Some of the first Polaroid cameras completely revolutionized the camera industry because they made it possible to take instant pictures.
The Polaroid camera eliminated the need to have pictures developed at a local store. Once you owned the camera, you could snap photos and instantly print them out.
Today, despite the influx of new, advanced products, the Polaroid camera remains popular, and to keep up with the times, the technology has received several major upgrades. Instant cameras are lucrative products because they let you immediately print out the pictures you’ve taken.
You’re never limited to a tiny screen because the camera delivers an instant hard copy of your picture. If you’d like to purchase a Polaroid camera, there are some things to consider.
What to Look For in A Polaroid Camera
When shopping for an instant camera, you’ll find hundreds of choices to choose from. While this might seem like a benefit, it can actually be quite overwhelming, so it’s important to know what to look for. Polaroid cameras come in three major varieties.
Two of these options are very straightforward and function the way you’d expect. The first two types let you aim, shoot and instantly print the photo. You should know that the prints from these cameras are quite a bit different than what you’d get from a classic Polaroid camera.
The third type of Polaroid camera is quite a bit different than the first two because it incorporates several features that you’d get from a modern digital camera. You can think of the third type of camera as a cross between a classic Polaroid and modern digital camera.
Choosing Between Classic and Modern Designs
If you’re shopping for a Polaroid camera, you need to consider the size. A camera with a small, compact design is great because it will easily fit in your pocket.
However, a smaller camera might lack the functionality that you’d get from a larger model. In the end, your selection will be mostly based on preference, but it’s a good idea to consider what type of film is used by the camera.
Unfortunately, the film can be quite expensive. Most people enjoy the newer Polaroid cameras, which combine the latest technology with a classic concept. Some consumers prefer the classic design, and if you think that you might fall into this category, there are several great options to choose from.
To make your life easier, we’ve hand-picked 10 of the Best Polaroid Cameras, so you can read the reviews and select the best product for your needs.
Ten Best Polaroid Cameras Comparison Table
Product | Image | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 70 Instant Film Camera | Selfie mode with built-in selfie mirror Tripod Socket | $$ | |
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Film Camera Mint | Works with Fuji INSTAX Film Automatic exposure measurement. The camera signals the recommended aperture setting with a flashing LED | $$ | |
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera Purple | 10-Megapixel Micro SD Slot Holds 32GB (Max) Digital Copy is Saved for PC/Social Media | $$ | |
Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera Black | Works with Polaroid 300 instant film Takes business card size instant color photos Manual exposure compensation | $$ | |
Polaroid Z2300 10MP Digital Instant Print Camera | 3.0” bright color LCD for viewing images Prints instantly with ZINK® Zero ink® printing technology SD compatible for expanded memory, up to 32GB | $$ | |
Polaroid CAA-500VC 5MP CMOS Digital Camera | 8MB built-in storage Takes video Clips | $$ | |
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera | Adjusts the amount of flash and shutter speed to optimize photo quality Double exposure mode 2 images are produced on 1 film sheet Macro mode short distance photography as close as 30-60cm | $$$ | |
Polaroid 600 Round Instant Film Camera Green | PD-C25 Case with Rain Cover Automatic flash Flash override and exposure correction slider | $$$ | |
Polaroid i-Zone Pocket Instant Camera Silver Edition | Takes instant pictures the size of a postage stamp Focus free with built-in flash and simple loading | $ | |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 25 Instant Film Camera White | Motorized 3 position collapsible lens Self portrait mirror | $$ |
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 70 Instant Film Camera
If you want a high-quality product, consider the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 70. This version of the camera is gold and features a new, streamlined appearance. It has a built-in selfie mirror, so you can switch to selfie mode and take your own pictures.
When compared with previous models, this camera offers improved picture quality, and it takes significantly better photos in dark areas. It comes with a tripod socket, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting it attached to a tripod.
The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 70 draws power from two CR2 batteries. This camera is one of the newest additions to the INSTAX product collection. It’s viewed as a step up from the Mini 8 and delivers a larger set of features.
One of its best upgrades is an improved design, but it also takes better pictures. This camera is very good at taking great photos of dark scenes. The selfie mode is also a new feature and gives you total control over your own pictures.
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8 Instant Film Camera Mint
Here is another top product from Fujifilm. It doesn’t deliver many of the features that you’d get from the Fujifilm Mini 70, but it does have a lighter, slimmer body. It has an automatic exposure measurement, and it uses a flashing LED to signal the ideal aperture setting.
This feature is great because it lets you capture the best photo every time. Unlike some of the other cameras from Fujifilm, the Mini 8 has a high-key mode, which delivers brighter, softer pictures.
The high-key mode is excellent for taking portrait shots. The Mini 8 has an improved viewfinder and offers greater visibility and clarity. In case you’re wondering, this camera uses the Mini INSTAX film, so it’s not terribly expensive. The INSTAX Mini 8 features a grape color, so it’s great for girls.
The lighter, slimmer body is one of its best improvements, and when compared with the Mini 7S, this camera is about 10 percent smaller. You shouldn’t have any trouble carrying this camera anywhere.
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera Purple
The Polaroid Snap is a popular camera and features a bright purple color. If purple isn’t your favorite color, then you can purchase it in white, red, blue or black.
This camera features a minimalist design and gives off a classic vibe. With a compact design, it easily fits into most pockets. When compared to similar models, the price is also quite low.
The Polaroid Snap has a 10-megapixel sensor, so it can capture beautiful images. It has a micro SD slot, which is capable of holding a maximum of 32 gigabytes of data. It has an integrated ZINK instant printer, so it can produce full-color prints.
One of the greatest benefits that this camera has to offer is the print time. The Polaroid Snap will deliver a printed photo in less than one minute, and for easier posting, it has an adhesive back.
Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera Black
The Polaroid PIC-300 is a hot pick. The photos printed from this camera are the size of a business card and feature full color. This camera has four different scene settings, so you can take great photos in a variety of environments.
The different scene settings make it easier to get great shots in any light. The Polaroid PIC-300 uses the Polaroid 300 Instant film, so you won’t have to break the bank to get plenty of film. It has an automatic flash feature, so you can spend your time focusing on taking better photos.
With a 1/60 sec electronic shutter, this camera has more to offer than many comparable products. The automatic flash is especially useful in low-light conditions. The Polaroid PIC-300 has manual exposure compensation and works great with Polaroid 300 Instant film.
READ MORE REVIEWS ON THIS CAMERA
Polaroid Z2300 10MP Digital Instant Print Camera
If you’re looking for a Polaroid camera and want modern features, this could be the camera you’ve been looking for. It has a compact size and offers great usability features. It has a three-inch LCD screen, so you can see the pictures before you print them.
The LCD screen is bright and makes it easy to view images you’ve captured using the camera. This camera is capable of printing 2×3 full-color images, and it gets the job done in less than one minute. It uses ZINK Zero ink printing technology to instantly deliver stunning photos.
If you have an SD card, you can pop it into this camera, and it can hold a 32GB card. The Polaroid Z2300 has too many features to list. It doesn’t require any computer connections and delivers smudge-proof pictures. It even lets you view and crop images before printing.
Polaroid CAA-500VC 5MP CMOS Digital Camera
This isn’t the greatest Polaroid camera ever made, but if you’re on a budget, it’s worth considering. It has an 8MB built-in storage capacity, and it can even take video clips.
It uses Polaroid Pixel technology and requires AAA batteries. It can take VGA video at 30 frames per second and has the ability to store up to 120 images on internal storage.
The Polaroid CAA-500VC 5MP has a self-timer, so you can easily take family photos, and for convenience, it comes with a USB cable for your computer. This camera doesn’t print photos onsite, but since you can connect it to a computer, printing your pictures is easy.
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera
The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 90 Neo Classic can automatically detect the brightness of your scene and adjust the flash. It’s also capable of adjusting the shutter speed, which results in optimized photo quality.
With the double-exposure mode, you can print two pictures on a single sheet of film. To activate this feature, you must press the shutter button twice.
With Bulb mode activated, the shutter will remain open, and you’ll be able to photograph a light trail. This camera is great for short-distance photography, and there is even a mode designed for taking better pictures of kids.
Polaroid 600 Round Instant Film Camera Green
This camera features an automatic flash and can be very fun to use. It uses 600 film, which must be purchased separately.
The flash makes this camera ideal for spontaneous photos, and it can be used indoors or outdoors. It has an exposure correction slider and flash override, so if you want to get precise, you have access to powerful features.
This particular camera also has an Impossible Frog Tongue, so your images are protected as they exit the camera. If you’re looking for a classic Polaroid design, you should enjoy using this camera.
Polaroid i-Zone Pocket Instant Camera Silver Edition
If you want a classic Polaroid camera, this could be a great product for you. However, due to the size, it can only print tiny photos, and the images are about the size of a postage stamp.
This camera is focus free and has a built-in flash. It features simple loading and can be used with sticky or non-sticky film. The kit comes with the camera and batteries.
Since this is a pocket camera, it’s small enough to fit into any pocket. The compact size is one of the best features that this camera has to offer.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 25 Instant Film Camera White
The final product on the list is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 25. Like other cameras from the Mini product line, this model features a compact size.
It offers powerful viewfinder magnification and has an LCD liquid crystal display. The shutter speed is fast, and there is even a feature for exposure compensation flash.
This camera features a simplistic design and looks great. It’s made from high-quality materials and features solid construction. If you want to dive into the world of Polaroid photography, this product could be a great place to start.
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