An instant camera is one that gives you an image SECONDS after a captured scene. This decades old technology was way ahead of its time. Thankfully, it has a big enough following to ensure it sticks around.
If you have been following Polaroid for the last few years, you can understand when we say ‘it got a little complicated’. Name changes, bankruptcy; Things are back on track, and moving forward. Here are our take on the best instant cameras you can buy in 2022.
Eniko Kis
What is an Instant Camera?
In 1948, Edwin Land, cofounder of Polaroid invented Instant film, a way to show a positive, tangible image within minutes of capture. This was possible due to a released chemical pod that spread across the negative. The chemicals developed the image and provided a photo. Being decades before digital photography, an instant image was a huge advantage. They were perfect for passport images and a way to test composition, lighting and perspective.
Polaroid invented instant film, but their road is a rocky one. Twice, they filed for bankruptcy, but with the help of buyouts, mergers and a few name changes, they are back on track. Polaroid Originals develops and sells instant film alongside Fujifilm and smaller vendors, like One Instant.
Annie Spratt
5. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Film type: Fujifilm instax
The Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid Polaroid, making the best of analogue and digital photography in one system. The best benefit is that you get to review your images on a 3-inch LCD screen before you print them. The battery is more than enough at 100 shots, but chargeable if you have mobile options. It will need a little getting used to unless you are into scouring manuals for every button’s purpose. It is by far the snappiest design of all instant cameras.
4. Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera
Film type: Zero Ink (ZINK)
The Smile Instant is another hybrid system, allowing you to capture digital images and then print, if wiling, then and there. It’s a small and sleek printer with a 5MP camera attached. By adding a micro-SD card, you can add up to 256GB of space, meaning you’ll not need a home computer for a while. The printer means less shots per charge, and the LCD is basic. But there are many options in printing images on the spot – perfect for networking and showing off.
3. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
Film type: Fujifilm instax WIDE film
The Instax Wide 300 is big and bulky; easy to grip and even easier to use. The WIDE refers to the 99x62mm image you’ll get – perfect for group shots or when you need to get a lot in the scene. Probably not the size camera for selfies, but it is lightweight. The flash is powerful enough to be a fill light, but you might be let down on the exposure modes and lack of features. The viewfinder is also small, but still a viable street photography point-and-shoot.
2. Polaroid Now+
Film type: Polaroid 600 / Polaroid i-Type
The Polaroid Now+ is giving you full size / large prints (108x88mm) while keeping its vintage look. The creative modes let you light paint, prioritise on aperture or create double exposures. There are many more accessible from the app. This is the choice for the best possible image quality from a standalone Polaroid system. If that isn’t enough, you also get a handful of physical lenses, such as starburst and red vignette.
1. Medium Format Film Camera with Polaroid Back
Film type: many
OK – hear me out. A medium format film camera with a Polaroid back is a great idea. Not only would you have access to a medium format camera, but the chance of using Polaroids too. These seem a little more professional for a teaching session or model shoot compared to an Instax Mini (Glitter model). If in the end, you shift away from Instant photography, you still have a medium format analogue camera to fall back on.
Your choices in camera are as follows; Hasselblad 500 c/m, Mamiya RB67 or Universal Press, Horseman VH and the Zenza Bronica. All are on eBay, alongside extra canisters and lenses. The benefit here is giving new life to old equipment.
Conclusion
For some, Instant photography isn’t what it used to be – either the films no longer exist, or they are too expensive. Not to mention, most of the Instax camera range is marketed to what seems, teenage girls. I have a Land Camera from the 50’s that will stay a display model, due to lack of current film options.
If you’re looking for professional images, go for slightly bigger model such as the wide, or commit and go down the medium format route. The smaller instant systems are still good for tests, small selfie projects or sharing participation shots at fancy events.