Which Instax camera should you buy?

The retro photography vibe has been around for some time now. While the quality of smartphone cameras has only increased, so has our desire for grainy, authentic-looking instant-print pictures. Many of my friends have film cameras with photos they get developed, but most of us lean on Instax to provide the vibe we’re after. The only question is, which of their cameras do you go with?
I’ve been an instant film fan for a decade now, receiving my first Instax camera for my 18th birthday. I got a new one, the Instax Mini 11, for Christmas two years ago, and have reviewed four more in the time since.
While all these cameras possess unique features that make them special, I’ve formed a ranking system based on the ones I reach for most often, and those that work best for certain occasions or purposes. So, if you’re looking to buy yourself an Instax camera or gift one to someone else (they make fantastic gifts), these are the ones that are worth your money.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Price: The RRP for this camera sits around $279.95, but you can get it on sale for $250-$260
What film does it take? Instax Fujifilm Mini Film
Best features: My favourite thing about this camera is the filtering options, which you can set via a dial. The colour effects include light blue, soft magenta, sepia, light leak, warm tone and faded green – all of which add an extra vintage vibe to the prints. It also has a detachable battery that can be recharged, which is rare for Instax products. Most of them take AA batteries, which is a tad less convenient.
Best memory captured: I took this camera on a long weekend camping trip with some friends, where we took some of my favourite ever instant pictures. All of these are now hanging on my bedroom wall.
READ MORE: An instant film fan reviews the new Instax Mini 99
Price: $89-$99
What film does it take? Instax Fujifilm Mini Film
Best features: I have the Instax Mini 11, but the newer version is easier to find online, and will likely be delivered quicker than the 11. The two are also very similar, with the Mini 12 also having a small selfie mirror on the side of its lens and an ergonomic design that makes it easy to snap pictures.
Best memory captured: Both lightweight and easy to use, this is my favourite camera to bring to events with my friends. I brought it to a friend’s engagement party and was able to take photos of the happy couple that printed instantly, and gift the photos over so they can keep those memories forever.
Price: $212-$249
What film does it take? Instax Fujifilm Mini Film
Best features: The Instax LiPlay has so much to offer! A digital/instant hybrid, you can use it in myriad ways. The photos you take are stored like a digital camera, allowing you to look at them before hitting print, and add other features like stickers or filters. You can also print on the LiPlay from your phone and make edits via the app. Ingenious!
Best memory captured: I used the Mini LiPlay to print a photo of a random dog that ran up to me at the park. While I took the photo on my phone, I was able to print two copies using the LiPlay, which I had with me, and give one of them to the dog’s owners – super cute!
READ MORE: Is this digital-instant camera hybrid as convenient as it looks?
Price: $229-$234
What film does it take? Instax Fujifilm Square Film
Best features: I love the wide lens on this camera and the square film, which is reminiscent of bigger Polaroid cameras that would have been popular before my time. It takes great landscape shots, and when it comes to group photos you can fit a bunch of people in the frame and use the self-timer to get everyone in.
Best memory captured: I took pictures of one of my favourite spots in Sydney with this camera and was able to capture the Harbour Bridge, the water, the Manly Ferry, and the twilight sky all at once.
READ MORE: Our honest thoughts on the Instax Wide 400 Camera
Price: $101-149
What film does it take? Instax Fujifilm Square Film
Best features: This camera is so tiny! It can be taken anywhere, given it’ll fit in your pocket or the smallest compartment in your bag. The photo-taking button is almost as big as the camera, so it’s simple to use.
Best memory captured: I used the Pal at a friend’s birthday once my other Instax camera ran out of film. I was able to print the pictures later on using the Instax Mini Link Printer.
The Instax Pal requires an Instax printer, a product known as the Mini Link. If buying two Instax products seems excessive, I recommend getting the Mini Link Printer, because you can also use it to print images from your phone. This means no fiddling around with an instant camera to nail the shot, you can simply pick your favourite and print it.
Instax cameras require you to buy their film as well, which can become expensive if you’re using your camera often. However, you can get deals on Amazon, and buy them on sale if you know where to look.
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