The Best Instax cameras and printers we tested (2024).
The Mini 90 was once my favorite Instax camera, but now the Mini Evo seems to be the better choice. Mini Evo has a better camera, even though the price difference is not too great. The Mini 90 is equal to the Mini Evo in terms of image quality. If you’re looking for the best image and the most analog experience, then this is the camera for you. Avoid paying more. It’s regularly below $150. The SQ 6 has a superior camera to the SQ 1 and SQ 40. There was even a Taylor Swift SQ 6 version (I can’t imagine what it’s selling for these days on eBay). Fujifilm has removed the SQ 6 from its Instax site. If you can find one and enjoy the square format of the SQ 6, it is a great camera. The SQ 40 has a fully automatic mode, but it also offers several manual features. I like the Lighten/Darken modes which can be used as exposure compensation. Self-timers, close-up modes, and the ability to turn off flash are also nice features. You can find stock for as little as $100-$150. You can get the original Mini Link at a lower price than the Link 2. Both printers are great. They’re both great printers.
Avoid These Instax CamerasInstax Mini 11 for $80 to $120
: I mentioned this above, but the Mini 11 is rarely worth buying. The Mini 11 is only a few bucks cheaper than the Mini 12 but lacks many of the features which make the Mini 12 a great buy. This one is worth buying if you can find it for less than $50. Avoid the Mini 11.Instax7s/Instax8/Instax9
, as these are older, lower-end Instax cameras. The Mini 12 auto exposure, which is comparable in price, can select between 1/2 and 1/250 second shutter speeds. This makes it more flexible. Do You Want a Canon Camera, Printer or Both?Once the film size is selected, you will need to decide whether you want either a Canon camera or printer or a hybrid which can do both. This hybrid is the most expensive, but it gives you both. Our top pick is to get a camera with a printer. Instax cameras are the best option if you still want to experience what I call “the Polaroid Experience”. Although they are not the best cameras (most of them have plastic lenses), you can still take good photos and watch your pictures develop in seconds. The advantage is that you can print images from your phone, but it’s not the most fun.
