10 Best Instant Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Polaroid Now 3rd Generation instant camera is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys the classic experience of instant photography with a modern twist. It uses Polaroid i-Type and 600 film formats, which are easy to find and deliver iconic, full-sized color photos. The camera is designed to be user-friendly with features like autofocus and auto exposure, making it straightforward to point, shoot, and have instant physical pictures. Its built-in flash and improved light meter help capture better photos even in varied lighting conditions, improving the image quality compared to older models.

One of the camera's strengths is its portability. Weighing just under a pound and being compact, it’s easy to carry around for parties, travel, or casual outings. The rechargeable USB-C battery is a nice upgrade over disposable batteries, adding convenience and sustainability. The design is also eye-catching and mindful, made partly from recycled materials.

Special features like a self-timer for group shots and a double-exposure mode let users get creative with their pictures, adding fun options beyond basic snapshots. While the image quality is improved, it still has the characteristic softness and sometimes unpredictable exposure of instant film, which might not satisfy those wanting very sharp or highly detailed images. This camera is ideal for casual users and Polaroid fans who want reliable instant prints with creative options and ease of use but is less suited for those needing professional-level image sharpness or more advanced manual controls.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a charming and compact instant camera that prints credit-card-sized photos on Fujifilm’s popular INSTAX MINI film. Its small size and lightweight design, about 4 by 2.6 by 4.8 inches and just 1 pound, make it easy to carry around, perfect for casual outings or parties. Turning the camera on and off is simple: just twist the lens, which is great for users who want straightforward operation without fuss. The camera includes a handy built-in selfie mirror and a close-up mode with parallax correction, helping you capture better selfies and close shots.

Thanks to its automatic exposure and flash control, photos come out bright without being washed out, a common issue with instant cameras, so image quality is reliable for this category. It uses 2" x 3" INSTAX MINI instant film, which is not included and needs to be purchased separately—this is important to keep in mind as the film adds to ongoing costs. Each photo prints quickly in about five seconds, with full development following in roughly 90 seconds. Powered by two AA batteries (included), it’s ready to use right away.

This fun and user-friendly camera is ideal for those new to instant photography or looking for a stylish, easy-to-use option. While it doesn’t offer advanced controls or digital features found in more expensive models, it is a cute and simple camera that produces instant physical photos with good color and brightness, making it a great choice for instant photo enthusiasts.

The Fujifilm INSTAX Wide 400 Instant Camera in Sage Green is a solid choice for those who enjoy instant photography. It utilizes Instax Wide film, which is known for producing larger prints compared to the standard Instax Mini film. This is great for capturing more detail and fitting more subjects into your shots.

The camera’s automatic exposure and flash control are user-friendly features that help ensure well-lit and properly exposed photos without manual adjustments. The inclusion of a self-timer with an LED countdown is particularly useful for group shots or selfies. Three focus modes—Normal, Landscape, and Macro (via an included close-up lens)—offer versatility in different shooting scenarios, and the package comes with handy accessories like a shoulder strap and a camera angle adjustment accessory to help you take perfectly angled photos.

The camera requires 4 AA batteries, which are included, making it ready to use right out of the box. With dimensions of 9.75 x 4.24 x 5.75 inches and weighing 1.34 pounds, it’s relatively portable, though a bit bulkier than some other models. Nonetheless, for those who prioritize ease of use and larger print sizes, this camera is a strong contender.