The best instant cameras of 2026

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 436g (without batteries, strap and film)

The best instant camera is Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40. It looks great thanks to its leather details and retro design, while offering minimal controls for ease of use. It takes 3.39 x 2.83 inches Instax Square Prints Which fully delivers the retro vibes. You also get a flash, selfie mirror, front shutter and hand strap, plus it’s relatively light and easy to carry. The camera alone is $150, but you’ll need a budget for the film as well.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 306g (without batteries, strap and film)

If you’d rather spend less on both camera and film, take a look at Fujifilm Instax Mini 12. It’s a basic instant camera that’s perfect for beginners, letting you start shooting in just a few minutes. The controls couldn’t be simpler either, as you only need to twist the lens to the ‘on’ or ‘off’ position. It’s also small and thin, so it fits in a pocket and fits well in the small hands of budding young photographers.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 12 oz (without batteries, strap and film)

Where the Instax Mini 12 is cheap and cheerful, the Instax Mini 99 Provides more control and features. The best feature is the four-color in-camera LEDs that can be enabled to produce in-camera “looks,” such as “Faded Green” and “Light Leak,” which produces a glow that mimics a broken camera. Meanwhile, unlike other models, you can turn off the flash completely for a more natural look. Other great features are the rear screen and sports mode, with the only downside being the lack of a selfie mirror.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 240g (without batteries and film)

the Polaroid Joe They may be basic and relatively cheap, but they offer a lot. You get self-timer and double exposure modes, as well as Polaroid’s Square Go format film that provides that nostalgic feeling. It’s also very small and lightweight, so it’s an easy choice to take with you for any occasion. The main drawback is the autofocus, which delivers spotty results unless you’re far away from the target.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 451.5g (without film)

Polaroid is a name synonymous with instant cameras Now+ The model is the best choice for larger film. Although the prints are a little smaller than those produced by the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400, I prefer the square format that evokes old-school Polaroid photos. It also offers a host of features such as an updated app with creative shooting modes including manual, self-timer, double exposure, light painting, and an aperture priority option for depth of field.

Although the second generation model suffered from occasional exposure issues, the new model has largely rectified that and added a tripod to boot, along with some new colors. The main downside is the relatively high price Polaroid i-Type film.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 616 g (without battery, strap, film cartridge and telephoto lens)

For the largest prints possible (as long as you don’t mind the rectangular shape), the new Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is your best bet. It offers simple one-button operation, fully automatic shooting plus a new close focus option to add tight shots to your repertoire. The main downside is the lack of hybrid options, but the fact that it’s relatively basic helps keep the price low. film It’s also much cheaper than Polaroid’s i-Type.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 30.4 oz (without batteries and film)

In 2025, Polaroid was introduced We standthe most advanced modern instant camera to date. Although it is more expensive compared to other models, it has some great photography features. This includes sonar autofocus and a quad-lens hyperfocus system that improves sharpness, along with a large powerful flash that can change brightness depending on nail exposure. It has a (very) colorful, compact design that folds up for storage and lens protection. Uses the larger (but more expensive) Kodak Type i filmso it produces beautiful, shareable prints.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 285g

For the next hottest instant camera, look no further Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. It combines the classic magic of instant photography with digital photography, giving you the ability to preview shots on the 3-inch rear screen and print only the shots you want. Another cool trick is that it can act as a printer for your smartphone photos.

Design-wise, it matches the aesthetic of charming Fujifilm digital cameras like the X100 VI, and is much smaller than other Instax models. As with the X Series cameras, you have the ability to apply various simulations and effects to prints. The downside is that it is more complicated to operate than other instant cameras, but this versatility will appeal to many buyers.

Wireless connection: Nothing | Camera weight: 725.7g

If you are very interested in instant photography, Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Wide Glass It is the model to get. It has perhaps the best lens of any instant camera with a 90mm multi-coated glass model that delivers very clear images. It also comes with a host of advanced features, including exposure compensation control, a built-in flash, multi-exposure capability, a manual focus lens, an external flash sync socket, a selfie mirror, and the ability to add optional wide-angle and macro conversion lenses. The main disadvantages are its large size and relatively high price.

Wireless connection: Bluetooth | Camera weight: 320g (without batteries and film)

If the appetizer table at your typical gathering features caviar blinis and quail egg tartine, the instant camera of choice might be Leica Sofort 2. It’s a point-and-shoot model with a 28mm f/2.0 equivalent lens that can shoot Small format instant film (Or Fuji Instax film). Although the specs aren’t very impressive for a $400 instant camera, Leica nails the social aspect with the ability to capture digital photos on a microSD card, display them on the 3-inch LCD screen, and then share them with friends using Leica’s FOTOS app. It doesn’t take the best photos of any instant camera, although it offers great battery life and great portability. However, the main reason to get this model is the Leica brand and the red dot. This lets others know that you may be taking funny photos, but you definitely know what you’re doing.

If you have an instant camera that can save photos to a memory card, an instant printer lets you share favorite photos with friends and family. The best of these is Fujifilm Instax Link Widescreen Printer. It’s portable and prints quickly with true-to-life colors, plus the photos last forever. It is also very affordable.

Canon has fun with its photo printers Ivy printer 2. It uses special photo paper (which is also a poster!) so it never needs ink and allows you to print photos with funky graphics and borders. At the same time, it is easy to set up, reliable, highly portable and affordable.