10 Best Instant Cameras 2025 in the United States

The ESOXOFFORE Instant Print Camera for Kids is designed to be an engaging and educational toy for children aged 3-12. One of its standout features is the instant printing function, allowing kids to print black and white photos within a second of pressing the shutter. The camera also offers color photo storage on a 32GB SD card, included in the package. With 15 scene filters and 16 stickers, it provides a creative outlet for children to explore photography and art.

The multiple functions, such as a 2.4-inch screen, 1080P video recording, 16X digital zoom, and built-in games, make it versatile for various needs and activities. Safety is a key aspect, as the camera uses non-toxic materials and thermal printing technology that is safe for children's skin. Its shockproof shell adds durability, making it resilient to falls and rough handling. The camera supports Type-C charging and offers 2-3 hours of continuous use per charge.

Despite its numerous features, the camera is lightweight and portable, making it convenient for travel. On the downside, the instant photos are only in black and white, which might be less appealing for some children. Moreover, the automatic exposure control might not always produce the best photo quality in varying light conditions. However, considering its price and the educational value it offers, it is a great gift option for young children, especially as it helps reduce their screen time on smartphones.

The Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera is a new take on classic instant photography, making it a great choice for casual photographers looking to capture and print memories on the spot. Its design is user-friendly, which means you can simply point, shoot, and keep your photos forever. The bundle comes with 16 color photos, so you can start using it right away, which is a significant plus for newcomers.

A standout feature of this camera is its automatic exposure control, which helps ensure your photos come out well-lit without needing to fiddle with settings. Additionally, the double exposure feature is a fun way to get creative, allowing you to layer two images in one. The built-in flash provides good illumination, making sure everyone looks their best in photos.

On the sustainability front, the camera is made with 40% recycled materials, and it charges via USB-C, which is more convenient than traditional charging methods. However, this camera has its limitations. For example, it only supports i-Type and 600 film, which can be a drawback if you’re looking for a wider selection of film types. Another consideration is the size and weight; it's portable, but at 445 grams, it may feel a bit heavy for extended use.

The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is a 2-in-1 instant digital camera and photo printer that offers a convenient way to capture and print memories. It supports both bordered and borderless 3x3 inch photos, and the 4PASS printing technology ensures high-quality, durable prints that are resistant to fingerprints and water, promising longevity. One of its standout features is the ability to print photos directly from your smartphone via Bluetooth, making it versatile and user-friendly. The bundled 60-sheet cartridge helps keep printing costs lower, which is a significant benefit for frequent users.

However, it has automatic exposure control, which means you have less manual control over the photo settings, potentially limiting creativity for advanced users. The camera is relatively bulky with dimensions of 6.7 x 6.5 x 5.9 inches and weighing 850 grams, which might make it less portable compared to other instant cameras. It runs on a lithium metal battery, which is included, ensuring you can start using it right away.

The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is perfect for those who seek a blend of instant photography with digital convenience, especially if you value photo quality and ease of use over manual controls and portability.