What is it we love so much about instant cameras? Is it the nostalgia-factor? Or the sensation of being able to hold/share a physical print? Maybe it´s the excitement that comes from watching an image slowly appear before your eyes. Surely for some, the lo-fi image quality is refreshing in an increasingly high-resolution, digital world.
Whatever the reason, instant cameras are a ton of fun. And for $50+, you can get in on that fun. These cameras come in a variety of formats (see our chart) and a wide range of designs. And after extensive testing of each model we´ve picked our favorites below.
Instant format
Manufacturer
Image size
Shot per pack
Average cost of twin pack
Instax Mini
Fujifilm
46 × 62 mm 1.8 × 2.4 `
10
$12.50 / 20 exposures
Instax Square
Fujifilm
62 x 62 mm2.4 x 2.4 `
10
$18.50 / 20 exposures
Instax Wide
Fujifilm
99 x 62 mm3.9 x 2.4 `
10
$15 / 20 exposures
I-type
Polaroid Originals
79 x 79 mm3.1 x 3.1 `
8
$30 / 16 exposures
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 ...
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