Using an instant camera is a phenomenal way to capture special moments with your loved ones. While taking a photo on your smartphone or digital camera is easier than ever before, the need for print has become more tangible than just an image on a screen.
Whether you're planning on creating a photo album, decorating your home with prints or gifting one of these cameras for a special occasion, the best instant cameras will have you feeling all kinds of nostalgia and take you right back to the 60s, 70s and 80s.
If you're looking for something lighter and a little more modern, check out these fantastic action cameras; perfect for a holiday getaway.
What is an instant camera?
No need to scratch your head when it comes to this type of camera; an instant camera is typically a device that uses a self-developing film that creates a picture shortly after shooting it.
But, how does this work exactly? According to B&H Photo Video, an American photo and video equipment retailer founded in 1973, "Integral film, the kind of instant film used by instax, works because it contains layers of emulsion dye and layers of developing dye sandwiched within its 'sheet'.
"Developing and fixing chemicals are stored in the 'sack' of the white border on the bottom of the image and when the film is pushed out of the camera the developing process begins."
What to consider before buying an instant camera
Photo size: Before you buy an instant camera and film, you need to check what film the instant camera takes. As well as different film types, cameras need to be compatible with the photo size. Unsure of what option to go for? It should be available on the product listing or you can reach out to the manufacturer.
Shutter speed: To take good pictures, the faster the shutter speed, the better. Digital Photography School said, "The average camera speed is usually 1/60. Speeds slower than this are hard to manage as they almost always lead to blurry photographs." When it comes to shutter speed on instant cameras, we'd recommend doing your research beforehand.
User-friendly: Now that we've got all the technical requirements out of the way, the most important feature that you'll need to consider before buying an instant camera is whether or not it's easy to use. Instant cameras are usually simple to set up and use. If you're unsure, there should be some videos online that will walk you through the setup.
The best instant cameras UK:
Best instant camera for beginners
Photo: AmazonSure, it's not going to take pride of place in your vintage collection, but it's all about the fun. Available in a range of funky colours, it takes two AA batteries and the mini instax film, which offers 10 shots per cartridge.
You also get a handy selfie mirror for those group shots, and built-in flash and automatic exposure controls. All you have to do is strike a pose and hit the shutter!
The best thing about it is that anyone can use this camera, whether you're a complete photography beginner or a seasoned photographer, this camera is worth every penny.
Review: "Absolutely love my instax. It's so cute and easy to use and just really fun. Also, love the fact I got three colour filters with my order, that was a nice bonus! Excited to use them in the future. In terms of photo quality, I really love the photos I’ve taken so far. Was really handy watching a few Instax tutorials before I got mine. Helped a lot with figuring out how to use the different light settings. Would recommend others do the same, so they get a good set of beginning photos. Ultimately really happy with my purchase."
Best wide instant camera
FujiFilmThe iconic instax WIDE 300 finds a deserving spot on our list, not only as an incredibly beautifully designed camera, but as one of the finest instant cameras available.
Packed full with incredible QOL features, such as an impeccable 95 mm wide lens with focus dials, brightness control and some impressive lens attachments for close-up shots, pictures are faultless on the WIDE 300.
Despite its cheaper price point, the instax WIDE 300 feels incredibly premium, with a chunky camera body, satisfying zoom dials, and well-made attachments.
Plus, with the much wider film, it's no longer a hassle to squeeze the whole family into frame, so there's plenty of room for everyone.
The FujiFilm instax WIDE 300 takes 4 x AA batteries and lasts for approximately 100 shots, which is a fantastic amount even for budding photographers.
Review: "One of the best gifts I have ever received! My boyfriend bought this for me, for my 21st and to have the ability to capture any moment and have it in your hand fully developed in 90 seconds is just brilliant."
Best instant camera with a rechargeable battery
Photo: AmazonMarking the return for Polaroid, the OneStep 2 is a throwback to a classic design harbouring some innovative features. For a start, it boasts an in-built rechargeable battery for up to 60 days of shooting.
Not only does this cut down on the cost of Duracell, but it also means you can use the 600 i-Type films. It's slightly cheaper than the traditional Polaroid film and doesn't require a battery in the cartridge - great for the environment. There's also a self-timer function, in-built flash and a big red shutter button - go ahead, you can press it.
Review: "I purchased this as a birthday gift for my girlfriend and she is very happy with the camera. Overall the image quality is pretty good and to me, the pictures genuinely look like they are from an old camera. They are a bit on the dark side especially the background of the image, but you can use certain techniques to increases the brightness of the image.
"I would highly recommend watching some videos on YouTube before you get started with this camera to gain a better insight on how to use it and get good quality images. You don’t want to make any mistakes especially due to the price for the sheets. Also worth noting that this camera did not come with any sheets for the pictures, so if you are buying this as a gift, don’t forget to purchase them as well to avoid disappointment."
Best instant camera for value
Photo: AmazonAre you looking for a budget instant camera? Well, you're looking at it. You'll be able to take and keep pictures of your grandchild's first steps, your next holiday in Cornwall or your birthday party, but what we love most about this camera is it blends digital and film effortlessly. All thanks to its ability to print and store images.
Review: "I'm very happy with this instant digital camera. My daughter is really a big fan of photography and cameras and she wanted an instant camera for a while. I finally bought this for her birthday. She so happy now- she got what she wanted for a long time.
"No batteries - this is a big plus. Memory card, you can store your pics, have them on your computer, share them. Doesn't look like a toy - really good quality product."
Polaroidwww.currys.co.uk
Polaroid is always at the forefront of instant cameras and are an absolute source of nostalgia for many. Yet despite their retro design, the latest generation of Polaroid cameras are pretty tough to beat.
Polaroid's Now + is a vast improvement on its predecessor, the Polaroid Now, offering Bluetooth capabilities that are hard-found on many modern instant cameras.
The huge benefit of the Now +'s Bluetooth is the utterly brilliant app, allowing you to expand the camera's amazing features.
First, is the self-timer mode, where you can adjust when the camera snaps a photo hands-free, a major QOL bonus.
Then, there's the fantastic exposure mode; adjust light levels, aperture and exposure to take some beautiful night shots that are otherwise impossible with a standard instant camera.
Finally, the camera is kitted out with 5 filters to spice up your photography, each of which providing a brilliant, unique and professional look.
Review: "It's a high-quality camera: it's perfect for taking instant photos and sharing them immediately. It is of a robust design and is very easy to handle. Simple and easy to use."
Best instant camera film
Best Bluetooth Instant Camera
Photo: AmazonMeeting up with your family? You'll get 20 shots and a variety of border designs to choose from.
Compatible with i-Type cameras Polaroid Lab, this film will create eight instant photos that you can hang around your home.
Photo: AmazonSay cheese! Compatible with Kodak Smile Classic Instant Camera, you can create 10, 20 or 40 photos that will last a lifetime.
FAQ's
When was the instant camera invented?
The first commercially available instant camera was released by Polaroid in 1948, it was called the Model 95, it was an absolute smash-hit and sold out within minutes of its release.
It was invented by Edwin H. Land, the founder of the Polaroid corporation, Polaroid have been one of the best-known instant camera manufacturers since.
Are instant camera's worth it?
The answer, in our opinion, is a resounding yes. There's not only something fantastic about using analogue cameras, but having an instantly physical copy of a photograph cannot be appreciated enough. It's a great way to capture memories without hassling with getting photos printed.
If, however, you do like using a digital camera; here's our selection for the best photo printers available now, so you can get your precious photos printed in the comfort of your home.
What instant camera has the cheapest film?
While there is no definitive answer to this, FujiFilm's camera film is very reasonably priced compared to other brands with the same great quality.
Are instant cameras bad for the environment?
Instant camera film unfortunately cannot be recycled due to containing silver halide crystals, therefore they cannot biodegrade, which is of course awful for the environment, compared to digital cameras which can easily be recycled.
Can instant camera film expire?
Unfortunately, yes. How long the film lasts is usually dependent on the manufacturer, but on average they last for about three years. After this point, colour is not developed properly, leading to unclear photos with colour issues.
