Choose the best instant photo camera: types and tips

Although the digital age we live in has made the world of photography offer new and multiple options, there are still many who are nostalgic for paper photos. And it is that today, we print a low percentage of all the photos we take. This causes many memories to be lost. This has made many people show special interest in buying an instant photo camera and thus be able to remove any photo taken at the moment from the paper. If you are thinking of buying one but you are not very into this type of camera, we will show you below what they are, the types that exist and what you should take into account when choosing one. In addition, we recommend some very interesting models.

Choose the best instant photo camera

When we talk about this type of camera, surely many people think of the manufacturer Polaroid , since it was he who made them known. An innovation when today’s digital technology did not yet exist and that marked a before and after in the world of photography, leaving behind those long waits to see our photos until the reels were not developed.

What are instant cameras and what types are there

As its name suggests, they are the cameras that allow us to take photos and print them at that very moment. In other words, it is the camera itself that, after taking the photo, behaves as if it had a developing or printing laboratory that means that in a very short time we can have the snapshot printed on paper.

That said, we can distinguish two types of instant cameras:

  • Analog : They are the ones that use the revealed paper similar to that of all life. At the moment we take a photo, the paper is exposed to light through the lens at the moment we press the shutter to capture the image. Once this is done and before the photo comes out, this paper goes through some rollers that spread certain chemicals to cause its development and then the camera expels the paper through the corresponding opening, as if by magic!
  • Digital : In this case, they use paper with Zink technology, a paper made up of three color layers and a protective layer that react by applying heat to capture the captured image in full color.
  • Hybrids : We can find some models that mix the digital world with the analog one.

In addition to its operation, there is another characteristic that differentiates digital instant photo cameras from analog ones. While in the analog ones what we have just captured is revealed, in the digital ones we can make a preview to choose which of all the snapshots we want to print and when we want to do it. Even many models allow you to edit the photos before taking them out on paper.

What should you look for when buying one?

There are several aspects that we must take into account before opting for one model or another, such as:

  • Type : If you’ve come this far, you’ve probably already decided on the type of camera you’re looking for. Without a doubt, digital models are the most demanded.
  • Dimensions : Bearing in mind that it is a camera that we are going to have to carry from one place to another in order to capture our best memories and moments, it is important to look at the size and weight so that it is as comfortable as possible to carry.
  • Size at which it is capable of printing : A very important feature that we must review is the size of the photograph that it offers us. Some models may take photos too small.

polaroid cámara de fotos instantánea

  • Paper : Both the type of paper and its cost and the possibility of finding spare parts easily is another detail that we must check well before buying any instant camera.
  • Connectivity : Some models have Bluetooth connectivity, which facilitates their synchronization with the mobile. In this way, it is possible to apply filters, switch between different modes or make some adjustments to our photos.
  • Battery and autonomy : It is interesting to know if the model in which we are interested uses batteries or has an integrated rechargeable battery, as well as the autonomy it offers us.
  • Extra functions : Although some models can be quite basic, we can find some with advanced functions typical of cameras that are not instant. If you have some knowledge in photography and want to unleash your creative vein, do not hesitate to look for a model that offers you all those functions you are looking for.
  • Price : Of course, the budget we have is also a fundamental fact. Luckily, today we can find a lot of models of instant photo cameras below 200 euros.

instant photo cameras

Between 200 and 400 euros

Fujifilm Instax SQ6

Square format instant photo camera that uses Instax film and has a lot of advanced functions to get the best possible snapshot in all kinds of environments and situations. Includes three color filters, exposure control, focus motor, self-timer, and a film development time of approximately 90 seconds. Its price is around 380 euros.

cámara de fotos instantanea instax sq6

Canon Zoemini S

It is one of the most popular cameras when it comes to instant models. It has an 8-megapixel sensor with a reflective mirror and a flash on the front to make sure you get high-quality selfies. It is one of the models with Bluetooth and that allows you to apply certain filters or make some collages through the Canon Mini Print app. The price of this model is approximately 190 euros .

cámara de fotos instantanea canon zoemini s

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

Uses 5.3 x 8.4 cm Fujifilm Instax Mini Photo Film to print 4.6 x 6.2 cm images. It has several interesting modes such as long exposure mode, child mode or party mode. It is a model with a rechargeable battery that offers a development time of approximately 5 minutes. This Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic costs about 170 euros.

cámara de fotos instantanea instax mini 90

KODAK Smile

It is a digital instant photo camera with a 16 megapixel sensor and Bluetooth wireless technology. It uses 3.5″ x 4.25″ Zink paper and is loaded with advanced features. A model that allows us to save all the images that we do not want to print at that moment, since it has a slot for microSD memory cards where we can store them. Its price is also around 180 euros.

cámara de fotos instantanea kodak smile

Polaroid Originals 9017 OneStep2

With a design that does not go unnoticed by anyone, we have the Polaroid Originals 9017 OneStep2. An easy-to-use camera with a self-timer function, a rechargeable lithium battery and a high-quality lens that allows you to take great photos. It also has a powerful flash to capture memories even at night. Its price is 199 euros.

cámara de fotos instantanea polaroid originals 9017

Less than 200 euros

Polaroid Snap

Digital instant photo camera with Zink Zero Ink printing technology, 10 megapixel sensor and capable of printing 5×7.6cm size photos. A model with Bluetooth connectivity, touch screen and a size that allows us to easily carry it in any pocket. the price of this Polaroid Snap is 159 euros.

cámara de fotos instantanea polaroid snap

polaroid pop

It is another model of digital instant camera that we can comfortably carry anywhere. It has a 3.97-inch LCD touch screen and is very easy to operate. Thanks to its Polaroid Pop app it is possible to edit the photos to add stickers, borders, frames and much more before printing them. It has a 20 megapixel sensor and a price of approximately 120 euros .

cámara de fotos instantanea polaroid POP

Instax Mini 11

The Instax Mini 11 is one of the reference models in the world of instant photo cameras. It prints credit-card sized images using 5.4 x 8.6cm instax mini film and features a lens and mirror to capture selfies in the most comfortable way possible. Its dimensions are only 6 x 11 x 12 cm and it weighs 436 grams. A model that costs nothing more than 79 euros.

cámara de fotos instantanea instax mini 11

conclusion

If you are one of those looking for an analog instant photo camera, we recommend the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic . A model with a classic or retro look design that offers advanced features found in some of the most attractive models of analog cameras. It has several functions to improve image quality, different built-in shooting modes, a high-performance flash, brightness control and a long exposure mode.

It uses a rechargeable battery, threads at the bottom to use with a tripod and uses the 8.6 × 5.4 cm Instax film that is capable of offering us 6.2 × 4.6 cm images. It offers a development in a maximum time of 5 minutes and is capable of working perfectly between a temperature range of 5 and 40 degrees.

Now, if you prefer a digital model that you can carry comfortably in any pocket, then the Polaroid Snap is a great choice. A model with Zink Zero Ink printing technology, a 10-megapixel sensor and a microSD memory card slot where you can store all your photos. It has a modern and very attractive design and is capable of printing photos instantly in a size of 5 x 7.6 cm. Both options have a price of around 150 euros , so we will not have to make a large investment to have a high-quality instant camera.