Best Polaroid Cameras 2023

Film type: Polaroid i-Type | Print size: 3.1 x 3.1 inches

Best for: The vintage Polaroid instant picture-taking experience, with a few modern twists.

To make getting started with instant photography easier, Polaroid shifted to selling its popular Now+ camera as part of specialized sets. For example, there’s the Starter Set and Travel Set. Each comes with at least one box of instant film and includes at least one camera accessory. This Starter Kit bundles the Now+ camera, two boxes of color i-Type film and one box of black and white i-Type film.

This modern twist on the vintage Polaroid camera can wirelessly link with your smartphone. You can remotely control the camera via your phone, making it easy to focus, adjust aperture priority and snap your shots using light paintings or double exposure techniques.

Pros:

• Camera comes with three boxes of film
• Includes five special effect camera filters
• Camera pairs wireless with a smartphone via Bluetooth

Cons:

• Additional film is expensive

Film type: Polaroid Go Film | Print size: 2.1 x 2.6 inches

Best for: Taking instant photos while you’re on-the-go.

Polaroid Go allows you to snap a photo and then have a print in your hand within minutes, but the camera is shrunk down to make it much more portable. It includes a self-timer so you can capture instant selfies. However, with the smaller camera size comes smaller size prints that are just 2.1 x 2.6-inches.

This camera works exclusively with Polaroid Go Film (sold separately). Amazon separately sells a discounted film bundle that includes five double film packs—enough to shoot 80 photos—for $110.

Pros:

• More compact than the Polaroid Now+
• Film is less expensive

Cons:

• Print size is just 2.1 x 2.6 inches

Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini | Print size: 2.4 x 1.8 inches

Best for: An advanced photographer who wants instant prints.

Back in the day, the popularity of Lomo’s simple point-and-shoot cameras gave birth to an entire style of photography, called Lomography. Today’s rendition of this camera, called the Lomography Lomo’Instant camera, is for the more adventurous instant photographer. Like most instant cameras, it’s fully automatic, however, it’s focus is not automatic. This camera is more advanced than the typical instant cameras: It comes with three interchangeable lenses—for far, moderate and close focus distances. And it has other advanced features like multiple exposures and long exposures using a “bulb” setting that leaves the shutter open for as long as you hold the button down (up to 30 seconds). This is a popular technique for night photography and for creating artistic light trail photos. The removable lens cap for this camera has a wireless remote control built in for triggering the shutter from a distance. The camera uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film cartridges to produce its creative prints.

Pros:

• A wonderful modern-day rendition of a Lomography camera
• Three interchangeable lenses
• Has three shooting modes

Cons:

• Generates small size prints
• Expensive

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Film type: Instax Mini instant film | Print size: 2 x 3 inches

Best for: Snapping those special moments without breaking the bank.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 gives you a quick picture at an affordable price. It captures and then prints 2 x 3-inch prints in just five seconds; in another 90 seconds, your photo is completely developed and ready to go. To turn on your camera, simply twist the lens. It also has the auto exposure feature, plus a close-up mode with parallax correction. We especially love the integrated selfie mirror with a hand strap included for easier management. 

The compact design is incredibly lightweight, weighing just a pound, so it is perfect to take with you on the go. Use with Instax Mini instant film, which is sold separately. 

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Selfie mirror

Cons:

• No double exposure

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

Film type: Instax Mini instant film | Print size: 2 x 3 inches

Best for: When you can’t decide between a digital or instant camera.

When you can’t decide which type of camera you want, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo blends a digital camera with a polaroid camera to bring you the best of both worlds. Enjoy 2 x 3-inch color prints with 600 DPI printing, plus the ability for remote shooting when you use the Instax Mini Evo App. 

There are 10 lens options with 10 film effect options, giving you plenty of ways to capture your photo. In addition to the auto-exposure feature, there are dual shutter buttons available for both your portrait and landscape needs. Plus, there is a built-in selfie mirror for those days when you are looking your best.

Pros:

• Fun retro design
• Easy Bluetooth printing
• Digital filters

Cons:

• Subpar digital images