There's no question that photography has evolved expeditiously over the past century, but printing physical photos from your digital camera is still a thing of the present. Instant cameras have raised in popularity over the last decade, and while a lot of it may be due to the rise in nostalgic trends, these compact shooters are also efficient for point-and-shoot purposes.
In today's era, many instant digital cameras are not only built digitally, but offer advanced features such as Bluetooth compatibility, filters, free choice of photo to print and much more. Some instant cameras still provide a vintage appearance to their prints, while others are able to capture your memories in much higher resolutions.
From Fujifilm's lengthy roster of models, to Minolta's simplistic appearance, we're breaking down all of the features and differences amongst Photo Savings' collection of instant cameras. Scroll through our guide below to see which product works best for your creative needs.
Canon Ivy CLIQ+ Instant Camera Printer
Whether you’re out and about with your clique or traveling solo, the Canon IVY CLIQ+ can help you capture your memories without the hassle of a heavy gadget. Weighing less than 7 oz., this instant camera can easily fit in your pocket, which makes it handy for those impromptu photo-op moments. Take perfect selfies courtesy of its 2-inch selfie mirror, which helps users frame perfect shots. In addition, the Cliq+ also has a ring light to enhance the lighting of your subject. This product has a partner mobile app for download on any smartphone that allows users to edit shots before printing, and even allows printing of images already stored in your phone. You can also use the app as a remote shutter trigger to get even better shots with the camera. For prints, the Cliq+ uses Zink (Zero ink) technology, which, as its name implies, requires no ink to print. It prints out on smudge-proof and liquid-resistant Zink sticker photo paper that you can attach on any surface. Choose from 2 by 2 or 2 by 3 paper sizes to print. You can get this unit in different colors including Ruby Red, Pearl White, and Sapphire Blue.
Instax Square SQ6 Instant Film Camera
The Instax Square SQ6 camera is pretty straightforward to operate for both newcomers to instant cameras and veteran users. It was designed to be simple, yet stylish. The first version of the SQ6 originally came in just three colors including Blush Gold, Graphite Gray, and Pearl White, but they have since added two more called Ruby Red and Aqua Blue. The camera prints in a square format in 2.4 by 2.4 inches on either regular Instax instant film with white and black frame, or the Instax double-sided stickers. It features a 10-second self-timer, auto-exposure control and light and dark modes you can select from. The camera also has a retractable lens so you can adjust its focal length before clicking the shutter button to capture your image. It also has double exposure mode, landscape, and built-in macro modes. which allows photographers to shoot in natural lighting. If you needed more reason to check this camera out, maybe the flash color filters that come in our bundle deals will convince you. Switch between green, orange, and purple gels to get a different appearance with each snapshot.
Minolta Instapix Print Digital Camera
Capture cute, crazy or candid moments with friends and loved ones with the Minolta Instapix Print Digital Camera. You can download its iOS/Android mobile app, allowing users to edit the images before printing through the camera. The Instapix churns out 2.1 by 3.4 inches or credit card-sized pictures, boasting high-resolution imaging with a 20-megapixel capacity. You can choose among bordered, borderless, monochrome prints, as well as various filters such as sepia, sketch, and aqua for a unique tone. There’s also a self-timer option for five seconds or ten seconds, allowing for opportunities to strike the right pose. Unlike the more widespread Zink technology mentioned above, it has a replaceable cartridge that includes both the paper and the ink. While it displays a more minimal appearance, the Instapix comes in five premium colors including Gray, Charcoal, Blue, Coral Pink, and Purple.
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Camera
If you’re leaning toward more on the modern classic style, the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic instant camera would be suitable for you. It comes in black, brown and red and has two shutter buttons. One is located in the front of the power toggle switch, and the other is in the top plate for a more conducive placement while shooting in landscape orientation. It has the features of the traditional shooter with macro and landscape modes. The Mini 90's settings are also easily adjustable with exposure options to darken or lighten the image. It also has a party mode which lets you capture your subject clearly even against a lit-up background. Measuring at 3.6 inches height by 4.5 inches width by 2.3 depth, this camera weighs a little over 10 oz., which makes it easily portable for any occasion. Additonally, the Mini 90 has a focal length of 60mm and f/12.7 aperture and is one of the the smallest modern instant cameras with a 1.8 by 2.4-inch size.
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPLay
The Mini LiPlay is sold in three sophisticated colors including Stone White, Elegant Black, and Blush Gold. Being one of the sleeker cameras in our collection, it weighs only 9 oz, making it the smallest and lightest of all the Instax models manufactured by Fujifilm. Regardless of its tiny size, it does not fall short of noteworthy features. One of its distinct components is its “Sound” function, allowing users to record sound up to 10 seconds that can be played over a photo through a QR code printed with the image. To hear the audio, just scan the code with your phone app and replay the audio clip anytime. The camera's app also lets users edit and print image files from their smartphones and use a Bluetooth shutter trigger.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
If you’re looking for an entry-level instant camera, the Instax Mini 9 could be the perfect candidate. It comes in five delightful colors such as Cobalt Blue, Ice Blue, Flamingo Pink, Lime Green, and Smoky White. Being user-friendly, the shooter is easy to control, and best of all, it's very affordable. The Mini 9 has an auto-exposure measurement feature that automatically determines the suitable brightness setting for your image, as well as a macro lens attachment for close up shots. You can even capture subjects up to approximately 14 inches away. Like all the others on this list, the popular Fujifilm product has a built-in selfie mirror, but stands out with its lengthier shoot time, preventing users from continuous battery changes.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Instant Film Camera
What’s more enjoyable than an Instax camera model that comes in five vibrant colors? One that comes in six, of course! With the Mini 70, you can choose from Moon White, Canary Yellow, Passion Red, Midnight Black, Stardust Gold, and Island Blue. It measures 4.5 height by 3.9 inches width and weighs a little less than 10 oz. The compact item has a dedicated selfie mode that allows users to automatically adjust the focal length and brightness an optimal self-portrait shot. The Mini 70 has a basic point-and-shoot design without overly complicated controls. It also has a 10-second self-timer and is tripod-mountable, making it ideal for group shots. You can also shoot in landscape and macro modes without compromising the image quality.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20 Instant Film Camera
One of the more innovative of all the models is the Instax Square SQ20. It has four times the digital zoom capacity, which other instant cameras lack. Unlike other instant cameras which immediately print your shots, the SQ20 allows you to check your image before printing. One of its unique features is its frame grabbing, which lets you pick a printable frame from a 15-second recorded video. It can also create a time-shift collage, providing the ability to print four images taken at different times in quick succession. The Fujifilm shooter can also create double exposure images that combine two snaps in one. It also has various filters that you can apply to your shots and create more interesting images. This camera's battery also has a high power capacity, lasting for up to 100 prints. Though it’s a bit on the heavy side with a mass of 15.5 oz, the SQ20 makes up its weight with its advanced imaging capabilities.
Instant photo printing emphasizes every moment to count even more than ever before. Immortalize your own memories with photo prints that you can share with your loved ones as souvenirs. From basic shooting needs to more aesthetic preferences, there’s an instant camera to suit any of your requirements. You can comment down below your thoughts on these products and keep your eyes peeled ‘til our next gadget roundup!