Instant cameras, also known as Cameras That Print Pictures right after you snap them, bring a unique blend of nostalgia and instant gratification to the world of photography. In a digital age dominated by smartphones and social media, these cameras offer a tangible, physical print in minutes, perfect for capturing memories at events, gatherings, or simply for creative fun. This review dives into some of the top cameras that print pictures, examining their features, pros, and cons to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Top Instant Cameras: A Detailed Look
When it comes to choosing cameras that print pictures, a variety of models are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of some notable options:
Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO: Creative Control and Premium Feel
The Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO stands out as an excellent option for those seeking creative control and a premium experience in cameras that print pictures. While similarly priced to the FujiFilm Mini 99 and the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay, the Mini EVO offers a richer set of creative features and greater control over the final image. Unlike the Mini LiPlay and Mini 99, which feel somewhat plasticky and lack the same level of aesthetic appeal, the Mini EVO boasts a vintage-inspired design that feels decidedly more premium. If you’re investing in cameras that print pictures in this price range, opting for a model that maximizes creative possibilities, offers superior controls, and delivers a refined look and feel, like the Mini EVO, is a smart choice.
Nons SL660: SLR Style with Vintage Lens Compatibility
For photographers interested in bridging the gap between classic photography and instant prints, the Nons SL660 presents an intriguing option. This SLR-style camera is compatible with Instax Square film and, uniquely, allows users to mount vintage lenses, specifically Canon EF-mount lenses. Adapters are also available for Nikon F-mount, Pentax K-mount, Contax/Yashica CY-mount, and M42 screwmount lenses, expanding its versatility.
However, the Nons SL660 isn’t without its drawbacks. Testing revealed some build quality concerns, including a loose circuit board for the film eject button. Furthermore, it’s a bulky and heavy camera, weighing in at 850 grams without a lens. To put this in perspective, a robust film SLR like the Nikon F2 weighs 730 grams. Carrying the SL660 with multiple lenses could become cumbersome. Considering its high price point, substantial size and weight, and the need for a collection of vintage lenses to fully utilize its features, the Nons SL660 might not be the most practical choice for the average user looking for cameras that print pictures.
Polaroid I-2 and Polaroid Now: Premium Build, Inconsistent Results
The Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera boasts a premium build and is enjoyable to use, but user experiences have been mixed. Adjusting settings is straightforward, and switching between automatic and manual modes is conveniently done with a few button presses. The integrated light meter in the viewfinder aims to assist with proper exposure settings, and it is easy to adjust accordingly. However, test results showed inconsistencies in image quality, with some photos being overexposed despite the meter indicating correct exposure. Other issues included unexpected cropping or out-of-focus images, even when using the parallax guide for close-ups or the half-press focus lock.
These concerns are also relevant to other new Polaroid cameras, including the Polaroid Now. The frustration of getting blurry or poorly exposed prints, especially at approximately $2 per print, is significant. Additionally, the new Polaroid film requires shading from light for 15 minutes during development—forget the classic Polaroid shake. A protective black plastic shield is ejected with the photo, which can be inconvenient and cause concern about accidental damage to the developing image. The 15-minute development time also means immediate feedback is not possible, making it difficult to recapture fleeting moments.
Vintage Polaroid cameras, such as the SX-70, require original Polaroid film, which ceased production in 2008. While new Polaroid film is now produced by the rebranded Polaroid company, photographers have reported reliability issues and concerns about long-term storage of these newer films.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11: Balancing Value and Quality
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 doesn’t quite achieve the same optimal balance of image quality, ease of use, and overall value as some top-rated cameras that print pictures. While it is a popular and readily available option, other models offer a more compelling combination of features and performance for the price.
Zink Print Technology: Canon Ivy Cliq+ and Ivy Cliq
Zink print technology has been a limiting factor for several cameras and printers in this category. This technology is the reason for the dismissal of Canon’s Ivy Cliq+ and Ivy Cliq cameras. While compact and convenient, Zink prints often lack the image quality and nostalgic charm that many users seek in cameras that print pictures.
Kodak 4Pass Photo Paper: Kodak Photo Printer Mini 2 and Mini Shot 3 Retro
Kodak has utilized its own 4Pass Photo Paper in models like the Kodak Photo Printer Mini 2 and Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro. The resulting credit-card-sized prints are sharp and vibrant, but the printing process is slow. Furthermore, the final prints lack some of the soft, nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of classic Polaroid or Instax prints. The wide-angle lens on the Mini Shot camera also introduced distortion in images, which may be unflattering in some cases.
Lomography Lomo’Instant Series: Automat and Wide
Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Automat series cameras have a distinctive, cool aesthetic and use Fujifilm’s Instax Mini film, which is widely available and reasonably priced. Features like unlimited multiple exposures are interesting for creative photography. However, the controls are marked with hieroglyphic symbols that can be difficult to understand. Marketed towards advanced instant photography enthusiasts, many cameras in this series come with fisheye, wide-angle, and close-up lens attachments, which some users might find more cumbersome than practical.
Similarly, Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Wide cameras are designed for Fujifilm’s Instax Wide film and share the three shooting modes of the Lomo’Instant, along with a shutter remote integrated into the lens cap. However, the Lomo’Instant series is generally characterized by clunky controls and a somewhat unconventional layout, which extends to the Lomo’Instant Wide, making this series less user-friendly overall.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Camera That Prints Pictures
Selecting the best camera that prints pictures depends on individual priorities. For users seeking the best blend of creative control, premium features, and satisfying image quality, the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO stands out. For those interested in experimenting with vintage lenses and SLR-style photography in an instant format, the Nons SL660 offers unique capabilities, although it comes with caveats regarding size, weight, and price. Polaroid’s I-2 and Now cameras offer a premium feel but may suffer from inconsistent image quality. Ultimately, considering factors like image quality, ease of use, print cost, and desired features will guide you to the ideal camera that prints pictures for your photographic adventures.
