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10 Best Instant Film Cameras 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,103
Film Format
Battery Type
Size and Portability

Most important from
2303 reviews

Film Format
The Instax Mini app is incredibly handy for printing photos directly from your phone onto mini Instax film, offering customization options like color changes and zoom.
Battery Type
Charging with a USB-C cable is quick and convenient, with the camera holding its charge well over time.
Size and Portability
It's a perfect addition for an avid portrait photographer looking for a lightweight, portable alternative to a heavy DSLR.
Additional Features
The camera's classic design and numerous features allow for diverse photo compositions, making it a standout choice.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera is a hybrid instant film camera that allows users to enjoy both digital and instant film photography. One of its standout features is the variety of creative options it offers with 100 different combinations of lens and film effects, making it an excellent choice for those who love to experiment with their photos.

The built-in selfie mirror and dual shutter buttons for portrait and landscape modes enhance its usability, especially for those who enjoy taking selfies or need versatility in shooting angles. The automatic exposure control simplifies the photo-taking process, ensuring well-lit images without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the camera's ability to connect to a smartphone via the free INSTAX MINI EVO app for remote shooting and printing adds convenience and modern functionality.

You can even save printed images to your phone or microSD card, although the card is not included. It prints high-quality 2” x 3” instant photos, but remember that the film is sold separately, which could be an ongoing additional cost. The compact size (5.78 x 4.06 x 3.39 inches) and lightweight design (0.63 pounds) make it portable and easy to carry around, ideal for events and travel. However, the reliance on a lithium-ion battery (included) means you'll need to keep it charged.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera is feature-rich and user-friendly, catering well to those looking for creative freedom and modern connectivity in an instant film camera.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,103
Film Format
Battery Type
Size and Portability

Most important from
2303 reviews

Film Format
The Instax Mini app is incredibly handy for printing photos directly from your phone onto mini Instax film, offering customization options like color changes and zoom.
Battery Type
Charging with a USB-C cable is quick and convenient, with the camera holding its charge well over time.
Size and Portability
It's a perfect addition for an avid portrait photographer looking for a lightweight, portable alternative to a heavy DSLR.
Additional Features
The camera's classic design and numerous features allow for diverse photo compositions, making it a standout choice.
#2

Polaroid Go Generation 2 - Mini Instant Camera + Film Bundle (16 Photos Included) - White (6282)

Rating
9.7
Size and Portability
Exposure Control
Film Format

Most important from
3364 reviews

Size and Portability
A compact and fun camera that's perfect for young photographers and easy enough for kids to use.
Exposure Control
Finding the right lighting is key, but once mastered, the pictures turn out great and vibrant.
Film Format
The film runs out quickly and can be a bit pricey, which is something to consider for frequent shooters.

The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is a compact and highly portable instant camera designed for those who want a fun, easy way to capture moments on the go. It uses a unique, smaller Polaroid Go film format, providing the iconic Polaroid instant-photo experience in a mini size—great for sharing and carrying around. The camera features automatic exposure control, making it beginner-friendly since you don’t need to adjust settings to get decent shots.

It includes a built-in flash to assist in low-light conditions, and the addition of a self-timer and a reflective selfie mirror makes it convenient for selfies and group photos. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery charges via USB-C, a modern and convenient power option that eliminates the hassle of frequent battery replacements. The camera’s build incorporates 30% recycled materials, adding an eco-friendly touch. Weighing just 240 grams, it fits easily in a pocket or bag, enhancing its portability.

However, the Polaroid Go film is smaller than standard Polaroid film, so the pictures are tiny and might not suit those wanting larger prints. Additionally, the automatic exposure limits control for users who want to experiment with different lighting effects. This camera is ideal for casual snaps and creative fun, especially for spontaneous photos and selfies, but may not satisfy users looking for bigger prints or advanced manual controls.

Rating
9.7
Size and Portability
Exposure Control
Film Format

Most important from
3364 reviews

Size and Portability
A compact and fun camera that's perfect for young photographers and easy enough for kids to use.
Exposure Control
Finding the right lighting is key, but once mastered, the pictures turn out great and vibrant.
Film Format
The film runs out quickly and can be a bit pricey, which is something to consider for frequent shooters.
#3

Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle - Now Arctic Blue Camera + 16 Color Photos (6644)

Rating
9.7
Lens Quality
Exposure Control
Flash

Most important from
965 reviews

Lens Quality
Image quality can occasionally feel blurry or low, which may disappoint those seeking sharper results.
Exposure Control
Some photos come out darker than expected, even in well-lit indoor environments.
Flash
The flash can struggle to improve image brightness in low-light conditions, sometimes leaving pictures underexposed.
Battery Type
The built-in rechargeable battery is a major convenience, lasting through many film packs without needing replacements.

The Polaroid Now 3rd Generation is a solid choice if you want the classic instant-photo experience with a modern twist. It uses Polaroid’s iconic i-Type and 600 instant film, which delivers that vintage look with full-sized photos that develop right before your eyes. The camera features a twin-lens autofocus system that automatically picks the best focus for your shot, making it easier to capture sharp images without messing with settings. You also get useful modes like double exposure for creative shots and a self-timer for selfies or group photos.

A big plus is the built-in rechargeable battery via USB-C, which lasts through more than 15 packs of film—so you won’t need to keep buying disposable batteries. The size is fairly compact and reasonably lightweight, making it easy to carry around for casual use. While the camera offers exposure control through its automatic functions, there’s no manual control for those wanting more creative input. The built-in flash works well for low light but might not be powerful enough for very dark environments.

If you’re looking for advanced features or interchangeable lenses, this model keeps things simple and straightforward. Its nostalgic design is updated with more sustainable materials, which is nice if you care about environmental impact. This camera suits anyone who values ease of use, instant physical photos, and a bit of creative fun without complicated settings.

Rating
9.7
Lens Quality
Exposure Control
Flash

Most important from
965 reviews

Lens Quality
Image quality can occasionally feel blurry or low, which may disappoint those seeking sharper results.
Exposure Control
Some photos come out darker than expected, even in well-lit indoor environments.
Flash
The flash can struggle to improve image brightness in low-light conditions, sometimes leaving pictures underexposed.
Battery Type
The built-in rechargeable battery is a major convenience, lasting through many film packs without needing replacements.

Buying Guide for the Best Instant Film Cameras

Instant film cameras are a fun and nostalgic way to capture moments and have physical photos in your hands within minutes. When choosing an instant film camera, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. These specs will help you understand the camera's capabilities and how they align with your photography preferences.
Film FormatThe film format refers to the size and type of film the camera uses. This is important because it affects the size of your photos and the availability of film. Common formats include mini, square, and wide. Mini film is small and portable, great for casual snapshots. Square film offers a classic look and is slightly larger, making it ideal for more detailed shots. Wide film provides the largest prints, perfect for group photos or landscapes. Choose a format based on the type of photos you want to take and how you plan to use them.
Lens QualityThe lens quality determines the sharpness and clarity of your photos. A higher quality lens will produce clearer and more detailed images. Lenses can range from simple plastic to high-quality glass. Plastic lenses are more affordable and suitable for casual use, while glass lenses offer better image quality and are ideal for those who want more professional-looking photos. Consider how important image quality is to you when selecting a lens.
Exposure ControlExposure control allows you to adjust the brightness of your photos. This is important for getting the right lighting in different environments. Some cameras have automatic exposure settings, which are great for beginners as they adjust the settings for you. Others offer manual controls, giving you more creative freedom to adjust the exposure based on your preferences. If you enjoy experimenting with different lighting conditions, look for a camera with manual exposure control.
FlashThe flash is used to illuminate your subject in low-light conditions. A built-in flash is common in instant film cameras and is essential for indoor or nighttime photography. Some cameras have an automatic flash that adjusts based on the lighting, while others allow you to manually control the flash. If you plan to take a lot of photos in low light, make sure the camera has a reliable flash. For more control over your lighting, look for a camera with manual flash settings.
Battery TypeThe battery type affects how you power your camera and how often you need to replace or recharge it. Instant film cameras can use disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or built-in rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries are convenient for occasional use but can be costly over time. Rechargeable batteries are more eco-friendly and cost-effective if you use the camera frequently. Built-in rechargeable batteries are convenient but require access to a power source for recharging. Consider how often you will use the camera and your preference for battery maintenance when choosing.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the camera determine how easy it is to carry around. Smaller, more compact cameras are great for travel and everyday use, while larger cameras may offer more features but can be bulkier to carry. Think about how you plan to use the camera and whether you need something that fits easily in a bag or pocket. If you want a camera that's always with you, opt for a more portable model.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your photography experience. These might include selfie mirrors, tripod mounts, multiple exposure modes, or creative shooting modes. Selfie mirrors help you take better self-portraits, while tripod mounts provide stability for long exposures or group shots. Multiple exposure modes allow you to combine two images into one, and creative shooting modes can add fun effects to your photos. Consider which features are important to you and how they align with your photography style.

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