Top Picks: Snap Your Memories with the Best Instant Camera Brands

The nostalgia of instant cameras has captured the hearts of photography enthusiasts and casual snapshooters alike, blending vintage aesthetics with modern convenience. Among the brands leading the charge in this resurgence, Fujifilm's Instax series stands out with its colorful designs and reliable performance. Polaroid Originals also makes a notable contribution, offering iconic models that harken back to the classic instant photography experience. For those curious about the diverse options available and eager to find the best instant camera to fit their style, read on to explore our comprehensive list.

Illustration of instant camera

Best brands of instant camera in 2025

Fujifilm Instax

Fujifilm's Instax brand has emerged as a powerhouse in the instant camera market, driving significant revenue and profits for the company. In 2022, Instax-related products accounted for the majority of Fujifilm's Consumer Imaging Segment, generating 266.9 billion yen in sales, a 22% increase from the previous year. This segment contributes to over 65% of the sales in the entire Imaging Business division and represents 14% of Fujifilm's total sales and 24% of its total profits. The Instax line continues to grow, with an 11.5% year-over-year revenue increase, and its operating income is over 63% driven by Instax sales. For more details on the growth of Instax, take a look at this comprehensive analysis.

Polaroid Originals

Polaroid Originals is a leading brand in the instant camera market, known for its rich history and innovative products. The global instant camera market, which was valued at USD 5.48 billion in 2020, is projected to reach USD 12.91 billion by 2027, with North America holding over 30% of the total revenue. Polaroid leverages its strong brand heritage and technological advancements, such as the introduction of the Polaroid I-2 with its sharpest-ever lens and manual controls, to maintain its market position. The brand's focus on retro branding and nostalgia, combined with modern features like digital integration and social media connectivity, attracts a diverse customer base. With a steady growth rate, Polaroid continues to be a key player in the industry.

Kodak

Kodak has emerged as a leading brand in the digital camera market, particularly in Japan, where it has achieved a remarkable 22.5% market share as of April 2024, surpassing industry giants like Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm. This success is largely driven by the popularity of its entry-level, budget-friendly, and compact cameras, such as the Kodak Pixpro FZ55, which alone accounts for 11% of the market. Kodak's dominance extends across various categories, including mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. The brand's resurgence began in 2022, when its market share first surpassed 10%, and it has continued to grow steadily since then. This trend highlights a shift towards more affordable and user-friendly camera options. You can find more details about their innovative cameras on their website: Kodak Printomatic.

Leica Sofort

The Leica Sofort is a standout in the instant camera market, combining Leica's renowned precision and design with the spontaneity of instant photography. Launched in recent years, the Sofort has quickly gained popularity for its compact, stylish design and user-friendly interface, offering multiple shooting modes such as automatic, selfie, macro, and party & people modes. This camera integrates seamlessly with modern technology, allowing users to select and print images from their smartphones, a feature introduced in the Sofort 2 model in October 2023. With a projected growth rate of 5.6% in the global instant print camera market from 2024 to 2031, Leica's entry into this segment is well-timed and highly competitive. For further details, please visit Leica's instant camera collection.

Lomography

Lomography is a prominent player in the instant camera market, known for its innovative and high-quality products. In 2022, Lomography launched two new instant cameras, the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Serengeti and Lomo'Instant Wide Monte Carlo, featuring advanced lenses and multiple functionalities such as close-up lenses and remote control for selfies. The brand's latest release, the Lomo Instant Wide Glass, has been dubbed the 'world's best instant camera' and is compatible with Fujifilm Instax Wide film, offering a classic retro design and advanced features like color gels for the built-in flash. Lomography's products are popular for their creative control, decent battery life, and cost-effectiveness, contributing to the market growth of retractable lens instant cameras, which held a 67.37% market share in 2022.

Canon Ivy

The Canon Ivy brand has established itself as a significant player in the instant camera market, particularly with the IVY CLIQ2 Instant Camera Printer, which boasts improved print color quality, a 5MP camera, and the ability to connect to smartphones via the Canon Mini Print app. This model uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, allowing for borderless printing and various creative features. Launched in 2020, the IVY CLIQ2 has been well-received for its convenience and accessibility, contributing to the global instant print camera market's growth, which is projected to have a CAGR of 5.23% from 2023 to 2028.

Mint

The instant camera market, valued at $1.32 billion in 2023, is dominated by major brands such as Fujifilm, Polaroid, Lomographische AG, Leica, Kodak, HP, and Canon, with Fujifilm and Polaroid being particularly prominent. Although Mint is not highlighted as a leading brand, it competes alongside these established names. Driving factors for the market's projected CAGR of 3.4% from 2024 to 2030 include the surge in photography trends and increasing tourism. The retractable lenses segment, known for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, holds a significant 78% market share in 2023. For more insights on established leaders in the instant camera market, visit the Polaroid official website.

Instax Mini

The Instax Mini brand, part of Fujifilm, has cemented its position as a leading producer of instant cameras, driven by the immense popularity of models like the Instax Mini EVO. This camera contributed significantly to Fujifilm's market share jump to 26.8% in the Japanese compact digital camera segment in December 2021, with the Instax Mini EVO alone accounting for 10.7% of all camera units sold by model that month. Globally, Fujifilm holds over 35% of the instant camera market, with the Instax series being particularly popular among young consumers. The integration of digital technology, such as Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone compatibility, has further boosted the appeal of these cameras. The Instax Mini series continues to dominate the market, especially in regions like the Asia-Pacific, where it represents a significant portion of global sales.

HP Sprocket

The HP Sprocket brand stands out as a leading producer in the instant camera market, known for its portable and user-friendly instant photo printers. These printers, such as the HP Sprocket Select and HP Sprocket 2nd Edition, utilize ZINK ZERO INK technology, eliminating the need for expensive toner or ribbon replacements and producing glossy, sticky-back photos resistant to water, smudges, and tears. With Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, these printers can print 2"x3" photographs directly from smartphones or social media, and the HP Sprocket app offers various customization options like filters, frames, and stickers. The global instant camera market, which includes such products, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2024 to 2030, with North America holding the largest market share in 2023. HP Sprocket's slim, portable design and multi-device connectivity make it a popular choice for instant printing needs. For further details, visit the HP Sprocket official website.

AgfaPhoto Realipix

AgfaPhoto Realipix is a notable brand in the instant camera market, launching its range of instant cameras and printers in Europe in 2019. These products utilize advanced DYE Sublimation printing technology, offering high-quality, waterproof, and long-lasting photos with 256 levels per color, resulting in 16.7 million colors. The Realipix SQUARE P and SQUARE S models are highlighted for their ability to print real square photos at 3 x 3 inches (7.6 x 7.6 cm) and their Bluetooth connectivity for direct printing from smartphones or tablets. The cost per photo is approximately 0.70EUR, making it a competitive option. This technology ensures a photo rendering close to reality, enhancing the appeal of instant photography.