10 Best Instant Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Dylanto Instant Print Camera is designed especially for young kids aged 3 to 12, combining photo-taking with instant black and white printing. It uses instant film to produce prints quickly, which is exciting for children who like seeing their photos right away. The camera has a simple electronic shutter with automatic exposure control, so kids don't need to adjust complicated settings. Its compact size and soft, shockproof casing help protect it from drops—a plus for younger users. A built-in flash assists in low-light conditions, making it easier to capture clear pictures indoors or at night.

It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts about 3-4 hours, suitable for several play sessions before needing a charge via a modern USB Type-C cable. With a 2.4-inch screen, kids can preview and enjoy their photos, and features like 1080p video, digital zoom, games, and music add more fun beyond simple photography. The camera includes useful accessories such as three rolls of printing paper and a 32GB memory card, making it ready to use out of the box.

While the camera prints only black and white photos, which might be less exciting than color prints, it simplifies the process and keeps costs down. The digital zoom and video quality are decent for kids but won’t match adult cameras. This camera serves as a great educational and entertaining gift that encourages creativity and reduces screen time from phones, making it especially suitable for young children just starting to explore photography.

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.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera in Lilac Purple is a charming option for those looking to capture moments with simplicity and fun. It uses Fujinon 60mm f/12.7 lens, producing credit-card-sized prints that develop instantly, which can be quite exciting and nostalgic for users. The bundle includes 40 sheets of Fujifilm Mini instant film, ensuring you’re equipped to start snapping right away, and an accessory bundle that includes a stylish carrying case and a photo album, adding practicality and value to the purchase.

The camera's automatic exposure control is a user-friendly feature, making it accessible for beginners who may not want to fuss with manual settings. The built-in flash helps improve photo quality in low-light conditions, although it might not provide the best results in very dark environments. The compact size and fun color make it an attractive choice for casual outings and social gatherings.

One downside is the film cost, which can add up if you take a lot of pictures, but this is a common issue with instant cameras. Additionally, while the camera's image quality is good for its class, it's not comparable to modern digital cameras, being more about capturing the moment creatively rather than achieving high-definition results. The camera is powered by batteries, which are not as convenient as rechargeable options, but they are easy to replace and keep you shooting on the go. This camera is ideal for hobbyists or those who enjoy the instant print experience, combining ease of use with charming aesthetics.