We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
Instant print cameras can be great fun, opening up new avenues for spontaneity and creativity. If you're searching for the best instant camera, Polaroid is the original and still produces great options. So, which is the best Polaroid camera, and what should you look for when shopping for one?
Polaroid is still making new instant cameras, bringing a nostalgic vibe to the 21st century. The technology works much the same as ever. But different film types are available, such as I-type film, so it's a good idea to see what type your chosen model uses. You should also consider factors such as print size, Bluetooth capabilities and manual controls.
We looked at all of Polaroid's current models to find the best Polaroid camera. While our top pick overall is the Polaroid Flip Instant Camera + Color Photo Bundle, the BestReviews Testing Lab also loved how the Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera performed. In particular, we appreciated its image quality and Bluetooth options that give you more control over every picture and plenty of ways to be creative.
Best Bluetooth Polaroid Camera
Dimensions: 5.9” L x 4.4” W x 3.8” H | Weight: 17 oz | Type: I-Type | Viewfinder Type: Optical
We tested the Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera and loved the degree of control it afforded us. Thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, it can connect to an app that lets you control a range of settings manually. In addition to full manual control, you can use the app for remote shutter release, long exposure, aperture priority, double exposure and a "light painting" mode. We found the settings easy to use and appreciated how creative you can get with this camera beyond taking basic point-and-shoot snaps.
What's more, we liked the physical lens filters that came with it. Orange, yellow, blue, red vignette and starburst lens filters are included so that you can experiment with analog effects.
Overall, we loved the blend of modern features and old-school charm. It's a versatile model for a reasonable price point that gives you manual control and lets you have fun with analog and digital effects. What more could you want from a Polaroid camera?
Best Small Polaroid Camera
Dimensions: 4.13” L x 3.3” W x 2.42” H | Weight: 9.5 oz | Type: I-Type | Viewfinder Type: Optical
Anyone looking for a compact camera or one that produces small-format photos should consider the Polaroid Go. It's a light, compact camera that produces prints measuring 2.6 inches by 2.1 inches.
Thanks to the mirror, it's selfie-ready. Plus, the self-timer makes the perfect selfie easier to capture. You can also use the camera to take double-exposure photos, which create some interesting effects.
It's worth noting that this instant-print camera only takes Polaroid Go film. So, if you have other types of film left over from old Polaroid cameras, it won't be compatible. However, the bundle comes with enough film for 16 prints, giving you everything you need to get started.
Best Retro Polaroid Camera
Dimensions: Approximately 5” L x 4” W x 3” H | Weight: 12 oz | Type: 600 | Viewfinder Type: Optical
If you'd love a retro Polaroid camera but worry it wouldn't be reliable, here’s a great compromise. The Polaroid Originals 600 is an old model from the '90s refurbished by Polaroid to bring it up to scratch for modern-day use. Plus, there's a one-year warranty to give you peace of mind.
It's extremely rugged, so you don't need to worry about knocks and scrapes. While it's bulkier than contemporary Polaroids, it's lighter than some, so it isn't too much of a hassle to carry around.
Not only do we appreciate this model's vintage charm, but it also has some nice features, such as a pop-up flash and protective film shield. It works with 600 film, which is easy to find.
Best Polaroid Camera with Manual Controls
Dimensions: 5.9” L x 4.7” W x 3.6” H | Weight: 20 oz | Type: I-Type | Viewfinder Type: Optical with LCD info display
The Polaroid I-2 is the most advanced updated Polaroid camera around. Sure, it costs significantly more than others, but you get full manual control. If you've always dreamed of controlling the aperture, shutter speed and other fine details, this model is for you. It's the first newer Polaroid instant film camera to have built-in manual controls instead of manual controls you change via an app.
The advanced lens system creates sharper results than any Polaroid camera before it. The focal distance is adjustable, giving you great shots at a range of distances.
We're huge fans of this camera for its image quality, advanced lens and range of manual controls. Without a doubt,it's the best Polaroid camera for serious photographers.
Modern instant-print cameras come in two basic designs. One type builds on the original Polaroid design, using film that turns into print. The other relies on Zink technology.
Film for instant-print cameras is sold in packs. The packs vary in size, containing enough sheets for anywhere between 8 and 20 prints. All chemicals and materials required to develop a finished photo print are included in these packs.
Polaroid cameras use either the newer I-type film or the original Polaroid 600 film. I-type film works similarly to 600 film but doesn't require a battery and offers richer colors and tones.
After you insert the pack into the camera, it loads one of the film sheets. When you press the shutter button, the camera exposes the sheet, which becomes the final print. The sheet then ejects from the camera. The chemicals work on the sheet, causing the photo to appear after a few minutes.
This type of instant photo print process is similar to that of the first Polaroid cameras from several decades ago.
If your instant-print camera uses something other than film, it almost certainly uses Zink technology. Zink employs a special kind of paper with crystals that respond to the heat from the camera’s print head. Depending on the temperature and duration of the heat, the crystals develop into cyan, magenta or yellow. By blending these three primary colors at varying intensities, the printer creates an image directly on the sheet.
Because the color-forming compounds are built into the paper itself, Zink cameras don’t require separate ink refills. This makes them compact, low-maintenance and easy to use.
Some people buy instant-print cameras, play with them for a few weeks and then leave them to gather dust. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right outlook, you can make the most of your Polaroid camera.
Lighting is important in Polaroid photography. Polaroids perform best in natural light, so try to use soft, diffused natural light for your shots. Avoid harsh shadows and bright sunlight, which can lead to overexposure and loss of detail.
Polaroid film tends to saturate colors and increase contrast. Keep this in mind while composing your shots. Look for vibrant subjects and contrasting elements for visually appealing photos.
It’s a good idea to learn the focus range of your Polaroid camera. Most have a fixed focus, so you will want your subject to be within the optimal distance range.
Just like digital cameras, Polaroid-style instant-print cameras are available at many price points. Generally, the more you pay, the more features you get.
That said, the fun factor of using these cameras often means a lot more to consumers than the image quality or feature set. Instant cameras are meant to be fun, and since fun is the primary goal, an inexpensive Polaroid camera may easily meet your needs.
Most Polaroid cameras priced under $100 are compact or mini cameras. They’re excellent for traveling, but you won’t get many advanced features or larger-than-average print sizes. Some of the most popular types of instant-print cameras fit this price range.
A Polaroid-style camera in this price range might use film or Zink technology. You can make prints larger than the standard credit card-size print with a camera in this price range.
The most expensive Polaroid cameras have high-end lenses and manual controls. If you want more than your average Polaroid-style shot, you'll get the best results from this kind of camera.
Instant-film cameras also have some ongoing costs. You will have to buy film packs or Zink paper regularly to refill the camera. The cost will run from about $20 to $30 for a pack of 16 sheets. This adds up quickly if you give a child a Polaroid camera and they run through the entire pack in half an hour.
As we mentioned, most people who buy a Polaroid use it for fun. It’s not necessarily their primary camera. So, what are the best uses for an instant-print camera?
We considered Polaroid's entire current range of instant cameras when searching for the best Polaroids. This covers the I-2, the Go, the Now and the Now+ cameras. We also looked at some older models that are still available. To compare them, we considered factors such as film type, image quality, portability and lens type. Additionally, we tested the Polaroid Now+ to see how well it performed and whether its modern features were worth it.
A. With Polaroid cameras, you don’t have a lot of control over the exposure of the instant-print film. These are automatic cameras that don’t offer manual control options. This makes it almost impossible to adjust the camera's settings to compensate for poor lighting.
Try to shoot photos with your instant camera in areas with adequate light. Avoid scenes that are dark and lit only by light bulbs. And avoid scenes with harsh overhead sunlight, which can create dark shadows.
A. Some instant-print cameras are completely automatic, but some offer minor manual control options. For example, you may be able to slightly adjust the camera’s brightness setting, allowing you to compensate for really bright or dark shooting conditions.
Occasionally, an instant-print camera will allow you to zoom into scenes or save photos to a memory card.
A. Most instant cameras are larger than point-and-shoot digital cameras and smartphone cameras. Instant-print cameras must be larger and thicker than simple digital cameras in order to provide interior room for the film or Zink paper.
