We Tried the 7 Best Instant Film Cameras in 2026

Instant film cameras are back, trading megapixels for the tactile joy of a physical print you can hold seconds after the shutter clicks. We shot hundreds of frames across the major Instax and Polaroid models to judge print quality, exposure, and how fun each one is to use. Here are the winners.

Quick verdict

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the best instant camera for most people, delivering reliable, well-exposed credit-card-sized prints with almost no learning curve. For creative control the Polaroid Now+ leads, and the Instax Wide 400 is the best pick when you want larger prints.

The best instant film cameras, ranked

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 — best overall

Best for: beginners and gift-givers who want easy, reliable prints

The Mini 12 automates exposure and adds a simple close-up mode, so nearly every shot comes out well-lit. Its small prints, low film cost, and point-and-shoot simplicity make it the easiest instant camera to recommend.

2. Polaroid Now+ — best creative control

Best for: hobbyists who want lens filters and manual modes

The Now+ pairs classic square Polaroid film with app-based controls like double exposure and manual mode. Its larger, moodier prints and creative tools appeal to shooters who want to experiment.

3. Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 — best wide shots

Best for: group photos and landscapes that need more frame

The Wide 400 exposes Instax's largest film format, giving you room for groups and scenery that Mini prints can't fit. It's the go-to when a wider composition matters more than pocketability.

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 — best manual controls

Best for: enthusiasts who want color effects and exposure control

The Mini 99 adds manual brightness, multiple flash modes, and built-in color effects to the Mini format. It's the most creative Instax Mini camera for people who like to tinker.

5. Polaroid Go Gen 2 — best pocketability

Best for: travelers who want the smallest instant camera

The Go Gen 2 shrinks the Polaroid experience into a genuinely pocketable body with tiny square prints. It's the most portable way to carry real instant film.

6. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 — best square format

Best for: shooters who love a square print but want simplicity

The SQ1 delivers Instax's square film with the same easy automatic exposure as the Mini line. It's a fuss-free middle ground between tiny Mini prints and full Polaroid frames.

7. Kodak Smile Instant — best budget hybrid

Best for: buyers who want cheap prints and a digital backup

The Kodak Smile uses inkless Zink paper and stores images digitally, so you can reprint favorites. Print quality trails true instant film, but the low running cost and reprints are a practical draw.

How we tested

We shot each camera indoors and out, in bright sun and low light, evaluating exposure accuracy, color, and how often a frame came out unusable. We factored in film cost per print, loading and handling, battery or charging setup, and the overall fun of shooting with each model.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best instant camera for beginners?

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the best instant camera for beginners because it handles exposure automatically and is nearly impossible to get wrong. Its film is also among the cheapest per print, which keeps experimenting affordable.

Is Instax or Polaroid film better?

Instax film is sharper, more consistent, and cheaper per print, while Polaroid film is larger with a softer, more nostalgic look. Choose Instax for reliability and value, and Polaroid for the classic aesthetic and bigger prints.

How much does instant film cost per photo?

Instax Mini is typically the most economical, often under a dollar a print in multipacks, while Polaroid film usually costs noticeably more per shot. Wide and square formats fall in between, so film format has a real impact on running cost.

Do instant cameras work in low light?

They can, but most rely on a built-in flash and struggle in dim conditions without it. Models with manual or long-exposure modes, like the Polaroid Now+ and Instax Mini 99, handle low light far better.

Last updated: July 2026. These rankings reflect We Tried It All's hands-on evaluation and ongoing testing.