How to Choose the Best Instant Camera (2025 guide)

Instant cameras are popular for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can bring one to a party or event and capture a spontaneous moment, then after a couple of minutes everyone gets a physical photo with a nostalgic look.

What to consider before buying

• Film size: Main choice — Mini (small), Square (Polaroid-like), Wide (large).
• Running cost: Film runs roughly $0.60–$1.20/shot for Instax Mini/Square and about $2/shot for Polaroid i-Type. Specialty borders cost more.
• Image quality: Instant photos are inherently softer than digital — pick models like Fujifilm or Polaroid for slightly better results.
• Features & price: Larger-film models and hybrid features (USB, smartphone sharing, printing) increase cost. Expect basic cameras under $100 and feature-rich ones over $200.

Film sizes (typical examples)

• Instax Mini: Film size 3.4 x 2.1 in; image ~2.44 x 1.81 in. Cheap, pocketable.
• Instax Square / Polaroid Square: Film ~3.4 x 2.8 in; square image ~2.44 x 2.44 in. Polaroid i‑Type square image ~3.11 x 3.11 in.
• Instax Wide: Film 3.4 x 4.3 in; image ~2.44 x 3.9 in. Best for groups/landscapes.

Price overview (2025 estimates)

• Instax film: ~$0.60–$1.20/shot (mini cheaper, square/wide pricier)
• Polaroid i‑Type: ≈ $2.00/shot; Polaroid Go film ≈ $1.00–$1.35/shot
• Cameras: basic <$100; mid-range $100–$200; premium >$200

Recommended models (short take)

• Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 — Easy, affordable, great for beginners. Price: ~$70–$90. Buy: Search Instax Mini 11 on Amazon
• Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 — Square prints, simple to use. Price: ~$110–$130. Buy: Search Instax Square SQ1 on Amazon
• Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 — Biggest prints, ideal for groups. Price: ~$120–$140. Buy: Search Instax Wide 400 on Amazon
• Polaroid Now — Classic Polaroid look with autofocus. Price: ~$130–$160. Buy: Search Polaroid Now on Amazon
• Polaroid Go — Ultra portable, smaller prints. Price: ~$90–$110. Buy: Search Polaroid Go on Amazon
• Leica Sofort 2 — Premium build & styling. Price: ~$200–$250. Availability: limited. Buy: Search Leica Sofort 2 on Amazon

Quick buying tip

Decide what matters most: portability & low running cost (Instax Mini), a nostalgic square look (Instax Square / Polaroid), or the biggest prints (Instax Wide). If you want hybrid features, expect to pay more.

Which format would you bring to your next party? Share your pick in the comments below — and if you need links to specific models, click the product searches above.