8 Best Film Cameras For Beginners 2025 in the United States

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera is an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore instant film photography. It features a Fujinon 60mm lens and an optical image viewfinder, which makes it easy to frame shots without any fuss. The camera's built-in flash and auto exposure mode ensure that your photos come out well-lit and properly exposed, even in varying lighting conditions. The inclusion of a selfie mirror on the lens is a thoughtful addition for users who enjoy taking self-portraits.

Additionally, the camera bundle comes with 50 sheets of Instax film and various accessories like a custom case and a photo album, providing good value for its price. The camera produces credit card-sized prints quickly, which is a fun way to capture and share moments instantly. However, the camera is mostly automatic, which might limit learning opportunities for those wanting to delve deeper into manual controls and settings. The build quality appears to be solid, but its plastic construction may not feel as premium compared to other higher-end models.

Ergonomically, it is lightweight and easy to handle, though some users may find it slightly bulky. This camera is best suited for casual photographers, hobbyists, or anyone looking to quickly and easily capture moments without worries about complex settings.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera is a great choice for beginners in film photography. This instant camera uses Instax Mini film, known for its credit card-sized prints, and comes with a bundle of 40 film sheets, which provides a good starting point for new users. The camera features a Fujinon 60mm f/12.7 lens and an optical image viewfinder, making it easy to frame and shoot your photos.

One of the significant advantages of the Instax Mini 11 is its automatic exposure control, which simplifies the photo-taking process by adjusting the shutter speed and flash output automatically. This feature is especially beneficial for beginners who may not be familiar with manual exposure settings. Additionally, the built-in flash ensures well-lit photos even in low-light conditions. The camera's design is colorful, fun, and compact, making it very portable and easy to carry around. The included carrying case with a removable strap adds to its practicality and convenience. The bundle also includes a photo album, allowing users to store and organize their prints neatly.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The camera has limited manual controls, which may not be suitable for users looking to learn and experiment with different exposure settings. The optical viewfinder, while functional, does not provide a through-the-lens view, which may result in slight framing inaccuracies. Additionally, the cost of film can add up over time, which is something to keep in mind if you plan to take a lot of photos. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a user-friendly and enjoyable camera for beginners venturing into instant film photography.

The Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film is a solid choice for beginners in film photography. This product comes in a pack of three rolls, each with 36 exposures, providing a total of 108 pictures, which is great for practice and learning the ropes without running out of film too quickly. The film format type is 135, which is standard 35mm and compatible with many beginner-friendly film cameras. The ISO 400 rating makes it versatile for different lighting conditions, including low light, offering flexibility for various shooting environments.

The film produces vibrant and sharp color prints, indicating consistent satisfaction with image quality and color reproduction. However, it's worth noting that the package is relatively heavy at 4 lbs, which might be a consideration for carrying around. Also, the product dimensions suggest it takes up a bit of space, so storage could be a factor when planning shoots. This film doesn’t require any batteries, removing the hassle of managing battery life, which is convenient for beginners.

Manufactured in China, the Kodak Ultramax 400 has been available since 2011 and is still a top seller, implying it’s a reliable and trusted choice. If you're just starting with film photography and want a dependable, high-quality film, the Kodak Ultramax 400 is worth considering.