Instant cameras: Rating of the best

comparison table

What should you pay attention to when choosing such a camera?

Firstly, its weight. Most people prefer to carry a camera with them all the time or take it on trips, so choose equipment up to 500 grams.

Secondly, depending on your preferences, pay attention to the size of the photos - you can buy a camera that produces very small cards, or you can buy standard ones.

Thirdly, a very important characteristic is the presence of autofocus and a timer. If there are no big problems with the timer, and the only thing you refuse to do is group photos with friends, then a beginner or amateur may not be able to handle manual focus.

The biggest disadvantage of instant cameras is that you need to buy replacement photo cartridges. This is quite expensive and not always convenient. An alternative is conventional digital compact cameras. They are small in size and easy to use. They are very convenient to take with you on trips.

If picture quality is your priority, pay attention to DSLR cameras. They are more expensive, but have excellent image quality and a huge number of settings.

Rating of the best instant cameras

Polaroid Snap Touch

Rating: 4.9

The Polaroid brand is still used today. Nowadays, instant cameras are produced under it, usually supplemented with digital functionality. They are also able to boast a unique design that is memorable after the first glance at the device. It's like the Instagram app icon has grown in size, decorated in different colors! By the way, in stores you can find cameras painted in four different colors: white, purple, blue and black.

Under the lens of this device lies a 13-megapixel CMOS matrix. With its help you can take not only photos, but also videos. They are saved in Full HD resolution and at 30 frames/s. It’s just a pity that you won’t be able to print them out, since we don’t live in the world of Harry Potter. Photos and videos are saved to a microSD memory card.

Framing is offered using a 3.5-inch display. It is touch-sensitive, basically all settings are adjusted on the screen. This cannot be called an advantage; physical buttons would still be useful for the user.

When taking photographs, it is recommended to use the built-in flash. It is interesting that this model received a Bluetooth module. It is mainly used for remote control. This allows you to take a photo with your significant other by placing the device on some kind of tripod. By the way, taking pictures of yourself is quite simplified here, because the flash unit is supplemented with a small mirror. When it comes to transferring files to a PC, the easiest way to do this is to use the micro-USB connector.

The photographs here are taken from the side. Each print measures 50 x 75 mm (2 x 3 in). ZINK Zero technology allows the device to print a photo in just 35 seconds. A set of 30 photo sheets for such a camera costs approximately 1,200 rubles. At least during sales. As for the camera itself, it is estimated at 14 thousand rubles. Alas, the device is officially supplied to our country quite rarely, so finding it in stores is quite a quest.

Advantages

• There is a powerful flash;
• There is a mirror for taking self-portraits;
• Built-in Bluetooth module;
• Quickly print a photo;
• Recognizable design.

Flaws

• High price;
• The print quality is not ideal;
• Many defective copies.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ 20

Rating: 4.8

This camera is very different from other digital cameras. The fact is that this device has a square shape. Also the Fujifilm product is a decent size. This is not surprising, since inside there is a stack of photo sheets. By the way, the cartridge for this camera is estimated at about 1,500 rubles. But if in the case of a device under the Polaroid brand it held 30 sheets, then this cartridge is designed for only 10 photographs.

This camera does not have any retractable design elements. The flash is firmly built into the front panel, and the focal length is fixed at 33.4 mm. The f/2.4 aperture makes it clear that it is better not to take photographs with such a device in the dark.

On the back panel of the device there is a very small display, devoid of a touch substrate. Below it are numerous buttons. This is good news. Although one cannot help but admit that such a design now seems archaic. But this model turned out to be very expensive - in many Russian stores they ask for 15 thousand rubles for it.

Photography here is carried out using a CMOS matrix, the diagonal of which does not exceed 1/5 inch. Unlike the example discussed above, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ 20 should be used only in cases where you want to get a photo right away. The fact is that the device performs extremely poorly as a traditional digital camera. On a computer, you will immediately notice that the quality of the pictures is far from ideal. You can completely forget about the video, because it is recorded in a resolution of 800x800 pixels with a low frame rate, and even without sound.

A microSD memory card is used here to save files. Synchronization with a computer and charging of the built-in battery is carried out via a micro-USB socket. A full battery charge will last for exactly 100 prints.

Be prepared for the fact that in some conditions using the camera will seem difficult. The fact is that, together with the cartridge and memory card, the weight of this device reaches an impressive 440 g. Only SLR cameras are heavier. However, this drawback is typical for all instant cameras.

Advantages

• Good quality of prints;
• Several body colors to choose from;
• There is a built-in flash;
• Decent battery life;
• Easy controls;
• Comfortable to hold;
• You can create collages and apply filters;
• There is a selfie mirror.

Flaws

• Low resolution photos;
• The video is recorded without sound;
• High price.

Polaroid Originals OneStep Viewfinder

Rating: 4.7

This camera has the most original design. Most of all, it resembles the same Polaroid that we knew from the 90s. The difference is that brighter colors are used here. And the total number of colors is noticeably larger - here the button can be red, the switch can be orange, and the block with photo paper can be black.

Unlike the models discussed above, this camera is not digital. Therefore, there is no display or buttons on its back panel. Here you can only notice a lone switch that activates the camera. There is also a micro-USB connector here, but it is only used to charge the built-in battery. Well, the construction of the frame is carried out by looking into the viewfinder.

The camera body is mostly made of polycarbonate. This is partly what allowed the creators to achieve relatively low weight. As for the lenses, they are made of the same polycarbonate and acrylic. At the same time, they have an anti-reflective coating, which allows you to take good pictures even when the lighting around is not very good. The lens sticks out from the body here. This was done on purpose; this design makes it easier to hold the camera in your hands.

Interestingly, this camera supports two types of cartridges: 600 Film and I-Type Film. The first includes the same cartridges that Polaroids owners used in the 90s. And they can still be found on sale! As for the second type, it is a little more modern - such cartridges are sold for several hundred rubles cheaper.

Unfortunately, this camera has one serious problem. Cartridges for it are extremely difficult to find in Russia. In the USA they are even sold on Amazon, but you can imagine the cost of delivering such a product to Russia. And without cartridges, the camera becomes useless, because it is not able to save a picture somewhere on a memory card; there is simply no digital functionality.

Advantages

• Outwardly similar to those Polaroids from the 90s;
• Maximum comfort to hold in your hands;
• Works for a very long time on a full charge;
• The camera is unlikely to become obsolete;
• Maximum simplified use.

Flaws

• High price;
• In Russia, Polaroid cartridges are sold quite rarely;
• There is no digital functionality.

Fujifilm Instax SQ 6

Rating: 4.6

Another instant camera that has a square shape, like the prints coming out of it. And this is perhaps the most similar representative of our selection to the Instagram icon. Oh, if only smartphones and other electronic devices had a similar design...

This camera turned out to be so popular that the manufacturer managed to release as many as five color options. And in any case, you will find a friendly design that will delight both adults and children. Even the standard black version is complemented by gray accents, thanks to which the device immediately stands out among its often faceless competitors. It should be noted that this is one of the most inexpensive instant cameras when it comes to products from reputable manufacturers. Now this model is sold for 10 thousand rubles, and you can find it in many large Russian networks that sell electronics.

As in the case of the Polaroid we just discussed, this camera does not have an LCD display. Framing here is carried out using the same viewfinder, hidden in one of the corners of the camera. However, it should be noted that the device still received a very large number of buttons and indicators. With their help, you can choose one or another shooting scenario, achieving more correct colors. Also, the corresponding button activates the flash, which is impossible to do without when shooting in the dark.

Like most instant cameras, the Fujifilm Instax SQ 6 does not have an optical zoom. The focal length of the lens installed here is 65.75 mm. Unfortunately, this will cause some problems when taking selfies with an outstretched arm. Although the manufacturer still insists on the possibility of creating them, he even placed a small mirror on the front panel!

The lack of digital functionality makes using the camera as simple as possible. However, this means that without the photo sheets inside the device becomes useless. And they cost a significant amount of money. A set of twenty sheets will cost you 1,500 rubles. It is curious that you can also find an atypical cartridge on sale, consisting of photo sheets with a black frame.

The photo development time here is approximately 90 seconds. The camera operates using two CR2 or DLCR2 batteries. Yes, that’s how little electricity it consumes! The two batteries mentioned above are enough for 15 cartridges of 20 photos. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will ever think about replacing them.

Advantages

• Perfect design;
• Sold in many Russian stores;
• Very easy to use;
• Maximum battery life;
• The kit includes a belt and three filters for flash;
• There is a “Double Exposure” mode;
• Macro photography available.

Flaws

• Still a very high cost;
• No digital functionality.

Kodak Mini Shot

Rating: 4.5

The instant camera is also produced under the Kodak brand. Of course, its production is no longer carried out by an American company, which at one time became bankrupt, but this is unlikely to worry you. What's more important is that this is a full-fledged digital compact. This means that the pictures will not only be printed. They can be sent to a smartphone via the built-in Bluetooth module. Interestingly, there is even an NFC chip. It will significantly speed up synchronization if your smartphone also has it. On the Android and iOS operating systems, there is a special application in which you can edit a photo, providing it, for example, with filters.

This is one of the cheapest instant cameras. Most often they ask for 9 thousand rubles. This must be why she got such a very simple design. Its front panel is painted in one color; only the lens stands out here. The absence of a xenon flash on the front panel immediately attracts attention. A tiny LED flash is supposed to help somehow when shooting in low light conditions, but you can hardly count on it seriously. You can also find the brand logo on the front panel. That's all!

If you look at the back panel, about half of the available space is pristine. The remaining half contains a tiny display, the diagonal of which does not exceed 1.7 inches, and several buttons. With their help, you can view the received images, as well as start the printing process. Unlike the examples discussed above, here the entire photo sheet is filled with the image. Moreover, you can find cartridges on sale that contain sheets with an adhesive base. This means that a photo taken while traveling can then be pasted onto your suitcase. This will definitely make it noticeably more recognizable on the conveyor belt.

This model does not open our rating only because it has very meager functionality. There is no memory card, so you won’t be able to save a large number of pictures. And you’ll have to forget about recording videos altogether. Traditionally, the lens that does not have an optical zoom is also disappointing. But it can boast a fairly wide viewing angle. Taking selfies is hampered only by the lack of a mirror, which is available on most other instant cameras.

It is impossible not to note some inconvenience of the printing method used here - because of it, only 8 photo sheets can be placed in the cartridge. And is it necessary to say that each cartridge costs a lot of money? In addition, it is quite difficult to get it in Russia.

Advantages

• A good 10-megapixel matrix is ​​used;
• It is possible to create stickers;
• Several body colors to choose from;
• Synchronization with a smartphone is possible;
• There is an NFC chip;
• Very high quality prints.

Flaws

• It is sold quite rarely in Russia;
• Extremely poor digital functionality;
• Many people will not like the design;
• Not a particularly powerful flash;
• Each cartridge contains only eight photo sheets.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

Rating: 4.4

Our selection is completed by another creation from Fujifilm. The camera called Instax Mini 9 is perhaps the most popular and recognizable. Her design seemed sloppy at first. However, now this camera is in noticeable demand, everyone has managed to get used to its appearance. So much so that the manufacturer has already released seven color options!

Like some other similar cameras, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 does not boast digital functionality. On the back panel of this device there is only a cover under which the cartridge is located and a tiny viewfinder. But this camera turned out to be unusually cheap - they ask for no more than 6 thousand rubles.

This model produces atypical images. They have a rectangular shape. Otherwise, these are the same instant photographs with a white frame. Their size is 62x46 mm. One cartridge holds 10 photo sheets. On sale you can find a set of two cartridges, the purchase of which will cost approximately 1,250 rubles. All this leads to the conclusion that the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the cheapest way to take snapshots. Unless you start spending money on additional accessories. In particular, Fujifilm relatively recently released a case for its camera. You can also find an album for the resulting photographs on sale.

It remains to add that this camera does a good job of taking selfies. There is a mirror on its front panel, thanks to which you will definitely understand whether you are in the frame. This camera operates using two AA batteries. If they are of high quality, then they should be enough for 10 cartridges. Even when using the flash, which here is xenon.

Advantages

• Not very high cost;
• Consumables are not exorbitantly expensive;
• Many body colors to choose from;
• Easy to use;
• There is an additional macro lens;
• There is a selfie mirror;
• Long lasting operation on two batteries.

Flaws

• Digital functionality is completely absent;
• There are no filters or additional modes.