Choosing the Best Instant Film for Your Instant Camera

Have you wondered why instant photography has experienced a resurgence in popularity? Instant cameras provide a unique and nostalgic way to capture memories and the joy of instantly seeing your image appear before your eyes is undeniable. While instant camera technology plays a role, the magic wouldn’t be possible without specialised camera films. With various instant camera models from Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax available, choosing the right film for your camera can be tricky. This blog guides you through the exciting world of instant film, helping you select the perfect instant film for your camera and setting you on your way to create stunning instant photographs.

• What film does my Fujifilm Instax camera use?
• What Polaroid film do I need for my Polaroid Film Camera?
• Why are there so many different types of instant film?
• Bonus: Ted’s Top 5 Instant Camera Films

A quick browse of our instant film category will show a range of Instax films. Does Instax Mini film fit all models? The answer is no. Fortunately, determining what film your Fujifilm Instax camera uses is quite simple. Instax cameras fall into three main categories: Mini, Square and Wide.

The Instax Mini 11 and 12 use the same film, as do other Instax Mini camera models, not to mention certain models from the exciting range of Instax Mini printers. Conversely, Instax Wide cameras and printers require Instax Wide film and if your Instax camera takes classic square-shaped instant images, you need Instax Square instant film.

In summary:

Does your Instax camera have "mini" in the title? You can pick and choose from the Instax Mini Instant Film range, with its exciting range of styles and borders.

Do you own an Instax Wide instant camera? Reach for Instax Wide instant film.

Do you have a square-format Instax SQ instant camera or printer? Start your search for Instax SQ instant film.

It can be trickier to select film that is compatible with your Polaroid instant film camera. This is because Polaroid has a rich history, with vintage Polaroid cameras making the rounds, modern throwbacks with a retro style, and more advanced new models. Many of these cameras accept a completely different type of Polaroid film!

We have compiled some FAQs below, which will  help you discover which pack of Polaroid film you need for your camera.

What film is compatible with my Polaroid Now? Polaroid Now cameras are compatible with both i-Type and 600 Polaroid film, with i-Type being the most recommended choice, partly due to its cheaper price.

What film should I use for my Polaroid Go? Ultra-portable Polaroid GO cameras are the new kids on the block in the Polaroid world, and once again, they only accept their own style of film; Polaroid Go film.

What film do I need for my SX-70 Polaroid camera? Polaroid SX-70 cameras catapulted into popularity in the 70s and 80s. These cameras accept their own type of SX-70 film, which is still available at Ted’s today.

My camera says it needs Polaroid 600 Film. What does this mean? Film for old Polaroid cameras is still being made, and in many cases, this is Polaroid 600 film. This film is the same size as i-Type film, but it is specially designed for older-style 600 cameras. Uniquely, Polaroid 600 film includes a built-in battery that powers up the camera, which makes the film a bit more expensive.

As you have already noticed, instant film comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, to suit the various instant camera models that have been released over the years. This explains some of the variety, but there are some other reasons why our shelves are always packed with a variety of Instant Films.

• Different packaging sizes: At Ted’s, we are constantly asked, how many pictures can you take with one Polaroid film or Instax film pack. Due to the various sizes and styles, there is no one answer to this question, but it tends to be between 8 and 10 shots per roll. This is not a lot when you think about how snap-happy you can get when enjoying yourself. Fortunately, both Polaroid and Instax film is available in twin or even triple packs, to maximise your instant photography experience.

• Different border and frame options: This is one of the most exciting aspects of instant photography, and is particularly present in the Instax Mini range of instant film. Whether you want classic white, stylish black, or something more adventurous like Shiny Star, Instax Mini instant film has a border style to suit your mood.

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of instant film that is available, here are some of our top picks that we think you should consider loading in your instant camera.

• Compatible Cameras: Polaroid GO Cameras
• Picture Size: 66.6 mm x 53.9mm (Image: 47 mm x 46 mm)
• Shots included: 16

Compatible with the compact and travel-friendly Polaroid GO instant cameras, this film delivers 16 wonderful colour gloss images to enjoy.

• Compatible Cameras: Fuji Instax Square Instant Cameras
• Picture Size: 86 x 72mm (Image: 62 x 62mm)
• Shots Included: 80

Made for Fujifilm Instax Square instant cameras, this set includes 8 packs of 10 shot instax square instant film. This set makes a perfect gift, if you don't want your loved one to burn through their shots too quickly.

• Compatible Cameras: Fuji Instax Mini Instant Cameras
• Picture Size: 54 x 86mm (Image: 46 x 62mm)
• Shots Included: 30

Compatible with Instax Mini instant cameras, this set includes 3 packs of 10 shots, so 30 wonderful Instax shots in total. As well as vibrant Instax colours, this pack of film is notable for the vintage pastel vibes of its borders, which will always be in style.

• Compatible Cameras: Fuji Instax Wide Instant Cameras
• Picture Size: 108 x 86mm (Image: 99 x 62mm)
• Shots Included: 40

Make use of the expansive wide views provided by your Fujifilm Instax wide instant camera, with this pack of wide instant film - 40 shots are provided by the 4 included cartridges.

• Compatible Cameras: Polaroid i-Type Instant Cameras
• Picture Size: 107 x 88mm (Image: 79 x 79mm)
• Shots Included: 16

Polaroid i-Type film produces the classic square instant photograph that you have no doubt seen before. This particular set includes two packs of film, so you can capture 16 images with a unique gold border.

Instant photography is a fantastic entry point into the world of film, but it is just one aspect of the film photography journey. Ted's Photography blog is here to guide you every step of the way, with expert advice on film cameras, development, and everything else you need to know about the magic of film photography.