10 best instant cameras to buy in Australia in 2024
Keep your precious memories on-hand with our round up of the best instant cameras - including one "unique" option that has a standout feature to save you time and money.
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From fashion to photography, the saying is true: Everything old eventually becomes new again.
While most of us are happy to take photos of life’s most important moments on our increasingly efficient smartphones, there’s something about vintage photography that still holds sway.
And whether you’re teaching your kids how to use a camera for the first time, creating a unique photo scrapbook, or looking for a fun way to get guests to take photos at a wedding or party, instant cameras are officially back in fashion.
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Offering the ability to snap, print and develop a photo within minutes, instant cameras are a great gift or personal investment, with plenty of options now available to choose from.
However, the one that's best for you will largely depend on your budget and photography preferences.
Our top pick is the unique Fujifilm instax LiPlay, which doubles as both a camera and a printer and lets you preview your snaps on its LCD screen before printing them - five-star reviewers say it's a "game-changer" and an "awesome portable memory maker".
Looking for more? Scroll on for our round up of the best instant cameras for all skill levels.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICK OF THE BEST INSTANT CAMERAS
Fujifilm instax mini LiPlay, $247.86 at Amazon Australia
Fujifilm instax mini LiPlay
Tried and Tested by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
I love the idea of instant photos but hate wasting pricey film on pictures that didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped. Fujifilm’s instax mini LiPlay is a game-changer, uniquely operating as both an instant camera and a printer. This little hybrid camera has the same analogue settings as other instant camera models but features an LCD screen on the back so you can preview your snaps before printing them.
It also sends a digital copy of your photo to your phone, making it easy to share on social media. Plus, you can control the camera remotely using your smartphone, which is incredibly handy for group photos. My favorite feature, though, is the ability to print photos I’ve taken on my smartphone via Bluetooth. This means I can share photos from a night out with friends and family, giving everyone a nice keepsake.
The instax mini LiPlay also has a fun feature that lets you record sound and convert it to a QR code printed on your photo, which can then be scanned to play. While I found this a bit gimmicky and not something I’d use often, it’s a fun addition for kids and teens looking to share photos with their friends.
Now in its second generation, the instax mini LiPlay brings USB-C charging, firmware updates, and new color options like Matcha Green, making it an all-round great buy.
BEST DIGITAL INSTANT CAMERA
Fujifilm instax Mini Evo, $299.03 at Amazon Australia
Fujifilm instax Mini Evo
What You Need To Know
Every time you take a photo with an instant camera you’re using film, which means it’s a hobby that can quickly become expensive. Add to that the frustration of printing off photos that turn out blurry or over-exposed, and you might be put off investing in a model of your own. That’s where Fujifilm’s instax Mini Evo comes in.
The digital-instant hybrid camera comes with a full-colour LCD screen so you can view your snaps before printing them off, saving you money and allowing you to print off extra copies. It also comes with the ability to turn off the flash so you can improve your shots in bright sunlight, which is a feature most instax cameras don't offer.
It even doubles as a printer for your smartphone snaps, and comes with a bunch of creative built-in effects that are fun to mess around with. While not everyone will love the departure from the 'classic' instant camera, it's a great pick for those who want basic point-and-shoot functionality and control over which photos they print.
BEST INSTANT CAMERA FOR PARTIES
Fujifilm instax mini 40, $179 at THE ICONIC
Fujifilm instax mini 40
What You Need To Know
With its silver detailing and classic accents, Fujifilm's instax mini 40 looks the part of a truly sophisticated camera. It arrives with all the same features as the instax mini 11, including compatibility with the cheaper instax mini film packs, but is wrapped up in a less-cutesy, more mature design.
The automatic exposure and simple selfie mode are likely to appeal to new photographers, while features such as variable shutter speed and an adjustable lens barrel will keep things interesting for those more experienced in the field.
One five star reviewer said: “This is such a fun little camera! The stylish retro design looks really cool and great in photo flat lays on social media. The selfie mode is brilliant and you can take some amazingly clear photos that go perfectly in a scrapbook."
Fujifilm instax mini Link 3, $179 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Fujifilm instax mini Link 3
Okay, so it’s not actually a camera, but this clever device will allow you to snap and print photos without blinding anyone in the process. Simply take your photos on your smartphone as usual, and then print out all your favourite shots using the instax mini Link 3.
The accompanying mini Link app is easy enough to navigate. It also comes with a range of creative options that allow you to add frames and emojis to your pictures, string together individual frames from a video file, print collages and more.
We're even more impressed with the USB-Type C charging port and the flexibility of the mini Link 3 - making it a great purchase and a gift all ages will love.
BEST BUDGET INSTANT CAMERA
Fujifilm instax mini 12, $129 at Myer
Fujifilm instax mini 12
What You Need To Know
If you’re new to instant photography, Fujifilm’s instax mini 12 is a great starter camera. Not only does it come loaded with easy-to-use modes, it’s also cheaper than most other models on this list.
While it lacks the more advanced settings of these pricier models, simplicity is part of the instax mini 12’s charm. The camera’s basic point-and-shoot functionality, paired with its automatic light adjustment feature, make it virtually foolproof for any age or skill level to use.
It comes with a front mirror and a new close up mode for improved selfies, and takes film that's priced more reasonably than other options on the market. However, the image quality isn't the sharpest, giving you a more dreamy, retro look that may not appeal to all users.
One five star reviewer on Amazon Australia called the instax mini 12 “our go-to for fun memories”, while another said it’s “a great jumping off point” for those new to photography.
BEST INSTANT CAMERA FOR PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat, $177 (down from $209) at digiDirect
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat
What You Need To Know
If you like the instax mini format but want a more professional camera, Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Automat is for you.
Its sharp wide-angle lens captures nice crisp images, making it a great choice for enthusiasts and those looking to capture larger group shots. It also offers multiple exposure support, built-in flash, a selfie mirror and better low-light performance than most of its competitors.
In fact, the only thing we don’t like about the camera is its use of CR2 batteries over a rechargeable option.
You also can't save digital copies of your images, unlike some other cameras on this list, though this could actually be a positive if you prefer classic instant photography.
BEST INSTANT CAMERA FOR CREATIVES
Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type, $269.95 at Myer
Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 i-Type
What You Need To Know
While you will have to contend with its rather chunky body, the Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is a great model for those looking to get creative. The camera combines the aesthetic and dual-lens autofocus of the Polaroid Now with the Bluetooth capabilities found on the Polaroid OneStep+, resulting in fun, full-size instant photos that deliver that highly-sought after ‘vintage’ feel.
Arriving with a range of physical lens filters, the Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 lets you create images with various effects, while shooting sharper images than its predecessor. Creative shooting modes such as double exposure and light painting are also available, though these can only be used when the camera is connected to the accompanying smartphone app.
One downside to the Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is that its film is a little pricier than its rivals. While you will need to factor this into your budget, the camera is still worth the spend if you want to get creative with your photography or enjoy that true vintage Polaroid feel.
BEST INSTANT CAMERA FOR BIG PICTURES
Fujifilm instax Wide 400, $208 (down from $229) at CameraPro
Fujifilm instax Wide 400
What You Need To Know
If standard or square sized photos just won’t cut it, Fujifilm’s instax Wide 400 is sure to do the trick. The model is the biggest option from the instax line and uses instax Wide film, which is the largest available by instant film standards.
Of course, accommodating the wider film means the camera is on the chunky side. This makes it less than ideal for selfie taking, and better suited to those looking to shoot landscapes or events.
The instax Wide 400 comes with a great range of features, including a tripod socket, self-timer, automatic exposure control, and a powerful built-in flash.
You will have to factor in the additional cost of the extra large film, but overall it’s worth the spend if you’re looking to get creative with larger prints.
BEST INSTANT CAMERA FOR KIDS
Polaroid Go Generation 2, $129.95 at Myer
Polaroid Go Generation 2
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly camera, the Polaroid Go Gen 2 is a nice pick. The palm-sized model is currently the world’s smallest analog instant camera, making it ideal for little hands to carry around and use with ease.
It's essentially a smaller version of the Polaroid Now, and includes several of the same features such as the self-timer and double-exposure mode. However these more advanced settings are entirely optional, with the camera still operating as a standard point-and-shoot which is simple enough for kids to use.
The second gen model has been upgraded with a large aperture range, more precise light sensor, and on-point-exposure settings to make pictures even better. Like its predecessor, it can be recharged via USB cable, saving parents the mad scramble for AA batteries come the morning of a birthday or Christmas.
Given the camera's tiny nature, the rather expensive price per print ratio is definitely something to consider, especially when photo quality is a bit hit or miss. If you’re looking for an instant camera you can take anywhere though, it’s a fun little investment.
BEST INSTANT CAMERA FOR SQUARE PHOTOS
Fujifilm instax Square SQ1, $199 at Myer
Fujifilm instax Square SQ1
What You Need To Know
One downside to instant photos is that they can be a little on the small side, especially when you’re looking to display them in a photo album or scrapbook. While wide instant cameras are available, the Fujifilm instax Square SQ1 offers a great in-between size; spitting out a slightly larger square film format that’s perfect for displaying.
The Square SQ1’s lack of manual controls will be disappointing for some, but it’s ideal for those looking for an easy-to-use camera. The square nature of the snaps takes away the decision making process when it comes to landscape versus portrait shots, making it a true point-and-shoot operator that’s great for both kids and amateur photographers.
A built-in selfie mirror and adjustable lens barrel meanwhile come in handy for solo photos and close up shots, while an automatic flash helps newcomers to navigate both indoor and low-light settings.
Fujifilm also sells a newer version in the form of the instax Square SQ40. The cameras are essentially the same, but the SQ40 is a little larger and has a more retro design. However, it is slightly more expensive at $229, so we would still recommend the Square SQ1 as the better value camera.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN INSTANT CAMERA
With plenty of instant camera models now on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. While they are fairly straightforward devices, here are some things to consider before making your choice:
Budget: Instant cameras can range in price, making it worth deciding ahead of time how much you’re willing to spend. While you can find models at around the $100 mark, you can expect to pay upwards of $300 for advanced models with more creative settings.
Film type: Given that most instant cameras print your photos without giving you the option to view them first, you can expect to go through film at a fairly rapid rate. Film for instant cameras doesn’t come cheap either, which is why it’s also worth comparing film types and prices.
Age and experience level: If you’re looking to gift an instant camera, you should take age and photography capabilities into consideration. If you’re gifting a camera to a child, you’ll likely want to look for a smaller model with hardy plastic casing and basic point-and-shoot functionalities. Similarly, if you’re gifting to an amateur photographer, you’ll want a model that is easy to operate, with manual settings kept to a minimum.
Battery life: While some cameras on this list can be recharged via USB cable, most run on batteries. Instant cameras often last between 100 to 300 shots, so if you intend on using your camera often it’s worth checking to see how long you can expect each model to last.
Flash: One downside to instant cameras is that the quality of the photos can sometimes be lacking, and this is often due to under or overexposure. Nearly all instant cameras come with in-built flash, but you may want to look for a model that lets you choose whether to turn the flash on or off over a model with automatic flash if you want additional control over your photography.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How easy is an instant camera to use?
Instant cameras are loved for their immediacy, with photos typically printing out immediately after you’ve snapped your shot. This takes away any fiddling around with film development or manual printing of photos, making photography easier for novices and kids.
How easy an instant camera is to use though really depends on the one you buy. Models like Fujifilm’s instax mini 12 (along with the rest of the instax mini line) have been deliberately designed to be beginner-friendly, with easy-to-use modes and functions.
However, there are other cameras aimed at more serious hobbyists that give the user more control over their images with adjustable settings. These types of cameras may be a little more difficult to navigate as a first-time photographer, and may require a bit of a learning curve.
Where to buy instant camera film
If you’re shopping around for instant camera film, Amazon Australia is currently the best place to buy. Not only does it have an extensive selection of film for different camera types, it also runs regular sales so you can stock up for less.
You can also find a range of different film types at the below retailers:
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