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10 Best Polaroid Instant Cameras 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle - Now Black Camera + 16 Color Photos (6560)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Flash

Most important from
668 reviews

Flash
The built-in flash is only effective at close range and often requires additional external lighting for better results.

The Polaroid Now 3rd Generation is a user-friendly instant camera that brings the classic Polaroid experience with modern improvements. It uses Polaroid i-Type and 600 film, providing the nostalgic look of full-sized instant prints without complicated settings. The standout feature is its sharp twin-lens autofocus, which automatically selects the best lens for your shot, ensuring clear pictures without guesswork.

It also includes creative options like double-exposure mode for artistic photos and a self-timer to help with selfies or group shots. The built-in flash and tripod mount add to its versatility. Its rechargeable USB-C battery is a significant advantage, lasting long enough for over 15 packs of film and eliminating the need for disposable batteries. Weighing just under a pound and designed with the iconic Polaroid look, it is both portable and stylish.

The maximum shutter speed is 1/60 seconds, which may limit sharpness in very bright or fast-moving scenes. While it offers creative features, it lacks advanced settings, making it best suited for casual users who want simplicity and fun rather than professional control. This camera is ideal for anyone interested in easy-to-use instant photography with a vintage feel, especially if modern conveniences like rechargeability and autofocus are appreciated.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Flash

Most important from
668 reviews

Flash
The built-in flash is only effective at close range and often requires additional external lighting for better results.
#2

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Lilac Purple + Fuji Film Value Pack (40 Sheets) + Shutter Accessories Bundle, Incl. Compatible Carrying Case, Quicksand Beads Photo Album 64 Pockets

Rating
9.7
Film Type
Size and Weight
Creative Modes and Features

Most important from
1503 reviews

Film Type
The instant film prints come out quickly and offer surprisingly good quality for such a compact and simple device.
Size and Weight
Its lightweight and easy-to-use design makes it perfect for beginners and anyone wanting straightforward instant photo-taking without complicated settings.
Creative Modes and Features
Watching the pictures develop instantly adds a fun, creative dimension that keeps users engaged and delighted, especially kids and teens.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a colorful and compact instant camera that’s great for anyone wanting to capture and print photos instantly with ease. It uses the popular Instax Mini film, which produces small, credit card-sized prints that develop right before your eyes. The included 40-sheet film pack gives plenty of chances to snap and share memories right away. Its Fujinon 60mm lens and built-in flash make it easy to take bright, clear pictures in various lighting conditions, and the auto exposure feature helps you get good results without fiddling with settings. The camera is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around for casual outings or parties.

The bundle also includes a stylish carrying case and photo album, which are practical touches for protecting the camera and organizing your prints. On the downside, the lens aperture (f/12.7) means it’s not designed for professional-quality photos or detailed close-ups, so it’s best suited for fun snapshots rather than serious photography. It also doesn’t have advanced creative modes, so it’s mainly for straightforward instant photo-taking rather than experimenting with effects.

The camera’s size and weight are reasonable, though it’s a bit heavier than some ultra-compact models. This camera bundle is well suited for beginners, casual photographers, and anyone who loves the charm of instant prints and wants a simple, no-fuss camera that comes ready to use with film and accessories.

Rating
9.7
Film Type
Size and Weight
Creative Modes and Features

Most important from
1503 reviews

Film Type
The instant film prints come out quickly and offer surprisingly good quality for such a compact and simple device.
Size and Weight
Its lightweight and easy-to-use design makes it perfect for beginners and anyone wanting straightforward instant photo-taking without complicated settings.
Creative Modes and Features
Watching the pictures develop instantly adds a fun, creative dimension that keeps users engaged and delighted, especially kids and teens.
#3

Polaroid Go Generation 2 - Mini Instant Film Camera - Black (9096) - Only Compatible with Go Film

Rating
9.1
Size and Weight
Film Type

Most important from
2969 reviews

Size and Weight
The camera's compact size makes it truly portable and perfect for capturing moments spontaneously.
Film Type
Film consumption is quite fast and the cost of the special Polaroid Go film is a notable consideration.

The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is a compact and truly portable instant camera, making it ideal for casual photography on the go. Its small size (about 4 x 3 x 2.4 inches) and light weight (240 grams) mean it easily fits in bags or even large pockets, which is great if you want to capture moments spontaneously. It uses a special Polaroid Go film that produces small instant prints, so be aware you’ll need that specific film type.

The camera offers improved image quality over earlier models thanks to a large aperture range and a precise light sensor, resulting in clearer and brighter photos. A built-in flash helps in low-light conditions, and there’s a handy selfie mirror for framing self-portraits. Creative options include double-exposure mode to combine two images and a self-timer for group shots or selfies.

The battery life is decent, supporting up to 15 film packs per full charge, and it comes with an included LR44 battery. Since it only works with Polaroid Go film, film availability and cost could be a consideration. The fixed lens and basic flash limit more advanced photography features, so this camera is best suited for users who want fun, simple instant prints rather than professional-quality shots. If you want a small, stylish instant camera to capture everyday moments in a tangible format, this model fits well.

Rating
9.1
Size and Weight
Film Type

Most important from
2969 reviews

Size and Weight
The camera's compact size makes it truly portable and perfect for capturing moments spontaneously.
Film Type
Film consumption is quite fast and the cost of the special Polaroid Go film is a notable consideration.

Buying Guide for the Best Polaroid Instant Cameras

Polaroid instant cameras are a fun and nostalgic way to capture and share moments instantly. When choosing the right Polaroid instant camera for you, it's important to consider several key specifications that will affect your overall experience and satisfaction with the camera. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.
Film TypeThe film type determines the size and style of your photos. Polaroid cameras typically use either i-Type or 600 film. i-Type film is designed for newer models and does not have a built-in battery, making it slightly cheaper. 600 film has a built-in battery and is compatible with both vintage and newer models. Choose i-Type film if you have a modern camera and want to save on film costs, or 600 film if you have an older camera or want the flexibility to use both types.
LensThe lens affects the quality and style of your photos. Polaroid cameras usually have fixed-focus lenses, which means you don't need to adjust the focus manually. Some models have a close-up lens attachment for better detail in close-up shots. If you plan to take a lot of portraits or close-up photos, look for a camera with a close-up lens option. For general use, a standard fixed-focus lens will suffice.
FlashThe flash is important for taking clear photos in low-light conditions. Most Polaroid cameras come with a built-in flash, but the power and effectiveness can vary. Some models have an automatic flash that adjusts based on the lighting conditions, while others have a manual flash that you can control. If you often take photos indoors or in low light, an automatic flash can be very helpful. For outdoor or well-lit environments, a manual flash may be sufficient.
BatteryThe battery type and life can affect how often you need to recharge or replace batteries. Some Polaroid cameras have built-in rechargeable batteries, while others use replaceable AA or AAA batteries. Built-in rechargeable batteries are convenient and eco-friendly, but you need to remember to charge them. Replaceable batteries are easy to swap out, but you need to keep spare batteries on hand. Consider your preference for convenience versus the need to carry extra batteries.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of the camera can impact how portable and comfortable it is to use. Smaller, lighter cameras are easier to carry around and use for extended periods, while larger, heavier models may offer more features or better build quality. Think about how and where you plan to use the camera. If you want something portable for travel or events, a compact and lightweight model is ideal. For home use or more serious photography, a larger camera with more features might be better.
Creative Modes and FeaturesSome Polaroid cameras come with additional creative modes and features, such as double exposure, self-timer, or color filters. These can add fun and versatility to your photography. If you enjoy experimenting with different styles and effects, look for a camera with these extra features. If you prefer simple point-and-shoot photography, a basic model without these extras will be easier to use.

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