Best instant cameras

In the age of Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, it’s become the norm to document even the most mundane aspects of day-to-day life.

The pleasure of taking a careful photograph in the right lighting, at the right moment has been lost amongst the numerous filters now available at the touch of a button. It appears we've forgotten the exciting to be found in waiting for a photograph to develop and the joy you feel upon realising that you managed to capture a great spontaneous moment. Though the habit of taking a roll of film into a shop for development has long since died, there are still plenty of instant cameras around.

If you're in the market for one, now is a good time to be looking. After going relatively quiet for most of the Noughties, they've seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, popping up at everything from weddings and festivals to nights out.

Future photographers should be aware of a few points before buying. Not all cameras offer the classic white framed pictures, though there are now some fantastic alternative designs and some photo paper can be exceedingly tricky to get hold of, resulting in premium price tags. Whether you're after a design classic or something a little more modern, there's a camera out there to suit your needs.

Bringing back the forgotten pleasure of having physical photographs, we’ve curated our best buys.

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

Featuring a bubble-like, retro design, the Fujifilm Instax 9 will have you feeling nostalgic for the glorious Nineties. Even though this is the cheapest on the list, it comes with all the essentials for taking a great instant photo.

Operating it is pretty straightforward - a dial surrounding the lens can be used to choose between the exposure settings, which automatically light up in response to the lighting you're in, helping you achieve the best picture possible. There's also a useful front click button and tiny mirror perfect for taking selfies, which, incidentally, give you the kind of beautifully smooth and perfectly lit skin usually reserved for skin cream ads. The battery life is substantial - around 100 shots and it's small enough to squeeze into an evening bag. Pictures develop and dry quickly on the Instax Mini paper, which can also be bought here.

£69.95, John Lewis, Buy it now

Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera with LCD Screen

As the most notable brand for creating instant photographs, a lot is expected of this slick Polaroid camera and luckily, it doesn’t disappoint. A digital/Polaroid hybrid, it will display your images on the LCD screen and print them in an instant - it really is the best of both worlds. The addition of the screen also means you don't have to print every photo you take - surely music to the ears of all the picky posers out there.

With a 13 megapixel digital camera, the images will be high quality and Poloaroid has plenty of paper choice - from bordered to borderless and rainbow to white - so you can take your pick. Best of all, they're all waterproof, so if you're travelling with the camera, you can rest assured that they'll stand the test of time. Set the mode to either sepia, black and white or normal and engage the self timer for group shots.

Technicalities aside, the design is simple and slick (who doesn't love a rainbow?) and compact enough to slip into a back pocket.

£149.99, Amazon, Buy it now

Impossible I-1 Analog Instant Camera

It may look like something out of Doctor Who, but the Impossible I-1 is an analogue camera for the digital age. It can be connected to iOS or Android devices, allowing you to experiment with its wide range of digital tools via the app. The app, in particular, is a stroke of genius, offering extra control modes that can be put in place before you take a photo, including interesting effects and technical features. The ring flash allows you to take higher quality photographs in the dark and offers the perfect selfie lighting.

This is a camera suitable for keen photographers looking to explore the possibilties of instant film.

£129.99, Impossible Project, Buy it now

​Lomography Lomo'Instant Wide Camera

A classic, retro style in a lightweight design, this is one for both the style and substance conscious. Great for taking scenic landscape shots, it comes with a special wide-angle lens. Fast focusing and with long exposure capabilities, it can keep up with quick-moving wildlife as well as capture changing light. Coloured gel filters and shooting technique cards allow even the inexperienced to capture great shots - this is a great choice for analogue photography lovers.

£209, foto Sense, Buy it now

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 90 Instant Camera

The high performance flash on the Instax Mini 90 offers more features than the Mini 9 and will help to optimise exposure and the various shooting modes - such as party mode and kids mode - will have you ready to capture any occasion. The digital panel on the back allows you to select the settings you want, helping you to capture the moment every time. Slightly slimmer than the Instax, it's highly portable and light to carry - perfect if you're running around after your family.

£130, Amazon, Buy it now

Verdict

For first time users, the Polaroid Snap Instant Digital has all the essential features and won't break the bank. For more serious instant photographers, the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide retains the classic features of an original instant camera and will allow you to really expand your skills.