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10 Best Instant Cameras

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#1

Winner

instax min
Available on
£64.99
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#2
instax min
7% OFF
Available on
£74
7% off
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#3
instax min
13% OFF
Available on
£69.99
13% off
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#4
instax min
Available on
£169
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#7
Polaroid N
Available on
£89
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#10
Polaroid -
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£89.93
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

instax mini 12 camera, MINT GREEN

10.0  score

Available on
£64.99
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,111
Size and Portability
Exposure Control
Additional Features
Size and Portability
The compact design and vibrant pastel colors make the camera as much a stylish accessory as a functional device.
Exposure Control
The instant prints deliver vivid colors and sharp details, with automatic exposure adapting well to different lighting conditions.
Additional Features
The close-up mode and selfie mirror make framing portraits and self-portraits simple and effective.
Film Format
Watching a physical photo develop in seconds creates a unique and joyful experience that digital photos can't replicate.
Battery Type
Battery life is reliable, using easy-to-replace AA batteries that last through several film packs.

The instax mini 12 is a compact and lightweight instant camera that produces credit card-sized photos using the popular instax mini film format. Its fixed F/12.7 aperture and maximum shutter speed of 1/250 seconds offer basic but reliable exposure control, suitable for everyday snapshot moments. The built-in automatic flash helps you capture well-lit photos even in low light, and it comes with a fast 5-second print speed, meaning you get your photo quickly after snapping it.

The camera also includes a handy selfie lens and a small mirror to help frame your shots, which is great if you enjoy taking self-portraits. It’s powered by 4 AA batteries, which are included, so you don’t need to worry about charging it. Its size and weight make it easy to carry around, fitting well in a bag or large pocket, ideal for casual outings or parties.

While it lacks advanced exposure settings or zoom options, its simplicity is perfect for those who want a fun, no-fuss instant camera. The main downside is that the film must be purchased separately, and the camera isn’t water-resistant, so it needs to be kept dry. If you're looking for a stylish, easy-to-use instant camera for quick, fun photography, the instax mini 12 in mint green is a solid choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,111
Size and Portability
Exposure Control
Additional Features
Size and Portability
The compact design and vibrant pastel colors make the camera as much a stylish accessory as a functional device.
Exposure Control
The instant prints deliver vivid colors and sharp details, with automatic exposure adapting well to different lighting conditions.
Additional Features
The close-up mode and selfie mirror make framing portraits and self-portraits simple and effective.
Film Format
Watching a physical photo develop in seconds creates a unique and joyful experience that digital photos can't replicate.
Battery Type
Battery life is reliable, using easy-to-replace AA batteries that last through several film packs.
#2

instax mini 12 camera, LILAC PURPLE

10.0  score

7% OFF
Available on
£74
7% off
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Rating
10.0
Film Format
Exposure Control
Flash
Film Format
The compact credit card-sized prints are perfect for scrapbooking, sharing with friends, or decorating personal spaces.
Exposure Control
Automatic exposure and flash adjustments deliver consistently well-lit, vivid photos even in challenging indoor or low-light settings.
Flash
Automatic exposure and flash adjustments deliver consistently well-lit, vivid photos even in challenging indoor or low-light settings.
Battery Type
Battery life is reliable and powered by easy-to-replace AA batteries, supporting multiple packs of film for extended shooting sessions.
Size and Portability
The camera’s charming, compact design and vibrant pastel colors make it as much a stylish accessory as a functional instant camera.
Additional Features
Close-up mode and the built-in selfie mirror make framing portraits and self-portraits simple and enjoyable.

The instax mini 12 is a compact and colorful instant camera designed for users who enjoy capturing quick, credit card-sized photos with minimal fuss. It uses the popular instax mini film format, producing photos that are easy to share and keep. The camera includes a built-in automatic flash that adjusts to lighting conditions, helping produce clear pictures even indoors or in low light. Exposure control is fully automatic, so you don’t need to worry about complicated settings—just point and shoot. The lens offers autofocus and comes with a built-in selfie lens and mirror, making it convenient for self-portraits and close-ups. The camera runs on 4 AA batteries, which are included, but keep in mind that battery life will vary depending on usage.

Weighing just over 300 grams and measuring roughly 7 x 10 x 12 cm, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it suitable for parties, travel, or casual photography. However, it’s not water-resistant, so it’s best used in dry conditions. While it lacks advanced manual controls, this simplicity is actually a plus for beginners or anyone wanting quick results without hassle. The fast 5-second print speed is a nice touch, letting you hold your physical photo almost immediately. If you want a stylish, straightforward instant camera with decent image quality and user-friendly features, the instax mini 12 is a solid choice. Just remember to budget for film separately, as it’s not included.

Rating
10.0
Film Format
Exposure Control
Flash
Film Format
The compact credit card-sized prints are perfect for scrapbooking, sharing with friends, or decorating personal spaces.
Exposure Control
Automatic exposure and flash adjustments deliver consistently well-lit, vivid photos even in challenging indoor or low-light settings.
Flash
Automatic exposure and flash adjustments deliver consistently well-lit, vivid photos even in challenging indoor or low-light settings.
Battery Type
Battery life is reliable and powered by easy-to-replace AA batteries, supporting multiple packs of film for extended shooting sessions.
Size and Portability
The camera’s charming, compact design and vibrant pastel colors make it as much a stylish accessory as a functional instant camera.
Additional Features
Close-up mode and the built-in selfie mirror make framing portraits and self-portraits simple and enjoyable.
#3

instax mini 12 camera, PASTEL BLUE

9.7  score

13% OFF
Available on
£69.99
13% off
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Rating
9.7
Size and Portability
Additional Features
Lens Quality
Size and Portability
The camera’s compact and stylish design makes it as much a fashion accessory as a functional instant camera.
Additional Features
Its user-friendly interface and straightforward controls allow anyone to start taking photos immediately without hassle.
Lens Quality
Photos come out with vivid colours and sharp details, capturing the classic instant film charm perfectly.
Exposure Control
Automatic exposure and built-in flash work seamlessly to produce well-lit photos in various lighting conditions.
Film Format
Watching a physical print develop in seconds brings a unique joy that digital photos can’t replicate.
Battery Type
Battery life is reliable, powered by easy-to-replace AA batteries that last through multiple film packs.

The instax mini 12 is a compact and lightweight instant camera that produces credit card-sized photos using the popular instax mini film format, which is easy to find and widely used. Its built-in automatic flash helps ensure clear pictures even in low light, and the camera prints photos quickly, within about 5 seconds. The lens includes a selfie function with a close-up lens and a handy selfie mirror, making it great for casual portraits and fun shots. Exposure control is automatic, which is convenient for beginners who don’t want to fuss with settings.

The camera runs on two AA batteries, which are easy to replace and widely available, adding to its convenience. At around 306 grams and modest dimensions, it’s highly portable and fits well in a bag or large pocket. One limitation is that it does not offer manual exposure settings or advanced shooting modes, which might be a drawback for users wanting more creative control. Also, it’s not water-resistant, so care is needed in wet conditions. The lack of a self-timer may be inconvenient for some selfie or group shots.

The instax mini 12 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a fun, straightforward instant camera that delivers quick prints with decent picture quality and easy handling, especially suitable for casual use and beginners.

Rating
9.7
Size and Portability
Additional Features
Lens Quality
Size and Portability
The camera’s compact and stylish design makes it as much a fashion accessory as a functional instant camera.
Additional Features
Its user-friendly interface and straightforward controls allow anyone to start taking photos immediately without hassle.
Lens Quality
Photos come out with vivid colours and sharp details, capturing the classic instant film charm perfectly.
Exposure Control
Automatic exposure and built-in flash work seamlessly to produce well-lit photos in various lighting conditions.
Film Format
Watching a physical print develop in seconds brings a unique joy that digital photos can’t replicate.
Battery Type
Battery life is reliable, powered by easy-to-replace AA batteries that last through multiple film packs.

Buying Guide for the Best Instant Cameras

Instant cameras are a fun and nostalgic way to capture moments and get physical photos instantly. When choosing an instant camera, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Film FormatFilm format refers to the size and type of film the camera uses. This is important because it affects the size of your photos and the availability of film. Common formats include mini, square, and wide. Mini film is small and portable, great for casual snapshots. Square film offers a classic look and is slightly larger, making it good for more detailed shots. Wide film provides the largest prints, ideal for group photos or landscapes. Choose a format based on how you plan to use your photos and your preference for photo size.
Lens QualityLens quality determines the sharpness and clarity of your photos. Higher quality lenses produce clearer, more detailed images. Lenses can be made of plastic or glass, with glass generally offering better quality. If you want high-quality, sharp images, look for a camera with a glass lens. For casual use and fun snapshots, a plastic lens may be sufficient.
Exposure ControlExposure control allows you to adjust the brightness of your photos. This is important for getting the right lighting in different environments. Some cameras have automatic exposure control, which adjusts settings for you, making it easy for beginners. Others offer manual controls, giving you more creative freedom but requiring more skill. If you’re new to photography, an automatic exposure control might be best. If you enjoy experimenting with settings, look for a camera with manual options.
FlashA built-in flash helps illuminate your subject in low-light conditions. This is important for taking clear photos indoors or at night. Some cameras have automatic flash, which activates when needed, while others allow you to control the flash manually. If you often take photos in various lighting conditions, a camera with a good flash system is essential. For outdoor or well-lit environments, flash may be less critical.
Battery TypeBattery type affects how you power your camera and how often you need to replace or recharge batteries. Instant cameras can use disposable batteries (like AA or AAA) or rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries are convenient for travel and easy to replace, but can be costly over time. Rechargeable batteries are more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run, but require regular charging. Choose based on your convenience and usage habits.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the camera determine how easy it is to carry around. Smaller, lighter cameras are more portable and convenient for travel or everyday use. Larger cameras may offer more features but can be bulkier to carry. Consider how and where you plan to use your camera. If you want something you can easily take with you, opt for a compact model. If you don’t mind the extra size for additional features, a larger camera might be suitable.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your photography experience. These might include selfie mirrors, timers, multiple exposure modes, or creative filters. These features can add fun and versatility to your photography. Think about what extra functionalities you might enjoy or find useful. If you like taking selfies, a camera with a selfie mirror or timer is beneficial. For creative photography, look for cameras with multiple exposure modes or filters.