to bright outdoor portraits. Below, you’ll find a concise summary of our findings, coupled with our candid insights. This guide is also packed with essential buying advice, covering everything from the ongoing cost of instant film to guidance on choosing the ideal model for your needs.

As TechRadar's Cameras Editor with over 15 years in the photo and video industry, I've had the privilege of testing – and owning – some of the finest instant cameras available. In fact, my journey into instant photography began with the iconicPolaroid SX-70(first released in 1972), and I've been captivated ever since. The appeal of analog nostalgia is stronger than ever, with a resurgence in film photography. We're also seeing an exciting rise in hybrid instant cameras, seamlessly blending the classic charm of instant prints with the modern convenience of smartphone connectivity.

Why You Can Trust Our Instant Camera Reviews

Every instant camera featured in this guide has undergone extensive testing by me or one of TechRadar's seasoned reviewers. Since 2008, our experienced team has evaluated all types of instant cameras from leading manufacturers like Kodak, Fujifilm, and Lomography. This deep well of knowledge allows us to pinpoint precisely what makes an instant camera truly excel.

How We Test Instant Cameras

My team and I assess each instant camera under authentic real-world conditions to gain a genuine understanding of its capabilities.

Given that instant cameras are often favored by beginners, I prioritize evaluating user-friendliness – how intuitive it is to take a photo or switch modes. For more advanced models, I delve into creative shooting options, such as manual exposure controls, color filters, and various focus settings.

Other crucial factors I consider include print development speed, battery longevity, and flash effectiveness. For cameras offering smartphone connectivity, I verify the ease of pairing with their companion app and thoroughly test any supplementary features like light painting or double exposures to see how they perform in practice.

While print resolution isn't the primary concern for instant cameras, I do rigorously evaluate the quality of the prints produced. I look for consistency in quality and color reproduction, alongside the overall tactile feel of the prints and their associated film. I pay close attention to how rich and vibrant the images appear.

To achieve this, I load a camera with film and dedicate a full day to instant photography. I capture a diverse array of subjects, from party portraits to high-contrast scenes, to form a comprehensive understanding of the colors and detail you can expect.

Based on the cumulative results of all our tests, I formulate an overall assessment of each camera. I weigh its individual strengths, how it stacks up against competitors, and its overall value for money to determine its rightful place among the best instant cameras.

Meet Our Expert Instant Camera Reviewers

Our cadre of instant camera reviewers are industry leaders, boasting countless years of camera expertise and extensive testing of the best instant cameras from Polaroid, Fujifilm, and other brands.

The Best Instant Cameras at a Glance

The following summary provides a quick overview of the top instant cameras currently available. Once you spot a model that captures your interest, you can use the links beneath each description to navigate directly to our detailed assessment.

Best overall:Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The premier instant camera for most users.

With an incredibly user-friendly interface, the Instax Mini 12 delivers charming prints using cost-effective film packs.

Read more below

Best wide:Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo

The top choice for wide-format prints.

Fujifilm's inaugural wide-format hybrid Instax camera features a stunning design and impresses with its dual capability for instant and digital photos.

Read more below

Best hybrid:Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The finest hybrid instant camera.

More compact than other Instax models, the Mini Evo masterfully blends digital functionalities with straightforward point-and-shoot operation.

Read more below

Best small:Polaroid Go Generation 2

The leading small instant camera.

Though not the cheapest, this compact and simple instant camera is one of the easiest to use for photography on the go.

Read more below

Best premium:Polaroid I-2

The ultimate premium instant camera.

Boasting Bluetooth, LiDAR autofocus, and comprehensive manual controls, this is a professional-grade option for dedicated Polaroid enthusiasts.

Read more below

Best creative:Fujifilm Instax Mini 99

The top creative instant camera.

Its sophisticated design and intuitive manual controls make this an excellent selection for experienced photographers.

Read more below

Why you can trust TechRadar:We dedicate countless hours to testing every product or service we review, ensuring you make the best purchasing decisions.Find out more about how we test.

The Best Instant Cameras: Detailed Reviews

Below, you'll find comprehensive write-ups for each of the top instant cameras on our list. We've rigorously tested every option, so you can be confident that our recommendations are authentic and well-informed.

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The best instant camera overall

✅ You’re new to instant photography:Easy to use and affordable to refill, the Instax Mini 12 is an accessible route into analogue shooting.

✅ You want rich vintage prints:Using Fujifilm’s colorful Instax film, the Mini 12 produces lovely party prints with a rich vintage look.

❌ You shoot in sunlight a lot:The Mini 12 tends to overexpose images in bright sunlight, which isn’t helped by the always-on flash.

❌ You like perfect ergonomics:Its smooth, bubble-like design makes the Mini 12 a tricky, slippery camera to hold, and fiddly for selfies.

We believe the perfect instant camera should be user-friendly, comfortable to hold, and capable of producing appealing prints at a reasonable price. Building upon theInstax Mini 11, Fujifilm's latest iteration comes even closer to this ideal. It activates with a simple twist of the lens, a more intuitive mechanism than previous models. The useful option to extend the lens for close-up mode remains, and the addition of parallax correction enhances viewfinder accuracy, ensuring that what you frame is closer to what is actually printed.

Our review noted that it still has a tendency to overexpose shots in bright sunlight, but repositioned exposure and flash sensors mean your fingers are less likely to interfere with readings, despite the slightly slippery body. While prints can feel small, the Instax Mini 12 empowers newcomers to easily capture vibrant party snaps at a comparatively low cost. If you prefer similar performance with a retro aesthetic, we recommend considering theFujifilm Instax Mini 40.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 review

2. Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo

The best instant camera for wide prints

✅ You want digital as well as instant shots:The hybrid design means you get digital images as well as Instax prints.

✅ You value creative options:A dazzling array of filters and lens effects enables you to alter the look of your shots in-camera.

❌ You're on a strict budget:The Instax Wide Evo is very expensive by instant camera standards, costing almost twice as much as the Instax Mini Evo.

❌ You want an easy selfie camera:The cumbersome rocker switch makes snapping selfies trickier than it ought to be.

The Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo marks the brand's second hybrid instant camera, and its first wide-format hybrid. This means it functions both as a film camera and a printer for your smartphone. It combines the stunning retro aesthetics of its predecessor, the Instax Mini Evo, with the larger instant film prints characteristic of the Instax Wide 400.

This hybrid approach, and its associated cost, won't appeal to everyone. Some might argue that its digital-first nature detracts from the delightful simplicity of a true instant snapper. It's true that the instant prints, being derived from digital captures rather than analog ones, may lack the characteristic 'pop' and vibrancy I associate with traditional Instax cameras.

Nevertheless, the Instax Wide Evo comes loaded with some of Fujifilm's best Instax camera features, including a broad selection of lens and film effects, seamless access to Fujifilm's app, and options for various film types to print on.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo review

3. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The best hybrid instant camera

✅ You value creative potential:With a wide range of filter and effect combinations, the Mini Evo is ideal for trying different styles.

✅ You want a connected camera:Though it works as a standalone camera, the Mini Evo can pair with your smartphone as a portable printer.

❌ Image quality matters:Its low-resolution sensor makes the Mini Evo a better choice for personal printed snaps than social sharing.

❌ You don’t need digital:The Instax Mini 40 has a similar vintage look and none of the connected tricks, plus a cheaper price tag.

If you're seeking a camera that marries the charm of instant photography with the convenience of digital shooting, the Instax Mini Evo is an excellent choice. While its digital image quality won't surpass your smartphone's, that's not its primary purpose. The main advantage here is the ability to select which shots you print, thereby minimizing wasted, precious film. Based on our extensive testing, we also consider the Mini Evo to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing instant cameras on the market – and more compact than other Fuji models.

Another impressive feature is the Mini Evo's capability to function as a portable printer for your smartphone photos. It also offers numerous built-in effects and filters that can be applied before you hit the print button. While these digital elements mean the Instax Mini Evo doesn't offer a 'pure' instant photography experience – and is more complex than alternatives like the Instax Mini 11 – we found that its versatility and appeal more than compensate for those desiring more than just a simple point-and-shoot camera.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review

4. Polaroid Go Generation 2

The best small instant camera

✅ You want the best quality instant prints:Different to Fujifilm Instax prints, Polaroid prints are worth the extra cost.

✅ You like things small:Smaller than most other instant cameras, as are its beautiful prints.

❌ You want the best cost to print ratio:Polaroid prints are the priciest in the business. Their quality is unmatched though.

❌ You photograph little details:Its minimum 45cm close focus distance is super limiting if you photograph macro details.

Virtually identical to the originalGo, the Polaroid Go Generation 2 stands as the smallest and lightest instant camera in its class, delivering Polaroid's signature beautiful print quality. Though not quite pocketable like the hybrid Instax Mini Evo, the Go Generation 2 exudes retro charm and offers straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity. Personally, we favor the larger prints produced by its siblings, the Now+ and I2, but if you're content with smaller, credit card-sized prints, you'll adore the vintage aesthetic here.

Despite its ease of use, the Go Generation 2 doesn't skimp on features. Its automatic flash can be manually overridden, while its self-timer and double-exposure modes are both practical and encourage creativity. During our tests, we appreciated the streamlined interface, which includes a convenient digital shot counter for keeping track of your exposures. However, a limitation is its fixed focus and modest close focusing distance, which rules out any kind of macro photography. Film refills are more expensive than Fujifilm Instax Mini, but Polaroid film offers a distinct type of quality that is simply unmatched. Ultimately, the Go Generation 2 is a fun, simple, and convenient instant camera.

Read our in-depth Polaroid Go Generation 2 review

5. Polaroid I-2

The best premium instant camera

✅ You want manual controls:Unlike most instant cameras, the Polaroid I-2 gives you full control over shutter speed and aperture settings.

✅ You want reliable autofocus:Even with a single AF point, the I-2 is very good at locking on to subjects nearby and far away.

❌ You’re on a budget:Thanks to its advanced features, the Polaroid I-2 is a premium camera with expensive film costs to match.

❌ You need a compact option:Bulky in the hand and in a bag, the Polaroid I-2 is the biggest instant camera around right now.

The Polaroid I-2 is a premium photographic instrument equipped with advanced features, notably being the first instant camera to offer full manual exposure controls. Coupled with seamless Bluetooth app connectivity, LiDAR autofocus, and an LCD display, it unlocks new creative possibilities for serious instant photographers. In our testing, we found it capable of producing subtle, vintage-style prints, and even with a single AF point, the LiDAR system proved remarkably effective at locking onto subjects, provided they were centrally framed.

However, our review also highlighted that the I-2 is larger and heavier than its more affordable counterparts. It was too cumbersome for one-handed use during testing, although it felt robust overall and retained that essential retro charm. We also observed that results were less consistent than those from Instax cameras we've tested, with many shots taken on auto exposure appearing overexposed. The shutter speed and aperture controls offer experienced photographers greater flexibility to achieve a better balance, though a significant investment in film will be necessary to master its nuances. Its price point will deter amateurs, but for those seeking an advanced and creatively engaging instant camera, the I-2 is a solid choice.

Read our in-depth Polaroid I-2 review

6. Fujifilm Instax Mini 99

The best creative instant camera

✅ You want to experiment:No other instant camera offers the sheer breadth of funky effects.

✅ You like the retro-look:Adorned with the classic Instax look, the Mini 99 has the old school feel.

❌ You want square-format prints:Such a creative instant camera merits the larger square format prints, not Instax Mini.

❌ You're on a budget:If you're happy with a point-and-shoot instant camera, the Mini 12 is less than half the price.

Fujifilm truly went all out with the Instax Mini 99, delivering its most feature-rich instant camera to date. It shares the same retro aesthetics as theSquare SQ40but utilizes the smaller Instax Mini film. What truly distinguishes it, however, is a host of innovative photo effects achieved through clever design touches. A prime example is the LED lights located inside the camera, which expose the film to create a palette of vibrant color effects, some of which you can see in the image gallery above. Beyond this impressive party trick, the Mini 99 includes a Sports Mode and a Bulb Mode for long exposures, a double exposure mode, and manual control over brightness.

If you're simply looking for a straightforward point-and-shoot instant camera, the Mini 99 isn't for you – the basicMini 12uses the same film type and costs less than half the price. However, if you enjoy the freedom to get creative and don't mind the potential expense of wasted film when your experiments don't quite hit the mark (which, trust us, does happen), then the Mini 99 is arguably the best creative instant camera available. For those with a similar creative inclination and an unrestricted budget, thePolaroid I-2presents another excellent option.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 review

Honorable Mentions: Other Great Instant Cameras

We've reviewed a vast array of instant cameras, meaning many excellent models just missed out on our top list. Here are a few notable mentions worth considering:

Buying Guide: How to choose the best instant camera

While most instant cameras are generally straightforward to operate and relatively inexpensive, there are still several key considerations when selecting the ideal instant camera for your specific needs and budget.

Experience level

The most basic models often function as little more than novelty cameras with rudimentary point-and-shoot settings. These are perfectly adequate if you simply desire a no-frills camera for fun party photos. However, you'll need to invest a bit more for features like macro-focusing. The higher-end options introduce hybrid digital functionality, allowing you to connect your camera to a smartphone for expanded creative controls – or to produce physical prints directly from your smartphone's camera roll.

Print size and look

Print quality and dimensions are also important factors. While no instant brand promises hyper-accurate results (which is part of their vintage charm), Instax arguably delivers the most natural-looking images. Polaroid prints often possess a dreamier aesthetic, which can be equally appealing depending on your preference. Films also come in various sizes tailored to specific cameras, so consider whether you desire pocket-sized prints or something larger. Refer to the table below for a comparison of film sizes.

Ongoing costs

Although instant cameras themselves are typically affordable, you must account for the recurring expense of film. This can quickly add up, so pay close attention to the price per pack – and estimate how many pictures you're likely to take regularly. Polaroid film generally costs more than Instax. For instance, the price of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots could buy you two packs of ten Instax Mini film. Consult the table below for a comparison of film costs.

Sensible alternatives

Some instant cameras equipped with digital screens or smartphone connectivity enable you to preview your shots before printing. This dramatically reduces wasted film (and consequently, the cost of unsatisfactory prints). Another viable alternative is a portable printer, such as theFujifilm Instax mini Link 3, which facilitates direct printing from your phone via a companion app.

Polaroid vs Instax: What's the difference?

Polaroid and Fujifilm's Instax are the two dominant brands in the instant camera market. While both utilize similar technology, relying on chemical reactions for self-developing images, their primary distinction lies in the type of film their cameras use.

Polaroid cameras accept one or two film types: the larger I-Type, which yields square-format photos, and the newer 'Go' film, exclusively used by its tinyPolaroid Gocamera. You have options for color and black-and-white film, along with a selection of different border colors.

Instax cameras offer a broader range of film types: Instax Mini, Square, and Wide film. Similar to Polaroid's film, these are not interchangeable between cameras, making your preferred film type a crucial consideration when choosing the right instant camera.

Which is the best type of film?Polaroid's I-Type boasts a size advantage, but Instax film typically proves to be slightly more affordable. For example, for the cost of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots, you could acquire two packs of ten Instax Mini film.

For a complete comparison between these instant camera brands, refer to ourPolaroid vs Instax guide. To compare the sizes of all the various Polaroid and Instax film types, consult our fully ranked list below.

Instant Film Sizes Compared

We've listed the dimensions of the most popular instant film types below, accompanied by a table for easy comparison:

Instant Film Costs Compared

Fujifilm Instax and Polaroid each use distinct film types, and their prices vary considerably. Polaroid film packs typically contain 8 sheets, while Instax packs contain 10 sheets.

Polaroid film involves a complex chemical composition and requires a full 15 minutes to develop, whereas Instax develops in just 90 seconds. Polaroid I-type prints are also larger.

Note – the prices listed below are for individual or twin packs of film. It's often possible to find discounts on multi-packs, which can reduce the cost per print. There are also more expensive limited-edition film packs available – Instax offers film with various color or design borders, and Polaroid sells limited-edition film looks. Let's take a look:

FAQs: Your Instant Camera Questions Answered

Are instant cameras still made?

Instant cameras might seem like a relic of the past in 2025, but they are absolutely still in production. In fact, they represent an increasingly popular photography format. Drawing inspiration from retro cameras of the analog era, these modern renditions are designed to rekindle the accessible enjoyment of point-and-shoot photography.

Why buy an instant camera in 2025?

There are numerous compelling reasons to invest in an instant camera in 2025. Unlike smartphone photography, instant cameras provide you with a tangible print to hold immediately, display on your fridge, or share with friends. It's a novel, tactile method to reconnect with the sheer fun of photography.

Another significant advantage is the ease of use. The best instant cameras are remarkably simple to operate, making it effortless to capture charming vintage prints. Most feature only a handful of buttons and limited shooting modes, allowing you to concentrate solely on framing your shot. Furthermore, instant cameras tend to be much more affordable than traditional compact cameras, making them an excellent entry point into photography for children.

Analog photography has witnessed a considerable resurgence in recent years, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Instant cameras offer a perfect way to partake in this throwback appeal without the steep learning curve, expense, and complexities often associated with more advanced film photography techniques.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.