The instant camera market has taken off in recent years and there are a lot of great options ranging from around $60 all the way up to several hundred dollars. Over the course of many fun weekends, we`ve shot with virtually all all of them, to find out which is the best. Below is a breakdown of the 4 instant formats:
Instant format
Manufacturer
Image size
Shot per pack
Instax Mini
Fujfilm
46 × 62 mm 1.8 × 2.4 `
10
Instax Square
Fujfilm
62 x 62 mm2.4 x 2.4 `
10
Instax Wide
Fujfilm
99 x 62 mm3.9 x 2.4 `
10
I-type
Polaroid Originals
79 x 79 mm3.1 x 3.1 `
8
Ultimately, this rebirth of the Instant camera market can be attributed to one word: Fun! There´s something about about having a tangible object to share that makes these cameras hugely enjoyable. They also make great gifts. Here are our recommendations:
Our pick: Fujifilm Instax Mini 70
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 strikes the perfect balance of price to features to make it our top overall pick - plus it makes use of the most affordable instant format. Available in six colors, the Mini 70 is among the most compact and lightweight instant cameras on the market, and also among the prettiest (in our opinion). The CR2 batteries it uses can be a little annoying to find, but battery life overall is great. And unlike rechargeable instants, the Mini 70 should still have some juice in it even if left on a shelf for several months.
But most importantly, it`s really easy to use. Users simply select their shooting mode - normal, macro, selfie, landscape, self timer or high key - and the camera does the rest. And unlike some of its competitors, focus is motor-driven (three positions) and set by the camera when your mode is selected. Exposure is fully automatic, though there is a +2/3rd EV option (that`s the high key mode). Overall, the Mini 70 does a good job balancing flash with ambient light thanks to a variable shutter.
Of course, for a little more ca ...
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