Best Polaroid Photo Camera for 2022 (Based on Reviews) (2023)

The first Polaroid camera was released in 1948; however, generations of instant cameras have since risen and fallen.

Even though digital cameras have graced the markets and mobile phone cameras have also advanced, Polaroid cameras have remained popular throughout the years.

There’s nothing quite like being able to touch and see a physical photo immediately after taking it. However, finding a good quality Polaroid camera is not as easy as it sounds, and there are several factors to consider before buying one.

There are literally hundreds of different Polaroid cameras on the market, and in the following guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best ones and why you should be investing in them.

Overall Winner: Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera has a new selfie mirror, auto power-off time of five minutes, and a flash that is constantly firing. It also has an effective flash range of 0.6 m to 2.7 m.

For close up photos, it has a new macro lens adapter and a shutter speed of 1/60 seconds. It also contains an LED flash, and this helps capture the perfect photo each and every time. The high key mode helps to take brighter pictures with a softer look for portrait appearances.

Pros:

• Selfie mirror
• LED flash
• High key mode for soft look

Cons:

• Film is expensive

Product specifications:

Picture size: Not specified

Megapixels: Not specified

Compatible with SD cards: No

Flash: Yes

Lens size: Not specified

Runner Up: Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

The Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera is an all-in-one Polaroid camera. It has 10 megapixels and is a point-and-shoot printomatic camera that offers a powerful 10mp sensor and a wide-angle F/2 lens.

The lens automatically and instantly prints high quality and black and white or color photos straight from the camera body. All you do is point-and-shoot, and this makes it an ideal all-in-one solution for capturing and sharing those memorable moments instantly, and really you are.

It’s also fun and easy to use, and you don’t need computers. Printers are cumbersome, and with this camera, you can avoid them.

The camera speed allows you to take a new photo while printing the previous shot and has an equipped light sensor that automatically turns on the flash in low light settings.

The Kodak printomatic camera instantly prints high-quality photos that are approximately 2 x 3″. It makes use of the Kodak zink photo paper, so there’s no need for ink cartridges and toners or film.

The prints are also water-resistant, durable, tear-resistant, smudge-free, and adhesive-backed. Ultimately this camera is fast and fun, providing you with on the spot results.

It also has quite a charming design too and is available in some bold colors and compact sizes that you can put into your shirt pockets, which makes it easy to carry around absolutely anywhere.

Despite making use of digital technology, the camera is still so easy to use and accessible. At this price point, you would expect to pay far more for an instant analog camera, and as a bonus, the camera has slots for attaching a neck strap and takes a microSD card.

Pros:

• No need for ink cartridges, film or toners
• 10 megapixel camera
• Automatic flash

Cons:

• Prone to jamming

Product specifications:

Picture size: 2×3″

Megapixels: 10 megapixels

Compatible with SD cards: Yes

Flash: Yes

Lens size: Wide angle F/2

Alternative: Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

If snapping, printing, and sharing are what you’re looking for, then this instant digital camera is just for you. You’ll be able to capture all the fun at the spur of the moment with this instant camera, and it’s also easy and compact enough to take along with you absolutely anywhere.

All you need to do is point-and-click to print high-quality photos that you can share with anyone at any time.

The camera makes use of integrated zink printing technology, which allows you to instantly print full color, automatic, smudge-proof 2×3 inch prints as soon as the images are captured.

As a bonus, there are no ink, toners, or films to deal with. So you can share physical photos at the push of a button. So get snapping and capture details with the 10-megapixel sensor, and while you’re at it, insert your microSD card to extend the memory.

All you need to do is load the zink paper and print it on the spot.

There are different modes available for those with some creativity, and you can also take a selfie with the built-in selfie mirror or get yourself into a group shot with the self-timer feature. The prints are instant, and the adhesive backing makes it extra fun to post on almost any surface.

You can also have your Polaroid snap saved so you can upload them onto your computer and social media platforms. These Polaroids are available in a variety of bold and fun colors and are small enough to slip neatly to shirt pockets.

Pros:

• No ink, toners or film required
• Takes a 32 gb microSD card
• Selfie mirror built-in

Cons:

• Flash doesn’t always go off

Product specifications:

Picture size: 2×3″

Megapixels: 10

Compatible with SD cards: Yes

Flash: Yes

Lens size: 3.4mm f/2.8 lens

Alternative: Fujifilm INSTAX 300 Photo Instant Camera

The Fujifilm INSTAX 300 Photo Instant Camera is small enough to take anywhere. It’s got a fairly simple operation, and this makes it ideal for projects, parties, and basically any other type of function. It produces near-instant high-quality and vivid prints.

Ultimately, it brings fun to your photos. So you can spend your time giving away prints or trading it with friends. These instant and fun prints include a close-up attachment and self-portrait mirror and reduces the minimum focus to approximately 15.0 inches.

Pros:

• Built-in LED screen and flash
• Close-up lens adapter
• Self-portrait mirror

Cons:

• Build quality is bad

Product specifications:

Picture size: 2.4 x 3.9″

Megapixels: Not specified

Compatible with SD cards: Not specified

Flash: Yes

Lens size: 95mm f/14 lens

Alternative: Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF

The Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF is easy to point-and-shoot. All you need to do is compose a shot, press the red button, and the magic begins. It’s also has a self-timer function that will take care of those group photos at family gatherings.

The camera contains a powerful built-in flash and shutter system. It also has a vacuum discharge strobe tubes and custom design.

Pros:

• Instant prints photos
• Built-in flash
• Self-timer function

Cons:

• Poor quality

Product specifications:

Picture size: Not specified

Megapixels: Not specified

Compatible with SD cards: No

Flash: Yes

Lens size: 0.6m

Polaroid Cameras FAQ

What kind of camera prints pictures instantly?

Instant cameras are one of the best types of cameras for printing photos instantly.

Although it might seem relatively easy to just choose a camera, however, it all boils down to budget as well. These instant cameras offer a sense of nostalgia that you won’t find with digital and lets you get creative in ways that are hard to do with a smartphone.

Instant cameras cover the full spectrum from more advanced cameras, swappable lenses, and an array of features to simple toy-like point-and-shoot photos. There are also hybrids that combine digital and analog to give you the best of both worlds.

You also have to consider the technology used in instant cameras. Some brands make use of film and deliver dreamlike images, and other somewhat traditional ones use a specific type of film; however, this could work out more expensive per picture than others.

When it comes to instant cameras, you are spoilt for choice. However, these cameras have undergone a major renaissance over the years. If you are a fan of instant photography, there is nothing more that you will love than having a physical photo in your hand as soon as you click the shutter.

Polaroid is a company that is synonymous with instant cameras, and while these cameras now exist in a slightly different guise, it’s not the most popular on the market.

There are plenty of other instant camera options, and each offers certain differences in features that ultimately alter their overall performance.

What is the story behind Polaroid brand?

The first Polaroid camera was known as the Polaroid Land camera and was invented in 1948. The invention was inspired by Dr. Land after his 3-year-old daughter inquired as to why she could not see the picture he had just taken her.

The company got started by crafting polarizer technology to every product that was imaginable, including goggles for dogs and 3-D movies.

Today we live in an era of selfies and smartphone cameras.

However, these retro-mechanical cameras that print out low-resolution photos in a flash are making a comeback. However the iconic Heritage Brand has seen its fair share of ups and downs since the 1980s. Digital cameras eventually forced the brand to file for bankruptcy twice between 2001 in 2009.

On the bright side, though, things are looking up for the brand. The privately held company does not disclose much when it comes to revenue figures and what not; however, Polaroids definitely seem to be making a comeback on the market today.

The cameras are not necessarily cheap; however, photo enthusiasts that love nothing more than clicking the shutter and having a photo printed before their eyes, can’t get enough of it.

Over the years, the brand has unveiled a new range of products that tie into everything from consumer 3-D printing and camera drones to iPhone photography. All of this is done on the spot with instant prints.

Ultimately, the brand has stuck to its initial goal of remaining true to hands-on fun and engaging the spirit of the initial Polaroid. But, at the same time, they seem to be pushing the boundaries of invasion with a more diversified approach.

What kind of photo paper do you need for polaroid cameras?

The most recent Polaroid cameras make use of a photo paper called zero ink or zink paper. It works by producing color from heat instead of ink.

This type of photo paper is embedded with yellow and cyan, as well as magenta dye crystals. These three primary colors, makeup all colors that are seen in printed objects.

This photo paper firstly looks entirely white because the crystals are transparent. But once the Polaroid heats up each section of the paper correctly, it turns into a colorful image. These crystals are protected by a glossy overcoat and ultimately give the photo paper a shiny appearance.

With this type of photo paper, you don’t have to worry about printed ribbons, ink cartridges, or other printing elements. It allows the Polaroid camera to process physical photos while being lightweight and easy to use.

How long do Polaroid pictures last?

Polaroids are not archival, and this means they are not meant to last forever. Ultimately, they are created more for instant gratification.

When compared to other mediums, Polaroid pictures are fragile, especially, because the chemicals that are used to develop the pictures are still present in print and continue to affect the aging process.

However, the process of preserving your Polaroid pictures is the same as preserving other types of photos. Polaroids tend to get yellow, fade, and become fragile over the years; however, they are steps to be taken that can drastically reduce the damage and prolong the life span of your Polaroid pictures.

Some of the things you can do to expand the longevity off your polaroid pictures include:

Keeping your Polaroids out of direct moisture and sunlight as well as temperature fluctuations.

Hold them at the corners, with clean hands when you’re looking at them as dirt and grease on hands can lead to smudging and eventually damage photos.

Before storing your Polaroids away, allow them to dry for several weeks.

Don’t ever store them in magnetic albums or any album made from PVC or PVA as these are types of plastics that can damage the photos.

Also, avoid cutting Polaroids as this can damage them.

It is recommended that you store your Polaroids in a dark place to prevent fading; however, yellowing can still occur even when they are kept in the dark spaces.

Polaroids are also meant to be stored in acid-free boxes.

Ultimately, by implementing the tips above, you can prolong the life of your Polaroids to last you for many years to come.

Do instant camera pictures fade?

Yes, instant photos do fade if they are not stored properly. However, there are lots of things that you can do to keep your photos in good condition and preserve their lifespan. You can try and keep them inside an album or acid-free box.

If you put your Polaroids on display or leave them out in the sun, or areas where there’s lots of light, then the color is going to fade over time. Polaroids should also be kept away from humidity and heat in order to preserve the original color.

How to prevent it?

There are a few things that you can do to prevent the fading of instant camera photos. Firstly, you should store them in a dark place, and they should be stored flat.

Secondly should not store them in boxes containing acid or albums containing PVA or PVC plastic. These pictures are also quite fragile and should not be handled often or left on display.

If you do decide to pick one up and have a look, it should be held at the corners as opposed to placing your fingers directly on the picture.

Your Polaroid picture should also never be kept in direct sunlight or areas where there’s lots of light. You should be reminded all times that the chemicals used to develop the pictures are still present in print, and this ultimately can lead to your Polaroid photos deteriorating.

Try to avoid holding your Polaroid pictures with dirty hands. The dirt from your fingers will damage the photos over time.

Cutting a Polaroid definitely is a no-no as this will damage them.

Ultimately, Polaroid pictures are meant to give you instant gratification, and they achieve that purpose. However, as with all advantages come disadvantages. So remember to treat your Polaroid pictures with caution, and you will get to enjoy them for many years to come.

Conclusion

Are you considering purchasing an instant camera? If you are, then you’ve made a good decision as there are many benefits to having an instant camera.

These cameras are reliable and dependable. By following the instructions, it will lead to unexpected and surprising results.

While the techniques are limited by your creativity and imagination, some tried and tested techniques such as grabbing the face print and manipulating the exposure settings are available.

Digital cameras have huge sensors, and this allows them to give greater clarity, but output image quality is lower and unflattering.

Polaroid cameras are known for offering softer images due to the compromise mechanism between the lights and film speed. However, the softer aesthetics make these images more appealing.

By using a Polaroid camera, you can keep your memories alive and have them in the form of hard copies. You could also relive them whenever you want to by looking through your photos and keeping them close to you for years to come.