10 Best Instant Cameras in 2022 (Photographer-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Includes selfie mirror and selfie mode
• Comes in five colors: sky blue, charcoal gray, ice white, blush pink, and lilac purple
• Automatic flash adjusts for various light levels
• Uses mini-film, which can fit in wallets and pocketbooks easily

Cons:

• No manual mode for more unique adjustments
• No tripod socket

This lightweight camera is perfect for people who love taking selfies with friends and family. The selfie mode is activated by simply pulling the lens forward until you reach the section marked "selfie mode." A selfie mirror is included on the front of the camera to ensure that your photo is perfect. The aperture is on the higher side, which also gives it the ideal focus for group selfies with friends and family. 

Some users remarked that the automatic flash needs time to adjust when moving between areas of different light levels and found the two jewel accessories for the shutter button were hard to keep on. However, many reviewers love how easy this camera is to use and often give this product as gifts to loved ones.

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity to Android and iOS
• Can print photos from the instant camera or smartphone
• Waterproof and smudge-proof photos
• Has options for filters and editors
• Has large LCD screen
• Small, portable design

Cons:

• No storage on the device
• No neck or shoulder strap included

This two-in-one camera-and-printer is the best option for avid scrapbookers. The multitude of filters and editing options available add creativity to your photo album. This camera has Bluetooth connectivity with iOS and Android which means you can print and add photos from your smartphone to your scrapbooks. The photos are waterproof and smudge-proof and will last a lifetime. 

Some reviewers note that the photo quality differs depending on whether it is shot from the camera or printed from the smartphone. Photos taken from the camera have the softer, vintage quality that other instant cameras have, while the photos printed from a smart device are sharper. Most, however, were happy with the quality of the photos and the small, portable design. 

Pros:

• Photos print on adhesive-backed paper
• Sliding protective case
• Built-in editor
• LCD viewfinder
• Five photos can be saved on the device
• Photos can be printed at different times
• MicroSD compatibility

Cons:

• MicroSD card not included
  
• No selfie mode

KODAK Smile Instant Print Digital Camera is the best option for beginners. This camera shares a few features with standard digital cameras, making the transition a little easier for new users. The LCD screen houses the viewfinder, editing functions, and settings, much like a smartphone. The unique sliding protective case protects the lens from damage, which is ideal for young users. 

It uses zero-ink technology to deliver vibrant full color without requiring ink or film. Some say that the camera works best in sunny or well-lit conditions, and photos taken on cloudy or foggy days come out darker. However, most feel that this was a great product for first-timers and love the small and lightweight design for frequent use on the go. 

Pros:

• Can save photos to Micro USB device
• Photos are water-resistant and tear-resistant
• Photos print in less than a minute
• Three photos save to the device
• Photos print on adhesive paper

Cons:

• No strap included, though there are strap hooks
  
• No self-timer

This camera is the perfect device for frequent travelers. This camera is lightweight and pocket-sized, perfect for carry-ons or purses. The water-resistant and tear-resistant prints will keep well for those on long trips or traveling to multiple destinations. The prints are on two-by-three-inch adhesive paper, ideal for sticking your memories in wallets, scrapbooks, and photo albums. 

Some buyers notice that their purchase didn’t come with a charger and wish to have more control over the automatic flash. However, reviewers also like the light sensor, which adjusts the flash for the lighting of the environment. The micro USB for storing photos is another well-loved feature of this camera.

Pros:

• Tripod socket included
• Several modes including selfie, landscape, and hi-key
• Available in ten colors
• Self-timer
• Selfie mirror included

Cons:

• Flash cannot be turned off or adjusted

This is a wonderful product for those that love taking portraits. The vertical orientation of the viewfinder is great for portrait photos and the auto exposure does an excellent job of balancing ambient light and flash for portraits. While the aperture is on the higher side, it still captures the subject in beautiful detail while bringing the background into better focus. 

Not being able to adjust the flash in different lighting levels can be a bit of an issue when shooting, but many reviewers appreciate the adjustments that the automatic flash makes in response to different levels of lighting. Note that this model has been discontinued by the manufacturer, but many retailers carry new and refurbished oness and the film and batteries are still accessible.

Pros:

• Comes in four colors
• Includes three colored filters: orange, purple, and green
• Comes with a neck strap
• Self-timer

Cons:

• No manual adjustment options are available

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is the best analog instant camera for users that love nostalgic square-format photos. Square-format photos are smaller than wide-format photos but larger than mini-format photos, so they can capture more in a scene. It also includes three different color filters that can be attached to the flash for beautiful customization options. 

Some reviewers remark that taking square-format photos takes some getting used to in order to properly center their shots and that it is best to acquire extra batteries since the CR2 batteries are not common. But most say that this camera is relatively easy to use with the automatic flash and various modes for lighting and love the selfie mode as well.

Pros:

• Has unique modes, including bulb exposure, kids mode, and party mode
• Has built-in tripod socket 
• Includes shoulder strap
• Self-timer

Cons:

• No selfie mode or selfie mirror

This is a wonderful camera for those interested in more advanced lighting techniques. It's equipped with several brightness controls and different settings to create amazing lighting effects in your photos. Bulb exposure mode leaves the shutter open while the shutter button is being pressed, creating light trails and other vibrant light effects in your photographs. 

While there is no selfie mode, it has a built-in tripod socket and timer so you can capture selfies manually. Some reviewers say that it can take a while to get used to lighting, the different modes, and exposures, so this camera might be better for more advanced users. Overall, most users love the classic design and that it comes with a neck strap. 

Pros:

• Has a tripod socket
• Includes close-up lens
• Has several modes including landscape mode

Cons:

• No self-timer included
• Wider and heavier than other models

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera is the best choice for landscape photography lovers. The high aperture and built-in landscape mode make this camera ideal for taking shots of wonderful, scenic views. The included close-up lens is a great bonus for capturing extra details. The tripod socket adds stability when taking pictures!

Because this camera is wider than other models, some reviewers find the camera a little bit bulky and heavy. Be mindful of that when traveling. There is no self-timer, so you would not be able to take photos of yourself. Despite this, users love the large photo format, long battery life, and amazing image quality.

Pros:

• Adjustable aperture
• Compatible with both I-type and 600 films
• Comes in seven colors
• Comes with a neck strap
• One-year manufacturer warranty
• Self-timer
  
• Tripod socket

Cons:

• Takes a bit longer than other cameras for the film to develop

This is the perfect retro camera for recapturing that soft, vintage photo that was so well-loved in the '70s and '80s. The adjustable aperture starts at f/11, which gives photos a dreamy, old-school quality because less light enters the lens. The included tripod socket and self-timer function allow you to capture lovely, nostalgic photos of yourself with family and friends.  

Some reviewers lament that the film needs to be in a dark place and takes about ten to fifteen minutes to develop properly, which is not as quick as other cameras. Despite this, most reviewers find the photo quality to be worth the wait and love some extra features like the double exposure. 

Pros:

• Compatible with both I-type and 600 film
• Bluetooth capabilities 
• Self-timer and neck strap included
• Manual mode for more personal settings
• Connects to any iOS or Android device with Bluetooth in for easy access to the Polaroid app

Cons:

• Requires a bit of a learning curve to get used to

This is an analog instant camera that combines the classic polaroid look with modern features; it is ideal for photography buffs that like to get creative for amazing shots. Users can access manual mode with the Polaroid app to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and flash intensity to their liking. 

Some reviewers find that using this camera has a learning curve that might deter casual users that prefer a simpler device. However, most find that teaching themselves about the camera's functions is more than worth it to capture those beautiful moments. Many reviewers also like that there is a built-in tripod socket for taking selfies and group photos.