With so many advancements being made to digital cameras with every new release, it may come as a surprise that so many keen photographers are spending their hard-earned cash on instant camera gear. With their retro charm, tactile experience, and mix of classic controls and modern functionality, instant cameras from Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax make fantastic gifts — and a genuinely rewarding photography pursuit in their own right. Here's everything you need to know about instant photography.
What's so special about instant photography?
Quite simply, instant photography gives you a physical print of your image on the spot. While the idea isn't new, it remains fresh and exciting — especially for anyone experiencing it for the first time. There's something uniquely satisfying about holding a printed photograph moments after pressing the shutter.
Instant photography works beautifully across a wide range of subjects — from candid snapshots of friends and family to creative portrait and landscape work. The lo-fi aesthetic has never been more popular, and the physical print adds a tangible quality that digital images simply can't replicate.
When to use an instant camera
Wondering whether an instant camera would be a useful addition to your kit? Here are some of the most popular ways photographers of all skill levels are using them.
Events and celebrations. Instant cameras are a fantastic addition to weddings, birthdays, and parties — they get guests involved, create a fun shared experience, and send everyone home with a physical memento of the occasion. At larger events like weddings, multiple cameras can be made available to guests, effectively giving the couple a team of photographers documenting the day. Read our guide on the 5 best instant cameras to find the right model for your event.
Art and creative projects. The lo-fi, analogue aesthetic of instant photography has long attracted artists and creatives. Polaroids and Instax prints are a common sight in galleries and on mood boards, and with the growing ease of digitising prints, instant photography has found a natural home on social media too.
Everyday photography. Sometimes the best reason to shoot instant is simply the joy of it. The limitations of the format — fixed film, no preview, no delete — encourage a more considered, intentional approach to photography that many find refreshing.
Choosing film for your instant camera
Unlike digital photography, where most creative decisions happen in post-production, instant photography requires some choices to be made before you shoot — starting with your film.
Both Polaroid and Fujifilm offer film in colour and black and white, as well as a range of border styles including solid colours and specialised designs. Film choice is also a practical decision: different cameras require different film formats, and these are not interchangeable. Here's a quick reference guide to the most common instant film sizes:
- Fujifilm Instax Mini — 54 x 86mm (picture area: 46 x 62mm)
- Fujifilm Instax Square — 62 x 62mm
- Fujifilm Instax Wide — 108 x 86mm (picture area: 99 x 62mm)
- Polaroid 600 / i-Type — 4.2 x 3.4 inches (picture area: 3.1 x 3 inches)
- Polaroid Zink — 2 x 3 inches
Browse our full range of instant film to find the right option for your camera.
Modern features in instant cameras
While some instant cameras bear a striking resemblance to the very first models, more advanced options have been packed with features that help them compete in the digital age.
The Fujifilm Instax Evo pairs a classic design with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to store a digital copy of your images and send photos from your smartphone directly to the camera for printing. The Polaroid Now+ combines a retro aesthetic with autofocus and a collection of lens filters to help shape the look of your images.
Other notable innovations include instant printers — devices that use instant film technology but focus purely on printing rather than capturing. The Polaroid Lab lets you print directly from your smartphone, while the Fujifilm Instax LiPlay uniquely prints a QR code on each image, allowing you to attach an audio clip that can be played back with a smart device.
Ready to try instant photography?
If you've decided to give instant photography a go, read our guide to the 5 best instant cameras to find the right model for your needs and budget. You can also browse our full range of instant cameras and instant film online, or visit a Ted's Cameras store for hands-on advice from our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is instant photography?
Instant photography is a format where the camera produces a physical print immediately after the photo is taken — no darkroom, no digital processing, no waiting. The most popular instant camera brands are Fujifilm (Instax range) and Polaroid. Both use self-developing film that produces a print within seconds to minutes of exposure.
What is the difference between Fujifilm Instax and Polaroid?
Both produce instant prints, but they use different film formats that are not interchangeable. Fujifilm Instax cameras are available in Mini, Square, and Wide formats, with prints ranging from credit-card size to postcard size. Polaroid cameras use i-Type or 600 film and produce the classic square-with-border print. Fujifilm Instax cameras tend to be more affordable and beginner-friendly; Polaroid cameras are often favoured for their iconic aesthetic and creative features.
Can I use any film in my instant camera?
No — instant film is not interchangeable between brands or even between different models within the same brand. Always check which film format your specific camera requires before purchasing. Using the wrong film will not work and may damage your camera.
How do I get the best results from an instant camera?
Instant cameras have fixed or limited exposure controls, so lighting is the most important factor. Shoot in good natural light or use the built-in flash for indoor shots. Avoid shooting directly into bright light sources. Hold the camera steady when pressing the shutter, and allow the print to develop face-down in a dark environment for the best colour results — shaking the print has no benefit and can damage the image.
Are instant cameras good for weddings?
Yes — instant cameras are a popular addition to weddings and events. They encourage guest participation, create a fun shared experience, and give everyone a physical memento to take home. For larger events, consider providing multiple cameras and extra film packs so guests can capture candid moments throughout the day. Read our guide to the 5 best instant cameras to find the right model for your event.