Best Instant Cameras in 2025: Our favorite retro Picks From Polaroid, Instax, and More

David Schloss Administrator

David Schloss has been testing and reviewing camera gear for nearly thirty years, and has been a photographer since his father gave him a Nikon EL in 1979. He has served as Editor-in-Chief of Digital Photo Pro, Digital Photo, and HDVideo Pro magazines, as well as Technology Editor for Outdoor Photographer and Photo District News. Over the course of his career, he has written three photography books, ghostwritten several others, and contributed articles and photography to more than 30 publications spanning technology, photography, fitness, and lifestyle. In addition, he runs the YouTube channel Dave Tries This, where he brings the same expertise to real-world gear reviews.

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By David Schloss

Last updated 10/01/2025

The best Instant cameras are all about fun, creativity, and tangible memories. Fujifilm leads the category with its Instax line, but Polaroid, Kodak, and Leica each bring unique options. Whether you want a budget-friendly starter, a stylish hybrid, or a premium design statement, there’s an instant camera for every type of creator.

In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best options the market has to offer, highlighting the main features that make each one a great choice for you. So, whether you’re a traveller looking to create lasting memories or someone more traditional who enjoys having a hard copy of their photos, this guide will have an instant camera that is perfect for you.

Best Instant Cameras: picks at a glance

For beginners, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the easiest entry point with its simple controls and affordable film. The Square SQ40 is the sweet spot for style and format, while the Mini Evo offers hybrid flexibility with digital previews. Polaroid fans can choose between the advanced I-2 or creative Now+. Kodak’s Smile is the most travel-friendly, and Leica Sofort 2 is the ultimate premium pick with hybrid flexibility and refined design.

Why Trust Us

At Imaging Resource, we’ve tested instant cameras across Fujifilm, Polaroid, Kodak, and Leica in real-world shooting—from parties and travel to creative portrait sessions—so you can see how they perform where it matters. For models we haven’t personally tested, we rely on trusted feedback from industry reviewers and creators to ensure accuracy and fairness.
We never take payment for placement, and even though our articles contain affiliate links, they never influence our editorial rankings.

Best Instant camera in 2025: Our reviews

With its classic design and square-format prints, the SQ40 strikes a balance between style and usability. Its film format provides more space than the mini-series, making it ideal for portraits and travel photos. The design of this camera makes it look more professional than it is, but people like the look of this, and I’ve gotten questions about this camera when I’ve shot with it. 

The Instax Mini 12 is one of the easiest instant cameras to use, with simple controls and a bright, fun design. It’s a great starter option for anyone who wants affordable prints and a lightweight camera for casual use. This is one of my favorite cameras to bring on a trip, where I photograph people and give them a print. 

This hybrid camera combines digital capture with instant printing, letting you choose which shots to print. Its retro design and filter options make it a versatile and stylish tool for creative users. This camera sits on my desk a few feet from me. I’ve brouht it to everything from birthday parties to portrait shoots. The retro style really matches with Jujifilm’s retro vibe. 

Shooting the largest format in the Instax family, the Wide 300 produces prints nearly twice the size of Instax Mini. It’s bulkier but perfect for group photos and travelers who want bigger keepsakes. I had the previous version of this camera, and it’s an interesting form factor that feels a bit like a camera from the early days of digital photography. 

Adding Bluetooth connectivity and app-based controls, the Now+ bridges the gap between classic Polaroid charm and modern features. It offers creative tools like double exposure and manual settings at an entry-level price point. It’s hard for me to not love this camera, with the look straight out of my childhood. Of course, those cameras didn’t have Bluetooth or an app, but it got the job done. Being able to transfer images to an app is a nice little perk. 

The I-2 is Polaroid’s most advanced instant camera, featuring a sharp lens system, built-in light meter, and manual controls. It’s a strong midrange choice for photographers who want more creative flexibility than a simple point-and-shoot.It reminds me of a droid from Star Wars and offers an impressive amount of controls for an instant camera. This one might be overkill but it does get the most out of a sheet of film. 

Unlike traditional instant cameras, the Polaroid Lab transforms digital smartphone photos into instant prints. It’s a creative and modern way to enjoy instant photography while still working within the Polaroid ecosystem, since you don’t need any camera besides your phone. It definitely looks odd, but the idea here was to simulate the photo labs in the days of film labs. 

Compact and digital-hybrid, the Kodak Smile lets you preview images before printing on ZINK paper. Its slim, portable design makes it perfect for travelers who want instant prints without carrying bulky film packs. An adorable little camera you can drop in a camera bag, purse or messenger bag. It’s not the best output, as these are prints instead of film, but it’s still great for quick selfies with your friends. 

Leica’s instant camera combines premium design with the flexibility of hybrid shooting. It can print directly or save digital files, making it one of the most flexible instant cameras available. Only Leica could design such a minimalist camera with such a high price tag. I haven’t used this camera yet, but I’m in love with the look of it.

Instant cameras compared: Specifications

Instax vs Polaroid: What’s the difference?

When it comes to choosing the best Instant film camera, there are really only two names to consider – Polaroid or Instax. While brands like Leica get a say in our list, the above are the dominating brands in the Instant camera space – and for good reason.

But which one is the best? Well, that really comes down to your personal use cases, requirements, and design preferences. The main difference between the two brands is design and handling, with Polaroid opting for a more traditional aesthetic, while Instax offers a new-age aesthetic that is characterized by a softer, more rounded hand feel.

Both Polaroid and Instax utilize cartridges of film to operate, with both brands offering different-sized photos depending on what model you opt for. That said, some film cartridges differ in how many shots they can take – with some featuring 8, instead of 10.

Outside of that, the other main difference is battery life – a factor that is becoming increasingly important amongst travellers. Overall, Polaroid typically takes more shots per battery than Instax, with the difference between the two brands being roughly 15%. That said, there are anomalies to this rule, with the Instax SQ40 – our top pick – being able to take around 300 shots.

Instant camera FAQs

Q. How do instant cameras work?

Instant film cameras work by exposing a sheet of special film to light when you press the shutter. The film contains layers of chemicals that react and develop automatically, producing a fully developed, physical photo in just a few minutes. This allows you to see your image almost immediately without needing a separate printer or darkroom.

Q. Can I use any film in an instant camera?

No, each instant camera is designed for a specific film format, such as Fujifilm Instax Mini, Instax Square, Instax Wide, or Polaroid i-Type/600. Using the wrong film can damage the camera or prevent it from printing properly.