Even in this age of smartphone selfies and instant social media uploads, there’s still something to be said for snapping a photo and printing it within seconds. These pictures won’t have likes or comments, but they’re meaningful nonetheless.
If you’re considering buying an instant photo camera, take a look at our old-is-new-again comparison of two modern, popular models: the Polaroid Snap Instant Camera and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8.
The cameras: At a glance
| Polaroid Snap Instant Camera | Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Regularly $99.99 from Best Buy | Regularly $99.99 from Best Buy |
| Find a deal | Get it on Amazon | Get it on Amazon |
| Colors | Black, blue, red, white | Raspberry, grape, white, pink, blue, yellow, black |
| Picture size | 2x3 inches | 2.4x1.8 inches |
| Integrated printing | Yes | Yes |
The cameras: Up-close and personal
Polaroid Snap Instant Camera
The Snap shoots 10-megapixel photos and brings Instagram filters to life with its options for normal, black and white, or vintage sepia tone pictures.
It fits a microSD card for up to 32GB of storage. Pick from one of four bold camera colors (white, black, blue and red) and print full-color prints on 2×3-inch paper.
Additional noteworthy features include an option to print pictures with the Polaroid Classic Border Logo and a photo booth mode, which can take six rapid-succession pictures within 10 seconds.
Good fit for: Tech-driven picture takers. Enjoy the fact that this camera and printer are integrated in one portable design. You can use the self-timer to get yourself in the shot, apply filters for a taste of social media, and take advantage of storage to keep your photos even after you print them.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8
There’s also a high key mode that’s capable of producing soft impression photos.
The Mini 8 is sold in a variety of bright colors: raspberry, grape, white, pink, blue, yellow and black. It can instantly print 2.4×1.8-inch (62×46 mm) photos.
Good fit for: On-the-go amateur photographers. If you’re really into capturing the perfect photo in every location and at any time of day, try the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8. You’ll benefit from the brightness adjustment dial and automatic flash.
Before you buy
Whether you’re a fan of Polaroid or Fujifilm, remember that cameras are an investment. Even though you won’t need to purchase a printer for your instant camera, you’ll still need to buy film to keep your pictures printing as fast as you can take them.
The Polaroid Snap Instant Camera works with Polaroid Zink Zero Ink Paper. (For reference, a 30-pack from Nordstrom costs $14.99.) The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 works with Instax Mini Film. (For reference, a twin pack of film in white that contains 20 sheets costs $19.99 at Target.)
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Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @courtneynerd.
Top image via iStock.
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