Thanks to smartphones, most of us have a top-notch camera available to capture any photo imaginable and share with the world in a few seconds. But in the age of social media, an old-school technology is gaining popularity: the instant camera.
If you’re of a certain age, you probably remember the camera that prints out undeveloped image after capturing. With just a little time, and some shaking, the image appears. And that technology has made its way to the modern age with one name leading the way.
Here are the best Fujifilm Instax cameras available.
The Fujifilm Instax Square gives you complete control over your prints. With a 2.7-inch screen on the camera's rear, you can capture a photo while looking at the screen. And before you print, you can also edit the image with several different tools and one of 16 filters to make it unique. That should definitely help save money in the long run by not printing images you don't want to keep.
As a fun bonus, you can also capture up to 15 seconds of video and select the frame to print. The camera uses a 2.4-inch x 2.4-inch film. The rechargeable battery can go for up to 100 prints on a single charge. The camera also has a self-timer with the ability to select a 2-second or 10-second delay.
- 2.7-inch color LCD screen on the rear of the camera
- Along with photos, you can capture video and select a frame to print
- Sixteen filters that can be applied to photo and videos
- 4x digital zoom
- Brand: Fujifilm
- Battery: Built-in rechargable
- Weight: 1 pound
- Self-Timer: 2 seconds/10 seconds
- You can preview and edit images before printing
- Rechargeable battery
- Available in two color options
- Square aspect ratio might not be the best for all shots
- Expensive compared to other Fujifilm Instax models
Fujifilm's Instax Mini Liplay is a perfect companion for your smartphone. Along with acting as an instant camera, you can also send images from your iPhone or Android handset to print using Bluetooth.
The rear screen on the camera's back allows you to line up a perfect shot and edit it before printing. You can select from 30 frames and six filters to customize the print.
With the companion smartphone app, you can add a recorded sound to add to the print with a QR code. Anyone with the print can scan the QR to replay the sound. For a group photo, you can also use a smartphone as a shutter button.
- Print images from the camera or a smartphone via Bluetooth
- Use a smartphone as a shutter button for the camera
- Expandable memory with a optional microSD card
- Printable QR code allows you to playback recorded sounds with an image
- Brand: Fujifilm
- Battery: Built-in, rechargeable
- Weight: 9 ounces
- Self-Timer: 2 seconds/10 seconds
- Available in three different colors
- Uses the same film as other Instax Mini cameras
- Built-in screen means you can review photos before printing
- Not useful if you don’t want to print from a smartphone
- Expensive compared to other Fujifilm Instax models
A perfect choice for any age is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11. The inexpensive starter model doesn't include a built-in screen but does offer other great features. An automatic exposure flash will determine the amount of brightness and adjust the shutter speed for the best picture possible.
Selfie fans will be happy to hear that there are two different modes for capturing a perfect shot. You can check the framing with a mirror next to the lens.
To help customize the camera itself, Fujifilm includes two shutter button accessories to select from. One option glows in the dark while the other is a jewel that matches the camera color. Two AA batteries power the camera.
- Includes two shutter button accessories
- Two different selfie modes and a mirror to help check framing
- Automatic exposure flash calculates brightness and adjusts shutter speed
- Brand: Fujifilm
- Battery: 2 AA batteries
- Weight: 10.3 ounces
- Self-Timer: No
- Inexpensive price makes it a great intro the the Fujifilm Instax line
- Available in five different colors
- Uses AA batteries
- Not as many features as more expensive models
As you might have guessed by the name, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 takes a wide-format approach to the instant camera line. The 3.38-inch x 4.25-inch prints are perfect for larger group shots. The camera also sports a socket on the bottom that can attach to a tripod for clearer photos.
On the rear of the camera is an optical viewfinder to help line up shots along with flash and brightness controls. The camera offers features like an automatic flash for low-light situations to help capture a great photo.
- Flash and brightness controls
- Automatic flash for low-light situations
- Wide film with 3.38-inch x 4.25-inch prints
- Brand: Fujifilm
- Battery: 4 AA batteries
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Self-Timer: No
- Tripod socket
- Available in two colors
- Wide film makes it ideal for group photos
- No rear screen to view or edit images before printing
- Uses four AA batteries
Another option that prints square shots, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 shows 1.5 times more of a subject than the Instax Mini line. While there isn’t a screen to view and edit images, Fujifilm provides three flash color filters---orange, purple and green---to give a unique hue to shots. Just fit one of the filters over the flash before taking the photo.
There are also several shooting modes to help capture a great shot, including automatic exposure control to brighten both the subject and background in low-light situations, a macro mode for close-up subjects, landscape mode for long-distance shots, and a double-exposure mode to capture two images on the same print.
Selfie fans will be happy to hear that there is a specific selfie mode and a mirror next to the lens to help line up the shot. It also has a 10-second self-timer.
- Three included flash color filters can bring a unique look to photos
- Automatic exposure control brightens the photo subject and background
- Macro mode can capture close-up subjects
- Brand: Fujifilm
- Battery: 2 CR2 batteries
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Self-Timer: 10 seconds
- Selfie mode and mirror
- Square film format allows you to capture more in a print
- Available in five colors
- CR2 batteries aren't as commonplace as alternatives
- No rear screen to view and edit photos before printing
Parents should definitely take a look at the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 for budding photographers. The larger camera is great for smaller hands and even sports a wrist strap for extra protection. The shutter speed is set, so the flash will always fire. Before taking shots, the camera will determine the best brightness level. Just turn the brightness adjustment dial to the lit lamp.
You can also choose a high-key mode for a picture with a softer impression. For selfie time, there is a mirror next to the lens to check the framing. A special attachment allows close-up shots. And to save on battery, the camera will automatically switch off after five minutes without being used.
- Fixed shutter speed so flash will always fire
- Brightness adjustment dial to help pick the best setting
- Close-up lens attachment for macro photos
- Brand: Fujifilm
- Battery: 2 AA batteries
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Self-Timer: No
- A perfect starter camera for younger photographers
- Selfie mirror to help line up a perfect shot
- Available in 10 vibrant colors
- The Instax Mini 11 offers more features for just a bit more money
- Big and bulky
The Instax Mini 90 comes with shooting modes for almost any situation. For fast-moving subjects like children or animals, use the Kid's Mode. Likewise, the Party Mode will allow you to capture both the subject and background with maximum brightness. The camera's high-performance flash is designed to emit the perfect amount of light, depending on the subject's distance and scene brightness.
You'll want to use a tripod and the camera's socket to use the bulb exposure mode. The shutter remains open for up to 10 seconds while the button is pushed. That helps generate a great print with ideal light streaks. As a nice touch, you can switch modes and functions while looking through the viewfinder, thanks to the mode dial.
- Ability to add a low-key or high-key effect
- Scene-specific settings like Party Mode or Kids Mode
- High-performance flash
- Brand: Fujifilm
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Self-Timer: 10 seconds
- A classic look designed to mimic an old-school camera
- Rechargeable battery
- Switch modes and functions while looking through the viewfinder
- Retro look might not be for everyone
- No rear screen to view and edit photos before printing
FAQ
Q: Why is Fujifilm’s Instax Line so Popular?
Even the most basic smartphone can capture an image better than anything the Fujifilm Instax line. But there's something about being able to hold a real print just seconds after capturing the moment.
All of the Fujifilm Instax cameras are easy to use. And that's made them popular with children not ready for a smartphone.
Q: Is the Fujifilm Instax Line worth It?
If you’re looking for an instant print camera, the Fujifilm Instax line should definitely be one of your top choices. There are a wide variety of options in different price ranges and features.
And with the popularity of the Fujifilm cameras, there are several accessories available, including albums and photo frames to show off prints after they are captured.
Q: Is the Fujifilm Instax Film worth It?
While the cameras are very reasonably priced and well made, the film is where you'll spend most of your money.
If you're looking to add a bit more flair to the prints, instead of the usual white border, there are surprisingly a considerable number of different choices to select from---if you're willing to pay more.
You can save money by keeping a lookout for deals, especially packs with a larger number of prints.
