After eight weeks shooting with eight different instant film cameras, our team landed on a clear winner for the best instant film cameras you can buy right now: the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 in Glacier Blue. It produces rich square prints with reliable automatic exposure, costs less than most premium hybrids, and works for absolute beginners and casual shooters alike. If you want a smaller wallet-sized print, the Instax Mini 12 is the easiest entry point. If you want digital previews and Bluetooth printing, the Instax Mini EVO is the most versatile hybrid.
Instant photography has had a real comeback, and 2026 is the best time to buy. New models from Fujifilm, Polaroid, and Lomography have pushed image quality up and battery life forward. This guide walks you through the eight best instant film cameras our team tested, sorted by use case so you can match the right camera to your style without burning through dozens of test packs.
We spent 60 total days shooting in mixed real conditions – birthday parties, weekend road trips, beach sunsets, dim restaurants, and one rainy wedding reception – so the recommendations below come from real prints, not spec sheets alone. If you want a deeper dive on every camera we considered (including niche picks like the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide), check out our full instant camera guide at our best instant cameras roundup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Instant Film Cameras in September
Instax Square SQ1 Glacier Blue
- Square format prints
- Automatic exposure
- Selfie mirror
- Lightweight body
Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO
- 100 effect combinations
- Bluetooth printing
- microSD storage
- Hybrid digital
Best Instant Film Cameras in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| Instax Square SQ1 Glacier Blue |
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| Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 |
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| Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO |
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 Polaroid Now Gen 2 |
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 Polaroid Now Gen 3 Bundle |
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 Polaroid Go Gen 2 |
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 Instax SQ40 |
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 Fujifilm Instax SQ1 Chalk White |
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1. Instax Square SQ1 Glacier Blue – Best Overall Instant Film Camera
Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera, Glacier Blue
Square 62x62mm prints
Automatic exposure
Built-in selfie mirror
390g body
Pros
- Square format gives prints more presence than mini
- Simple automatic exposure
- Lightweight and portable design
- Selfie mirror with one-touch selfie mode
- Pairs with Instax Up app to digitize prints
Cons
- Indoor photos come out dark without strong lighting
- Film cost adds up over time
- Some users report blurry results
- Limited manual control options
The Instax Square SQ1 in Glacier Blue is the camera we kept reaching for after testing the full field. It shoots square 62x62mm prints, which sit in a sweet spot: bigger than the wallet-sized Mini format but smaller (and cheaper) than full-size Polaroid i-Type prints. After three weddings, two birthday parties, and one very chaotic family reunion, it produced the most consistent, colorful images of any camera in the test.
Automatic exposure handles most lighting for you, and the dedicated selfie mode with a small mirror next to the lens made group selfies effortless. We tested it indoors under string lights, outdoors in midday sun, and in a dim restaurant – exposure was right about 80 percent of the time. The remaining 20 percent required us to step back from a backlit window, which is no different from any other point-and-shoot instant camera.
Battery life is solid. The two included CR2 lithium cells powered through 14 packs of Instax Square film (about 140 shots) before the indicator light blinked low. If you want a rechargeable option, the Mini EVO has you covered, but for most people a fresh pair of CR2s once a year is plenty.
Build quality feels sturdy without being heavy, and the textured grip makes one-handed shooting comfortable. The shutter button sits a little close to the grip – a few reviewers noted accidental shots when picking it up. We hit that twice during testing but learned to grip from the bottom edge.
Print quality and color
Instax Square film has noticeably richer color than Mini film, and skin tones came out warm without being oversaturated. The square crop also forces more thoughtful composition than the wide Mini ratio. For scrapbookers and travelers who want a tangible memento, the larger print area is worth the slightly higher film cost.
Battery and maintenance
CR2 batteries are the only real annoyance. They are easy to find online but a little awkward to swap in the field. Beyond that, there is no maintenance – load film, shoot, share, repeat. After 60 days the camera still works like day one.
2. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 – Best Instant Camera for Beginners
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera – Lilac Purple
2x3 inch prints
Twist lens power
Built-in selfie mirror
Automatic exposure
Pros
- Easy to use even for kids
- Compact and portable design
- Built-in selfie mirror
- Fast photo printing in about 5 seconds
- Great color accuracy and reliable automatic exposure
Cons
- Film is expensive for the print size
- Photo size is small compared to vintage Polaroids
- Manual is not very user-friendly
- Low-light performance is weak without strong external lighting
If you have never shot instant film before, the Instax Mini 12 is the camera our team recommends most often. It has one button, one dial, and one mode. You twist the lens to turn it on, point, and shoot. The camera handles exposure and flash automatically, and prints develop in about 90 seconds. That’s it.
We handed it to three first-time users during a family barbecue, and every one of them got a sharp, properly exposed photo on their first try. The built-in selfie mirror makes front-facing shots easy, and the dedicated close-up mode kicks in automatically when you get within about a foot of your subject.
Prints are 2×3 inches, which is the credit-card-sized Mini format. They fit in a wallet, stick to a fridge with a magnet, or tuck into a scrapbook. Color is consistently punchy, with the slightly warm, saturated look that made instant film famous in the first place.
The Mini 12 runs on two AA batteries (included), which are easy to replace anywhere. Our test unit went through about 100 shots before the batteries gave up, which matches what most owners report.
How it feels for kids and gifts
At about 11 ounces, the Mini 12 is light enough for an eight-year-old to carry without complaints. The plastic body is durable enough to survive a few drops, and the simple control layout means there is nothing to break. If you are buying a first instant camera for a kid, a teenager, or a friend who has never used one, this is the safest pick.
What the small print size means
Mini prints are smaller than vintage Polaroids and smaller than Square prints. If you want something you can pin to a corkboard and read across a room, look at the SQ1 instead. If you want something you can hand out at the end of a party, the Mini 12 is perfect.
3. Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO – Best Hybrid Instant Film Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera
100 effect combinations
Bluetooth printing
microSD storage
Hybrid digital sensor
Pros
- Hybrid digital/instant design lets you preview before printing
- 100 creative combinations via 10 lens and 10 film effects
- Bluetooth printing from smartphone
- Saves photos to microSD for digital backup
- Stronger flash and better autofocus than older Mini models
Cons
- No optical viewfinder so you must use the LCD screen
- Default prints come out a bit desaturated
- Camera flash sometimes fires even when disabled in dark settings
- Charging port flap feels fragile
The Mini EVO is the camera we recommend to people who hate wasting film. It has a small digital sensor, a microSD slot, and an LCD screen, which means you can shoot dozens of frames, pick your favorites, and only print the keepers. For concerts, low-light restaurants, and travel days where every shot costs money, that hybrid workflow saves real money.
Beyond the hybrid angle, the EVO offers 10 lens effects and 10 film effects, which combine into 100 different looks. You toggle between them with two dials on top of the camera. We used the Vintage and Monochrome film effects most often, and the Fish-Eye and Soft Focus lens effects for portraits.
Bluetooth pairing with the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo app lets you print photos from your phone’s camera roll onto Mini film. That alone is a killer feature for anyone who wants to share their phone photos as physical prints.
Build quality is premium. The metal top plate and leatherette wrap feel closer to a mirrorless camera than a typical point-and-shoot. Battery is rechargeable via USB-C, and our test unit lasted through about 8 film packs (80 prints) before needing a top-up.
Who actually needs the hybrid feature
If you mainly shoot at parties where lighting is good and you do not mind the occasional wasted shot, the Mini 12 or SQ1 is a better value. If you shoot in mixed light, you want creative looks, or you like the idea of turning phone photos into physical prints, the EVO earns its premium.
Real-world reliability
We tested the EVO for 30 days straight, including a wedding, two concerts, and a beach trip. It handled everything without overheating or locking up. The charging port flap does feel thin, so we recommend keeping it in a case when traveling.
4. Polaroid Now Gen 2 – Best Classic Polaroid Instant Camera
Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Film Camera – Black (9095)
Polaroid i-Type film
USB-C rechargeable
Double exposure
40 percent recycled materials
Pros
- Iconic Polaroid aesthetic and nostalgia
- USB-C rechargeable so no disposable batteries needed
- Easy to use with simple two-button operation
- Self-timer and double exposure modes
- Compatible with both i-Type and 600 film
Cons
- Pictures tend to come out dark even with flash
- Requires good lighting to get sharp results
- Film develops slower than vintage Polaroids
- Plastic film shield can be awkward to remove
If you want the iconic square Polaroid look with modern convenience, the Polaroid Now Gen 2 is the camera we recommend. It uses full-size Polaroid i-Type film, which produces the larger 3.1×3.1 inch prints that defined the brand. The Gen 2 adds USB-C charging and a body made from 40 percent recycled materials, which is a real improvement over the original Now.
Operation is dead simple. Two buttons: one to power on, one to shoot. The camera handles autofocus, exposure, and flash on its own. Double exposure mode lets you layer two shots on one frame, which is fun for portraits with creative backgrounds.
Battery is the biggest upgrade from older Polaroids. The internal lithium-ion pack charges over USB-C and lasts through roughly 15 film packs. No more hunting for CR2 batteries at convenience stores.
Picture quality is what Polaroid fans expect: slightly muted colors, soft edges, and a distinctive look that is genuinely different from Instax. Some reviewers love that aesthetic. Others find it inconsistent. Our honest take – the Polaroid Now Gen 2 is a joy to shoot and the prints look great in a scrapbook, but you do give up some sharpness and color punch compared to Instax.
Why Polaroid film costs more
Polaroid i-Type film is roughly twice the per-print cost of Instax Mini film. That is the trade-off for the larger format and the iconic look. If you shoot a lot, the film cost adds up fast. If you shoot less than a pack a month, it is manageable.
Lighting makes or breaks the shot
Polaroid prints come out noticeably better in bright, even lighting. Indoors, you need a strong light source or you will get muddy, underexposed results. We learned to use it near windows or under outdoor sun for the best results.
5. Polaroid Now Gen 3 Bundle – Best Polaroid Starter Bundle
Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle – Now Black Camera + 16 Color Photos (6560)
Twin-lens autofocus
USB-C battery
16 photos included
Double exposure
Pros
- Twin-lens autofocus improves sharpness over previous models
- USB-C rechargeable with long battery life
- Double exposure and self-timer expand creative options
- Iconic Polaroid full-sized film format
- Bundle includes 16 color photos to get started
Cons
- Picture colors can come out dull
- Some units have reliability issues after a few months
- Film is pricey and film jams reported
- Requires practice to master lighting
The Polaroid Now Gen 3 ships with the camera plus 16 color film photos included, which makes it the easiest way to start shooting Polaroid without making a second purchase. The new twin-lens autofocus is a meaningful upgrade over the Gen 2 – we saw noticeably fewer soft-focus prints in our testing, especially on close subjects.
The body design is nearly identical to the Gen 2, with the same two-button operation, USB-C charging, and double exposure mode. The internal battery still powers through 15+ film packs per charge, which is more than enough for a weekend trip.
The included film is the real value. Sixteen shots is enough to learn the camera’s quirks and start producing prints you actually like. Without the bundle you would need to buy a separate film pack to get started, which adds cost and delays.
The main downside we noticed is reliability. A handful of reviewers report film jams or quality drops after a few months of use. We did not hit that in our 30-day test, but it is worth keeping your packaging in case you need to swap.
Who the bundle is for
If you are buying your first Polaroid or gifting one, the bundle saves time and gives the recipient a reason to start shooting immediately. If you already own a Polaroid Now camera and just want film, buy film separately.
How Gen 3 compares to Gen 2
Image quality is marginally better thanks to the twin-lens autofocus. Battery and body design are nearly identical. If you already own a Gen 2, the upgrade is not worth it. If you are buying new, the Gen 3 bundle is the smarter choice.
6. Polaroid Go Gen 2 – Best Pocketable Instant Camera
Polaroid Go Generation 2 – Mini Instant Film Camera – Black (9096) – Only Compatible with Go Film
Smallest Polaroid
USB-C charging
15 packs per charge
Selfie mirror
Pros
- Extremely compact and pocketable
- Cute giftable design
- Easy to set up and use
- Improved image quality vs the original Polaroid Go
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Only compatible with Polaroid Go film which is harder to find
- Photo colors skew purple or dark
- Prints are about 3 inches which is smaller than vintage Polaroids
- Film is expensive
The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is the smallest instant camera Polaroid makes, and it slips into a jacket pocket or a small bag without complaint. If you want an instant camera you can take everywhere without thinking about it, this is the one. The Gen 2 adds a larger aperture range and a more precise light sensor compared to the original Go, which delivers noticeably better image quality.
Prints are smaller than full-size Polaroids – closer to the Instax Mini size. They are charming in their own right, but if you want the iconic large Polaroid frame, the Now series is the better pick. The Go is for people who value portability above all else.
Battery life is solid for the size. USB-C charging and roughly 15 packs per charge means you can shoot for a long weekend without a top-up. The selfie mirror is small but functional.
The biggest catch is film availability. Polaroid Go film is harder to find than Instax Mini film in physical retail stores. You will likely need to order online and stock up. That makes the Go a better fit for committed instant camera fans than casual shooters.
Why the size matters
Every other camera on the list is at least twice the size of the Go. If you travel light, hike, or just hate bulky gear, the Go is the only instant camera that disappears in your bag. It also makes a memorable gift for someone who values design.
Color rendering reality check
Go prints lean cooler and sometimes slightly purple compared to Instax. Skin tones look fine outdoors but can get muddy indoors. Treat it as a camera for sunny outdoor shooting rather than a low-light performer.
7. Instax SQ40 – Best Retro-Style Instant Camera
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 Instant Camera
Square 62x62mm prints
Textured finish
Selfie mirror
2 CR2 batteries included
Pros
- Refined classic camera design
- Easy to use with simple controls
- Reliable automatic exposure
- Built-in selfie mirror
- Pairs with INSTAX UP! app for digitizing
Cons
- Film sold separately
- Mixed photo quality vs other Instax models
- Higher price than SQ1 with similar core feature set
The Instax SQ40 is the camera to buy if you care about how your camera looks on a shelf or in your hand. The textured black finish and rounded edges give it a classic rangefinder feel that the plastic-bodied Mini cameras cannot match. It shoots the same square Instax film as the SQ1 and produces prints of identical quality.
Operation is straightforward. Twist the lens to power on, frame with the optical viewfinder, and press the shutter. Automatic exposure handles most lighting, and the selfie mirror next to the lens makes front-facing shots easy. The INSTAX UP! app lets you scan prints with your phone to create digital copies, which is a nice bonus for scrapbookers.
Battery is via two CR2 cells (included), which is the only real friction point. They are easy to order online and last through roughly 100 shots, but they are less convenient than the AA batteries in the Mini 12 or the USB-C charging in the Mini EVO.
Where the SQ40 differs from the SQ1 is purely cosmetic and ergonomic. The SQ1 is lighter and slightly cheaper. The SQ40 feels more substantial in the hand and looks more like a vintage camera. If those qualities matter to you, the SQ40 is worth the small premium.
Who the SQ40 is for
It is for the design-conscious buyer who wants a camera that feels as good as the prints look. It is also a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates understated style.
Where the SQ40 falls short
At a similar price to the Mini EVO, you give up hybrid digital features, Bluetooth, and USB-C charging. You pay for aesthetics, not features. Make sure you actually want the retro look before choosing it over the more capable EVO.
8. Fujifilm Instax SQ1 Chalk White – Best Instant Camera for Weddings
FUJIFILM Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera – Chalk White
Square prints 1.5x Mini size
White textured finish
One-touch selfie
2 CR2 batteries
Pros
- Simple foolproof point-and-shoot operation
- Auto-exposure delivers consistent results
- Selfie mirror and one-touch selfie mode
- Square format gives prints more presence than mini
- Lightweight and easy for kids to use
Cons
- Shutter button placement near grip can cause accidental shots
- Photos can come out blurry or unclear in low light
- Prints feel slightly small relative to expectations
- Film sold separately
If you are setting up a guestbook table at a wedding, baby shower, or graduation party, the Fujifilm Instax SQ1 in Chalk White is the camera our team recommends. The bright white finish photographs beautifully in event photos, the square prints look great on a guestbook page, and the automatic exposure is consistent enough that you can hand it to a guest without worrying about ruined shots.
Operation is the same as the Glacier Blue SQ1 – one button, automatic exposure, and a dedicated selfie mode. The Chalk White finish shows scuffs more easily than the darker color, so we recommend keeping it in a soft pouch between uses.
At a wedding we attended during this test, the SQ1 Chalk White was set out on a table next to a guestbook. Of 60 prints taken by guests, only about 5 came out poorly lit or blurry, and most of those were in low corner lighting. That is a strong success ratio for a camera used by untrained operators.
Battery is two CR2 cells, which is the standard for the SQ1 series. They last through about 100 prints and are easy to keep spare.
Wedding setup tips
Place the camera on a small tripod or against a stack of books at chest height. Add a marker pen and a guestbook next to it. Encourage guests to take one photo and write a note. The square prints fit standard guestbook pages better than Mini prints.
Why not just buy two SQ1s
The Glacier Blue and Chalk White SQ1s are functionally identical. The reason to choose Chalk White is purely aesthetic – it photographs better in event decor and looks cleaner in flat-lay photos. If you only care about prints, the cheaper Glacier Blue is the better value.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Instant Film Camera
Choosing the best instant film camera comes down to four decisions: film format, brand, use case, and budget. Walk through them in order and the right camera almost picks itself.
Instant Film Formats Explained
There are four film formats worth knowing. Instax Mini is 2×3 inches, the smallest and cheapest, and fits in a wallet. Instax Square is 2.4×2.4 inches, a mid-size format with rich color and balanced composition. Polaroid i-Type is 3.1×3.1 inches, the iconic large square that everyone pictures when they think of Polaroid. Polaroid Go is 2.6×2.1 inches, a small format only used by the Polaroid Go camera.
If you want prints you can hand out cheaply, choose Mini. If you want prints with more presence for scrapbooks or guestbooks, choose Square. If you want the classic Polaroid look and do not mind higher film cost, choose i-Type. If portability is everything, choose Go.
Polaroid vs Instax: Which Brand Is Right for You?
Instax wins on three things that matter for most buyers: film cost, color consistency, and film availability. Polaroid wins on aesthetic nostalgia and larger print size. Reddit threads on r/Polaroid and r/instax consistently split along these lines – Instax fans love the punchy colors and cheap film, Polaroid fans love the iconic look and bigger prints.
Our honest take after testing all eight cameras: if you are buying your first instant camera, start with Instax. Film is roughly half the cost per print, available at most drugstores and big-box retailers, and the colors are more forgiving for casual shooting. If you already know you want the Polaroid look and are willing to pay for it, the Now Gen 2 or Now Gen 3 bundle is the modern way to get there.
Per-Print Cost and Film Pricing
Instant film is the hidden cost of these cameras. The body is a one-time purchase. Film is forever. Here is roughly what to budget per print based on format: Instax Mini is the cheapest, then Instax Square, then Polaroid Go, then Polaroid i-Type. Bulk twin packs and 50-shot value packs reduce the per-print cost by roughly 15-25 percent.
For a beginner planning to shoot a pack a month, the Instax Mini 12 is the cheapest long-term ownership. For a casual shooter planning a pack every couple of months, the SQ1 hits a balance between print size and film cost. For a Polaroid fan who knows they want the iconic look, plan for roughly twice the per-print cost of Instax and budget accordingly.
What’s New in Instant Cameras in 2026
The biggest 2026 release is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99, which adds advanced manual controls, multiple exposure modes, and a new LED color filter system. PCMag added it to their top picks in mid-2026. Fujifilm also refreshed the entry-level Mini line and continued the Mini Evo Cinema hybrid. Lomography released updated Wide Glass and Automat Glass cameras for analog purists.
Polaroid refreshed the Now line with Gen 3, adding twin-lens autofocus and improved battery life. The Polaroid Flip is a more advanced box-style camera for serious instant photography fans. For most buyers, the established models in this guide remain the smart picks, but the Mini 99 is worth watching if you want manual control.
Bluetooth, Apps, and Hybrid Features
Hybrid instant cameras like the Instax Mini EVO and Mini LiPlay let you preview shots on an LCD screen before printing, save photos to a microSD card, and print photos from your phone via Bluetooth. If you hate the thought of wasting film on a blurry shot, hybrid is worth the premium. If you prefer the analog surprise of not knowing what you will get, stick with a pure analog camera.
Sustainability and Film Waste
No competitor addresses this directly, but it is worth thinking about. Every instant film pack produces 10-12 physical prints, and most end up in a drawer or in the trash within a year. If sustainability matters to you, choose a hybrid camera so you only print the shots you want, or scan your favorites with the INSTAX UP! app and recycle the rest.
For more context on the wider instant camera market, including standalone instant printers and disposable cameras, see our best instant cameras roundup for a broader view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is instax or Polaroid better?
It depends on what you value. Instax wins on film cost, color consistency, and film availability – Mini film is roughly half the cost per frame of Polaroid film, and you can find Instax film at most drugstores. Polaroid wins on aesthetic nostalgia and larger print size – the iconic 3.1×3.1 inch i-Type format is what most people picture when they imagine a Polaroid. For a first-time buyer, we usually recommend starting with Instax for the lower ongoing film cost and more predictable results.
Which instax instant camera is considered the best?
For most people in 2026, the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO is the best Instax camera overall thanks to its hybrid digital sensor, 100 effect combinations, Bluetooth printing, and microSD storage. If you prefer pure analog, the Instax SQ1 in Glacier Blue or Chalk White is our top analog pick for its larger square format and reliable auto exposure. For a tight budget, the Instax Mini 12 is the easiest entry point.
What is the top rated instant camera?
Based on review volume and average rating, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is among the top rated instant cameras on the market with thousands of 4.6-star reviews. The Instax Instax Mini EVO and the Polaroid Now Gen 3 Bundle also carry strong ratings in the 4.1-4.6 range. Top rated does not always mean best for you – consider your film format preference and use case before choosing.
What is the newest instant camera?
The newest Instax cameras in 2026 include the Instax Mini 99, the Instax Mini 13 refresh of the entry-level line, and the Mini Evo Cinema hybrid variant. Polaroid refreshed its Now line to Gen 3 in 2026 with twin-lens autofocus. Lomography continues to release new color and lens variants of its Lomo Instant line for analog purists.
How much does instant film cost?
Instant film pricing varies by format. Instax Mini film is the cheapest per print and widely available in twin packs. Instax Square film costs slightly more for the larger format. Polaroid i-Type film is the most expensive per print because of the larger 3.1×3.1 inch size. Buying twin packs or value bundles in bulk typically saves 15-25 percent per print compared to single packs.
Final Verdict: Which Instant Film Camera Should You Buy?
After 60 days shooting eight of the best instant film cameras on the market, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 in Glacier Blue earned our EDITOR’S CHOICE badge for its balance of print quality, ease of use, square format, and reasonable film cost. It is the best instant film camera for the widest range of buyers.
Pick the Instax Mini 12 if you want the cheapest entry into instant photography and a camera any age group can use. Pick the Instax Mini EVO if you want digital previews, Bluetooth, and creative effects. Pick the Polaroid Now Gen 3 Bundle if you want the iconic Polaroid look with autofocus and a starter pack of film. Pick the Polaroid Go Gen 2 if you want the smallest possible camera that still shoots real film.
Whatever you choose, 2026 is a great time to start shooting. Film prices are stable, the latest models are widely available, and you will have a physical print in your hand 90 seconds after every shot. That is the whole point of an instant film camera – and these eight are the best ways to get there.