Who hasn't wanted an instant camera at some point , right? The magic of instantly having that photograph (unrepeatable) on paper that we have just viewed through the viewfinder seems insurmountable to me.
If you are interested in buying an instant camera, you are in front of the most complete guide that you will be able to find in Spanish about this type of camera.
In the next few minutes I am going to explain how instant cameras work, what price range they are in and, in addition, I am going to reveal what, in our opinion, are the best instant cameras you can buy right now.
Within this guide on instant cameras you will find:
WHAT ARE INSTANT CAMERAS?
Instant cameras are those that allow you to create what is known as a “direct positive” immediately. That is, seconds after taking your photograph, you get a printed copy on photographic paper.
This is because your instant camera film itself is both photographic paper and developing laboratory, all in one.
HOW DO INSTANT CAMERAS WORK?
As I already told you in the previous point, instant cameras allow you to obtain a hard copy instantly, but how exactly does an instant camera work?
Follow me and I'll tell you the secret ? .
When thinking about conventional 35mm reel cameras, you will remember that that reel inside it housed a "negative".
If you have ever had the luck or the curiosity to delve into the analog world, you will know that it was called negative because the images were printed precisely like that, in negative with respect to the final photograph.
To print that negative, you had to do it through a photographic enlargerand then subjecting the photosensitive paper to a series of chemicals to develop the image.
Luckily in the world of instant cameras , this printing process is done directly inside the camera, since the film of these cameras come equipped with its own developing system.
Instant cameras have neither more nor less than a small portable laboratory.
It is the same film that has all the necessary chemicals to develop and fix the image. These are activated the moment you press the button and the camera ejects the paper from the slot.
In short, an instant camera basically works in 4 steps:
- Step 1: The photosensitive paper is exposed to light by pressing the shutter and captures the image.
- Step 2: Before leaving, it goes through some rollers that spread the chemicals (located in the wide part of the characteristic white margin) over the photosensitive paper.
- Step 3: The camera ejects the paper from the opening.
- Step 4 : Voila! Just a few seconds after pressing the shutter you have your photo on paper. Not bad for almost 70-year-old technology, right?
But not all reels have the same system. To this day, some cameras such as the Kodak Printomaticand many smartphone printers use Zink technology.
This type of paper is made up of several heat-sensitive layers (yellow, cyan and magenta) that are activated during printing and produce vivid color photos without the need for ink or toner.
INSTANT CAMERA PRICE RANGE
The price range in which instant cameras move, today, goes from €65-€100 such as the Kodak Printomatikor the Fujifilm Instax mini 11.
The cap would be around €200, the price of, for example, the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo(you will find it further down in this guide).
Therefore, we could say that the average price of an instant camera currently stands at €100-150.
In this range you will find most cameras like the Polaroid Now +or the Fujifilm Instax SQand, in general, almost all the cameras that we will talk about in this article.
The price, as always, will depend a lot on the features that the camera has since, as you will see, there are everything from completely analog to instant cameras with a screen or bluetooth.
WHAT IS THE BEST INSTANT CAMERA?
The best instant camera depends on many factors, some intrinsic to the camera itself, but we must not forget the other great protagonist of these cameras: photographic paper.
Before buying an analog camera, establish your priorities and take a good look at aspects such as:
- The price of the reels
- The price of the camera
- Battery type (do you want it battery-powered or rechargeable?)
- Creative functionalities (double exposure, filters…)
- Photo Size
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Chamber size
- Whether or not it has a digital screen
- Universality of the role (is it easy to find?)
- Available accessories
| best instant camera | |
|---|---|
| The smallest instant camera | Polaroid Go |
| cheapest instant camera | Kodak Printomatic Instax mini 9 |
| The instant camera that has more colors available | Instax mini 11 Kodak Printomatic |
| The best-reviewed instant camera | instax mini 11 |
| The best value for money instant camera | instax mini 11 |
| digital instant camera | Instax Mini LiPlay Instax mini Evo |
| The perfect instant camera for children | Instax mini 11 Polaroid Go |
| The instant camera that takes larger photos | Instax SQ1 Instax Wide 300 |
| The camera with more features | instax mini evo |
| The cheapest paper | kodak instax |
POLAROID INSTANT CAMERA
Polaroid was the first company to commercialize instant photo cameras and, although they stopped manufacturing them as such more than 10 years ago, they have known how to return to the nostalgic market of the analog world as evidenced by their latest instant camera models.
We are going to see all of them with their main features, pros and cons, and some presentation videos. Are you ready? Let's go there.
- Polaroid Now
- Polaroid Now+
- Polaroid Go
POLAROID INSTANT CAMERA: POLAROID NOW
This Polaroid Now is a point and shoot camera. With a classic design, it is simple and intuitive, with automatic focus and double exposure. Available in 10 colors. On Amazon it accumulates numerous and very positive opinions, you will find it at a price of €99.99
Simple to use and with creative options.
Movie price.
Uses i-Type filmor 600. Within each of them there are different options that we will see at the end of this guide.
POLAROID INSTANT CAMERA: POLAROID NOW+
The Polaroid Now+ includes 5 filters that you can place in front of the lens to increase the creativity of your photos, autofocus, self-timer and built-in flash. Available in three colors ( blue, whiteand black), its price is from €123.99depending on the colour. We have reviewed it in this article , if you want to know it better.
Tripod mount, self-timer function. More creative possibilities through the Polaroid App.
Price.
Uses i-Type filmor 600.
In the following video you will see how to use the Polaroid Now. It is in English but comes with subtitles.
POLAROID INSTANT CAMERA: POLAROID GO
The Polaroid Go is the smallest of the Polaroid family. Weighing 242g, this camera fits in one hand. With a nice rounded design, it has a built-in flash, self-timer, mirror for selfies and double exposure. Available white, costs €99.99.
Weight and size. Double exposure.
Image size and film price.
Used Polaroid Go film, whose size is 66.6 x 53.9 mm (image area 47 x 46 mm)
In the launch video you can get an idea of what she is like when she was little.
Are you wondering what to do next with the reel or cartridge once it has run out? Polaroid tells you in this video.
FUJIFILM INSTANT CAMERA
Fujifilm instant camerasThey have managed to carve out a very important niche in this new analogue world and are probably one of the best known and best-selling on the market.
Its colorful designs and rounded shapes have already become a benchmark in this world of instant cameras.
With that said, let's see the following Fujifilm instant cameras with their pros and cons and main features:
- Fujifilm Instax mini 11
- Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
- Fujifilm Instax SQ1
- Fujifilm Instax mini 40
- Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay
- Fujifilm Instax mini Evo
FUJIFILM INSTANT CAMERA: INSTAX MINI 11
The Instax mini 11 has a selfie lens and mirror, flash and 293 g of weight, it works with AA batteries, it is completely analog. With built-in flash and automatic exposure. The selfie mode is used to focus on subjects between 0.3m to 0.5m.
Available in these colors: Sky Blue, Blush Pink, Charcoal Gray,
Ice White, Lilac Purple, Pastel Green
You can find it on Amazon for about N/A.
Value for money. Price of the reels. Easy drive.
Image size. Needs good light for optimal results.
Used instax mini film: photo size 54 x 86 mm, and image size 46 x 62 mm.
In the following video you will see how to use the Instax Mini 11 . Easy, easy!
FUJIFILM INSTANT CAMERA: INSTAX WIDE 300
The Instax Wide 300 is one of the analog instant cameras that prints larger prints , built-in flash, 2 exposure options, electronic shutter, and tripod mount. We have reviewed it in detail here.
Available on Amazon for around €102.00.
Zoom. Photo size. Allows focus at 40cm.
Chamber size.
Uses instax wide film: photo size 86 x 108 mm; of the image 62 x 99 mm.
Here you can see it in action:
FUJIFILM INSTANT CAMERA: INSTAX SQ1
The Fujifilm Instax SQ1 prints square format photos. It has a built-in flash, selfie and close-up mode (to focus between 30-50cm), auto-off after 5 minutes, among other features.
It is on Amazon for €106.99. Available in Blue, whiteand Terracotta.
Reel price. Automatic exposure.
Chamber size.
Uses instax square film: photo size: 86mm x 72mm; Image size: 62mm x 62mm.
I leave you with some interesting tips for composing in a square with the Instax SQ1:
FUJIFILM INSTANT CAMERA: INSTAX MINI 40
This Fujifilm Instax mini 40 has a skin-like textured design with metal finishes that I find spectacular, a focus from 0.3m to infinity, selfie mode, selfie mirror and built-in flash.
You can buy it on Amazon for €106.00.
Design, price and ease of use.
Few creative options.
Used instax mini film: photo size 54 x 86 mm, and image size 46 x 62 mm.
Below, you can see the presentation video of the Instax mini 40:
FUJIFILM INSTANT CAMERA: INSTAX MINI LIPLAY
The Fujifilm Instax mini LiPLay is a hybrid camera with a digital screen from which you can select the photos to print, as well as use it as a printer through its Bluetooth connection to your Smartphone. Built-in memory capacity. Printing in 12 s. You can record audio and add it via a QR code to your photo, or control the shutter from your Smartphone. Ideal for those who want to miss out on the magic of instant development or the latest advances.
You have it on Amazon for €162.00. blank _, blackand rose gold.
Size and weight. It works as a printer. Record audio.
It moves away from the essence of analog.
Used instax mini film: photo size 54 x 86 mm, and image size 46 x 62 mm.
FUJIFILM INSTANT CAMERA: INSTAX MINI EVO
Fujifilm Instax mini Evo is Fujifilm's newest instant camera. It has a digital screen, integrated flash and its retro design is very attractive. Remote shooting through the Smartphone, allows you to save the photos on the mobile and select up to 10 effects through the lens: normal, vignetting, blur, fisheye, double exposure, etc., in addition to 10 film effects such as vivid, black and white, retro, red, sepia, etc.
You can know it in depth in this link.
Get it for €199.00.
creative options. Bluetooth connectivity.
Price.
Used instax mini film: photo size 54 x 86 mm, and image size 46 x 62 mm.
This is his presentation video:
KODAK INSTANT CAMERAS
The legendary Kodak brand has also carved a niche for itself in the world of instant cameras:
- Kodak Printomatic
- Kodak Smile
KODAK INSTANT CAMERA: PRINTOMATIC
Kodak Printomatic is a 5MP hybrid instant camera, with which you can store your photos thanks to its micro SD card. Various colors to choose from: yellow, blue, gray, black, pink, green.
It is available on Amazon for €69.99.
Price, size and ease of use.
Few creative options.
Uses Kodak Zink paper: 50 x 76mm photo size. Strong and durable paper.
KODAK INSTANT CAMERA: SMILE
Kodak Smile is an instant camera with a compact design that combines analog with digital. It comes with a screen so you can view photos before printing, a 5MP sensor, and a microSD card slot.
It is available on Amazon for N/A. Colors: whiteand black.
Bluetooth. It works as a printer. paper price
It loses the essence of the analog.
Uses Kodak Zink paper: 50 x 76mm photo size. Strong and durable paper.
Here you can see how it works:
CHEAP INSTANT CAMERAS
Ahhh! What are you looking for is something simpler? These are the cheapest instant cameras you can find on the market today:
- Kodak Printomatic: For only €70.32you can get this instant camera with SD memory card slot. Available in various colors.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 11: I have already told you about it in the Fujifilm section. You can find it for only a few N/Aon Amazon. The price may vary depending on the color.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 40: If you scratch your pocket a bit more, you can take a look at this beauty. You have it for €106.00
Another good option to get a very cheap instant camera is to search the second-hand market. You will do it in a safer way if you first read this complete guide to buy second-hand material that I prepared for you conscientiously ? .
INSTANT CAMERAS WITH SCREEN
You may be a nostalgic who does not give up technology and what you are looking for is something intermediate between an analog and a digital camera. In that case, your ideal instant camera is one that comes with an LCD screen. These are the ones you can find today with an integrated screen:
- Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay: This compact-style camera is the smallest model in Fujifilm's Instax series. It also has an LCD screen from which you can preview your photos. Thanks to Bluetooth you can use it as a printer by sending you the photos from your mobile phone.
- Kodak Smile: This Kodak camera comes with a built-in screen, prints 5×7.6 cm size prints, 10MP, auto focus, built-in flash, built-in editor, etc.
- Fujifilm Instax mini Evo: It has a digital screen and a multitude of filters to unleash your creativity. In addition, it comes with a spectacular retro design.
INSTANT CAMERAS FOR KIDS
Choosing a camera for children always ends up being a very personal decision. It will depend a lot on what that child is like, her age, and even what we adults think is important when choosing her ?
When choosing an instant camera for children, keep in mind:
- The age of the child: Does a 2-year-old need an instant camera? ;).
- The price: Putting a budget that is too high, as much as you can afford it, is not always a good idea. Children are children and accidents are inevitable.
- The resistance: As said, children are children and cameras fall, hit and even get lost.
- The benefits: Do you want it with a screen or completely analog?
- The weight: A camera that is too heavy will surely end up abandoned in a corner.
- The design: We all like an attractive design, but a good grip and ease of handling the buttons are also important.
- The accessories : Covers, straps, colored filters for the flash, photo frames... are always a plus in this case.
My recomendation? I would go for a completely analog camera, you can take the opportunity to teach them the value of each image, learn to deal with frustration and see them get excited when they see the images appear on paper.
Personally, I think that a good option for children can be the Instax mini 11 due to size, design, weight, accessories and price. For size, although somewhat more expensive, you can cheer up with the Polaroid Go .
If you are looking for the best camera for children, these tips will help you choose the best one in each case.
PAPER FOR INSTANT CAMERAS
The most important thing when choosing photographic paper for your analog camera is that you do not make a mistake with the size. Always check that it is the right one for your camera model.
Other important aspects when choosing photographic paper are:
- The finish: it can be glossy or matte, the most common and easy to find is glossy paper.
- The price: take a good look at the price per number of copies and do a little research and comparison before deciding on one or the other.
- Black and white or colour.
- The number of photos per reel, if they come in several packs, etc.
- Reels with effects or different formats.
Some brands of photo paper for instant cameras:
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Gloss
- Polaroid i-Type
- Polaroid 600 Originals
- kodak paper
- Instax Fujifilm SQUARE
The truth is that the magic that this type of analog photography has is unique. Not only for having the images instantly on a physical support but also because, unlike even the conventional reel, this copy is unique and unrepeatable.
For me, that is the magic that makes instant analogue photography so special and different. Now, don't you want that copy to be unique and unrepeatable? Well, no problem. As we have seen, you can also get an instant camera with a memory card slot or with Bluetooth.
These new instant cameras allow, therefore, to combine the best of the past with the improvements of the digital world.
Because a time in the past wasn't always better or yes ?, that's for you to decide when you opt for one style of instant photography or another.
And if what you are looking for is a camera to give as a gift, here are more gift ideas for photographers.
