The Best Instant Photo Camera of 2021

Today photography do not wait for instant viewing of photo because of digital cameras. But, what’s about instant photo printing? Thanks to a certain instant photo cameras and Polaroid, its also possible to get instant print of your photos. Today, its successors are Fujifilm Instax, Impossible Project, Lomography, etc… And the least we can say is that all these instant processes have the wind in their throats.

The name Polaroid is irretrievably associated with that of photographic film, so much so that like Frigo, Kleenex and Bic, the term has entered the common language. However, Polaroid stopped production of its polacolor instant films in 2008, leaving a large population of passionate orphans. But instant photography is, however, not dead. Indeed, since 1981, Fujifilm has been producing instant films compatible with Polaroid devices, and in 1998 introduced Instax. And because passion raises mountains, since 2010, “The Impossible Project” has been restarting the production of polaroid-type films. More recently, Lomography has plunged into the breach with its instax-compatible enclosures. Instant photography is not dead and is even experiencing a new boom, going beyond its initial population of enthusiasts to conquer the hearts of younger photographers, eager for instant shots ready to be shared with friends.

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How are Instant Cameras Tested?

Instant Photo Camera

Instantaneous cameras have two huge flaws: their framing is often approximate and their exposure is difficult to control, when it is not downright random. Nevertheless, we strive to judge the accuracy of the lens, focus, colorimetry, by photographing our test scene illuminated by standard led lighting (5,500 K, 250 lux). However, most of the test is done “in real conditions”. In this way, we evaluate hand-holding, ease of use, development time, regularity and reliability of exposure, accuracy of focus and framing, autonomy and, of course, image quality.

Which Film to Choose for An Instant Camera?

Fujifilm's Instax

There are three types of films: Impossible Project’s classic polacor, Fujifilm’s Instax and Polaroid Zink (which is a thermal sublimation process). Each type of film conditions a certain type of device, and vice versa.

The Impossible Project

Since 2010, the production of classic Polaroid films has been taken over by the company The Impossible Project. Their films are available in four formats: pack 600, pack SX-70, pack image/spectra and in sheets for large format camera. With the exception of the newer i-1 case, these films are used in older cases.

Fujifilm Instax

The Instax comes in two sizes: the mini (86 x 54 mm image) and the wide (99 x 62 mm image). These films can be used by Fujifilm Instax devices and Lomography instant devices.

Fujifilm's Instax
Fujifilm’s Instax

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Polaroid Zink

This is the only digital instantaneous process. The photograph is taken in a conventional manner, as on any APN, but the image is then immediately printed on thermal sublimation paper, the printer being integrated into the case. The images produced measure 2″x 3″, approximately 5 x 7.5 cm.

Polaroid Zink
Polaroid Zink

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What Are the Advanced Features of An Instant Photo Camera?

While most instant devices emphasize simplicity of use. This does not prevent some from offering more advanced functions: self-timer, B-pose, double exposure, exposure correction. Some old Polaroids even allow playing on speed or aperture.

Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer
Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer

Get It on Amazon – Price $54.99


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