If you are a reader of a certain age, you may remember the fun and convenience of using an instant camera.
The ability to take a photo and print it a minute later is what really spurred our liking for them.
The rise of digital photography caused the popularity of instant cameras to wane, but now both older and younger generations are contributing to the resurgence of instant cameras.
As such, you may want to get in on the trend.
However, there are many factors to consider before choosing the right one.
Some instant cameras produce square photos, some provide wide photos, and some can do both.
Also, some cameras have a selfie mirror to ensure you look good in photos.
Also, there are even apps available with some models, to help you edit photos, while others have micro SD card slots, so you can print and save your photos.
But what features are important to you?
For example, if you're only taking basic photos, you may not care about various types of borders and image modes.
But for other people, those features make instant cameras fun.
Cost is another factor to consider.
A higher-end, more expensive camera (presumably) will last longer, but if you're buying it for a kid or aren't sure how often you'll be using it, you may not want to spend a lot of money on it.
We had hands-on experience with most of the cameras on this list.
We've consulted with some professional photographers and researched credible reviews to help you find the best instant cameras for your needs.
Don't forget to join the CNN Underscored Spanish Telegram group for more recommendations.
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Fujifilm Instax Mini (
USD $ 77.95
/
MX $ 1,764)
Kids will love the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 that will fit any budget.
The camera is colorful (available in Sky Blue, Lilac Purple, Blush Pink, Charcoal Gray, and Ice White), and the simple design makes it easy to use for both kids and adults.
It features automatic exposure and has a built-in flash to ensure the correct amount of light regardless of the lighting level in the environment.
There is also a one-touch selfie mode, with a selfie mirror so you can see what it looks like before taking the photo.
Plus, there's a customizable shutter button, and you can choose to use a jewel-tone button or a glow-in-the-dark button.
The camera uses Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film
(
USD $ 38.20
/
MX $ 261)
, which is about the size of a credit card, and is available in packs of 20, 60 and 120.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 (
USD $ 249
/
MX $ 6,386) with accessories
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera is one of Fujifilm's most popular models, due in large part to the classic look of the camera.
There is a light bulb mode, which allows the shutter to remain open for 10 seconds when the shutter button is pressed, resulting in unique night photos.
Double exposure mode allows you to superimpose two images in a single frame.
Additionally, the camera has a macro mode for close-up shots, landscape mode for distant subjects, children mode for fast-moving subjects, and party mode to highlight the background.
Plus, the brightness control and high-performance flash help you take photos like a pro.
The camera also uses Fujifilm Instax Mini Film
(
USD $ 38.20
/
MX $ 261).
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Lomo'Instant Camera (
USD $ 149 at bhphotovideo.com)
The Lomo'Instant Wide Camera from Lomography is one of the more expensive instant cameras on our list. But let's be honest: it also
seems
the most expensive, and it's packed with features. In addition to the built-in 90mm lens, it also has a close-up lens attachment, an ultra-wide angle lens attachment, and a glass divider for merging two photos. The camera has auto and creative shooting modes and has a fully programmatic shutter for those moments when you don't want to use the flash, as well as exposure compensation. The remote control lens cap makes it easy to take group photos while you stay in the shot. The camera also includes four color flash gels to add color and artistic effects to your photos.
The Lomo'Instant Wide camera and lenses use Fujifilm Instax Wide Instant Film
(
USD $ 44.95
/
MX $ 1,294)
, available with a standard white or black background in packs of 10 or 20 sheets.
Kodak Instant Print Digital Camera (
Exhausted
/
MX $ 1,827)
The Kodak Step Instant Print digital camera is packed with features.
It supports microSD cards up to 128GB (and includes a microUSB charging cable), so you can not only print photos, but save them as well.
Additionally, the camera has 6 picture modes: Sepia, Black and White, Vibrant Colors, Bordered Sepia, Bordered Black, and Bordered Vibrant Colors.
There is also a magnetic lens cap to protect the lens from scratches.
The camera is turned on and off by raising or lowering the optical viewfinder.
It also has a 10-second self-timer and adjusts automatically in low light.
The Kodak Step Instant Print digital camera is available in two colors: black and white.
Uses Kodak 2 "x 3" Premium Zink Photo Paper
(
USD $ 9.99
/
MX $ 656)
, available in packages of 20, 50 or 100.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Camera (
USD $
139
/
MX $ 3,599)
Another of the most popular Fujifilm instant cameras, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera looks like a modern professional camera. It is large and uses wide film (twice the size of the Fujifilm Instax Mini). The focal zoom dial makes it easy to take close-ups, but it's also great for taking photos from far away. The camera is quite easy to use, especially since the LCD screen is mounted on the back of the camera, as are the flash and brightness controls. In addition to automatic flash for use in low-light settings, the fill-flash function enables backlighting, and the exposure compensation control can lighten or darken the photo.
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is available in two colors: black and white.
Uses Fujifilm Instax Wide Instant Film
(
USD $ 44.95
/
MX $ 1,294)
, available with a standard white or black background in packs of 10 or 20 sheets.
Polaroid Now I-type (
USD $ 114
/
MX $ 3,062)
Honestly, every time you say "instant camera", the first image that my mind conjures up is the classic Polaroid model.
And the Polaroid Now I-Type instant camera is probably the closest to the original you can get.
It may look like a collector's item that you put on a shelf, but the camera was redesigned to include a dual lens with autofocus, a digital photo counter, and even a new flash system.
The Polaroid Now I-Type instant camera is available in a dozen colors, including black and white, yellow and white, pink and white, and red and white.
Use Impossible / Polaroid Color Instant Film
(
USD $ 89
/
MX $ 673)
that has 8 exposures per roll.
Note: photos take 10-15 minutes to develop.
Canon Ivy CLIQ + (
USD $ 209
/
MX $ 2,513)
The Canon Ivy CLIQ + instant camera has a unique feature that you won't find in most instant cameras - an 8-LED ring light, which can help minimize shadows and reduce blemishes. That is in addition to a large 2-inch selfie mirror and autoflash, all designed to produce professional-looking selfies. The camera has a wide-angle glass lens, but you can shoot in landscape, selfie, or portrait mode. In addition to autoflash, the camera also automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture. (The lens cap is also the trigger for the remote control.) Additionally, the built-in Bluetooth can connect with the Canon Mini Print app to add frames, text, emojis, and stickers.
The Canon Ivy CLIQ + instant camera is available in sapphire blue, pearl white and ruby red.
Uses Canon Zink photo paper
(
Not available
/
MX $ 249)
2 "x 3", available in 20-sheet and 50-sheet packs.
The paper also has a sticky back, so photos can stick to any surface after the sticky backing is peeled off.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 (
USD $ 136
/
MX $ 3,131)
If you prefer to take photos in landscape mode, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera uses square film (3.5 x 1.5 x 3.75 inches), which is designed to provide more space for each photo.
It uses automatic exposure, so the built-in sensors can determine the level of brightness required based on your surroundings.
The camera has a textured grip to make it easy to hold.
It is also easy to use.
Also, there is a one-touch selfie mode and a selfie mirror.
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The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera comes in three colors: Terracotta Orange, Blue, and White.
Fujifilm Instax Square Film
(
USD $ 19.95
/
MX $ 349)
is available in 10-sheet packs or as twin packs, and background color options include White, Black, Monochrome Lighting, White Marble, Rainbow, Monochrome + Rainbow, and Rainbow + Black.
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