The Best Polaroid and Instant Cameras in 2021

Traditionally, instant cameras have been more about convenience than quality. The rawness of the images associated with the classic Polaroid camera is all part of the appeal. And in an age where that rawness is more desirable than ever, many people are asking one simple question… What’s the best Polaroid camera?

Sure, you could take the best snap with your smartphone, go to editing extremes to make your shots look as retro as possible, then throw them on Instagram. (And if that’s your go-to, this post probably isn’t for you.)

Or you can opt for the pure and untainted Polaroid experience. If that’s what you’re looking for, trust us, there’s no shortage of options to explore. In fact, there’s a pretty remarkable range of instant cameras that produce immaculate images in seconds.

It’s a field that has come a long way since the first Polaroid camera was launched. And, believe it or not, some of these pack some seriously impressive technology.

 

Instant Camera Features and Functionalities

Let’s face it, part of the beauty of instant cameras is in the simplicity. You don’t necessarily need one with all the bells and whistles. Or, if you do, then you probably have a good reason (maybe a solid DSLR you’re still completely smitten with).

Well, good news! There’s an extensive market for both the simple Polaroid-type cameras and their high-end instant camera equivalents; the kind with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound/motion-activated shutters and more.

No matter which takes your fancy, these beauties have you covered. And all these instant cameras are guaranteed to produce those unmistakable, white-framed images that never fail to capture moments.

In the listings below, we’ve focused primarily on picture quality, user-friendliness and value for money. Features and functionalities vary, of course, but each of the following is a true stand-out camera on the scene.

Pick up any of these and you won’t regret it:

 

1. Polaroid Originals OneStep+

Without a shadow of doubt, the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ is the most awesome instant camera in its category right now. This kit essentially pairs everything that was fantastic about the original Polaroid with a selection of new-generation digital camera features.

It has Bluetooth connectivity to enable use of your smartphone as a remote shutter. It can be activated with a hand-clap, and has a fantastic 89mm lens for portrait shots. As an added bonus, it also looks fantastic and is not nearly as expensive as it deserves to be.

Though not the cheapest instant camera on a per-shot basis, what you get in terms of value for money with the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ is genuinely unbeatable.

Main Features and Specs at a Glance:

• Type: Instant camera
• Film type: Polaroid 600 & Polaroid i-Type
• Image size: 108x88mm | Lens: 103mm/89mm
• Minimum shooting distance: 60cm
• Focus modes: Macro, Normal and Landscape
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes
• Viewfinder: Optical
• User level: Beginner

 

2. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300

Capable of churning out prints considerably larger than most comparable instant cameras, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is a bulky piece of kit. Still, dealing with its proportions is a small price to pay for such sizeable and consistently superior prints.

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 has been designed to instantly produce prints as close to ‘normal’ photograph size as possible.

Though not particularly portable size-wise, this camera is surprisingly lightweight and exceptionally easy to use. It runs on four AA batteries (not the normal two), so it’s got decent longevity. And the built-in flash is more than powerful enough to deal with low light conditions.

All in all, the best of the bunch for producing standard-sized photos at the touch of a button. Though, perhaps less suitable for anyone in need of a pocket-friendly camera.

Main Features and Specs at a Glance:

• Type: Instant camera
• Film type: Fujifilm instax WIDE film
• Image size: 99x62mm
• Lens: 95mm f/14
• Minimum shooting distance: 40cm
• Exposure modes: Dark, Normal, Light
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: No
• Viewfinder: Optical
• User level: Beginner

 

3. Polaroid Go

Adorable and downright irresistible, the Polaroid Go is one of the most popular cameras the company has ever put out. Tiny in size and absurdly cute, the Polaroid Go is the ultimate mini camera for instant shots.

This is one of the few instant cameras you can genuinely pop into your pocket and take with you everywhere.

The shots are equally tiny and adorable at 4.7x 4.6cm. And they’re produced in the kind of high quality that belies a featherweight palm-sized camera.

The rechargeable battery delivers enough juice for most everyday outings and nights on the town, while the Polaroid Go instant film packs you’ll be needed aren’t too painfully priced.

We genuinely believe this camera could perform half as good and it would still be impossible to resist! A real little stunner!

Main Features and Specs at a Glance:

• Type: Instant camera
• Film type: Polaroid Go instant film
• Image size: 7x 4.6cm
• Lens: 34mm
• Shooting modes: Automatic, double exposure
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes
• Viewfinder: Optical
• User level: Beginner

 

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 does a fantastic job delivering just the right amount of style, sophistication and simplicity. Gorgeously presented and an absolute breeze to use, it’s got fun, games and family frivolity written all over it.

While some criticise the near-total lack of adjustable settings, that’s exactly what makes the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 a winner.

With this camera, you just pick it up, point it and shoot. Three steps to surprisingly great photos in decent light settings.

Perfect for those who like to keep it simple and one of the best options out there for kids. The price is also just about right, and the film is relatively cheap. The only downside with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is the fact that you cannot turn the flash off.

Main Features and Specs at a Glance:

• Type: Instant camera
• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
• Image size: 2x4.6cm
• Lens: 60mm f/12.7
• Minimum shooting distance: 30cm
• Exposure modes: Automatic
• Flash: Built-in (cannot be deactivated)
• Self-timer: No
• Viewfinder: Optical
• User level: Beginner

 

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

This is the instant camera to reach for when you’re planning lengthy outings away from plug sockets and spare batteries. According to the manufacturer, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is capable of printing a full 10 packs of shots from a single charge of the battery, which is pretty impressive.

The retro styling of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic carries significant appeal to purists and hipsters, with a dash of faux leather thrown in just for good measure. The in-built flash can be switched off to preserve the battery, and the selfie mirror is a handy additional feature.

As is the LCD display strip for keeping track of settings. All of which adds up to a simple yet effective instant camera that’s great for beginners.

Main Features and Specs at a Glance:

• Type: Instant camera
• Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
• Image size: 2x4.6cm
• Lens: 60mm f/12.7
• Minimum shooting distance: 30cm
• Shooting modes: Party, Kids, Landscape, Macro, Double Exposure, Bulb
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes
• Viewfinder: Optical
• User level: Beginner

 

6. Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera

Our number six pick comes in the form of the sleek and seriously slick Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera. This camera has been designed to be as slim and portable as a smartphone, coupled with the brand’s iconic Zink (zero ink) technology to produce superb shots at a size of 2x3 inches.

There’s a MicroUSB memory card slot for up to 256 GB of extra storage. And the 5MP main sensor is more than sharp enough for the size of the prints. Keep in mind though, the resulting shots aren’t quite as retro as those produced by some comparable cameras; they’re more akin to home-printed shots using a regular printer.

Not that this is necessarily a bad thing.

Main Features and Specs at a Glance:

• Type: Instant camera
• Film type: Zero Ink (ZINK)
• Image size: 2x3in
• Lens: 32mm f/2.8
• Minimum shooting distance: Not given
• Shooting modes: Colour, B&W
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: Yes
• Viewfinder: LCD screen
• User level: Beginner

 

7. Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro

Rounding off the rankings in style, the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is a cheap, cheerful and cheeky gadget you’ll never get tired of using. This highly portable camera uses Kodak's 4PASS all-in-one cartridges, resulting in more vivid and colourful prints that really pop.

Running costs with the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro are competitive and it’s easy enough for anyone to get to grips with. It has a main 10 MP sensor that’s great for catching decent enough shots to be saved via Bluetooth. Keep in mind though, there’s no internal storage built into the camera itself.

The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro was built with simple fun and enjoyment in mind; up for grabs at a cheap price and bursting with retro charm.

Main Features and Specs at a Glance:

• Type: Instant camera
• Film type: 4PASS All-in-One Cartridge
• Image size: 3x3in
• Lens: Not specified
• Minimum shooting distance: Not given
• Shooting modes: Filters, exposure control, bordered, borderless
• Flash: Built-in
• Self-timer: No
• Viewfinder: 7 inch LCD
• User level: Beginner