The Best Polaroid Cameras - Say Sayonara to Lousy Polaroid Prints
This entry was posted on February 11, 2022.
Polaroid cameras take all the brainwork out of photography and make the art accessible to everyone. There's a beauty in how simple they make pressing the shutter, and the candid prints which they slide out freeze special moments forever.
Last year we showed you some solid Polaroid cameras in our 2021 instant camera article. But in this article, we bring you up to speed on all the latest developments.
So say sayonara to lousy Polaroid prints with these brilliant instant rigs!
What is a Polaroid camera?
First things first, Polaroid cameras are in fact instant cameras. This type of camera system was developed in the early 20th century by scientist Edwin Land but was made commercially successful by the Polaroid Corporation.
The brand Polaroid became a household name in photography, and was soon used to describe all instant setups.
The idea behind instant photography is simple: create an all-in-one system in the palm of the hand. Load your film, click the shutter, see the result. Job done! There's no need for a dark room, and images can be processed on the go.
You won't get the versatility of modern lens-interchangeable DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and the cost of replacing film can add up. But you will get emotionally charged shots that help us to reminisce. There's a good reason why you'll find many walls plastered in a Polaroid collage.
The best Polaroid cameras
So let's look at the best Polaroid cameras. From beginner to pro, there's a Polaroid camera here for all ability and interest levels.
Polaroid Now I-Type
The Polaroid Now I-Type may look like the OneStep models previously released by the original instant camera company. But don't be fooled, the Now is updated both inside and out.
The familiar classic Polaroid camera body shape has a slicker, more modern look. And the external features have been streamlined to be more ergonomic, and make the whole experience a lot more comfortable for the user.
The improved viewfinder fits the eye better, the micro-USB port has been moved for trouble-free connection, and keeping an eye on remaining shots is nice and clear with an easy to read digital counter. On top of these updates, the I-Type has fewer buttons than the OneStep cameras, and these buttons make operating the instant shooter easy. You'll find the shutter and self-timer buttons on either side of the lens. And sitting at the rear are the flash and power buttons.
On the inside, we see a nifty upgrade in the form of an autofocus lens. This helps you capture clearer prints of higher quality, and take better instant shots all around. When you consider the cost of film, and how many lower quality, unfocused shots you'll take over the long run, this upgrade is huge!
On the downside, image exposure can be a little inconsistent with the I-type. And although we praised this model for being more streamlined and ergonomic, the box-like shape does let it down a little. Competitor instant cameras now come in more portable shapes, meaning the Polaroid is on the bulkier side. But despite this, it's definitely an upgrade to its predecessors, as well as more recent Polaroid models.
Features:
- Autofocus 2-lens system
- Built-in double exposure
- Self-timer
- Optical viewfinder
- Film: Polaroid 600 & Polaroid i-Type
Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO
The Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO is about as modern as it gets when it comes to instant cameras. It has features that you will find in digital cameras (although simplified), but at its core is still a no-brainer point and shooter.
There's a digital display with options that are clearly visible, despite the small screen size. Although it might take a minute to get used to, as the display is portrait-oriented. And there's clearly been some thought put into the ergonomics.
A 100 to 1600 ISO range means that this instant camera can capture images in somewhat of a range of light conditions. And there's even the option to under or overcompensate exposure thanks to -2/+2 EV.
The autofocus also stands out thanks to its face-detection capability. Granted, this can underperform if the subject is not facing the lens head-on. But for an instant camera, it's an impressive feature nonetheless.
What are the not-so-goods? Well, the Instax Mini Evo can't transfer images to the mobile app if they haven't been pointed. And along with this, the quality of the JPEGs could be better.
But encasing all the tech is a good looking modern/slash retro camera body that to our eyes looks great. So no doubt you'll have lots of fun playing around with the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO!
Features:
- Film type: INSTAX Mini Film
- Sensor type: 2560 x 1920 mm (1/5″) CMOS
- Lens focal length: 28mm
- Maximum aperture: f/2
- ISO sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 1600
- Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 1/4 Second (auto mode)
- Monitor size: 3″
- Flash modes: Auto, Forced On, Suppressed Flash
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Square Retro
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro makes a name for itself as one of the cheaper instant cameras on the market, but without taking the fun out of instant!
First off, the colours in prints look great. Unlike other Kodak models which use Zink, the Mini Shit 3 puts 4PASS all-in-one cartridges and a mini printer to work. This system creates vibrant prints which catch the eye, and which are also claimed to have a longer lifespan.
10MP digital photos can also be snapped. But these must be saved to the app via Bluetooth.
Considering this Kodak model has modern digital features, it's a little disappointing to see no internal storage. But overall, it's cheap to run and is a good option for those who like instant photography just on a budget.
Features:
- Film type: 4PASS All-in-One Cartridge
- Shooting modes: Filters, exposure control, bordered, borderless
- Flash: Built-in
- Viewfinder: 1.7 inch LCD
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
The Fujifilm Instax 11 is on the larger side, but this is because it packs instant camera leading features.
With the smooth matte plastic body, the Instax 11 looks pretty identical to its older sibling the Instax 9. But slightly thinner, the more streamlined body sheds a few pounds and feels lighter in the hand.
Getting down to the tech, the Instax 11 provides the goods. A new auto-exposure system works in harmony with a variable shutter speed to better expose images. And the adjustable lens creates zoom effects that other instant cameras simply can't!
This newcomer to the Instax line also uses one of the cheapest instant films around - the Instax Mini. This means that pressing the shutter won't burn a hole in your pockets.
For serious instant photographers, the almost child-like aesthetics might be off-putting. And for those wanting a no-think point-and-shoot, there is a slight learning curve. But for everyone else, the Instax 11 is the real deal, and arguably the best Polaroid camera on this list.
Features:
- Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
- Lens: 60mm, f/12.7
- Shooting modes: Auto, selfie/close-up
- Viewfinder: optical, fixed
- Auto flash
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90
If you are one of those serious instant photographers, then then the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 could be the best Polaroid camera for you. This professional-looking instant shooter moves away from the toy-like look of the Instax 11. And it has some great features which make it one of the best Polaroid cameras.
Shooting modes, shooting modes, shooting modes. The Instax mini 90 has a host of them that tailor shots to the desired effect. Choose landscape mode for optimal focal distance when shooting from further away. Go with the double exposure mode to create artistic effects. Or snap in party mode for brighter depths within the image.
The optical viewfinder, however, is the crux. It's small and not so ergonomic, unlike the Polaroid Now I-type.
But aside from the viewfinder, the Instax Mini 90 holds its own as one of the best Polaroid cameras, and a top choice for those who want to step up their instant game.
Features:
- Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini
- Lens: 60mm, f/12.7
- Shooting modes: party, kids, landscape, macro, bub exposure, double exposure
- Optical viewfinder
- Auto flash
Sayonara to Lousy Polaroid Prints
Polaroids are a great way to capture the world in a more artistic way. So whether you're a seasoned pro, or a complete beginner, grab one of the best Polaroid cameras and give instant photography a go.