Life

9 Instant Cameras & Accessories You Need Right Now

by Taylor Fuller

I love taking instant photos — I almost always have my instant camera in my purse. In fact, when I went to Japan, I brought back 10 packs of film with me. I feel like that makes me the right person to share with you the best instant cameras and accessories that are amazing for anyone who loved Polaroids as a kid.

I've been taking instant photos for years now. I got my first Polaroid camera in eighth grade, and I never looked back (I literally won't go anywhere without it). Since then, I have probably gone through four or five cameras and I still have them all, as well as some super old vintage ones, plus hundreds of cartridges of film. I keep all of my instant pictures in this really cool tin box, but my real dream is to wallpaper an entire room with them.

So, if you're like me and love to capture memories on something other than a phone or digital camera, you'll be happy to know that there are so many different kinds of instant cameras available, as well as some pretty cool accessories to go with them. And before you say it's a pricey hobby, I assure you that it is so worth it. You'll have these memories forever! And there's just something about photos you can actually hold in your hand right away that feels even more meaningful.

1

An Instant Camera That Has A Selfie Mode

Fujifilm Instax Mini 70, $99, Amazon

I have this camera in white and it is by far the best instant camera that I have ever used. The main reason: I don't have to change the settings. It's completely automatic, which is actually better when you're using an instant camera. When they have settings for you to change depending on the light, you can often end up with super blown out photos, which no one wants.

The coolest part about this camera is that it comes equipped for taking selfies. It has a little tiny mirror on the front of the camera (as well as an actual mode that you press), and as long as you can see yourself and your friends in there, you'll end up with an awesome selfie with the click of a button.

2

Stock Up On Film With Value Packs

Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film (100 Sheets), $64, Amazon

Instant film can get pretty expensive, so I always suggest stocking up on value packs because you usually get more bang for your buck. When I first started buying Polaroid film, it was about $10 for 10 photos, so I used them sparingly, often taking a month to use up a pack of film. But that's no fun, so now I purchase packs that have at least two cartridges of film inside, it always ends up being more cost effective. And then you won't get as upset when you accidentally waste film (a.k.a. when you ask a very intoxicated person try to take a photo of you and your friends at the bar and you end up with a photo of the ceiling).

3

Get Instant Photos Without An Instant Camera

HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer, $130, Amazon

If you feel nostalgic for instant photos but you aren't into carrying around a camera all of the time, you've got to get your hands on this portable photo printer. The Sprocket — which is the most clever name ever — prints photos right from your phone via bluetooth and fits easily into your pocket. And you never have to reload ink because the printer uses special photo paper that exposes just like instant film, so you're able to print your favorite photos from your phone in seconds without sacrificing that cool dreaminess.

4

The Instant Camera For Beginners

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 8, $59, Amazon

This instant camera would be considered the standard model. It was the first mini camera that I had. It features a cool design and comes in several colors like blue, black, pink, white, yellow, purple, red, and Hello Kitty. Its been upgraded since I used it and now it takes brighter pictures. With the Instax Mini 8, you have to choose the correct setting (sunny, cloudy, inside, etc.), which will change the exposure time. This camera is great if you're using it to take photos with friends.

5

Add Filters To Your Instax Mini 8 For Cool Effects

Instax Mini 8 Color Filter Lens Set, $24, Urban Outfitters

Switch up the filters on your Instax Mini 8 and figure out your own style of photography. You can easily change between the four colored lens filters just by attaching them to your camera lens. Each filter will leave a different effect on your photos. You can use them to darken photos, lighten them, and even tint them. It's an inexpensive way to really get creative with your Polaroids.

6

If You Want A Vintage Polaroid, Use The Impossible Project

Impossible Project x UO Custom Color One Step Camera, $139, Urban Outfitters

Polaroid actually stopped making their classic polaroid cameras and film in 2008. I had a regular Polaroid camera at that time and couldn't find the film anywhere, so I used it very sparingly until the Impossible Project popped up. They sell vintage Polaroid cameras as well as the original 600 film. It's a bit pricey, but if you really want to bring back that classic Polaroid experience (or if you need to buy something for a loved one who's a camera fanatic), they're your best bet.

7

Take Instant Photos From A Digital Camera

Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera, $100, Amazon

If you're really into taking instant photos, but you want to make sure you have a backup of the photo, your best option is the Polaroid Snap. It's a digital camera that stores your photos so you can upload them to your computer later, but it also acts as an instant camera because it can print photos right out of the camera using ZINK paper. The camera comes in white, black, blue, pink, purple, and red.

8

Keep Your Instant Camera Safe

Instax Mini 8 Bubble Camera Case, $24, Urban Outfitters

I have a really bad habit of just tossing my white instant camera into my purse. It's scratched and actually has some interesting colors on it now, and now I wish I had found a case for it early on. This one is great because it's made out of vegan leather and it will keep your camera safe while looking super cute. It's also awesome because you don't have to take your camera out of the case to shoot photos since there's a cutout for the lens. You can also use it to carry around the Instax more easily since there is a neck strap.

9

Take Wide Photos With A Larger Instant Camera

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera, $85, Amazon

Most instant cameras you see nowadays are mini cameras. This one is actually closer to the size of the regular, classic Polaroid camera. It shoots wide photos instead of the tiny ones. It's a really good camera, but it's a bit bigger. The advantage is that you can actually fit more into the frame than with a mini. You can also zoom with this one, which isn't a feature on the smaller minis.

10

A Place For You To Keep All Of Your Photos

128 Pockets Album For Instant Mini's, $17, Amazon

As I said, I keep my photos in a tin because I'm never actually home, but a better option to store your photos is in an album designed for mini instant film. It's better than my tin idea because you can actually flip through the pages and see all of the fun times you had with your friends. This one comes in blue, ivory, orange, and pink.

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