Believe it or not, instant cameras aren’t back by popular demand or even resurfacing as retro curios. They never went away. They just got a lot more sophisticated. Here are some things to consider when buying yours: what size and shape do you want your photos to be? Do you want to go high-tech and get one you can pair with your smartphone or go for a completely digital option? The possibilities are more endless than ever before.
Mini instant cameras produce photos that are a little under credit-card size and are typically better for kids. The dimensions of photos produced by wide instant cameras vary from brand to brand, but they’ll be closer to traditional size and offer more detail.
In addition to advanced features for creative snapping, some instant cameras come with Bluetooth technology, which means you can pair it with your smartphone and use the phone as a remote control. Meanwhile, instant digital cameras allow you to store multiple photos and print only the ones you want.
If you’re into retro instant pics, look for a camera that produces old-school, traditional square shots. In fact, Polaroid instant cameras still specialize in them. Fujifilm Instax Square photos look more true-to-life, while Polaroid images have a softer look that’s more vintage-y.