The Best Instant Cameras in 2024: From Polaroid to Instax

Your iPhone 15 may shoot in ultra-HD, but there’s nothing like taking a Polaroid.

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As smartphone cameras become increasingly more sophisticated, more and more people are reaching for instant cameras to capture their most precious memories. Its resurgence has even reached the A-list, with celebrities like Billie Eilish, Gigi Hadid and Justin Bieber having captured star-studded events on their personal point-and-shoots.

And when it comes to traveling, it’s a must-have companion.

First, you get the instant gratification that comes with printing your photos on the spot, which is especially useful when you’re traveling to foreign places where film developer shops may not be readily accessible. And unlike digital photos that exist solely on your devices, instant photos will leave you with tangible souvenirs from your travels that you can keep or share with others as a memento of your most recent journey.

When selecting the best instant camera for your travels, there are five key factor to consider: portability, ease of use, cost, photo quality and size. Below, I’ve rounded up a list of some of the best instant cameras on the market for wherever your travels take you next. (But if you’re in a hurry: you can’t go wrong with a disposable camera ).

BEST OVERALL

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera

The latest and greatest model in Fujifilm’s beloved Instax Mini Series is the best yet – it’s compact, lightweight, affordable, and incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect choice for travelers. It features automatic exposure and flash, along with enhanced close-up mode and a built in selfie-mirror, allowing you to effortlessly capture fantastic images. It uses affordable and readily available Instax Mini film, and photos develop in a mere 90 seconds. But enough of the technical attributes, this camera’s super appealing design truly makes it stand out from competitors. Its bubbly and compact shape is bursting with joy and creativity – available in five absolutely adorable colors. All around, this instant camera wins the race!

BEST FOR LARGE PRINTS

FUJIFILM Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera

For travelers who prefer larger, more traditional, square-format prints, the Instax Square SQ1 is for you! It combines the simplicity of Fujifilm’s Instax Mini series with the ability to produce larger (1.5x to be exact), square photos, perfect for capturing more detailed travel memories within a wider frame. Like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, the Square SQ1 features automatic exposure and flash, close-up mode, and a built-in selfie mirror. It’s marked at a higher price point than the Mini. When deciding between the two, it ultimately boils down to the price differences and whether you prefer square photos or minis.

BEST PHOTO EDITING

KODAK Mini Shot Retro 3

Like the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo above, the KODAK Mini Shot 3 Retro is also a hybrid digital/instant camera and connects to your smartphone. What sets it apart, however, is its superior post-capture editing features. This camera comes with a Companion App with endless editing possibilities, including filters, frames, stickers, blemish-control, beauty enhancements, snapchat-like face filters (i.e., dog ears) and more. Users love this camera for social settings because its editing features leave you with spunky photos similar to a photobooth at a party. This hybrid camera comes at an attractive price-point for its value, and the film it takes tends to be cheaper than others. The editing features of this camera definitely make it stand out as a travel companion, ensuring that you’ll never leave your destination without image souvenirs perfectly crafted to your vision again.

BEST HYBRID

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

With its charming retro looks and its unique blend of instant photography charm coupled with digital ease, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is certainly the best of both worlds! This camera allows you to capture photos and view them digitally before selecting which to print on that precious film, and you can save them digitally for later too. It also has a Companion App and bluetooth feature, allowing you to print photos directly from your smartphone or control the camera remotely from your fingertips. The remote controlling feature is especially great for solo travelers – you’ll never miss out on a Solo Photo Op again! Another unique feature of the Instax Mini Evo is that it comes with 10 lens effect and 10 film effect options, allowing you to curate the perfect vision for your photos. A premium camera comes at a premium price, of course!

BEST MANUAL

NONS SL660 Instant Camera

The Nons SL660 instant camera is highly versatile for creative photography, offering photographers full manual control and the option to use a wide variety of interchangeable lenses. It features a built-in light meter and optical viewfinder, allowing for precise exposure and framing for skilled photographers. While the Nons SL660 is bulkier and more expensive than other options, it is certainly an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking artistic flexibility.