The Ultimate Guide to Instant Cameras
Instant Cameras are amazing! Why? Of course for the immediate gratification of tangible prints, the nostalgia associated with analog photography, and the spontaneous, unfiltered charm they bring to capturing moments. If that sounds like something you could be interested in, look no further than this ultimate Guide to Instand cameras!
Instant cameras work by capturing an image on photosensitive film and then developing that image within the camera to produce a print almost instantly. In contrast, normal analog cameras capture images on film, which needs external processing in a darkroom or a lab for developing, fixing, and printing, extending the time between capturing a photo and seeing the final result. So in short: More immediate fun!
In the realm of instant photography, the major players include Polaroid, renowned for classics like the SX-70 and the Polaroid 600 series, and Fujifilm, known for it’s wide range in the Instax series (Mini, Wide, and Square formats, blending modern tech with nostalgia) Emerging brands like Lomography add to the mix, catering to artistic enthusiasts.
Instant Photography - a History
The history of instant photography goes all the way back to 1948 when Dr. Edwin Land (Co-Founder of the Polaroid Company, which synonymous for instant photogrpahy) wanted to pictures to develop instantly or at least within minutes of taking the image.
The first camera, the Model 95, was introduced the same year. Color-film was introduced in 1963 and gave the industry new impulses and pushed it to new limits.
In the late 20th century digital cameras upset the instant cameras: Digital was even more immediate than the film that took a couple of minutes to develop. It could also be shared more easily with friends and family. Images could also be duplicated.
However in the early 2000s Fujifilm introduced it’s Instax series which reeignited the industry! The retro look and feel became an instant hit with younger audiences leaving us with a pretty nice selection of instant camera systems in todays landscape.
The best Instant Cameras
Best Overall Instand Camera: FUJIFILM Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
This camera is not just an easy to use camera but it also brings more advanced features such as duble exposures and a bulb mode. At the same time as packing modern technology it’s all packed in a cool and classic design.
Best Budget Instant Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
This wallet friendly option doesn’t compromise on image quality and is also easy to use with it’s automatic exposure. It’s also one of the more colorful cameras with it’s fun design in bright blue, purple, white, orange, pink, and of course black.
Best for Creative Photography Lomography Lomo'Instant Wide
This camera features a unique wide angle lens which lets you experiment more with it’s creative features. You’ll definitely stand out with your images due to the focal length alone. Oh, and it comes with multiple lenses: One Ultrawide, one close-focus and a 90mm equivalent. The lenses are quite soft, but that’s just part of the charm of instant photography. This camera luckily uses the Fujifilm Filmstock, so no need to buy some niche-product for your chots.
Best for Retro Vibes: Polaroid Now+ 2nd Generation
As a part of the iconic Polaroid brand (Remeber our little history section?), the Polaroid Now offers a blend of modern technology with a classic design, delivering that timeless retro feel. The camera can - despite it’s retro look and feel - be controlled through bluetooth!
