No matter how good your digital prints are, there is always a chance of overwriting, deleting or crashing the file.
Polaroid pictures are something that binds memories to reality and stays with you till the time you decide to forget it. And perhaps, a picture on a screen can never be as good as an instant photograph.
Instant cameras are becoming outrageously popular for their vintage looks and artistic snapshots. And to make a place in this digital world these Polaroid cameras are now rapidly advancing their technology.
Having said so, now comes the question of choosing the right Polaroid camera for you.
We have combined a list of the Best Polaroid Instant Photo Cameras in India and a buying guide to assist you with making the right choice.
While looking for an instant camera, keep these things in mind-
- Look for a digital camera if you want to share your photographs with other devices and on social media
- A selfie mirror can help you frame a photograph before you click
- There are two photograph sizes- mini/credit card size (54×86) and square (62×62)
For a more detailed guide, look for the Buying Guide at the end of this article!
Best Instant Photo Cameras in India
| Instant & Polaroid Camera | Selfie Mirror | Print Type | Print Size | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji Instant Camera | Yes | Film | 54X86mm | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Fujifilm Instax Instant Camera | No | Film | 62X62mm | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kodak Instant Print Camera | No | Zero ink paper | 2X3 inches | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Fujifilm Instant Camera | No | Film | 54X86mm | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Fuji Instax Square Instant Camera | No | Film | 62X62mm | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Polaroid Instant Camera | Yes | Zero ink paper | 2X3 inches | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Instant Photo Print Cameras in India
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Polaroid cameras made quite a comeback a couple of years ago. And Fujifilm was solely responsible for making it the new essential accessory. Available in trendy colors, Fujifilm manages to attract the young staying within an affordable range.
Looks, affordability and performance– The Fujifilm Instax Mini seems to have ticked off all the right boxes and is the reason why it stays on top of the list.
Apart from the selfie mirror, it also has a close-up attachment that can take shots from up to 35cm. A brightness adjustment dial automatically selects the best lighting depending on your surroundings.
A High-key mode lets you take softer shots irrespective of the amount of light in the vicinity. Last but not least, mini 9 gives you the most incredible instant credit-card sized photos.
| In the era where selfie cameras rule the chart, Fujifilm has successfully administered the new selfie mirror with credit card-sized instant selfie pictures. One has to use the self-portrait mirror present next to the lens to adjust the frame for a perfect selfie. |
Features:
- Built-in flash and auto exposure feature
- Selfie mirror and close-up attachment
- Picture size: 62X46mm
- Print size: 54X86mm
- Recycle time: 0.2 -0.6 seconds
- High-key mode
- Auto power off (5 mins)
- Runs on 2 AA batteries
- 2 lens; Camera aperture= 60mm, 1:12.7
Pros
- Affordable
- Exciting colours available
- Travel-friendly
- Can click 10 instant pictures with one feed
- Selfie mirror
- User-friendly
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Expensive photo films
2. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 Hybrid Instant Camera
Yet another Fujifilm instant camera but this one combines instant pictures with digital technology. This hybrid camera has a sophisticated look and a superior build. The Instax Square SQ10 combines both analog and digital capabilities of a camera to give you the best memories.
While the Instax mini impressed us with its simplicity, the SQ10 manages to awe us with its advanced technology involved in producing the big square instant photos.
The Instax SQ10 stands apart from its predecessor, not only for its ability to conduct digital functions but also for having a dual shutter button for when you want to capture the same from different angles.
The body design requires a special mention due to its smooth and even finish that allows and supports one with easy holding. The lens is protected by a ring made out of shaved metal which also gives it an ultra-modern look.
The camera also has some impressive features such as double filter mode, bulb exposure mode for those long exposure shots and macro mode for those close-up shots in faint lights.
The micro SD memory allows you to save and print as many photos as one likes. Image editing options are another incredible feature of the camera. The camera comes with brightness and vignette control apart from the 10 unique filters for your picture.
| The simple yet intuitive user interface design of the camera makes quite an impact on all camera enthusiasts. It’s unbelievable how an elementary instant camera allows functions such as editing to processing with the help of the incredible LCD monitor before printing out the pictures. |
Best Features:
- Hybrid instant camera
- Multiple shooting and editing options
- Micro SD memory(up to 50 shots)
- LCD screen: 3 inch TFT color
- Big square format prints
- Print size: 62X62mm
- Tripod hole
- Dual shutter button
- 19 level brightness control
- Shutter speed: 10-0.001 seconds
- Aperture: 2.4
- Digital zoom: 2.4X
- Autofocus
Pros
- Travel-sized
- Amazing design and build quality
- A perfect combination of analog and digital cameras
- Can reprint photos
- Thumbnail prints
- self-timer
Cons
- Expensive
- A bit heavy
3. Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera
Kodak has made a mark in the field of cameras for its affordable yet innovative films and features. This printomatic digital camera takes innovation to the next level with its choice of print feed.
Resembling their old-school reel-film cameras, the built of the camera feels nostalgic but with sophistication. The perfect amalgamation of both technological advancement and maintenance of originality has created this printomatic instant camera.
The Kodak printomatic gives you the photo prints like the ones you print out of your computers. It has a 10MP auto-focus camera and is extremely quick in capturing an image.
It even allows you to click fresh pictures even while a photo is printing. It comes with black and white and two other color to suit your style. Micro SD can be used for additional memory.
| The Kodak printomatic gives you 2X3 inch high-quality photos on zink photo paper. This innovative step from Kodak eases your efforts of seeking expensive ink cartridges, toners or films. The prints are smudge-proof, water-proof and tear-resistant. They also have an adhesive back to help stick them on any surface. The prints do not have a border which works both as a pro and a con depending upon your appreciation. |
Best Features:
- Zink paper pictures
- Two photo modes available
- Autofocus and built-in flash
- Print size: 2X3inches
- Excellent camera speed
- Micro SD memory
Pros
- Compact and portable
- No need for expensive films and inks
- Ergonomic design
- Fastest camera shutter speed
- Innovative print feed
Cons
- Does not have memory for more than 3 shots
4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic instant camera is a classic retro camera coupled with advanced features. The large 5 inch LCD screen provides the best preview of your shots. The instant camera makes for a nice personalized gift to a close friend or family.
The brown/black leather covering, silver accents, the 90’s retro look makes it an absolute stunner in terms of looks and build quality. But the picture quality is not as good as we expected. The films are cheap though. It is that classic gift item!
| The camera has the best of analog modes such as the bulb mode for long exposure shots and dual expressive mode for when you need to combine two superficial shots. It also comes with an advanced macro mode for the right light exposure shots. |
The high-performance flash is a boon to the camera. The mode dial on the camera enables you to choose between the available modes of exposure for that perfect low-light shot. A rechargeable battery is used to power the camera. The Neo Classic Instant Camera has a tripod slot enabling you to take those professional portrait shots.
Best Features:
- Neoclassical design
- Print size: 54X86mm
- Multiple exposure modes
- Auto flash feature
- Optical zoom: 8X
- Shutter speed: 1.8 seconds
- Micro SD memory
- Rechargeable battery
- Tripod socket
Pros
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Impressive design
- lightweight
Cons
- A bit expensive for the features provided
5. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 Instant Camera
An earlier generation of square instant cameras by Fujifilm, SQ6 still manages to stay on the list for its performance. Available in three different colors, the SQ6 has a solid build and design enough to convince someone to buy it.
Except for the availability of digital features, Instax SQ6 has all the features available with SQ10. The pictures are crisp and clear. It comes with a selfie mirror, auto-exposure control, low-light mode and lots others.
The automatic exposure control function brightens up both the subject and the background accordingly. The macro mode allows you to capture close-range pictures from within 35-50cm. Dual exposure mode has a definitive existence in Fujifilm cameras which helps you in combining two different shots. Although it is a square camera, it does come with a landscape mode.
| The main takeaway feature of the camera is the three flash color filters- purple, green and orange. Apart from that, Fujifilm had managed to provide a selfie camera in SQ6 before the new entrants. |
Best Features:
- Auto exposure control
- Print size: 62X62mm
- 1:1 square format
- 3 color filters
- Auto flash feature
- Optical zoom: 1X
- Close up capture: 35-50cm
Pros
- Easy to carry
- lightweight
- Color filters
- Amazing low light pictures
Cons
- The flashlight can make pictures look overexposed to light
6. Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
One among the three major manufacturers of instant cameras, Polaroid has gained popularity due to innovative additions to their build and features. The snap instant camera is the latest addition to their series of digital photo cameras and it comes with some impressive features.
Working in association with the zink photo papers like Kodak, Polaroid snap has engulfed innovation in their technology.
| Polaroid Snap is a digital camera with 6 capture modes. You can click and share them on your social media accounts directly from the camera. It prints on Zink papers means no need for expensive inks and reels. |
After combining digital imaging with no-ink printing, the snap camera captures high-quality photos within seconds. It has one of the fastest shutter speed and one can immediately click a fresh photo while the other one is still printing.
Along with the selfie mirror, the camera also brings in six different capture modes, black&white, sepia, color and photo booth mode. It comes with a 10 MP camera and supports a microSD with 32GB memory.
Best Features:
- Auto exposure control
- Print size: 2X3 inch
- Six capture modes
- Photobooth mode
- Auto flash feature
- Zero ink printing
- 10MP camera
- Micro SD memory
- Selfie mirror camera
- Self-timer
Pros
- Digital camera
- Pocket-friendly size
- Affordable
- Multiple capture modes
- Ergonomic design and build
Cons
- Automatic flash sometimes cannot detect low light
Buying Guide For Instant Cameras
If you already know, instant cameras perform very poorly when you compare them to DSLR or Apple iPhone camera photo quality. But still, they are becoming increasingly popular. It’s because they unexpectedly capture moments. They are easy to carry and use. They can make a perfect gift for your partner your kids or your friends.
They are very new on the market and most of the customers don’t know much about them. Hope you find this buying guide helpful.
So, what are instant cameras?
Unlike our reel-film cameras and digital cameras, an instant camera holds the ability to produce a printed image of the picture within minutes of it being clicked.
Instant cameras are a bit larger compared to the digital cameras as they hold a self-developing film that works sensitively when the shutter is clicked to give you an instant photograph.
The chemical/dye in the self-developing film reacts with the light when an image is snapped thus producing an immediate picture. However, it takes about 3-5 minutes for an image to develop completely.
Things to look for before buying an instant camera
How easy it is to use?
Let’s face it; if someone is looking for an instant camera, it is because of its user-friendliness that helps to create a lifetime memory old-school style. It avoids the task of visiting a studio to get your negatives developed or the usage of a printer to get a physical copy of that digital photo of your family.
Adding to that, irrespective of your photography skills, one should be able to click good pictures without getting into the technicalities. Most of the instant cameras require the user to switch on the power button, adjust the lens according to the image and click the shutter. Simple yet effective.
Shutter Speed and Battery
Since we are talking about instant cameras, the shutter speed of the cameras does matter. Ideal shutter speed is around 1/60 seconds while some go up to 10 seconds.
The faster the shutter speed, the lesser you wait for it to print and readjust for the next click. 10 seconds of exposure is for long exposure shots or bulb modes.
‘The battery, on the other hand, can either be a non-rechargeable AA one or a rechargeable 116X118X 68mm Lithium-ion battery depending upon the camera and company.
Photo size and Paper type
There have been many innovations in this field. A conventional instant camera runs by a self-developing film but now, we also have Zink zero-ink print paper that is smudge, water, and tear-resistant. They also have an adhesive back to ease sticking them on the wall.
However, these print papers resemble a digital print and thus lack the fervor. Self-developing films, on the other hand, can either be a mini (54X86mm) or a square film (62X62mm).
You can easily fit mini-size photographs in your wallet and films will be cheaper. The advantage of a square film is that one doesn’t need a landscape mode and yes, a larger and proportionate image.
Processing time
Shutter speed plays an important role and so does the film processing time. Each feed should be allowed ample time to dry out in the light to give you a clear image. Mishandling before it dries out can botch up the photograph. One might see spots or scratches. Nevertheless, most spots cover up when left for over 14 hours.
Brightness Levels
Although instant cameras do not need many features and functions to click a good image, it does need a brightness adjustment dial to facilitate proper pictures in faint light or darkness. Almost all cameras have auto-brightness controls. The more prices you pay the better brightness control you get.
Other features
features such as built-in flash, memory, LCD screen, filters are all additional features to help you click an expert picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main advantage is that you get an immediate image print. Apart from this, instant cameras are more resistant to varying temperatures than regular ones.
Instant cameras give the best results when used above 13 degrees Celsius.
Instant cameras can never compete with digital ultra high definition pictures, but they do not necessarily need filters. The feature is for the consumer to express his artistry if required.
The best instant cameras come from Fujifilm and Polaroid. Other brands such as Kodak, Lomography, and Lomo also manufacture them.
Ideally 8-10. Thus refill packs are always sold in that quantity.
Conclusion
Polaroid cameras/instant cameras are not for serious photography. They are for the capture of fun moments, a physical memory for something to remember by.
With digital photos, there are always high chances of losing or deleting them but Polaroid pictures stay for as long as you keep them. They even make a wonderful gift for someone close. No matter how advanced our world gets, there are always certain things that are enjoyed the old fashioned way.
These were the list of best instant cameras on the market right now. You can choose any of this according to your preference and budget. If you want our suggestion, go with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera. The pictures are too good to look at. It looks smart, comes in beautiful color options and it is affordable– a full value for money product.
For any queries, you can comment down below. We are all ears!
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