These instant cameras are perfect for capturing festive fun this Christmas and making permanent memories
If the past 19 months or more has taught me anything, it’s that making memories and keeping account of them is of utmost importance. One thing I’ll always admire is that when my parents were young, no matter where they went - even if it was a small gathering at their friend’s - they had a disposable camera in tow.
My mum and dad’s bookshelf is scattered with framed pictures of me and my brothers when we were babies, as well as images of them when they were teenagers, all because they decided to document our lives with printed images and video tapes. That’s one thing I hope to continue when I have kids of my own, rather than relying on social media to document things.
Today’s equivalent to a disposable camera is an instant camera - think Instax and Polaroid. An instant camera is the perfect alternative to taking a snap on your phone and it’s more permanent; one click of the button and you’ll have a physical rendition of the image you just posed for in your hands. What better way to record memories of all these festive events we have lined up in our calendars?
In years to come you might want to look back on these moments and show them to your own kids, or just simply reminisce, so surely the way to do that is by investing in one of the best instant cameras? The next thing is deciding which option is best for you, and it all depends on what you want to use the camera for. Are you looking for something that creates high quality images for a photo album or project, or do you want to simply capture a few snaps at your next party?
Which is the best instant camera to buy?
Instax seems to reign supreme when it comes to instant film cameras, with tons of different iterations on the market to suit a wide range of needs. This Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid Instant Camera comes with an LCD screen and built-in flash, so it’s just like your digital camera but it’ll print your images for you. You have the ability to control the Instax Mini LiPlay directly from your smartphone, and you can also take clear close-ups as the camera can focus as near as 10cm. The best part? As the LiPlay is also a printer, you’ll be able to share copies instantly. No more fighting over who gets to keep the print out!
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Another great buy is the Polaroid Now Instant Camera. It features a nine-second timer, so you can get in the pic too, with a built-in flash and double exposure. With a rechargeable battery and USB cable, you’ll be able to take this instant camera with you everywhere and make memories wherever you go. Exactly what life’s all about, really.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Associate Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Snap up your very own instant camera from our picks (or should I say pics?) below.
Best Polaroid Camera: Polaroid Now Instant
Polaroid Now Instant Camera, £119.99, ASOS
Another great buy is the Polaroid Now Instant Camera. It features a nine-second timer, so you can get in the pic too, with a built-in flash and double exposure. With a rechargeable battery and USB cable, you’ll be able to take this instant camera with you everywhere and make memories wherever you go. Exactly what life’s all about, really.
Best Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera, £69, John Lewis
More compact, and with more clarity and style than previous models, the small Instax Mini 11 is great for instant photo social snapping. It’s easy to use, and you can personalise set up with customisable shutter buttons. A built-in selfie lens helps you share the frame, and its automatic exposure ensures no-one gets lost in the background.
Save money when you buy the best instant camera with these John Lewis discount codes.
Best Instant Cameras: Kodak
KODAK Smile Classic Digital Instant Camera, £149, Amazon
The Kodak smile classic combines an old-school design with advanced modern technology. Snap memories and hold them in your hand within minutes utilising a built-in printer for vintage vibes. Unlike the throwback analogue cameras, with the Kodak Smile you can store images that you don’t want to print right away and save them for later. The Micro SD card slot means you can download and save images to your computer, too.
Best Instant Camera: Fujifilm Instax
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid Instant Camera, £149, John Lewis
This Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid Instant Camera comes with an LCD screen and built-in flash, so it’s just like your digital camera but it’ll print your images for you. You have the ability to control the Instax Mini LiPlay directly from your smartphone, and you can also take clear close-ups as the camera can focus as near as 10cm. The best part? As the LiPlay is also a printer, you’ll be able to share copies instantly. No more fighting over who gets to keep the print out!
Save money when you buy the best instant camera with these John Lewis discount codes.
Best Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera, £119.99, Selfridges
Thanks to this camera's automatic exposure, your photos will be perfectly lit as the sensors automatically calculate the brightness of your environment and adjust the shutter speed accordingly. Capturing life's precious moments just a whole lot easier (and stylish).
Save money when you buy the best instant camera with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best Polaroid Camera: Polaroid Snap
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera and Photo Paper Pack, £149.99, Amazon
With a 20 pack of photo paper, this Polaroid camera lets you print high quality photos (in black and white, colour or vintage sepia) without the wait or worry. The slim and compact design will fit into your bag easily, so you can take it with you wherever you go, plus you can peel off the sticky back of the picture and post them in a book to keep your memories all together.
Best Instant Cameras
Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera, £49.99, Amazon
This point-and-shoot style camera allows you to shoot a new photo while printing the previous shot. It also comes equipped with a light sensor that will automatically turn on the flash in low-light settings, so you needn't worry about dark settings. It uses Kodak Zink Photo Paper which is water-resistant, tear resistant, smudge free and adhesive-backed.
Best Instant Cameras: Canon
Canon Zoemini C Instant Camera, £114.99, Selfridges
Whether you’re out with friends or celebrating something special, Canon’s Zoemini C camera prints out pictures instantly. Use the built-in mirror to perfect your selfies and print out pictures onto sticky paper for instant scrapbooking.
Save money when you buy the best instant camera with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax SQ20 Hybrid Camera, £179.99, Argos
Enjoy all the best Instax features in a digital hybrid instant camera, alongside the new motion capture mode which allows you to pick your favourite shots in a matter of seconds with a simple, yet very effective, rewind and scroll feature.
Save money when you buy the best instant camera with these Argos discount codes.
Best Instant Cameras
Kodak C300R Mini Shot 3, £147.99 £127.99, Amazon
With the Kodak Mini Shot 3, you can print high quality 3x3" Instagram-sized photos. The perfect gift to give to someone who's travelling, courtesy of its portable size, or something to keep for yourself and use to make scrapbooks with - Kodak knows its stuff.
Best Instant Camera For Wedding
Kodak Smile Instant Print Digital Camera, £99.99, Amazon
If you're looking for something fun to liven up a party or get people up and going at an event, then the Kodak Smile is perfect. The camera uses zero ink technology to print high definition photos on 2x3" zink sticky-backed photo paper, which is ideal for weddings if you're planning to create a photo album to remember your big day afterwards.
Best Instant Cameras
Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera, £89.99, Argos
The Instax Mini 40 is pumped with attitude for today's new generation of image makers and shot takers. Combining fast to action features with classic design cues and fresh Instax mini film, it'll keep you one shot ahead of the rest. The retro look is what's most appealing.
Save money when you buy the best instant camera with these Argos discount codes.
Best Instant Cameras: Instax
Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, £74.99, Currys PC World
Simply point, shoot, and get perfect instant prints with the Instax Mini 9 instant camera. A unique way to capture your memorable moments, the Mini 9 produces credit card-sized instant prints that will look great on the fridge, on your wall, in a scrapbook, or even as part of a present. It comes with 10 shots of film included, so you can start snapping straight away.
