The 10 best instant cameras to buy in the UK
Photography in recent years has been dominated by digital cameras. Whether it is smartphones, point and shoot cameras or a DSLRs, if you are looking to take photos it will more than likely done through a digital device. However, an old style of analogue photography is returning thanks to great instant cameras. These devices are a modern take on the classic Polaroid, producing photographs instantly and with a very distinct style.
Looking for the best instant camera but unsure what to look for? Check out some tips in the handy guide below.
What are instant cameras?
An instant camera is a type of camera that features a self-developing film to instantly print a photograph after it is taken. Film packs feature a negative that is used to capture the photograph, and as soon as the image has been taken the camera produces the print which then instantly develops into a coloured photo.
Many are familiar with Polaroids, which were widely viewed as the best instant camera years ago until the company was declared bankrupt. Since then, the brand and intellectual property has been sold and revived. Now, many new manufacturers are producing modern instant cameras that follow the same process.
Why should you buy a good instant camera?
An instant camera offers a unique style of photography that many love, producing a very vintage aesthetic to the photo, including a recognisable white border around the image. But more importantly, instant cameras are just fun! You can expect many hilarious photos to be taken, none of which can be deleted, which makes a welcome change.
In a time when we can take thousands of digital photographs in an instant and view them on a device, it’s refreshing to have a camera that offers a classic film photograph: No previews, no deletions, simply a printed photograph that perfectly captures a moment.
How to choose the right instant camera in 2024?
Unsure of what the best instant cameras are for you? Think about some of the following to help make choosing that perfect instant camera easier!
- Film: When it comes to instant cameras, there are various size options for the film. Cameras are only capable of producing one size of a photo, they cannot mix and match, so be sure to think about the size of photographs you want to take. For example, some cameras produce a photo with a characteristic format and white border, while others will produce smaller or larger prints.
- Price: The best instant camera will likely cost around the same as a decent digital camera, so be mindful of how much you are willing to pay. Remember, the film for these cameras are used quickly and aren’t the cheapest, although that is changing as they become more popular. So running costs can be quite high if you plan on taking loads of photos. However, there are many affordable options available and the quality of photographs is still impressive enough.
- Intended Use: Instant cameras are great fun, but not the best for taking photographs every day. Be sure to think about what you plan on using it for, as it should make finding a good camera within your budget easier. For instance, are you planning on taking instant photos for a special occasion? Then buying a cheaper option allows you to spend more on films to take plenty of photos.
What is the best kind of instant camera in the UK?
Looking for the best instant camera? Check out some of the most popular types currently available:
- Polaroid Instant Camera: Pioneers of the first (and subsequent) generation of instant cameras, the Polaroid brand continues to produce modernised versions of their iconic cameras. Not only can you buy a modern digital Polaroid camera for great instant photos, but also retrofitted devices from their iconic range of instant cameras from the 80s.
- Wide Format Instant Camera: Fujifilm has developed a range of modern wide-format instant cameras that recapture some of the classic styles of photos produced by instant cameras from the 80s. These are the best type of instant camera for taking wide-angle photos such as landscapes.
- Instant Prints: While not technically an instant camera, instant prints are devices that follow the same concept but are instead used to print instant photos from a smartphone. They easily sync to a smartphone device, where they act is a mini printer producing prints of photos from your smartphone that are identical to those produced from instant cameras.
Top 10 list of instant cameras in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their instant cameras. Which camera is the best?
- Pack contains instax mini 12 camera, Hand strap, user manual, AA batteries x 2
- Built-in selfie lens and selfie mirror
- Uses all instax mini film, print size 54 (w) x 86 (H), image 46 (w) x 62 (H) mm
- Lens type: Close-Up; Max focal length: 60.0 millimeters
- A classic and luxurious design with premium silver accents and a high quality textured…
- Uses instax mini film, print size 54 (w) x 86 (H), image size 46 (w) x 62 (H) mm,…
- Ar App- Download the KODAK Photo Printer application and print from anywhere at any…
- Two Photo Types - It is possible to print both bordered and borderless pictures with…
- Superior Photo Quality - The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro utilizes a technology called…
- Pack includes: instax SQ1 camera, 2 x CR2 lithium batteries, hand strap, user manaul,…
- Uses instax SQUARE film sold sperately, size 72 mm x 86 mm
- Built in selfie lens and mirror
- Note: To ensure color accuracy, your camera's printer must be properly calibrated…
- NO USB Included
- CHARMING DESIGN – Comes in Variety of Fun, Bold Colors. Compact design Slips…
- Contents: 1 x instant camera, 1 x 4GB micro SD card, 4 x thermal paper rolls, 4 x…
- LOADS OF COOL FEATURES: Packed full of accessories to spark kids' creativity,…
- GET CREATIVE: Add fun filters to your photos & videos with 20+ built-in designs!…
- 32G Memory Card and 1000mAh batteryChildren's digital camera with a rechargeable…
- Safe Instant Camera for KidsThe digital instant camera uses the inkless thermal printing…
- An ideal gift for kidsThe instant camera for kids is suitable for children aged 3…
- Built-in selfie mirror
- Automatic exposure control
- Powered by AA (LR6) batteries x 2
- POINT. SHOOT. KEEP FOREVER: Now camera is compatible with both i-Type film and 600…
- FILM INCLUDED: The Now Everything Box includes the Now i-Type Instant Camera (Black)…
- NEW & IMPROVED: Our new analogue instant camera Now Generation 2 is now made…
- Built-in selfie mirror
- Automatic exposure control
- Powered by AA (LR6) batteries x 2
We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/07/06.