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The Best Instant Cameras Compared — Fujifilm vs Polaroid
February 18, 2026
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Instant cameras are back — and the choice between them matters more than people realise. Wrong film format, wrong size, wrong features. Here's how the three best options compare so you pick the one they'll actually use.
Before you buy, three things matter more than most people realise. First, film format: Instax Mini film is smaller (credit card size), cheaper, and far easier to find in shops. Polaroid film produces larger square prints but costs nearly twice as much per shot and is harder to stock up on. Second, photo size shapes the whole experience — Instax Mini prints are keepsake-sized, Polaroid square prints feel more like proper photographs. Third, decide whether you want a true analog camera or a digital hybrid. The Instax Mini 12 shoots every photo; the Instax Mini EVO lets you review and selectively print, which saves film on bad shots. If film cost is a concern, the EVO pays for itself quickly.
The Top Instant Cameras Side by Side
Good to Know
First instant camera: Instax Mini 12. Wants to be creative: Instax Mini EVO. Loves retro aesthetic: Polaroid Now. Note: Instax film is cheaper and more widely available than Polaroid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fujifilm Instax or Polaroid better for beginners?
Instax Mini 12 is the better beginner camera. It's simpler to operate, Instax Mini film is much cheaper and available almost everywhere, and automatic exposure means most photos actually come out. Polaroid Now has more character but a steeper learning curve and a pricier running cost.
Which instant camera is cheapest to run long-term?
Instax Mini is the most cost-effective. A 20-pack of film costs around $15–18, versus $20–25 for a 16-pack of Polaroid i-Type film. Over time that difference compounds significantly, especially for anyone who shoots regularly.
Can you print from your phone with any of these cameras?
Yes — the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO is the only camera on this list with a phone printing mode. You connect via Bluetooth, browse your camera roll, and print selected photos. The Instax Mini 12 and Polaroid Now are analog-only and print every shot as you take it.
Is Polaroid film worth the extra cost?
If the larger square format and retro aesthetic are the point of the gift, yes. Polaroid prints look more like photographs and carry more nostalgic weight. But if you're giving this to someone who will shoot frequently, the ongoing film cost is a real consideration — Instax Mini film is genuinely half the price.