The 5 best instant cameras of 2022

Even though it’s 2022, we still seem to be nostalgic for the technologies of our past. Despite our modern devices and technologies, we keep returning to the classics, such as flip phones, retro gaming consoles, or instant cameras.

The instant camera is a product of the 70s that has resurged recently. The ability to snap a photo, see it, and hold it in your hands seconds later is much different than taking a picture with your smartphone. These days, though, instant cameras have become modernized and have selfie capabilities or apps that add filters and frames to your photos.

We’ve compiled the best instant cameras available today so you can relive the past in a new way.

Must read:

The best instant camera is the Polaroid Now+ since it combines the vintage design and familiarity of instant cameras while adding modern features like lens filters and a Bluetooth app. 

Instant Camera

Price

Photo Size

Lens

Polaroid Now+

$150

3.5″ x 4.2″

Standard Lens: 102.35 mm (40mm/35 equivalent)  
Close-up Lens: 94.96 mm (35mm/35 equivalent)

Kodak Printomatic

$50

2″ x 3″ 

Wide angle f/2 lens     

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

$70

2″ x 3″ 

60mm f/12.7 lens     

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300

$170

4.3″ x 3.5″

95mm f/14 lens     

Canon Ivy Cliq2

$90

2″ x 3″

f/2.2 lens 

While any of these instant cameras are great picks, it ultimately determines how big you want your photos to be, your photography skill level, and the price point that you’re willing to spend. 

Choose this instant camera…

If you want…

Polaroid Now+

The best overall option.

Kodak Printomatic

A budget-friendly instant camera.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

An instant camera that produces mini photos.

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300

An instant camera that produces wide photos.

Canon Ivy CLIQ2 

A portable and lightweight instant camera.

We chose these instant cameras through a combination of extensive research and using the products ourselves. We paid attention to customer reviews and ratings, pricing, renowned brands, and different features each camera has. 

Instant photos don’t necessarily have a reputation for their longevity since they are prone to fading and yellowing, but if you take proper care of your photos, they can last years and even decades. Taking care of your instant photos includes keeping it away from light (especially sunlight), heat, and moisture. 

Taking a good instant photo mostly comes down to the camera’s overall quality. However, there are some things you can do to ensure your instant photos come out picture-perfect every time.

For one, it’s best not to take instant photos outside on a sunny day‑-cloudy days or indoors will produce better-lit results. In addition, be sure to take a few steps away to take sharper photos since not every camera has an autofocus feature, and closer photos can become blurry.

Also, pay attention to where your camera’s flash and the lens are so that you don’t obstruct either with your fingers and waste expensive film!

Here are a few other options to look into:

ZDNET Recommends

Go to Source