Cameras: Here is everything you require for your mobile, professional-grade picture or video studio, from mobile lenses to shotgun mics.
WE ARE LIVING IN THE OPPOSITE OF A GOLDEN AGE FOR EVERYTHING ELSE, AND A GOLDEN AGE FOR MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY.
The tools in this manual will improve your ability to create content using only your smartphone at home or while you’re out and about. Although the cameras on our preferred Android and iPhone devices are excellent, tripods, microphones, and video lighting can improve the caliber of your work. Here is all you need to make your phone a powerful professional tool.
Check out our other buying tips, like those on the Best Compact Cameras. Best iPhone 13 Cases and Accessories, Best Pixel Phones and Cases, and Best Instant Cameras. They may all help you create professional-quality videos at home.
superior overall
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
The Mini LiPlay (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the newest Instax product from Fujifilm, is both a camera and a printer. It is simple to carry around and experience the instant gratification of an instant camera because of its pocketable form factor. Additionally, you can use the mobile app to print a photo from your phone if you wish to. The LiPlay features a good glass lens, a selfie mirror, and the capability to preview pictures before printing them. Although many users find the audio QR codes gimmicky, we didn’t.
Best Photo Quality
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90
This Fujifilm camera is the best instant camera the brand produces if you’re looking for the highest photo quality. The Mini 90 Neo Classic allows you greater creative flexibility with a push-button close-up lens and a double exposure option than some of the other Instax Mini cameras since it is small, and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery. And is comparable in size to the other Instax Mini cameras. We like how easy it is to capture a selfie from almost any angle because of its twin shutter buttons. To avoid paying more than $120, frequently check costs.
Best on a Budget
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
The Instax Mini 11, like its predecessor, is well-liked for good reason. It comes in a variety of vivid colors as well as a few neutral choices. The plastic shell is simple to hold, and the included selfie mirror makes it easier to take quality pictures. Depending on the lighting, the camera will automatically change its exposure. Shutter button accessories are included. While they are cute, you will need your own adhesive because the built-in sticky backing isn’t long-lasting. The fact that the film is reasonably priced is advantageous because you’ll be using a lot of it! Even while it might not be significantly less expensive, our prior recommendation the Instax Mini 9 is still a good camera if money is extremely tight.
A Middle-Ground Instax
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
Between the Mini 90 and Mini 11, the Instax Mini 40 is located. With the exception of its unexpectedly good selfie mode, it is somewhat larger than the Mini 90 and otherwise has all of the same features as the Mini 11. To switch to a focus created just for close-ups of your face, pull out the lens (or a macro-y non-selfie.) Perhaps more appealing than the cheery and cheerful Mini 11, this camera has a pebbled texture and a vintage black and silver appearance. For individuals who don’t require all the features of the Mini 90, it’s a good alternative.
For Extra Abilities
Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat
Try out the newest camera from Lomo if you have an artistic flair. With sharp pictures (particularly if you choose the glass-lensed, wide-angle Magellan version), this Instax Mini-compatible camera is fantastic on its own. It also has functions that many Fuji-made cameras leave out. You can express yourself more fully by using long exposures, numerous exposures, and some exposure compensation skills. Macro, fish-eye, and wide attachments are included with this Automat’s packs, along with the wonderful lens-covering Splitzer, which divides the frame into portions that you may expose separately for a collage effect.
For Square Prints
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Try out the newest camera from Lomo if you have an artistic flair. With sharp pictures (particularly if you choose the glass-lensed, wide-angle Magellan version), this Instax Mini-compatible camera is fantastic on its own. It also has functions that many Fuji-made cameras leave out. You can express yourself more fully by using long exposures, numerous exposures, and some exposure compensation skills. Macro, fish-eye, and wide attachments are included with this Automat’s packs, along with the wonderful lens-covering Splitzer, which divides the frame into portions that you may expose separately for a collage effect.
Square Luxe Prints
Lomography Lomo’Instant Square
This is what you should get if the notion of Instax Square intrigues you but the SQ6 above seems a little… square. The Lomo’Instant Square is the cool, entertaining, and imaginative choice for Square shooters because of Lomo’s application of its great Automat tech (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It successfully argues for its increased cost thanks to its exceptional, optional attachments, built-in infrared remote, and distinctive folding style. Additionally, an adaptor enables you to shoot smaller, less expensive Instax Minis rather than Instax Squares if you need to save money on film.
To Print Squares
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
This camera is better than Fuji’s original square film camera, which was something of a failure. It’s a terrific option if you simply must have the retro, 1:1 aspect ratio Polaroid-style photos you recall from earlier times because of its affordable price and simple design (and from Instagram). There are many modes on the Instax SQ6, ranging from basic to double exposure. It’s ridiculously simple to use even if you don’t intend to experiment. Though not one of our favorite Instax Square cameras, it is surprisingly straightforward.
For Luxe Square Prints
Lomography Lomo’Instant Square
This is what you should get if the notion of Instax Square intrigues you but the SQ6 above seems a little… square. The Lomo’Instant Square is the cool, entertaining, and imaginative choice for Square shooters because of Lomo’s application of its great Automat tech (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It successfully argues for its increased cost thanks to its exceptional, optional attachments, built-in infrared remote, and distinctive folding style. Additionally, an adaptor enables you to shoot smaller, less expensive Instax Minis rather than Instax Squares if you need to save money on film.
Polaroid purists only
Polaroid OneStep Plus
The OneStep+ is your best option if you want to experience vintage Polaroids in all their grandeur. It is reasonably priced and simple to use when shooting. It includes two built-in focal lengths, a USB-rechargeable battery, and wonderful companion software that lets you manage the camera’s settings on a smartphone. The OneStep+ is merely a more capable camera for the money when compared to the OneStep 2. A warning: We’ve had some defective film batches, and customers have also voiced their dissatisfaction with this. The OneStep+, however, comes the closest to the old Polaroid of yesteryear when you get a nice batch.
For Portability
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70
The Instax Mini 70 is available from Fujifilm for those of us who value portability. This little camera is portable and doesn’t scrimp on features like the priceless selfie mirror. The Mini 70 has two flaws that make it less appealing than the Instax Mini 9 or Instax Mini 90: It costs more than the Mini 9 and calls for the less usual CR2 batteries. However, if you’re fortunate, you may occasionally be able to get a great deal on it.
FAQ
The biggest prints come from which instant camera?
Instant Instax Wide 300 by Fujifilm
Instant film camera made by Fujifilm, the Instax Wide 300
The person who wants to purchase larger immediate prints. One of the few instant film cameras, the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300, can create large-format prints with Fujifilm Instax Wide Instant Film.
Are instant cameras still in use?
The Top Instant Cameras That Are Currently Available
Many people like taking pictures with a modern instant camera, much like our parents did with the Polaroids of yesteryear. The film isn’t just for old fogies and hipsters. These are our top picks. My focus is on images and the tools that capture them.
Do instant cameras merit the cost?
Features that one person may find useful may not at all fit another person’s shooting style or personal preferences. It takes experience to capture great images with instant cameras, but the effort is well worth it.
How long are Instax photos good for?
It is advised to wait up to 30 days. This is done to give the chemical reactions a chance to finish so that touching the image won’t further harm it. When handling the pictures, exercise caution when deciding where to hold them.
Which Polaroid film works the best?
For the most well-liked instant cameras now on the market, we’ve compiled the top selections. The proprietary Color 600 film from Polaroid captures your images in vivid color, fine detail, and texture, and of course, it has a recognizable white border. Although designed for Polaroid 600 cameras, this film also functions with i-Type cameras.
