instant camera essay

Essay on Camera

Students are often asked to write an essay on Camera in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Camera

Introduction.

A camera is a device that captures images. These images can be still photographs or moving images such as videos.

Types of Cameras

There are many types of cameras including digital, film, professional, and phone cameras. Each type has its unique features.

Uses of Cameras

Cameras are used in various fields such as journalism, filmmaking, science, and more. They also help us capture life’s precious moments.

In conclusion, cameras are an important tool in our lives. They allow us to document and share our experiences.

250 Words Essay on Camera

The camera, a ubiquitous tool in today’s digital age, has revolutionized the way we perceive and capture the world around us. It has evolved from being a simple tool for documentation to a sophisticated device for artistic expression, communication, and data analysis.

The Evolution of the Camera

The camera’s journey began with the camera obscura, a simple optical device used in the Renaissance period. The invention of the daguerreotype in the 19th century marked the beginning of photography. The 20th century witnessed rapid advancements with the introduction of the Polaroid, enabling instant photography, and the digital camera, which eliminated the need for film.

The Camera in the Digital Age

Today, cameras are integrated into smartphones, drones, and even satellites, making photography accessible to all. They serve not just as tools for capturing memories, but also for communicating ideas and emotions. The rise of social media platforms has further amplified the role of the camera in our lives.

Cameras and Artificial Intelligence

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with cameras has opened up new avenues. AI-enabled cameras can recognize faces, detect objects, and even predict behavior, finding applications in fields like surveillance, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles.

The camera, from its humble beginnings to its current advanced state, has significantly impacted society. As technology continues to evolve, the camera’s role will continue to expand, making it a vital tool in our increasingly visual and interconnected world.

500 Words Essay on Camera

Introduction: the camera as a tool of expression and documentation.

The camera, a revolutionary invention in the world of technology, has drastically shaped the way we perceive, interpret, and document reality. It is a device that captures light in a physical medium, either on film or digitally, to produce an image. Invented in the early 19th century, the camera has evolved significantly over time, from large, cumbersome devices to compact, sophisticated gadgets that can fit into our pockets.

The camera’s journey began with the camera obscura, a device that projected an image onto a surface through a small hole. This concept was later refined and developed into the daguerreotype, the first publicly available photographic process. However, these early cameras were limited in their capabilities, requiring long exposure times and producing images that were not easily reproducible.

The introduction of the dry plate process in the 1870s, followed by the invention of roll film in the 1880s, marked a significant turning point in the camera’s evolution. These innovations made photography more accessible and portable, paving the way for the first mass-produced camera, the Kodak Brownie, in 1900.

Modern Cameras and Technological Advancements

The advent of the digital era in the late 20th century brought about another profound shift in camera technology. Digital cameras, which capture and store images electronically rather than on film, have become the standard in recent years. They offer numerous advantages over their analog predecessors, including instant image review, larger storage capacity, and the ability to manipulate images digitally.

The Impact of Cameras on Society

Cameras have not only revolutionized the way we capture and share images, but also how we interact with the world. They have become a tool of expression and a means of communication, enabling us to document our lives, explore our creativity, and share our perspectives with others.

In journalism, cameras have played a pivotal role in bringing distant events and issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They have also transformed advertising, with high-quality images becoming a key component of successful marketing campaigns.

Conclusion: The Camera’s Role in the Future

As technology continues to advance, cameras will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering ever greater capabilities and possibilities. Virtual reality cameras, 360-degree cameras, and advanced drone cameras are just a few examples of the exciting developments on the horizon.

Despite these technological advancements, the essence of the camera remains the same: it is a tool that allows us to capture, interpret, and share our view of the world. As such, it will continue to play a crucial role in our society, influencing how we communicate, express ourselves, and understand the world around us.

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How Instant Film Works

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In 1947, an inventor named Edwin Land introduced a remarkable innovation to the world -- a film that developed itself in a matter of minutes. This new instant camera technology was a huge success for Land's company, the Polaroid Corporation . In 1949, Polaroid made more than $5 million in camera sales alone! Over the proceeding 50 years, the company carved out its own special niche, selling millions of instant cameras and more than a billion rolls of instant film.

In this article, we'll find out what's actually happening inside instant film while you're waiting for the image to appear. While it may seem like magic, the process is really very simple.

Instant camera film is pretty much the same thing as regular camera film , with a few extra elements. Before we get to those crucial additions, let's briefly examine film photography in general.

The basic idea of film is to capture patterns of light using special chemicals. The camera briefly exposes the film to the light coming from a scene (typically for a small fraction of a second), and where the light hits the film, it starts off a chemical reaction.

Normal film consists of a plastic base that is coated with particles of a silver compound . When this compound is exposed to a large number of light photons , it forms silver atoms . Black-and-white film has one layer of silver compound, while color film has three layers. In color film, the top layer is sensitive to blue light, the next layer is sensitive to green and the bottom layer is sensitive to red. When you expose the film, the sensitive grains at each layer react to light of that color, creating a chemical record of the light and color pattern.

To turn this into a picture, you have to develop the film using more chemicals. One chemical developer turns the exposed particles into metallic silver. The film is then treated with three different dye developers containing dye couplers . The three dye colors are:

• Cyan (a combination of green and blue light)
• Magenta (a combination of red and blue light)
• Yellow (a combination of green and red light)

Each of these dye-coupler types react with one of the color layers in the film. In ordinary print film, the dye couplers attach to particles that have been exposed. In color slide film, the dye couplers attach to the non-exposed areas.

Developed color film has a negative image -- the colors appear opposite of the colors in the original scene. In slide film, the two dyes that attach to the unexposed area combine to form the color captured at the exposed layer. For example, if the green layer is exposed, yellow and cyan dye will attach on either side of the green layer, but the magenta dye will not attach at the green layer. The yellow and cyan combine to form green. (For more in-depth informa­tion on the entire process, see How Cameras Work and How Photographic Film Works .)

The instant-camera developing process combines colors in the same basic way as slide film, but the developing chemicals are already present in the film itself. In the next section, we'll see how the developers are combined with the color layers to form the picture.

Pictures in an Instant

In the last section, we saw that instant camera film has three layers that are sensitive to different colors of light. Underneath each color layer, there is a developer layer containing dye couplers . All of these layers sit on top of a black base layer, and underneath the image layer , the timing layer and the acid layer . This arrangement is a chemical chain reaction waiting to be set in motion.

The component that gets the reaction going is the reagent (as in re-agent). The reagent is a mix of opacifiers (light-blockers), alkali (acid neutralizers), white pigment and other elements. It sits just above the light-sensitive layers and just below the image layer.

Before you take the picture, the reagent material is all collected in a blob at the border of the plastic film sheet, away from the light-sensitive material. This keeps the film from developing before it has been exposed. After you snap the picture, the film sheet passes out of the camera, through a pair of rollers. (In another configuration, often used by professional photographers, the reagent and developer are coated on a separate sheet which is pressed up against the film sheet for a set amount of time.)

The rollers spread the reagent material out into the middle of the film sheet, just like a rolling pin spreading out dough. When the reagent is spread in between the image layer and the light-sensitive layers, it reacts with the other chemical layers in the film. The opacifier material stops light from filtering onto the layers below, so the film isn't fully exposed before it is developed.

The reagent chemicals move downward through the layers, changing the exposed particles in each layer into metallic silver. The chemicals then dissolve the developer dye so it begins to diffuse up toward the image layer. The metallic silver areas at each layer -- the grains that were exposed to light -- grab the dyes so they stop moving up.

Only the dyes from the unexposed layers will move up to the image layer. For example, if the green layer is exposed, no magenta dye will make it to the image layer, but cyan and yellow will. These colors combine to create a translucent green film on the image surface. Light reflecting off the white pigment in the reagent shines through these color layers, the same way light from a bulb shines through a slide.

At the same time that these reagent chemicals are working down through the light-sensitive layers, other reagent chemicals are working through the film layers above. The acid layer in the film reacts with the alkali and opacifiers in the reagent, making the opacifiers become clear. This is what finally makes the image visible. The timing layer slows the reagent down on its path to the acid layer, giving the film time to develop before it is exposed to light.

One of the coolest things about instant photography, watching the image slowly come together, is caused by this final chemical reaction. The image is already fully developed underneath, but the opacifiers clearing up creates the illusion that it is forming right before your eyes.

For more information about instant film and photography in general, check out the links on the next page.

When the image finally forms on an instant photo, the developer dye hasn't dried completely -- it's the same basic consistency as wet ink. You can make some really cool pictures by spreading the dye around with a pencil or Q-tip. Make a self-portrait that's half photo, half painting!

Another option is to press the photo onto a sheet of paper to make a print . Or you can press it against your skin to make a photo-realistic temporary tattoo. Check out this site for more information.

Frequently Answered Questions

How long does instant film last, lots more information, related howstuffworks articles.

• How Photographic Film Works
• How Autofocus Cameras Work
• How Digital Cameras Work
• How Light Works
• How Cameras Work
• How does a pinhole camera work?

More Great Links

• The Polaroid Corporation
• Scientific American: Instant Film
• Polaroid Image Transfers
• The Hacker's Guide to the SX-70
• The Land List
• Polaroid: Instant Ideas

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The best instant cameras in 2024 – retro prints from Instax, Polaroid and more

These are the best instant cameras whether you're looking for a great gift or you want to take the ultimate analog photo!

The Quick List

Best overall, best budget, best pocket-sized, best hybrid, best all-rounder, best for simplicity, best for style, best for big photos, best square images, best zink photos.

• How to choose
• How we test

The best instant cameras do something that no other camera can do: give you an immediate, physical, one-of-a-kind photograph. An actual photograph!  

These photos can be gifted, scrapbooked, slipped into greeting cards, stuck on the fridge, treasured in a wallet… in short, the best instant cameras make meaningful, physical photographs, which are wonderful for wedding receptions and perfect for parties with friends.

While most models are analog, popping out an image as soon as you press the shutter, there are also digital instant cameras that marry the thrill of instant photography with the convenience of modern technology. These hybrids combine a digital camera with a built-in printer, so you can choose which shots to print (and when you print them). Some can even print photos from your phone! 

I'm currently in the process of reviewing the Generation 2 versions of the Polaroid cameras on this list (the Now+, Now and Go). I still happily use the original versions of these three cameras, but I will update this guide if I find the newer models to be superior. 

I took my first Polaroid in 1984, and I've been addicted to instant cameras ever since! I've still got a Polaroid 600 from the Eighties, and I've long been a fan of Instax – I bought the very first Instax camera (the Mini 10 ), which is now 25 years old and still works like a charm. I love the Mini Link portable printers , too, which I often use to create mini photo albums for loved ones.

This is the quickest way to navigate the best instant cameras. Check out my quick thoughts below, and you can jump to my in-depth verdict of each pick along with specs and a link to my full review.

For full-size instant photos with great quality and that elusive 'vintage look', the Now+ is my top choice. It combines the same image quality as the Polaroid Now with some advanced features that make it ideal for simple shooting and special effects alike. Read more below

With new and improved power and lens controls, the latest Mini is easier to use than ever before – simply point and shoot, and the auto exposure mode will do the rest. Affordable, colorful, desirable – this is the camera that I and everybody else wants!   Read more below

Get tiny little pocket-sized prints on the go! I think the Polaroid Go is the cutest camera ever made, and it will make you very popular at parties when you start passing it around. It's also the ideal size for kids' hands, if they catch the photo bug. Read more below

Love instant photography, but want to "print" images from your phone as well? The Mini Evo takes amazing analog photos with the option to add creative effects in-camera, and I love how it also turns my phone images into real Instax photographs.  Read more below

The only analog Instax with a rechargeable battery, which is claimed to last as long as ten film packs (which I've found about right in real-world use). This retro-style camera saves on waste, making it more eco-friendly than battery-based models. Read more below

If I don't plan on using the advanced phone-based features or tripod mount of the Now+, this is the Polaroid camera I grab for point-and-shoot simplicity. The closest thing you'll find to the  classic Polaroids of your (or your parents') childhood! Read more below

Load the next products ↴

I can't deny that this is the most beautiful-looking instant camera around, but I also can't deny that it is quite literally an Instax Mini Evo with a luscious Leica body. Still, if you want to be inspired every time you pick it up, the Sofort can't be beaten! 

Read more below

Want to go large? The Instax Wide 300 produces the biggest and widest prints possible – I call it the "medium format of instant cameras"! It uses Instax Wide film that's perfect for group shots, landscapes, and photos for the front of the fridge! Read more below

Instax cameras deliver the best conventional image quality, but their designs are usually bright, bubbly and candy-colored. I love the SQ40 because it looks a bit more grown-up, making it a better fit for those times when you're shooting more seriously. Read more below

Instant film is expensive, and film packs are bulky. Want more affordable and more compact print refills? Go for a Zink camera – and I think the Kodak Smile Classic is the best of the bunch, and also doubles as a printer for your phone photos. Read more below

The best instant cameras I recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Here are my thoughts on each of the best instant cameras that have made the cut for this guide. After testing them all, I now personally own quite a few of these – I put my money where my mouth is, so you can trust my recommendations!

1. Polaroid Now+

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want truly vintage-looking photos:  Instax prints are cleaner and crisper, but Polaroid photos have that dreamy retro quality that's straight out of an old family photo album. This is the real "vintage look"!

✅ You love extra features:  Want to do more than just point and snap? Pair this with your phone to unlock extra shooting modes, use the lens filters for cool in-camera effects, and there's even a mount for tripod use. 

❌ You want modern image quality:  If unpredictable colors, sharpness and haze aren't your jam, I recommend going for an Instax camera – which produces superior sharpness, contrast and general consistency.

❌ You just want to shoot, not mess with settings:  All the extra features are cool, but only if you use them! If you've no interest in things like double exposures or light trails, then go for the regular Polaroid Now (elsewhere on this guide).

If you're after full-size instant photos that possess quality and that elusive "vintage look", the Polaroid Now+ is the obvious choice. 

My personal favorite instant camera, it combines the same image quality and shooting experience of the base Polaroid Now with the modern-day features of the now-discontinued OneStep+, giving you the best of both worlds. 

It has several creative modes such as light painting, aperture priority, double exposure, portrait mode and many more, which are all available through the phone app (which pairs via Bluetooth). 

There are also several physical lens filters that create natty in-camera effects, which isn't something that any other instant camera is currently bundled with (the red vignette filter is the pick of the bunch, in my opinion). 

It even has a tripod mount, which again isn't present on many other instant cameras, so you can proper selfies and group shots using the self-timer, and really take advantage of the long exposure modes on offer.

Between its physical and phone-based extras, this is the most feature-rich instant camera on the market – which makes it the most fun to get creative with.

Read my full Polaroid Now+ review for more details

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Instax Mini 12

✅ You want great photos and great value:  All Instax cameras boast (broadly) the same image quality, but the smaller size of Mini prints makes them the most affordable. 

✅ You love color choices:  Instax Minis come in five bright colors, so they're brilliant for expressing yourself – and perfect for gifting, if you know someone's favorite color! 

❌ You already own a Mini 11:  Not a huge amount has been changed since last year's model, so it's not worth the upgrade if you've already got an 11. 

❌ You want a serious-looking camera: The candy colors and cutesy design aren't for everyone. For something a bit more grown-up, look to the Mini 40 or 90.

The Instax Mini is the most popular instant camera on the market – and the latest model is the Mini 12, with its irresistably cute soap-bubble redesign and new pastel colors. 

Those cosmetic changes really form the main differences from its predecessor, as technologically it only offers a few minor improvements on the Instax Mini 11 . 

These take the form of a more sophisticated lens deployment and retraction mechanism, along with a degree of parallax correction to make it easier to accurately frame your shots. It's a shame that the flash still can't be disabled, though. 

The Mini 12 is definitely the one you should go for but, since the older version is only going to go down in price, I think the 11 is still worth considering. Check out our Instax Mini 12 vs 11 comparison to see if a few pennies saved is worth missing out on the new features. 

Read our full Instax Mini 12 review for more details

3. Polaroid Go

✅ You want a truly pocketable camera:  Most cameras, even the Instax Mini, play fast and loose with "fits in your pocket". But the Polaroid Go truly is pocket-sized! 

✅ You love the size more than the quality:  Instax Mini prints have better conventional image quality, but they're not as small as the delightfully diddy Polaroid Go photos.

❌ "Image quality" is top priority:  I love the dreamy feel of Polaroids, but it's not everyone's cup of tea – and the uber-hipster Polaroid look is even more prevalent here. 

❌ Price per print is important: Polaroid film is inherently pricier than Instax, and that's the case with the Go. Your pennies go further with packs of Instax Mini film. 

I fell in love with this palm-sized camera faster than it took a photo to develop – and so does everyone I show it to! It's the world's smallest analog instant camera, and it produces fittingly tiny instant photos, too. 

That's really the main calling card, here. The Polaroid Go is like a tiny burger slider, disappearing into your palm and making you feel like a giant using a miniature camera. 

For this reason it's also perfectly proportioned for little hands, making it an ideal camera for kids to shoot with. 

That said, of course, there's the price of the film to consider, as Instax Mini film works out cheaper than Polaroid Go film. But then you'll also need to replace AA batteries on a Mini, whereas the Go just is rechargeable via USB. 

Despite being so tiny, the Go boasts double exposures – which you won't get on Instax unless you opt for pricier options like the Instax Mini 90 (below). That said, the Minis produce better conventional image quality.

A fun and funky little camera, the Polaroid Go will be the star of your next party. I absolutely love mine – I bring it for the fun factor, accompanied by a Now+ or a Square SQ40 for "keeper" images.

Read my full Polaroid Go review for more details

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

✅ You don't want to print every photo:  Pure-analog instant cameras expose a photo every time you press the shutter. But here you can decide which ones to print! 

✅ You want to print photos from your phone:  Any phone photo can become an Instax photo. Great for sharing pics with friends or making sure everyone gets a physical photo!

❌ You just want to shoot:  Since this is a hybrid digital instant camera, there are lots of menus and extra buttons that get in the way of simply taking a photograph. 

❌ You want to store a lot of photos on it: The camera has internal storage for 45 photos, but you'll need to buy a microSD card to expand the memory beyond that.

This was a massive sales success for Instax, and it's my favorite hybrid digital instant camera right now (which used to be the Instax Mini LiPlay , though I still prefer the LiPlay's aesthetics). 

The Evo is like an Instax Mini that enables you to edit your photos before you print them – and you can also beam images from your phone (including ones you've taken on a "proper camera") and turn them into physical photos. 

Not only can you make tweaks and edits before printing, you can also choose from a selection of digital filters – marrying the fun of analog photography with effects familiar to the Instagram generation.

On top of that, the Mini Evo boasts a beautiful vintage design. My favorite part of the camera is the physical lever on the back; designed to mimic the film advance lever on old film cameras, here you use it to print photos when you're ready (and the image on the rear LCD even slowly "ejects" from the screen as it emerges from the side of the camera).

The ability to pair it with your phone for use as an instant printer seals the deal for me. If you love sharing photos with friends, here you can give them the one you've just taken or transform a phone snap into a sweet Instax print.  

Read our full Instax Mini Evo review for more details

5. Instax Mini 90

✅ You hate replacing batteries:  This is the only analog Instax camera that comes with a rechargeable battery – so no more waste or scrambling around when you run dry!

✅ You want helpful shooting modes:  With its optional advanced features, you can go fully automatic or choose a mode for extra creativity or a particular shooting scenario.

❌ You're on a budget:  This is the priciest Instax analog option – both the Mini 12 and the Mini 40 are much more affordable cameras. 

❌ You don't need all the extras: If you just want to take snaps, and aren't interested in things like double exposures, a lot of the extra features here will be overkill.

With its classic silver styling finished in black, brown or red leatherette, I think the Mini 90 Neo Classic is the best-looking Instax Mini camera.  

It is also the only analog Instax with a rechargeable battery, which the company claims will last up to 100 shots – which feels about right, in my personal use. So if you're concerned about waste, this is a big plus.

The retro styling is a throwback to SLR cameras, and fittingly the Mini 90 offers some manual control over exposure – and even the option to disable the built-in flash if you feel pictures are too bright. 

Bulb and double exposure modes offer creativity options for the curious (although the results were a bit hit-and-miss), and there are shooting modes for things like parties (giving better exposure to whatever's in the background) and landscapes (for faraway scenes). 

An advantage over cheaper instant cameras is an LCD display strip at the back, revealing your chosen settings. The viewfinder is small but adequate for its purpose, and there's even a tripod thread for proper selfies! 

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 review for more details

6. Polaroid Now

✅ You just wanna shoot!:  No overly clever modes, no confusing dials or buttons – just point, press the button and a photo pops out! 

✅ You want real, full-size, square Polaroids :  People say "Polaroids" as a catch-all term for "instant photos". But real Polaroids are 4.233 x 3.483 inches – while Instax Square photos are 2.83 x 3.39 inches.

❌ You want best bang for buck:  The Polaroid Now is cheaper than Instax Square cameras, but film packs are smaller and cost more per exposure. 

❌ You want something compact: The Polaroid Now is a bulky camera. While the Instax Squares are large, but at least slim, the Now is a chunky box – so you'll need a big bag to throw it in! 

Want to shoot classic, full-size square prints but don't need all the bells and whistles of the Now+? Then this is the one I recommend you go for. 

The base Polaroid Now is a much more straightforward shooter – no apps, no lens filters, no superfluous buttons or dials and no messing around: just point, press, and out pops an iconic Polaroid.

Given the mirrors inside Polaroid cameras, they are much bulkier than their Instax counterparts – so you won't be able to carry this around in a handbag (I caved in and bought the specially designed bag from Polaroid, as it's too chunky for my messenger bags). 

However, while the Instax Square cameras may be slimmer, to me there's nothing like the tactility of holding a big, boxy Polaroid when you're shooting old-school instant film. 

Again, Polaroids produce a much more "dreamy" and authentically vintage photo (rather than the crisp, contrasty Instax shots). If you want images with the same look as the ones your parents and grandparents took, the Now is sure to Wow.

Read my full Polaroid Now review for more details

7. Leica Sofort 2

✅ You want an instant camera for the red carpet:  While Instax and Polaroid cameras have their own style, the Sofort 2 is the only truly luxury-looking instant camera. 

✅ You want instant photos and phone prints:  A hybrid camera, this can pop out a photo as soon as you press the shutter and it can print out shots taken on your phone! 

❌ You don't have money to burn:  There's no way around it: this is the Instax Mini Evo in a shinier, sexier body. You're paying a lot more for the exact same camera. 

❌ You plan to shoot a lot of digital: The sensor resolution is designed with Instax Mini prints in mind, so don't go expecting super high-res imagery. 

Yes, Leica makes an instant camera! However, while it is a very good instant camera, I have to be absolutely straight with you: aside from the cool design and Leica Big Red Dot™, this camera is otherwise identical to the Instax Mini Evo (it even uses Instax Mini film). 

So if you only care about the actual performance, the Evo the one to go for – but if you feel that having a snazzier body and a Leica logo is just as important, the Sofort 2 is for you. I really do think this is the best-looking instant camera to date! 

Leica is renowned for its fantastic and premium style, and the Sofort 2 has it in buckets, with a small and compact shape ready to slip into a pocket, and smooth gloss finishes to the front and the back of the camera that look very chic.

Unfortunately, like other hybrid cameras, when it comes to digital image quality, it's not great with only a 4.9MP sensor. Although you can argue that, for snapping and printing Instax Mini images, the resolution is perfect. 

Still, like other hybrids, the fun factor here is the main selling point; this is something to be passed around at parties for taking (and making prints of) on-the-spot memories. And for that, the Leica Sofort 2 is a class act.

Read our full Leica Sofort 2 review

8. Instax Wide 300

✅ You want the biggest prints possible:  Instax Wide film produces the largest images of any instant camera system. Perfect for those "prestige pics" you want as big as possible. 

✅ You shoot landscapes or group shots:  To capture the majesty of a mountain, or to fit the entire wedding party into the frame, Instax Wide is twice the size of Instax Mini film.

❌ You want to shoot selfies:  There's no self-timer mode, and the closest focusing distance (0.4m) is longer than is comfortable for most arms.  

❌ You want something small: The Instax Wide 300 is a tank of a camera! Big and bulky, it's about the size of a medium format camera – you'll definitely need a big bag! 

The Wide 300 is the daddy of the Instax family. It's powered by four AA batteries rather than the usual two, making this chunky camera not far off the size of a medium format system. 

That said, replaceable AAs will make the camera last longer than one with an integrated battery that stops holding its charge after a few years. And it's able to deliver much larger prints using the Instax Wide film packs, making it much better for group shots and landscapes. 

It's not a camera to take selfies with, though, between its bulky design, the lack of mirror, and a close focus distance that's a bit too long for most arms. And while it has a tripod mount, bizarrely there's no self-timer function (nor any other creative modes). So it's great for group photos, but only if there's someone behind the camera. 

I still love it, though. It's got the most powerful flash on this list (thanks to all those batteries) and it produces the largest photos with great image quality. So if you want sheer scale with no frills, this is your best bet. If I don't have to pack light, this is the instant camera I bring with me.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 review for more details

9. Instax Square SQ40

✅ You want the best quality square shots:  Instax image quality is fantastic, with superb sharpness, crisp contrast and consistent colors. 

✅ You need straightforward shooting:  Some Instax cameras get carried away with modes, menus, features and buttons. This is as simple as it gets: just aim and click! 

❌ You want easy-to-find batteries:  While AA batteries are easy to find in any corner store, the SQ40 takes CR2s – which can be tricky to find, especially on vacation.

❌ You want advanced features: If you want to get creative with things like double exposures and bulb modes, look to the Polaroid Now+ or the (smaller) Instax Mini 90.

Where Polaroids have that "dreamy" vintage look that's not to everyone's taste, Instaxes have a much more "modern" kind of image quality. So if you're looking for square instant photos that have punchy contrast and crisp sharpness, the SQ40 is the way to go. 

It steps away from the cute, brightly-colored design of the older Instax Square SQ1 and adds a sleeker and more sophisticated camera to the Square lineup. (Check out our Instax SQ1 vs SQ40 comparison for more info.)

As you'd expect, it takes pristine photographs whether you're indoors or outdoors – though I'm sad that it lacks many of the features from the discontinued Instax Square SQ6 (such as a self-timer, tripod mount, and double exposures). 

So the Polaroid Now+ trumps it if you want advanced and creative tools, but the Instax takes it for conventional image quality. 

My main gripe is that it requires tricky-to-find CR2 batteries – which, wastefulness aside, and can be a pain if you don't already have some spares when the camera runs dry! 

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 review for more details

10. Kodak Smile

✅ You love scrapbooking and sharing:  Zink (zero-ink) prints are durable, and also double as stickers if you peel off the back, so they're great for crafters and kids.

✅ You want to shoot affordably:  Instant film is expensive for both Instax and Polaroid, but sheets of Zink paper are a whole lot cheaper. 

❌ You shoot a lot:  The rechargeable battery is only rated for 35 shots – so if you're machine-gunning photos, you'll need to plug it in pretty quickly.

❌ You want the best image quality: Zink prints don't boast the best fidelity, being more like the results you'd get from a color photocopier than a film camera.

Both Instax and Polaroid film are expensive, but there is an alternative: Zink, ("zero-ink"). Rather than exposing a sheet of film, this uses thermal paper which is much cheaper, and also produces smudge-proof, water-resistant prints. 

They literally are prints, though, as this is effectively a camera with a Zink printer inside – so the quality is more like a color printout or photocopy. The backs can be peeled off, though, turning them into stickers – perfect for scrapbooking.

If you're happy not shooting on film, though, I think the Kodak Smile Classic is the best Zink instant camera on the market thanks to its large sensor that captures enough detail for 3.5 x 4.25-inch pictures (unlike the typical 2 x 3-inch of most Zink printers). 

I love the design, which is inspired by classic Polaroid cameras, and although it prints every photo you take, you can also insert a microSD card to shoot digitally. There's also a companion app that enables you to add augmented reality (AR) features!

Between the lower cost, the more durable prints and the fun AR features, this makes a really good option for kids as well as adults. 

Read our full Kodak Smile Instant Print review for more details

How to choose the best instant camera

How easy is an instant camera to use.

In short, very. You don't need to worry about complicated autofocus modes, setting the right white balance, or balancing the exposure triangle – simply load your film (this can be a little fiddly first time, but should soon become a cinch) and press the shutter button. Cameras don't get much simpler than this! Some instant cameras do offer more advanced creative features, but you don't have to use them – and most instant cameras are intentionally basic to be in-keeping with the retro, no-nonsense instant camera ethos.

What's the print quality like?

Polaroid and Instax film each have very different characteristics, due to their respective and unique photochemical exposure processes. Varyingly you can expect subdued or saturated colors, crushed contrast, blown out highlights, ethereal exposures… all 'features' that would kill the success of a DSLR or mirrorless camera! The results, however, are utterly unique, producing a look that even  Lightroom presets  and Instagram filters can't replicate. They're ideal image traits if you want a vintage, retro, lo-fi aesthetic. 

Do instant cameras have any extra features?

In days past, a traditional Polaroid instant camera might have a flash, but that was about it. Nowadays you can pick up a modern instant camera with multiple photo modes, plus Bluetooth connectivity to pair with a smartphone app. This can open up extra creative control, as well as enabling you to use your phone as a remote shutter release. LCD info screens and built-in rechargeable batteries can also be found in today's instant cameras. Finally, don't rule out hybrid instant cameras – these are essentially digital cameras, but with a tiny in-built printer to turn your digital snaps into analog prints right at the point of capture.

How much will each print cost me?

If there is a downside to instant cameras, it's that each and every shot you take is going to cost you money (remember the days of traditional film photography?). Naturally, the cost of film varies considerably between cameras and depending where you buy it, but as a very rough guide, expect to pay in the region of $0.75-$1.00 per print of Fujifilm Instax film, and between $1 and $2 per print for Polaroid I-Type or Go film.

What is the best printable camera for kids?

The Polaroid Go is the best printable camera for kids, in my opinion, thanks to its simplicity and teeny tiny form factor that's the perfect size for little hands. That said, another option is the new Instax Pal – an even tinier camera which is very much designed for youngsters, though this is not a printable camera (and must be paired with something like the Instax Mini Link 2 to print pictures). Do also check out our separate guide to the best cameras for kids

Is the Instax Mini 11 or 12 better?

This question is relevant for every generation of Instax Mini, which has a pretty regular update cycle. In truth, there's no appreciable difference in image quality among any of the Instax Minis released in the last few years; the lenses and flash units stay virtually identical (as, obviously, does the instant film). 

The main differences come in the aesthetics / ergonomics, as well as the additional features on newer models. In this sense, the Instax Mini 12 is better because it possesses parallax correction – making it easier to compose images in close-up mode. But otherwise the Mini 11 produces photographs that are every bit as good. 

How we test instant cameras

We don't test instant cameras using the same scientific lab tests we do on the latest mirrorless cameras and lenses – but our evaluation is no less exhaustive! When I get an instant camera, I take it to an actual shooting environment and run a few packs of film through it (since it's possible to get a bad batch of film), seeing how it performs in a variety of lighting and environmental conditions. This is especially important with cameras that use a photochemical exposure process, since results can vary greatly even in only subtly different situations. 

I also take any "clever" features into consideration, especially as this relates to ease of use. After all, instant cameras are supposed to take pictures instantly with minimal fuss! Battery life is a key point as well, given that there's a physical mechanism and usually a flash being fired. Image quality is quite subjective –  photochemical prints inherently possess a different set of characteristics, though Zink images can be more fairly evaluated in terms of print quality – but ultimately I won't recommend a camera that takes a bad photo!

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The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine ,  PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine ,  N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine ,  Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show . He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.

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The Best Instant Camera

By Arriana Vasquez and Erin Roberts

Instant cameras embody the magic of photography: With the press of a shutter button, you can capture the world around you and see tangible results in seconds. For high-quality, retro-cool prints at a reasonable price, we think the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a great choice.

Everything we recommend

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

The best instant camera.

Fun, simple to use, and good-looking, this instant camera makes beautiful photos on square prints.

Buying Options

Fujifilm Instax Square Film (Twin Pack)

Instax square film.

Buying Square film in twin packs helps you get the best price.

Budget pick

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

A cheaper, cuter instant camera.

This camera comes in more color options and makes beautiful wallet-sized photos for 60¢ per print.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Film (Twin Pack)

Instax mini film.

Buying Mini film in twin packs helps you get the best price.

Upgrade pick

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

A high-quality hybrid camera.

This small instant-and-digital hybrid camera delivers instant prints and a digital review screen, but at a premium cost.

How we picked

An instant camera should be simple to use, so we looked for cameras that let you start snapping pictures with minimal instruction.

If the film is too expensive, you’re probably not going to want to use the camera all the time, so we prioritized film that costs less than $1 a print.

We picked cameras with refill packs that are easy to find just about anywhere.

Cameras that die quickly are no fun, so we looked for those that can shoot at least 100 images per battery set.

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a good-looking camera with leatherette details and minimal controls that make it easy for anyone to use. It makes square images set in 3.4-by-2.8-inch borders that cost about $1 each. Its photos aren’t perfectly sharp, but they are pleasingly colorful and creamy, with a classic look that we love.

Unlike the SQ40, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 has a toylike aesthetic and makes rectangular images (3.4 by 2.1 inches, including the frame) that are significantly cheaper, at about 60¢ apiece . Like our top pick, its controls are simple, and it’s easy to use. While its photos aren’t perfectly sharp, they’re dreamy and make for fun wallet-sized gifts. It’s a perfect gift for someone younger in your life.

The Instax Mini Evo is the best attempt at a hybrid instant-and-digital camera we’ve seen so far. It offers all the analog charm of an instant camera but lets you choose which images to print onto Instax Mini film using a small LCD screen—something our other picks lack. A smartphone app unlocks features that the tech savvy will have fun fiddling with, including remote shooting and the ability to print images from a smartphone library.

Just like our budget pick, prints cost 60¢ apiece . But the camera itself is more than double the cost of our top pick.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: fujifilm instax square sq40, budget pick: fujifilm instax mini 12, upgrade pick: fujifilm instax mini evo, other good instant cameras, what to look forward to, the competition.

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for Wirecutter and a professional photographer. Her photography ranges from studio portraits to influencer, product, and street photography. She has worked on several camera-related guides for Wirecutter, including the best instant photo printer , the best tripod , and the best cell-phone tripod .

Instant cameras are for everybody because they’re fun and easy to use, and they create a unique aesthetic that can’t be perfectly reproduced by a smartphone camera. Most models don’t have any built-in memory or accept memory cards, so the images you take and the prints they make are truly once in a lifetime. They’re durable enough to accompany you on random outings, simple enough for anyone to pick up and use, and cheap enough to hand to friends to use during big life moments like weddings.

The prints you get from Instax cameras are the right combination of soft and saturated to give you an instant sense of nostalgia. They don’t have the crisp, color-accurate look of inkjet prints made from fancy digital cameras, and that’s why we love them. You can keep the prints in a photo book , string them up somewhere visible, or (in the case of our budget and upgrade picks) stow them away in your wallet.

If you’d prefer to snap photos with your phone and print them later, you might want an instant printer .

In searching for the best instant cameras, we compared models based on the following criteria:

• Easy to use: This should be a fun camera that can be enjoyed without much instruction. We believe part of the allure of an instant camera is being able to pass it around at any social gathering.
• Reasonably priced film: No instant film is cheap, but if the price is significantly more than $1 a print, you have to get a really nice photo to warrant that expense.
• Widely available film refills: If it’s hard to find more film packs for the camera, you’re less likely to use it, so we picked cameras with refill packs that are easy to find just about anywhere.
• Decent battery life: You should never have to bring more than one set of spare batteries when you take your instant camera out for the day. We looked for cameras that are rated to let you shoot at least 100 photos with a set of batteries, and we gave extra points to those that were able to shoot many more than that.

Since 2013, we’ve compared instant-camera usability, image quality, and features by shooting in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions. We’ve also put the cameras through the most appropriate real-world examination we could think of: the party test. What happens when a novice shooter picks this thing up at a gathering? Is it fun to pass around and shoot with at a company holiday party or a family dinner?

While capturing hundreds of instant photos, we took note of whether our friends and family could easily figure out how to use the camera. We also got their opinions on the image quality to supplement our own (and perhaps more critical) assessment.

While that past research continues to influence our top picks, most of the newest cameras have pared-down features compared to their predecessors, so we’ve shifted our focus away from lots of exposure control and more toward ease of use and film-replacement availability.

If you’re looking for a fun, good-looking camera that’s easy to use, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is the one we recommend. With its minimalist design and controls, we found that this camera works great for on-the-go photography and capturing spontaneous moments.

It’s incredibly easy to use. The Square SQ40 has just three settings: on, off, and close-up (for selfies). To turn it on, you rotate the ring around the lens clockwise, and that’s it. Setting it to “close-up” is just a matter of rotating the same ring a little further. There’s a built-in flash that fires automatically, so you can capture moments even in low-light situations.

The SQ40 makes pictures measuring 2.5 inches square, which are set inside 3.4-by-2.8-inch white borders. The cost of prints is a little more expensive than those of our other picks, at about $1 each .

The prints have that classic instant-photo look. Photos printed from the SQ40 are just as creamy and filmlike as you would expect from a classic instant camera, with rich, saturated colors. But they’re not as sharp as what you can get from our upgrade pick . We like the sharp, modern look of the camera body, too. When I pulled it out to test during an event, several friends asked about it.

While the SQ40 doesn’t offer as many creative options as the Instax Mini Evo (like adding vignette, fish-eye, and double-exposure effects), its simplicity is part of the charm. When you’re snapping family barbecue pics, being able to just turn it on and snap away—or hand it off to a kid relative without much explanation—makes it a no-brainer.

It’s perfect for selfies. You won’t find much in the way of controls beyond on and off, but the SQ40 does have a selfie mirror, making it easy to frame your photos from in front of the camera.

The camera feels well built. The SQ40 feels solid enough to withstand the occasional drop. It’s also slightly larger than the rest of our picks—similar in height but about an inch wider than our budget pick, and an inch and a half wider than our upgrade pick.

The battery life is decent. The SQ40 runs on two CR2 batteries that last about 100 shots—likely long enough for a few outings, if you’re not too eager with the shutter button.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The flash fires automatically, which is great in low light, but we noticed it often caused the background of our selfies to go completely black. It’s not a big deal, unless you’re trying to capture yourself in a certain environment or in front of something specific.
• The viewfinder is very small, which could be challenging for people who wear glasses.
• While the battery life is adequate, not all local stores will carry CR2 batteries, so it’s best to order an extra pair or two in advance.
• It comes only in black, so if you prefer something more colorful, you might consider our budget pick.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is similar to our main pick in nearly every way, but in a smaller, cuter body, and it prints rectangular images instead of square ones. It’s also $70 cheaper than our top pick, and prints cost 40¢ less apiece (at the time of writing).

The controls could not be much simpler. Like our top pick, the Mini 12 has just three controls: on, off, and close-up (for selfies). It also fires the flash with every shot, and there’s a small mirror for framing and capturing yourself (and your friends).

The film is easy to find. Film refills for the Mini 12 are sold just about everywhere. And at 3.4 by 2.1 inches (including borders, which surround a 2-by-2.5-inch image area), the photos you get from this camera are just a tad smaller than a credit card, making them perfect for toting around in your wallet. Prints from the Mini 12 are just as creamy and filmlike as those from our top pick, though not as sharp as those from our upgrade pick .

Batteries are readily available, too. The Mini 12 runs on two AA batteries for around 100 shots before they need to be replaced. The SQ40, our top pick, requires CR2 batteries, which aren’t as easy to find—especially if you need replacements quickly.

It’s not a sleek, modern-looking device, but it’s very cute. The Mini 12 is smaller than our top pick and comes in fun colors, but with its rounded features, it can feel a little more childish than our top or upgrade picks.

If you want more control over your photos, you want to be able to save them to a microSD card, or you want to be able to choose which images you print and which you don’t, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo probably has your name on it. It uses the same film as our budget pick but offers some of the advantages of a digital camera—things like a screen to review your shots, filters, and discretionary printing—in a smaller, more portable package that’s still easy to use.

The Mini Evo prints better photos than other Instax cameras, too. In our side-by-side tests, images from the Mini Evo were sharper and more vibrant than those from our top and budget picks.

It gives you more control over your images . Compared to the SQ40 or Instax Mini 12, the Mini Evo lets you change a lot more about the look of your photos. A rotating dial around the lens lets you apply effects like vignetting, fish-eye distortion, and double exposure. Best of all, these adjustments are nondestructive—anything you add to the image before printing won’t alter the original shot.

On the top of the camera, another dial adds film effects that alter the colors of the image. For example, the Vivid setting makes colors more punchy, while Sepia gives photos a warm tint. The back screen previews these effects as you add them.

A half-press of the shutter button employs AE/AF lock (meaning the camera locks in the exposure and focal point, so they won’t change even if your subject does). On the LCD screen, a green square indicates your focus point. You can also play with exposure compensation before snapping a shot, and the autofocus illuminator light helps the camera find focus in low-light settings.

You can choose which images to print. Unlike most other instant cameras, you can choose which images to print or print a favorite image over and over again. Our top and budget picks are true instant cameras, meaning they print just one fleeting moment at a time.

You don’t need to look at the manual to start shooting. Even with its added controls, the Mini Evo makes it easy enough to start shooting, reviewing, and printing images without ever peeking at the instruction manual. Even a total novice should be able to produce shots immediately.

With a sleek, solid build and a size roughly that of a standard point-and-shoot camera, the Evo also looks like it could withstand a drop or two. And though we wouldn’t hesitate to toss it into a bag, it’s also small enough to fit into most coat pockets.

You can save images to a microSD card . Unlike our main and budget picks, which don’t have any storage, the Evo can store about 45 images in its internal memory, and its additional microSD allows for far more storage—and also means you can offload your images onto a computer.

The Instax Mini Evo app has lots of features. You can transfer photos from the camera onto your phone via the free app ( Android , iOS ), and from there, post them to all your social media platforms. The app also lets you print images stored on your smartphone, use your phone as a remote control, and customize three physical shortcut buttons on the camera.

It has a built-in rechargeable battery. The battery is rated to last about 100 shots per charge. Compared to the AA or CR2 batteries required in our other picks, it’s nice not having to worry about replacing the batteries every so often. But if the battery dies while you’re out, you can’t just swap it out for a new pair.

It’s awkward to use for landscape photos. We found the ergonomics of the camera a bit unwieldy. Like some other Instax cameras, the Mini Evo is easier to use in portrait orientation than in landscape mode. In landscape, you’re forced to use your left forefinger to trigger the shutter button, which feels more unnatural than it might sound.

If you want square images but a colorful camera: The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is just as easy to use as our pick, but it comes in a few different colors. The camera is about the same size as the SQ40, but with a slightly different body design that feels more plasticky, which we didn’t like as much as our pick.

If you prefer wide, landscape-oriented images: The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 ’s 2.4-by-3.9-inch image area with classic white borders is ideal for landscape and group shots. Like the SQ40, the cost per image is about $1 . The Wide 300 offers a button for exposure compensation and another for flash output, so you get a little more control over your image than you do with our top pick, but it’s considerably heavier and bulkier, too.

We are currently testing the latest instant camera from Fujifilm, the Instax Mini 99 . We plan to try out all the new features, including brightness control, the ability to select focus zones, and color effects.

We're also preparing to test several other models. The NONS SL660 is an SLR camera with interchangeable lenses, and the InstantFlex TL70 Plus is a twin-lens camera. Both of these models are compatible with Fujifilm Instax Square Film. Additionally, we'll be exploring the InstantKon RF70 , which uses Instax Wide film.

Lastly we're planning to test the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro , a hybrid instant camera that captures digital images and prints them as framed or frameless 3-by-3-inch Polaroid-style photos. It also features a companion app that lets you add stickers and frames to photos, or correct blemishes before printing.

We’ll update this guide with all the testing details and any new picks when we have them.

This is not a comprehensive list of all instant cameras we’ve tested. We have removed any cameras that have been discontinued or that do not meet our current requirements.

The Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera has a premium build and is fun to use, but our results were mixed. We liked that it was easy to adjust settings, and switching from full auto to manual is as easy as pressing one button a few times. A light meter in the viewfinder is intended to help you make sure your images are properly exposed, and it was easy to dial in the settings. But images from our testing were inconsistent, with some shots coming out overexposed even when the meter indicated proper exposure. Other shots came out oddly cropped or out of focus, despite using the built-in parallax guide (for close-up shots) or half-press focus lock.

These same complaints apply to all of Polaroid’s new cameras. And in the case of the Polaroid Now , getting blurry and over- or underexposed prints at $2 a pop feels especially frustrating. The new Polaroid film also needs to be shaded from light for 15 minutes as it develops, so forget shaking it like a Polaroid picture. The camera spits out a thin black shield of plastic over the image as it emerges from the camera, a design that makes this camera a bit nerve-racking to share. (You’re always worried that someone will tear the shield off and inadvertently waste that precious i-Type film with their impatience.) You also won’t know if you’ve got a decent shot until those 15 minutes are up, so the likelihood of recapturing that decisive moment again is slim.

Vintage Polaroid cameras, such as the beautiful SX-70, need to use old Polaroid film, and unfortunately, production of real Polaroid film ended in 2008. New versions are now being made by the new Polaroid, but photographers we’ve talked to have also found this film to be unreliable, with questionable long-term storage results.

Fujifilm dominates the instant-camera field, and we’ve looked at nearly every Instax model the company has ever released. Of the other currently available models, the Instax Mini 70 and Instax Mini 11 don’t offer the same balance of image quality, usability, and value compared with our picks.

Zink prints have disqualified quite a few other cameras and printers in this category in the past, and has led us to dismiss Canon’s Ivy Cliq+ and Ivy Cliq cameras, too.

Kodak has also tried its own 4Pass Photo Paper in both the Mini Shot and the Kodak Photo Printer Mini 2 . While the credit-card-sized prints (which are also stickers) are sharp and vibrant, the process is slow, and the final output is missing some of the nostalgic softness of an Instax print that harkens back to Polaroids of old. The wide angle of the Mini Shot camera also distorted our images for some unflattering results.

Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Automat series cameras look cool, and they use Fujifilm’s readily available and reasonably priced Instax Mini film packs. Features such as endless multiple exposures are interesting, but controls are marked with difficult-to-decipher hieroglyphic symbols. Aimed at the advanced instant shooter, most of the cameras in this series are bundled with fish-eye, wide-angle, and close-up lens attachments, which we found more cumbersome than useful.

Lomography’s Lomo’Instant Wide cameras are designed to shoot on Fujifilm’s Instax Wide film. They have the same three shooting modes as the Lomo’Instant, plus a shutter remote in the lens cap. Our big problem with the Lomo’Instant series are its clunky controls and strange layout, and the Lomo’Instant Wide offers more of the same, making this series an easy dismissal.

While the Mint InstantFlex TL70 2.0 may be the coolest instant camera we’ve ever seen (twin-lens reflex! manual focus!), nearly $400 is too much to pay. It also makes the camera too expensive to be passed around at a party, which takes away from the instant fun.

This article was edited by Phil Ryan and Erica Ogg.

Meet your guides

Arriana Vasquez

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for powering, home office, cameras, and hobbies at Wirecutter. When she's not taking photos, she's reading or running D&D games. She is the producer and dungeon master of After Work Adventurers , a live-play D&D campaign on YouTube.

Erin Roberts

Erin Roberts is a freelance writer reporting on cameras and camera accessories at Wirecutter. She started her career as a photojournalist working in newspapers—shooting film—and was the mobile-imaging editor at DPReview. She is also a professional photographer who has made her living photographing everything from rock stars to humpback whales.

Further reading

Gen Z Is Bringing Back “Vintage” Point-and-Shoot Cameras. Our Experts Weigh In.

by Annemarie Conte

Vintage compact point-and-shoot cameras are all the rage. Here’s how to get one of your own or something you might like even better.

The Best Disposable Cameras

by Phil Ryan

Fujifilm’s QuickSnap Flash 400 and Kodak’s FunSaver one-time-use cameras will give you reliably great color results at your next party or gathering.

The Camp Snap Camera Is Great for Kids. There’s Just One Big Problem.

by Arriana Vasquez

The Camp Snap camera is cheap, rugged, and fun to use—especially for younger photographers. But a few significant flaws kept us from completely falling in love.

What My Vintage Digital Camera Obsession Has Taught Me

by Ben Keough

Before you go digging for hidden gems in the graveyard of digital camera history, heed these warnings.

Best instant cameras in 2024

Here are the best instant cameras based on our testing

• Best for most people
• Best for creativity
• Best wide format
• Best 2-in-1
• Best for selfies
• Best for digital storage
• Best for beginners

Also tested

• What to look for
• How we test

The best instant cameras obviously aren’t going to be used by professionals shooting at sports games or up the side of mountains. However, they still offer a satisfaction and feeling that other cameras, from smartphones to the best cameras money can buy, just can’t truly replicate.

There’s a simplicity to instant camera photography that many people enjoy. It’s often nicer to shoot, print and make a memory instantly than it is to sweat over photographic perfection and spend hours in the editing suite. There’s also obviously the instant gratification and pleasing retro feeling of holding a printed photo in the hand — something that by default we aren’t used to in today’s smartphone age.

Thanks to these reasons, and their cheapness and simplicity, instant cameras are often the go-to choice for parties and weddings, and also for giving images as heartfelt gifts.

Unlike the analogue instant cameras of old, today’s instants have a range of features to help them blend seamlessly into digital society. These range from the ability to add filters, through to smartphone connectivity, allowing users to print pictures from their phone’s camera roll. 

Many of the best instant cameras cost under $150, while some cost less than $100, making them great guilt-free purchases for special occasions. We’ve rounded up our favorites that you can buy right now, to help you make the right choice. Read on for our pick of the best instant cameras.

The best instant cameras you can buy today

Polaroid Go Gen 2

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is, as Polaroid claims, the world’s smallest instant camera. Compact and premium-looking, it really is “take anywhere-able” as you can slip it into your pocket and go about your day. With a maximum aperture of f/9, a top shutter speed of 1/300 second and a built-in flash, it delivers superb and detailed retro prints, especially in bright conditions. With the addition of a double exposure mode which was missing from the original Go, you can get really creative with your shots. There’s also a selfie mirror and self-timer, and both are fun to use. User-friendly with only 3 buttons, this little beauty can be used by anyone, even someone who isn’t well-versed with the semantics of photography. The Go Gen 2 also boasts great battery life as a single charge will last you between 15 and 18 shots.

The camera, however, doesn’t perform as well in low-light conditions and might have you considering other options if that’s a dealbreaker. Similarly, there is no dedicated macro mode so shooting a flower, for example, up close takes a bit of trial and error. Film is also relatively expensive — a single print will cost you approximately $1.12.

That being said, the Go Gen 2 is the cutest and most user-friendly camera I’ve shot with. It looks and feels premium, and it’s easy to carry, making it the ideal travel companion.

Read our full Polaroid Go Gen 2 review .

The best instant camera for creativity

Fujifilm Instax mini 99

The Fujifilm Instax mini 99 is the best instant camera for anyone wanting high levels of creativity — that's really what the mini 99 is all about. There are loads of creative filters and modes to help you get unique shots, including: creative color profiles, a double exposure mode and a vignette mode. The camera also features exposure compensation dials allowing you to fine tune the brightness of your shots.

There's not getting around how beautiful the Instax mini 99 looks, either. This camera features Fujifilm's trademark retro aesthetic, employed to perfection. It's also extremely well built, but remains easy to carry.

The Instax mini 99 is easy to use and has really strong battery life, although we wish it could be charged in camera. Instax film packs are also quite pricey, even though we love the look of them,  and we missed the camera having a selfie mirror which plenty of rivals have.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax mini 99 review .

The best wide format instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Wide 400

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400, much like its predecessor the Instax Wide 300, is a bulky beast. With a 95mm f/14 retractable lens, it uses Instax Wide film that’s ideal for landscapes and group shots. It’s an easy-to-use camera, featuring just one button: the shutter button. It comes with an attachable macro lens that doubles as a selfie mirror. The camera doesn’t have any manual flash control, so the auto flash optimizes the lighting according to distance.

Fujifilm has improved on the predecessor’s design by giving the Instax Wide 400 a rounded body for better handling — you can even grip it with just one hand. Where the camera shines is in bright conditions. The prints are big and they come out bright and detailed. The dedicated macro lens takes a little time to get used to, but close-up shots are lovely once you get over the initial struggle. The camera falters in low-light conditions, though, and there are no creative modes, like double exposures.

Overall, the Instax Wide 400 is a great instant camera, especially if you’re a fan of the retro aesthetic.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 review .

The best 2-in-1 instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay

Fujifilm’s smallest instant camera and the antithesis of the Instax Wide 400, the Instax mini LiPlay received an update in summer of 2024 which saw the introduction of three new colorways, a USB-C charging port, and the ability to update firmware from your smartphone. It’s a 2-in-1 hybrid camera and printer that produces lovely prints with ample of detail, and enables you to quickly print photos from your smartphone.

Some might be allured by the ability to print photos with soundbites as the Instax mini LiPlay allows you to record up to 10 seconds of audio which can then be added as a QR code to prints. While cumbersome, it’s an attractive feature and can be used to flex creativity. Speaking of creativity, you can also add frames and choose from an array of filters.

Though it falters in low-light conditions, the Instax mini LiPlay is a solid choice for those who want to shoot in bright conditions and get detailed prints.

Read our full Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay review .

The best instant camera for selfies

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

One of several Fujifilm Instax Mini models in this list of the best instant cameras, the Mini 40 shares many of its specs with the Instax Mini line, but wraps them in a cool retro body. 

It lacks the bells and whistles of some of the other entries here — particularly the entries sitting above it — but what it loses in features it makes up for in ease of shooting; this is a really simple instant camera to get the best from.

Not that it's without any features at all: a selfie mode is a nice extra and there's a constantly firing flash that gives it better skills in low-light conditions than you might expect. 

Most importantly, it takes lovely photos, with vibrant color and generally good exposures. Other instant cameras may do more, but the Instax Mini 40 does its thing with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of style — and all for a great price of less than $100. 

Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 review .

The best instant camera for digital storage

Kodak Smile

This simple and inexpensive digital camera has a number of features we really like: A slide-open mechanism protects the lens and keeps the camera from turning on accidentally; buttons on the back make it easy to navigate menus; and you can review photos on the Smile's small LCD display before opting to print them out.

However, the quality of the prints from the Kodak Smile were a step below other Zink cameras. Whites turned a bit pinkish, and other colors were muted. Also, the digital images stored by the Smile are on the small side. But for $99, the Smile is a good instant camera.

Read our full review of the Kodak Smile camera

The best instant camera for beginners

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

The Instax Mini 12 is an entirely analog experience, with no accompanying smartphone app to make adjustments or send images to another device. That makes it super simple and great for beginners. The camera furnishes just a single adjustment: turning the lens barrel one click sets it to shoot at a normal distance; turning another click sets it for close-ups and selfies.

The flash is always on, which is generally a good thing. But the option to turn it off would be nice to soften the look of close-ups like selfies. Framing shots in the tiny optical viewfinder is a tad tricky. You'll see nothing if your eye is placed even a few millimeters off center.

Images show pleasing colors and definition, and the results are nearly immediate, with photos developing in 90 seconds. At about 75 cents apiece, the photos are affordable, but not the cheapest: Kodak's similarly-sized Zink film, for instance, costs about 50 cents per shot.

Kodak Smile Classic

The Kodak Smile Classic's design riffs on the iconic Polaroid instant camera, but in a slightly more compact design. The thing we liked the most about the Smile Classic is its massive prints, which measure 4.25 x 3.5 inches—very satisfying. While the camera prints out every photo you take with it, you can also use it to print photos from your smartphone, and add filters and stickers in the process. Of course, with larger prints comes more expensive paper, but it's a good tradeoff.

The Kodak Smile Classic is priced much cheaper than the Instax Wide 400, however, we think the handling benefits of the Wide 400, as well as the lovely image quality from the Instax paper make that a better choice.

Read our full Kodak Smile Classic camera review .

Kodak Mini Shot 4 Era

The Kodak Mini Shot 4 Era isn't without its virtues. In testing, we loved the super cheap film and the retro images the camera produces, plus the quick and easy borderless printing via Kodak's companion app. It's a super easy camera to use with a straightforward interface that anyone can pick up and get to grips with. What's more, this camera comes with autofocus and face detection like one of the best mirrorless cameras .

However, we haven't awarded it a place in our top picks (hence why it's in the also tested section). The reasons above are great and all, but this cameras costs nearly $240 when bundled with 10 film cartridges. That's a huge chunk more than its wide rival, the Instax Wide 400. For that money, you'd expect performance on a par with the Instax Wide, right? Well, think again. Unfortunately, print quality isn't great, and versus the Instax Wide 400, the Kodak feels cheap, plasticky and uncomfortable to hold. 

Find out more in our full Kodak Mini Shot 4 Era review .

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The Instax Mini Evo merges the experience of a dedicated digital camera of the 2000s, the fun of 70s and 80s instamatics, and the design aesthetics of 50s and 60s SLRs. With a fake silvery-metal and leatherette finish, plus chunky dials and buttons, it provides tactile satisfaction and quick access to some key settings. The camera has two shutter buttons: one on top for shooting in landscape orientation and one on the front for portrait alignment. You can make many adjustments on the device, including exposure compensation, white balance presets, print style, and toggling off flash and face detection. All those capabilities cost, though: the camera will set you back over $200.

What to look for when buying an instant camera

Instant cameras are not exactly instant. You have to wait at least 90 seconds for the picture to "fill in" to view the finished result, but we often found it took several minutes for the completed image to fully bake, revealing richer color and sharper focus.

Zink vs. Fujifilm Instax

Some instant cameras use the Fujifilm Instax film cartridges, which come in several sizes and varieties. This is the photo paper that Polaroid cameras have traditionally used: the paper is exposed to light, and the chemicals react to produce an image. 

Other instant cameras use Zink paper, which uses heat to activate colors in the paper. The advantage to Zink is that you don’t have to worry about accidentally exposing the paper to light, as you do with Instax film. However, we’ve found that Zink prints tended to be less vibrant overall.

Does it print everything you shoot?

With traditional instant cameras, every photo you took was printed out. That's still the case for a good number of modern instant cameras, but given the cost of film, that approach can be very pricey — 50 cents and higher per shot, in some cases. However, some instant cameras now let you preview each shot so you can decide if you want to print it out or not. It could save you money in the long run.

Digital storage

While not universal, some of the new instant cameras have a microSD card slot, and save a digital copy of every photo you take. Not only does this make it easier to make a second print, but you can also share that photo on social media a lot more easily.

Smartphone app

Still other instant cameras can connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone app. This opens up a few more features, such as the ability to use the camera to print photos taken with your smartphone, add filters, stickers, and more.

How we test instant cameras

We test instant cameras in the same way we test full mirrorless cameras: that is to say, we put them through their paces. Obviously, we look at how much the camera costs, but we also consider how much money you're going to spend in the long term, too, with things like film cost, ink cartridge prices and battery expenditure.

Then we test the cameras in a range of scenarios to give a complete evaluation of their pros and cons. We'll always test out our instant cameras shooting in the types of places and scenarios you would: indoor selfies with friends, group shots, outdoors in the street and, of course, with any cute pets we come across along the way!

We always make sure to shoot with the cameras in daylight as well as low light to work out how well the cameras perform in challenging conditions. We test out all of their features and components, to see how much control they will give you over exposure and how much creativity they'll offer with things like filters. This naturally allows us to test out the camera's focusing and any other neat features, like screens, audio recording or digital storage. After all this, we'll have a great feel (literally) of what the camera feels like in use, how comfortable it is to hold, and how well its built.

If there's an app, we'll use it to edit our photos, as well as printing smartphone images if we can. Of course, we print out all our instant photos and evaluate the quality of the prints, the aesthetic of the camera filters and film, plus the colors, sharpness and definition. While doing this, we also get a good idea of how long the camera spends printing.

What does all this mean? That you can rest assured we've put the instant cameras in this list through rigorous testing, and the best picks come highly recommended.

Be sure to check out all of our camera picks:

Best cameras | Best DSLR cameras  |  Best action cameras  |  Best waterproof cameras  |  Best point-and-shoot cameras  |  Best mirrorless cameras  |  Best cheap cameras  |  Best GoPro camera | Best GoPro accessories  |  Best drones  |  Best 360 cameras | Best iPhone lenses | Best iPhone tripods | DSLR vs. mirrorless | Best Nikon accessories | Best Sony a6000 accessories

The best apps and software for editing, managing, and sharing your photos: Best photo organizer apps | Best photo storage sites | Best photo editing software | Best photo editing apps  | Best photo collage apps

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Peter is Reviews Editor at Tom's Guide. As a writer, he covers topics including tech, photography, gaming, hardware, motoring and food & drink. Outside of work, he's an avid photographer, specialising in architectural and portrait photography. When he's not snapping away on his beloved Fujifilm camera, he can usually be found telling everyone about his greyhounds, riding his motorcycle, squeezing as many FPS as possible out of PC games, and perfecting his espresso shots. 

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The best instant camera 2024: top retro prints from Polaroid, Instax and more

The best instant cameras for analogue photography

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Best for big prints
• 3. Best hybrid
• 4. Best simple
• 5. Best premium
• 6. Best pocket
• 7. Best retro
• 8. Best for photographers
• 9. Best instant printer
• How to choose
• How we test

Finding the best instant camera takes some thought. From fun point-and-shoots to hybrid models with advanced shooting modes, the instant camera market is more varied than ever. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to help you find the right option for your needs and budget.

Of all the instant cameras we've spent hours testing, our personal favorite is is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 . Its simple controls make it easy for anyone to shoot and share analog prints, plus its film refills are more affordable than others. But we also know it won't be the perfect choice for everyone.

Our guide includes a range of instant cameras, each reviewed by our expert team. We've tested them all in the real world, checking factors such as build quality, ease of use and battery life, as well as the quality of images produced. We’ve distilled the results below, with buying tips to consider when shopping for an instant camera.

Top 3 picks

The summary below will give you an instant overview of the best instant cameras available right now. When you find one that catches your eye, you can use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our in-depth assessment.

The best instant camera overall

With an interface simple enough for anyone to use, the Instax Mini 12 produces lovely prints using low-cost film packs.

Read more below

The best instant camera for big prints

Using big but pricey film, the Polaroid Now+ harnesses Bluetooth app connectivity to unlock another level of creativity.

The best hybrid instant camera

More pocketable than other Instax cameras, the Mini Evo is a retro hybrid that blends digital tricks with point-and-shoot ease.

Best by use-case

The best simple instant camera

Small and simple, the Polaroid Go isn’t the cheapest instant camera, but it is one of the easiest to shoot with on the move.

The best premium instant camera

It’s expensive, but Bluetooth, LiDAR autofocus and full manual controls make this a pro-grade choice for Polaroid fans.

The best pocket instant camera

Canon’s instant hybrid camera uses Zink paper to achieve a slim build, while a built-in ring flash is perfect for party portraits.

The best retro instant camera

Pairing old-school looks with a simple interface, the Instax Square SQ40 produces perfectly formed square prints with vintage warmth.

The best for photographers

Distinctive looks, interchangeable lenses and manual controls make the SL660 a unique concept among instant cameras.

The best instant printer

A fun alternative to an instant camera, the Instax Link Wide lets you select and print colorful photos from your smartphone. 

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor, with more than 15 years’ experience in the photo video industry. As a tech journalist and freelance photographer, Tim has developed an expert working knowledge of what makes an excellent camera. He draws on this know-how when testing the latest instant cameras. Tim notes, “analogue nostalgia isn’t going anywhere. We’re seeing more and more hybrid cameras, which combine the retro appeal of instant photography with the convenience of smartphone connectivity. One key factor to keep in mind is the price of refill packs, which can significantly increase the cost of using an instant camera.” 

• ^ Back to the top

The best instant camera in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for all of the best instant cameras in our list. We've tested each option extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations are genuine.

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid, fujifilm instax mini 12 sample images.

✅ You’re new to instant photography: Easy to use and affordable to refill, the Instax Mini 12 is an accessible route into analogue shooting.

✅ You want rich vintage prints: Using the Fujifilm’s colorful Instax film, the Mini 12 produces lovely party prints with a rich vintage look.

❌ You shoot in sunlight a lot: The Mini 12 tends to overexpose images in bright sunlight, which isn’t helped by the always-on flash.

❌ You like perfect ergonomics: Its smooth, bubble-like design makes the Mini 12 a tricky, slippery camera to hold, and fiddly for selfies. 

We think the ideal instant camera should be easy to use, comfortable to hold and capable of producing attractive prints at a reasonable price. Picking up where the Instax Mini 11 left off, Fujifilm ’s latest effort gets even closer to perfection. It turns on with a twist of the lens, which is more intuitive than previous editions. You still get the useful option of pulling the lens out to engage close-up mode, while the addition of parallax correction improves viewfinder accuracy, so what you see when framing is closer to what’s actually printed.

We found in our review that it still tends to overexpose snaps in bright sunlight, but repositioned exposure and flash sensors mean your fingers are less likely to affect readings, even accounting for the slightly slippery body. While prints can feel small, the Instax Mini 12 makes it easy for newbies to capture vibrant party snaps at a relatively low cost. If you’d prefer similar performance with a retro flavor, we suggest looking at the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 . 

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 review

2. Polaroid Now+

Polaroid now+ sample images.

✅ You want larger prints: The 3.1in square format of Polaroid prints is generous, and larger than the rival Fujifilm Instax format.

✅ You like lots of modes: The option to experiment with lens filters and shooting modes in the partner app adds creative potential.

❌ You have a small budget: When you factor in the cost of film refills, the Polaroid Now Plus is an expensive camera to run.

❌ You want a portable camera: With the classic Polaroid look, the Now Plus is a relatively bulky bit of kit that’s too big for a pocket.

Combining the boxy form factor, dual-lens autofocus and detailed image quality of the Polaroid Now with the Bluetooth connectivity of the OneStep+, we think the revamped Now+ is Polaroid’s most complete instant camera to date. Connecting to the updated smartphone app unlocks a realm of creative shooting modes: in addition to self-timer, double exposure, light painting and manual modes, there’s now an aperture propriety option for experimenting with depth of field, as well as a tripod setting for use with the screw mount underneath. 

While the Now+ remains as easy to use as any point-and-shoot, we found in our review that it’s also a great option for getting creative. What limits this creativity somewhat is the cost of Polaroid I-Type film, which makes you think twice about wasting shots. But when you get it right, we found in testing that results are just as instant photos should be: delicious, vintage-style squares that are large at 4.2x3.4in (with a 3.1in image area).

Read our in-depth Polaroid Now+ review

3. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

Fujifilm instax mini evo sample images.

✅ You value creative potential: With a wide range of filter and effect combinations, the Mini Evo is ideal for trying different styles.

✅ You want a connected camera: Though it works as a standalone camera, the Mini Evo can pair with your smartphone as a portable printer.

❌ Image quality matters: Its low-resolution sensor makes the Mini Evo a better choice for personal printed snaps than social sharing.

❌ You don’t need digital: The Instax Mini 40 has a similar vintage look and none of the connected tricks, plus a cheaper price tag.

If you're looking for a camera that mixes the charm of instant photography with the convenience of digital shooting, the Instax Mini Evo is a fine choice. Its digital image quality won't beat your smartphone, but that's not the point. The main benefit here is being able to decide which shots you print out, to avoid wasting precious film. Based on our time with it, we think the Mini Evo is also one of the most attractive instant cameras on the market – and more compact than Fuji's other models.

Another great party trick is the Mini Evo's ability to double as a printer for your smartphone snaps. There's also an option to apply numerous built-in effects and filters before you hit the print button. While these digital elements mean the Instax Mini Evo doesn't offer a 'pure' instant photography experience – and is more complex than alternatives like the Instax Mini 11 – we found that its versatility and charm more than compensate for those who want something more than a point-and-shoot.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review

4. Polaroid Go

Polaroid go sample images.

✅ You want a compact instant camera: Scaled-down dimensions make the Polaroid Go the most portable instant camera in this list.

✅ You want point-and-shoot simplicity: With a small form factor and just a few buttons, the Polaroid Go is straightforward to use.

❌ You want a macro mode: Fixed focus is fine for selfies, but the lack of a macro mode makes it tricky to shoot close-up subjects.

❌ You want affordable refills: Polaroid Go film is around 25% more expensive per shot than Fujifilm’s Instax Mini.

The Polaroid Go fits easily in the palm of your hand, making it a fantastic point-and-shoot instant camera to travel with. That doesn't mean it's basic, though: essentially a smaller version of the Polaroid Now , it benefits from many of the same features. That includes self-timer and double-exposure modes, which should please more advanced photographers, as well as instant beginners. It also uses a real chemical development process for authentic analogue prints, in a square format like I-Type film – only significantly smaller.

One thing that hasn't made the cut is autofocus. As we found in our review, that means there's a greater chance you'll get blurry results, especially if you don't keep a good distance from your subject. It's not the cheapest option, either: at launch, it cost roughly the same as the full-size Polaroid Now, making it a lot pricier than the entry-level Fuji Instax Mini 11 was at the time. Still, we think that's a figure worth paying if you want an instant camera you can take just about anywhere.

Read our in-depth Polaroid Go review

5. Polaroid I-2

Polaroid i-2 sample images.

✅ You want manual controls: Unlike most instant cameras, the Polaroid I-2 gives you full control over shutter speed and aperture settings.

✅ You want reliable autofocus: Even with a single AF point, the I-2 is very good at locking on to subjects nearby and far away.

❌ You’re on a budget: Thanks to its advanced features, the Polaroid I-2 is premium camera with expensive film costs to match.

❌ You need a compact option: Bulky in the hand and in a bag, the Polaroid I-2 is the biggest instant camera around right now.

The Polaroid I-2 is a premium shooting tool with advanced features: it’s the first instant camera to offer full manual exposure controls. Together with seamless Bluetooth app connectivity, LiDAR autofocus and an LCD display, it unlocks new potential for serous instant photographers. In testing, we found it capable of producing subtle, vintage-style prints, and even with just a single AF point, the LiDAR system proved surprisingly effective at locking on to subjects, provided they were in the center of the frame.

That said, our review also found the I-2 bigger and heavier than its cheaper rivals. It was too cumbersome to use with one hand in testing, though it felt durable overall and retained that all-important retro charm. We also found results less consistent than from Instax cameras we’ve tested, with many stills shot on auto overexposed. Shutter speed and aperture controls mean experienced photographers have more flexibility to find a better balance, although you’ll need to spend a lot on film to learn what works. Its price will put off amateurs, but if you want an advanced instant camera that’s creatively engaging, the I-2 is a solid choice.

Read our in-depth Polaroid I-2 review

6. Canon Ivy Cliq+ / Zoemini S

✅ You want app connectivity: Combining the fun of film with the versatility of digital, the Cliq+ doubles up as a Bluetooth printer.

✅ You like a pocket-friendly design: Miniature dimensions make the Canon Ivy Cliq+ an easy smartphone companion to travel with.

❌ You want a quick camera: Slow to start up and sluggish to shoot an image, the Cliq+ is much slower than the Instax Mini 12.

❌ You value outright image quality: Though its prints are detailed, the 8MP sensor can’t compete with a flagship smartphone.

Canon 's first instant effort blends analogue printing with digital smarts. The zero ink paper it uses doesn't need exposing to light like regular instant film, so the camera can be much smaller. This is a truly pocket-sized option, beating even Fuji's Instax Mini LiPlay for portability. A built-in LED ring flash helps you take pleasing portraits, the mirrored lens barrel is made for selfies, and automatic focusing means this a great party camera. That said, we found in testing that it can be sluggish to start up, and printing a picture takes around 10 seconds – much slower the Fuji Instax Mini 12, for example. 

Still, we found its credit card-sized prints detailed, with colors resembling a traditional 35mm photo. Battery life typically stretches to two packs of 10 images, but even with an SD card installed, it won't take any more pictures once you're out of film. From our hands-on time with it, we found the 8MP sensor is merely on par with today's entry-level smartphones, and with no built-in screen, you'll need a computer to review your digital snaps. While it's a lot simpler than other hybrid cameras, being able to use it as a Bluetooth printer for your smartphone does give it an edge over bulkier instant cameras. It's sensibly priced, too. By using one of our Canon discount codes , you could bring the price down even further. 

7. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

Fujifilm instax square sq40 sample images.

✅ You like its looks: Its classic retro design perfectly matches its analogue prints, making the SQ40 a stylish choice for those that care.

✅ You want retro party prints: It’s easy for anyone to take decent images with the SQ40, and Fujifilm Instax prints give lovely vintage vibes.

❌ You want creative control: The SQ40 is a point-and-shoot solution, with little room for manual adjustments or technical creativity.

❌ You’re on a tight budget: At almost twice the price of the Instax Mini 12, the SQ40 is significantly pricier than alternatives in this list.

In many ways, we think the Fujifilm Instax SQ40 is everything that an instant camera should be. For starters, its old-school design is both stylish and easy to use. The body is relatively chunky, but it features a small contour on the rear that we found makes it easier to hold than the Mini 12. We didn’t find too much opportunity for creativity during our review, but the payoff is point-and-shoot simplicity. There are just two modes to choose between: standard and selfie. The latter adjusts the focus distance to 0.3-0.5m for close-up shots.

The Instax SQ40 handles brightness automatically, generally adjusting well in all but bright sunlight, where it can overexpose a bit. We did find its fixed angle of view slightly tight, too, but parallax correction at least means what you’re seeing through the viewfinder is essentially what you’ll get printed out. And the 62 x 62mm square prints the SQ40 produces deliver exactly the desaturated, vintage vibes you’d expect from a retro camera. It’s pricey, but the SQ40 is a fantastic party camera that almost anyone can use.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax SQ40 review

The best instant camera for photographers

8. nons sl660, nons sl660 sample images.

✅ You want creative control: Manual focus and exposure controls, plus a hotshoe and manual eject, unlock a lot of creative potential.

✅ You want to try different lenses: Thanks to its Canon EF mount, the Nons SL660 works passively with a huge number of lenses.

❌ You need a portable camera: Twice as heavy as the Instax SQ40, the Nons SL660 is as bulky as instant cameras get.

❌ You’re have a limited budget: The SL660 is the most expensive instant camera in our list, yet it still uses Instax Square film.

In an increasingly crowded instant camera market, the Nons SL660 is unique: a manual SLR model with a passive Canon EF mount. Besides Nons’ own lenses, that means you can use it with a number of compatible older lenses, giving you the option to shoot at different focal lengths. For creative photographers, we found the ability to manually control exposure and focus complements this flexibility, as does the eject control, which unlocks the ability to produce multiple exposures.

There are a few features we found missing in our review. An ND filter is a must-have, otherwise the SL660 struggles significantly in bright light. We also felt the absence of built-in flash, although the standard hotshoe mount means you can add your own. More broadly, the fact that the SL660 shoots on standard Instax Square film limits the quality to that of its cheaper rivals. Add the fact that it’s bulky, heavy and more expensive than anything in this list, and you can see that it’s a niche option. Many users will find better value from a simpler point-and-shoot. But if you appreciate creative control and want something distinctive, the SL660 has a lot going for it.

Read our in-depth Nons SL660 review

Alternatively...

9. fujifilm instax link wide, fujifilm instax link wide sample images.

✅ You want prints from your camera roll: The Instax Link Wide is built to produce big instant prints via Bluetooth from your smartphone photos.

✅ You want a portable option: A straightforward app, built-in battery and tidy design make the Instax Link Wide a convenient travel printer.

❌ You want affordable prints: Instax Wide film is the most expensive of all Fujifilm’s instant formats, and the costs quickly add up.

❌ You want the full instant experience: The Instax Link Wide makes prints from digital images, rather than analogue from start to finish.

An instant photo printer is smaller than an instant camera, and lets you print directly from your smartphone. That usually means better image quality and portability. And because the Instax Link Wide prints on Fuji's largest format, you get more impactful prints. The Link Wide is controlled entirely through the smartphone app, allowing you to edit your images before printing. It also has a built-in battery that's good enough for up to 100 prints between charges, although in our review we found that it needs several hours of mains power before it's fully charged.

Because it develops photos, rather than printing them like an inkjet, we found that each one benefits from the signature contrast-heavy and colorful style we expect from instant film. We did have to wait a minute or two between pressing print on our phone and the final image appearing, but that's arguably part of the charm of instant film. We think it's a better buy than the Instax Wide 300 camera, which hasn't seen an update in eight years and is rather cumbersome to use. If you want the biggest instant photos possible, this is arguably the best way to go about it.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Link Wide review

How to choose the best instant camera for you

How to choose the best instant camera

While most instant cameras are simple to use and relatively affordable, there are still a few key things to think about when picking the best instant camera for your needs and budget.

The cheapest models will usually amount to little more than toy cameras with basic point-and-shoot settings. These are fine if you just want a straightforward camera for fun party snaps. But you’ll need to spend a little more for modes like macro-focusing, while the higher-end is where you’ll find hybrid digital functionality. This allows you to hook up your camera to a smartphone for further creative controls – or to produce physical prints from your smartphone’s camera roll.

Print quality and size are also worth considering. Although no instant brand delivers super-accurate results (that’s part of the vintage charm), Instax arguably produces the most natural images. Polaroid prints tend to have a dreamier look, which can be just as appealing, depending on your preferences. Films also come in different sizes to suit specific cameras, so it’s worth considering whether you’ll want pocket-sized prints or something bigger.

While instant cameras are generally affordable, you’ll need to factor in the cost of film. It can add up pretty quickly, so pay attention to the price per pack – and think about how many pictures you’re likely to shoot on a regular basis. Polaroid film tends to be pricier than Instax – for the price of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots, you can get two packs of ten Instax Mini film. 

Some instant cameras with digital screens or smartphone connectivity allow you to preview your shots before printing them out, to dramatically reduce wastage (and therefore the cost of dud snaps).

What is the difference between Polaroid and Instax?

Polaroid and Fujifilm's Instax are the two biggest brands in instant cameras. While both use similar technology, using chemical reactions that self-develop each image in your hand, the main difference between them is the type of film their cameras take.

Polaroid cameras take one or two types of film: the larger I-Type, which produces square format photos, and the newer 'Go' film, used by its tiny Polaroid Go camera. You can choose between color and black-and-white film, along with a range of different border colors.

Instax cameras offer a wider variety of film types: there's Instax Mini, Square and Wide film. Like Polaroid's film, these can't be mixed and matched between cameras, so choosing your preferred film type is an important part of picking the right instant camera for you.

Which is the best type of film? Polaroid's I-Type has the edge for size, but Instax film tends to work out as a little more affordable. For example, for the price of a single pack of eight color Polaroid I-Type shots, you can get two packs of ten Instax Mini film. 

For a full comparison between the instant camera brands, check out our Polaroid vs Instax guide. And to compare the sizes of all the different Polaroid and Instax film types, check out our full ranked list below.

Which instant camera film is the best?

1. Instax Mini The most common instant film format, producing pictures measuring just 62 x 46mm.

2. Instax Square Fuji's take on the square format film popularized by Polaroid. Camera support for these 62 x 62mm photos is more limited.

3. Instax Wide Twice the size of instax mini and twice the price, but photos measure a meatier 99 x 62mm. 

4. Polaroid I-Type Designed for use in the Impossible I-1and OneStep 2, I-Type film packs don’t have batteries built in, so can't be used with vintage Polaroids.

5. Polaroid Go Polaroid's answer to Instax Mini, the Polaroid Go film measures 66.6mm x 53.9 mm and is designed to work with the camera of the same name.

6. Polaroid 600 Film designed for vintage Polaroid 600-type cameras. It can also be used in the Impossible I-1 and OneStep 2.

7. Polaroid Zink 2x3 Credit-card sized instant film that uses heat-sensitive ink to produce images. Colors are more traditional than Instax. Compatible with many Zink-based cameras and printers.

Are new instant cameras still being made?

Instant cameras might seem a little old-school in 2024, but they're definitely still being made. In fact, they’re an increasingly popular photography format. Inspired by retro cameras from the days when analogue film was the norm, these modern remakes are designed to recapture the accessible fun of point-and-shoot photography.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to buy an instant camera in 2024. Unlike smartphone photography, instant cameras give you a physical print to hold in your hands straight away, stick on the fridge or share with your friends. It’s a novel, tactile way to reconnect with photography’s fun factor.

Another bonus is how easy it is to shoot with an instant camera. The best options are really simple to use, making it straightforward to capture warm vintage prints. Most feature just a handful of buttons and limited shooting modes, leaving you free to focus on framing. What’s more, instant cameras tend to be available at much more affordable prices than compact cameras. That means they can be a great way for kids to get into photography, too.

Analogue photography has enjoyed a revival in recent years, and the trend shows no signs of going away any time soon. Instant cameras let you have a slice of the throwback pie without the steep learning curve, expense and hassle of more complicated film photography techniques.

How we test instant cameras

☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed ☑️ 15 years of product testing ☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total ☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

When it comes to testing instant cameras, real-world use is top of the list. That’s why we handle every camera in a range of scenarios. We consider factors such as build quality, as well as how each one feels in the hand. 

Because instant cameras are often used by beginners, we also evaluate how user-friendly a camera is, and whether actions such as taking a photo or changing modes are intuitive. For more advanced instant cameras, we’ll also explore any creative shooting modes, such as manual exposure controls, color filters and focus options.

Other factors we keep in mind are how quickly a camera produces prints, how long its battery lasts and how well its flash fairs. For cameras with smartphone connectivity, we’ll check how easy it is to connect to their partner app, as well as testing out any additional features, such as light painting or double exposures, to see how they perform in practice.

Although resolution isn’t such an important consideration with instant cameras, we do assess the quality of the prints they produce. We look for consistency of quality and color reproduction, as well as considering the overall feel of prints produced by an instant camera and its film. We’ll keep a keen eye on how rich and vibrant prints appear.

To do this, we’ll load up a camera with film and take it out for a day of instant photography. We take a range of shots of different subjects, from party portraits to high-contrast scenes, to get a good idea of the kind of colors and detail you can expect.

Based on the outcomes of all our tests, we’ll form an overall view of a given camera. We’ll consider its individual merits and how well it stacks up against the competition, as well its overall value for money, to see where it fits among the best instant cameras.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

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Home / Features / Which instant camera should you buy? The best cameras for instant photography

Which instant camera should you buy? The best cameras for instant photography

Shoot, print, smile, repeat

Cameras might be faster, sharper and more powerful than ever. But nothing beats the nostalgia of waiting for a grainy analogue print to appear from the bottom of a retro instant camera. Archaic as they might sound, instant cameras are more popular now than they were in their heyday. And with their brilliant blend of retro style, funky filters and kid-friendly controls, it’s easy to see why.

Keen to hop aboard the shoot-print-share express? From Fujifilm to Polaroid, many top camera makers are getting back into instant. We’ve tested out our favourites to help you pick a winner. Say cheese!

• Best action camera: top rugged cams from GoPro, DJI and Insta360

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 (£80)

What’s the story?

The Instax Mini 12’s fun factor starts with the blobby design, which comes in five pastel shades. Simply rotate the lens ring between off, on and close-up modes; there’s a selfie mirror by the lens, so you can check yourself out before hitting the shutter button. Mini film starts at £15 for 20 shots (8.6×5.4cm), and Fuji’s app lets you scan and digitise prints for online sharing.

Is it any good?

As well as being a cute bubble of a camera to look at and hold, the Mini 12 is a blast to use and I was impressed with the prints I got from it – clear with good colours. Auto exposure worked well indoors and out, but the star is the close-up mode, which takes the shot just as you see it. Combined with the mirror, this means you always get a great selfie.

Stuff Says…

A well-priced and likeable instant camera that takes particularly good close-ups

Polaroid Now+ (£140)

A Bluetooth-connected version of the Polaroid Now (below), this is the retro camera firm’s most advanced snapper to date. It replaces Polaroid’s previous connected cam, the OneStep+. Pairing it with the revamped iOS and Android app gives you access to a range of fresh creative features. For the first time, Polaroid has thrown in an accessory pouch stuffed with snap-on lens filters – and in another lo-tech boon, the maker has even seen fit to ship a protective lens cap.

You can use the Now+ without the app, but hooking up to your phone gives you lots more options. An updated Manual mode means you can tinker with settings, while the excellent Aperture function lets you tweak depth of field settings for artfully blurred backgrounds. For action shot aficionados, the app also packs a new Tripod setting for capturing motion blur.

There’s also a handy remote control and self-timer for taking selfies, while the souped-up autofocus and dynamic flash are excellent for nabbing great shots with minimal effort. The snap-on lens filters – in blue, yellow, orange, red vignette and starburst effect – are perfect for adding a pop of colour or special effects if you’re feeling artsy.

Fujifilm Instax SQ1 (£120)

Fujifilm’s credit card-sized Instax snaps are great, but a little on the small side. That’s where the SQ1 comes in, bringing its larger square-shaped prints to the party. They’re not quite as big as a full-sized Polaroids, but they’re certainly moving in the right direction. The SQ1 sports a simple but chic square design which ships in three tasteful shades – Glacier Blue, Terracotta Orange and Chalk White.

Twisting out the lens from the camera body turns the power on – and then you’re ready to go. The snapper takes care of the tricky stuff for you, with auto exposure selecting the best shutter speed and flash setting based on the surrounding light levels. This means even the most ham-fisted operator is pretty much guaranteed a sharp shot every time.

Rotating the barrel by an extra click puts you in the self-explanatory ‘One-Touch Selfie Mode’. There’s also a helpful selfie mirror next to the lens to help you frame up your duck lips. There’s no self-timer, multiple exposure mode or other creative options; this really is one for straightforward point-and-shoot fun.

Polaroid Go (£110)

Instant cameras are usually big beasts, so kudos to the design team who spent years trying to fit in all the minuscule components, Tetris-style, to create this titchy style icon. As the world’s smallest analogue instant camera, the Polaroid Go uses the maker’s tiniest film ever, measuring a dainty 67x54mm.

The Go is preposterously cute, rocking Polaroid’s classic white finish and rainbow stripe. The auto flash can be turned off with one tap, while two taps let you snap multiple exposures on the same frame. Wasting no space, a nifty new selfie mirror is overlaid on the viewfinder, while holding down the flash button will set the self-timer. Fiddling with the roll-out shield for the film can be a faff, but it gets easier with practice.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 (£90)

This is pretty much the same camera as Fujifilm’s Instax 11, but with a much cooler design – and a price tag to match. With its quasi-vintage look, it makes shooting with Fuji’s credit-card-sized Instax Mini film a more grown-up experience compared to the My First Camera vibes of its stablemate.

The Mini 40’s pop-out lens means you’re good to go at the touch of a button. And all you need to do for your vanity shots is pull out the lens a little further to activate selfie mode (there’s a mirror for perfecting your pout, but no timer). The lens is top-notch for speedy shots (though we fear it could take a battering if you don’t treat it gently), while auto exposure picks the best shutter speed and flash setting based on the ambient light.

Canon Zoemini S2 (£160)

Printing your snaps on sticky-backed paper, the Zoemini S2 is all about fun. Flick between portrait, outdoor and selfie modes using the top slider, and connect to the Canon Mini Print app for bonus options like collages, circular printouts and adding text; that app also works as a live viewer for those wanting to check composition before printing. The Zink paper is £18 for 20 sheets (7.6x5cm).

Easy to take out and about thanks to its pocketable size, the Zoemini S2 offers decent print quality – not perfect, but charming, with good white balance and exposure adjustment. It’s nice to have the choice of vivid and vintage colour filters, as well as black and white. The sticky prints are fun for fridges, scrapbooks and kids’ walls.

Chic and compact, this one is perfect for scrapbookers, creatives and young dabblers

Polaroid I-2 (£600)

Traditional styling meets 2024 tech in Polaroid’s most impressive and expensive camera yet. Full manual controls, including shutter speed and aperture, are seen via a monochrome OLED screen, which also displays battery life and shot count; another display shows camera and flash modes, a light meter and subject distance. The i-Type film (10.7×8.8cm) is £16 for an eight-pack.

Once you’ve mastered the settings, you’ll be rewarded with amazing Polaroids that you’ll want to show off. As well as the manual controls, I loved the multi-exposure mode, which allows you to stack up to four shots together. The self-timer is a winner for arty self-portraits, auto mode brings consistently good exposure, and the flash is excellent too.

If Ansel Adams had ever had to go to work with an instant, this one would have done fine

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2

More portable than an instant camera, Fuji’s Instax printers can transform smartphone snaps into lovely analogue prints. But this latest version does more than simply spit out pics: with app-enabled tricks, it brings its own dose of connected creativity to proceedings. Support for gesture controls and digital light painting now make it a shooting tool to take on the road.

Small enough to squeeze into a pocket, the Mini Link 2 is perfect for printing on the go – even if the battery lasted for less than Fuji’s predicted 100 prints.

Besides the usual tweaking tools, the app lets you slap filters, stickers and frames onto snaps from your camera roll. Gesture controls are gimmicky, but Instax Air is where the action is: point the printer’s LED at your phone’s camera and you can draw in mid-air. Don’t expect Photoshop quality, but the feature is fun for doodling.

Using source material captured by a smartphone’s sensor means prints are generally sharper than what you get from instant cameras. They won’t worry a proper inkjet, but you’re hardly likely to take one of those down the park.

• Read our full Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 review here

Libby is a freelance journalist with more years of experience than she cares to divulge.She writes for a wide range of publications, from gadget mags to national news titles, and was previously a full-time gadget wrangler (AKA reviews editor).Libby loves film, music and sport (watching, not participating anymore) and is on a constant quest to find the perfect pair of headphones. She has an unwavering ability to back the wrong format and still owns an HD DVD player.

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Review: Capture memories to keep with the HelloBaby Kids Instant Print Camera 

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This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

With a budding photographer - aged three - in our midst, we’re already well-acquainted with the fabulous Groov-e Kids Digital HD Camera (£14.99 at The Range).

We thought we’d take things up a notch as the HelloBaby is a digital camera with photo-printing capabilities .

When our new camera arrived, I thought I’d best set it up and give it a whirl before my toddlers got hold of it. 

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It’s got a great design, with a protective rubber casing featuring cat ears and the two lenses placed to look like cat’s eyes - it’s got an almost Hello Kitty feel. Our camera was baby pink and it also comes in pale blue - and there’s a handy strap so kids can wear the camera and take it wherever they go.

How to Make a Photo Essay: 5 Tips for Impactful Results

A Post By: Christina N Dickson

Want to tell meaningful stories with your photos? That’s what a photo essay is all about: conveying concepts and narratives through a series of carefully chosen images.

While telling a story with photos can be a daunting task, there are several easy tips and techniques you can use in your photo essays to create striking, stunning, eye-opening results.

And that’s what I’m going to share in this article: five photo essay tips that you can immediately apply to your photography. You’ll leave as a better photo essayist than when you arrived!

Let’s get started.

What is a photo essay?

A photo essay is a collection of images placed in a specific order to convey certain emotions , specific concepts, or a progression of events.

In other words:

The photo essay tells stories just like a normal piece of writing , except with images instead of words. (Here, I’m using the term “story” loosely; as mentioned above, photo essays can encapsulate emotions or concepts in addition to traditional, time-based narratives.)

Plenty of world-class photojournalists use photo essays, including Lauren Greenfield, James Nachtwey, and Joachim Ladefoged. But the photo essay format isn’t exclusive to professionals, and photo essays don’t need to cover dramatic events such as wars, natural disasters, and social issues. Whether you are a complete beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional, the photo essay is a great way to bring your images to life, tell relevant stories about your own surroundings, and touch your family, friends, and coworkers.

So without further ado, let’s look at five easy tips to take your photo essays to the next level, starting with:

1. Find a topic you care about

Every good photo essay should start with an idea .

Otherwise, you’ll be shooting without a purpose – and while such an approach may eventually lead to an interesting series of photos, it’s far, far easier to begin with a topic and only then take out your camera.

As I emphasized above, a photo essay can be about anything. You don’t need to fixate on “classic” photo essay themes, such as war and poverty. Instead, you might focus on local issues that matter to you (think of problems plaguing your community). You can also think about interesting stories worth telling, even if they don’t have an activism angle.

For instance, is there an area undergoing major development? Try documenting the work from start to finish. Is there a particular park or nature area you love? Create a series of images that communicate its beauty.

One key item to remember:

Photo essays are most powerful when you, as the photographer, care about the subject. Whether you choose to document something major and public, like an environmental crisis, or whether you choose to document something small and intimate, like the first month of a newborn in the family, make sure you focus on a topic that matters to you .

Otherwise, you’ll struggle to finish the essay – and even if you do successfully complete it, viewers will likely notice your lack of passion.

2. Do your research

The best photo essays involve some real work. Don’t just walk around and shoot with abandon; instead, try to understand your subject.

That way, you can capture a more authentic series of photos.

For instance, if you document a newborn’s first month , spend time with the family. Discover who the parents are, what culture they are from, and their parenting philosophy.

If you cover the process of a school’s drama production, talk with the teachers, actors, and stagehands; investigate the general interest of the student body; find out how the school is financing the production and keeping costs down.

If you photograph a birthday party, check out the theme, the decorations they plan on using, what the birthday kid hopes to get for their gifts.

If you’re passionate about your topic, the research should come easy. You should enjoy learning the backstory.

And then, when it comes time to actually shoot, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of the topic. You’ll know the key players in the story, the key ideas, and the key locations. You’ll be able to hone in on what matters and block out the flashy distractions.

Make sense?

3. Find the right angle

Once you’ve done your research, you’ll know your topic inside and out.

At which point you’ll need to ask yourself:

What is the real, authentic story I want to tell?

Every story has a hundred different angles and perspectives. And trying to share the story from every perspective is a recipe for failure.

Instead, pick a single angle and focus on it. If you’re documenting a local issue, do you want to focus on how it affects children? The physical area? The economy? If you’re documenting a newborn’s first month, do you want to focus on the interaction between the newborn and the parents? The growth of the newborn? The newborn’s emotions?

As you’ll find out during your research, even stories that seem to be completely one-sided have plenty of hidden perspectives to draw on.

So think about your story carefully. In general, I recommend you approach it from the angle you’re most passionate about (consider the previous tip!), but you’re always free to explore different perspectives.

4. Convey emotion

Not all photo essays must convey emotion. But the most powerful ones do.

After all, think of the stories that you know and love. Your favorite books, movies, and TV shows. Do they touch you on an emotional level?

Don’t get me wrong: Every photo essay shouldn’t cover a sappy, heartstring-tugging tale. You can always focus on conveying other emotions: anger, joy, fear, hurt, excitement.

(Of course, if your story is sappy and heartstring-tugging, that’s fine, too – just don’t force it!)

How do you convey emotions, though? There’s no one set way, but you can include photos of meaningful scenes – human interactions generally work well here! – or you can simply show emotion on the faces of your photographic subjects . Really, the best way to communicate emotions through your photos is to feel the emotions yourself; they’ll bleed over into your work for a unique result.

5. Plan your shots

Once you’ve done the research and determined the angle and emotions you’d like to convey, I recommend you sit down, take out a pen and paper, and plan your photo essay .

Should you extensively visualize each photo? Should you walk through the venue, imagining possible compositions ?

Honestly, that’s up to you, and it’ll depend on how you like to work. I do recommend that beginners start out by creating a “shot list” for the essay. Here, you should describe the main subject, the narrative purpose of the image, plus any lighting or composition notes. Once you become more experienced, you can be looser in your planning, though I still recommend you at least think about the different shots you want to capture.

You can start by planning 10 shots. Each one should emphasize a different concept or emotion, but make sure to keep a consistent thread running through every composition; after all, the end goal is to create a powerful series of images that tell a story.

One final tip:

While you should stick to your plan pretty closely, at least at first, don’t ignore the potential for spontaneity. If you see a possible shot, take it! You can later evaluate whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your essay.

Photo essay tips: final words

Now that you’ve finished this article, you know all about what photo essays are, and – hopefully! – how to create a beautiful essay of your own.

Just remember: storytelling takes practice, but you don’t have to be an incredible writer to pull off a powerful photo essay. All you need is a bit of photographic technique, some creativity, and a lot of heart.

Once you start to tell stories with your photos, your portfolio will never be the same!

Now over to you:

Do you have any tips for doing photo essays? Do you have any essays you’re proud of? Share them in the comments below!

Read more from our Tips & Tutorials category

is a visionary artist and philanthropist in Portland Oregon. Her work includes wedding photography www.BrideInspired.com and leadership with www.RevMediaBlog.com .

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How to Create an Engaging Photo Essay (with Examples)

Photo essays tell a story in pictures. They're a great way to improve at photography and story-telling skills at once. Learn how to do create a great one.

Learn | Photography Guides | By Ana Mireles

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Photography is a medium used to tell stories – sometimes they are told in one picture, sometimes you need a whole series. Those series can be photo essays.

If you’ve never done a photo essay before, or you’re simply struggling to find your next project, this article will be of help. I’ll be showing you what a photo essay is and how to go about doing one.

You’ll also find plenty of photo essay ideas and some famous photo essay examples from recent times that will serve you as inspiration.

If you’re ready to get started, let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

What is a Photo Essay?

A photo essay is a series of images that share an overarching theme as well as a visual and technical coherence to tell a story. Some people refer to a photo essay as a photo series or a photo story – this often happens in photography competitions.

Photographic history is full of famous photo essays. Think about The Great Depression by Dorothea Lange, Like Brother Like Sister by Wolfgang Tillmans, Gandhi’s funeral by Henri Cartier Bresson, amongst others.

What are the types of photo essay?

Despite popular belief, the type of photo essay doesn’t depend on the type of photography that you do – in other words, journalism, documentary, fine art, or any other photographic genre is not a type of photo essay.

Instead, there are two main types of photo essays: narrative and thematic .

As you have probably already guessed, the thematic one presents images pulled together by a topic – for example, global warming. The images can be about animals and nature as well as natural disasters devastating cities. They can happen all over the world or in the same location, and they can be captured in different moments in time – there’s a lot of flexibility.

A narrative photo essa y, on the other hand, tells the story of a character (human or not), portraying a place or an event. For example, a narrative photo essay on coffee would document the process from the planting and harvesting – to the roasting and grinding until it reaches your morning cup.

What are some of the key elements of a photo essay?

• Tell a unique story – A unique story doesn’t mean that you have to photograph something that nobody has done before – that would be almost impossible! It means that you should consider what you’re bringing to the table on a particular topic.
• Put yourself into the work – One of the best ways to make a compelling photo essay is by adding your point of view, which can only be done with your life experiences and the way you see the world.
• Add depth to the concept – The best photo essays are the ones that go past the obvious and dig deeper in the story, going behind the scenes, or examining a day in the life of the subject matter – that’s what pulls in the spectator.
• Nail the technique – Even if the concept and the story are the most important part of a photo essay, it won’t have the same success if it’s poorly executed.
• Build a structure – A photo essay is about telling a thought-provoking story – so, think about it in a narrative way. Which images are going to introduce the topic? Which ones represent a climax? How is it going to end – how do you want the viewer to feel after seeing your photo series?
• Make strong choices – If you really want to convey an emotion and a unique point of view, you’re going to need to make some hard decisions. Which light are you using? Which lens? How many images will there be in the series? etc., and most importantly for a great photo essay is the why behind those choices.

9 Tips for Creating a Photo Essay

Credit: Laura James

1. Choose something you know

To make a good photo essay, you don’t need to travel to an exotic location or document a civil war – I mean, it’s great if you can, but you can start close to home.

Depending on the type of photography you do and the topic you’re looking for in your photographic essay, you can photograph a local event or visit an abandoned building outside your town.

It will be much easier for you to find a unique perspective and tell a better story if you’re already familiar with the subject. Also, consider that you might have to return a few times to the same location to get all the photos you need.

2. Follow your passion

Most photo essays take dedication and passion. If you choose a subject that might be easy, but you’re not really into it – the results won’t be as exciting. Taking photos will always be easier and more fun if you’re covering something you’re passionate about.

3. Take your time

A great photo essay is not done in a few hours. You need to put in the time to research it, conceptualizing it, editing, etc. That’s why I previously recommended following your passion because it takes a lot of dedication, and if you’re not passionate about it – it’s difficult to push through.

4. Write a summary or statement

Photo essays are always accompanied by some text. You can do this in the form of an introduction, write captions for each photo or write it as a conclusion. That’s up to you and how you want to present the work.

5. Learn from the masters

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Making a photographic essay takes a lot of practice and knowledge. A great way to become a better photographer and improve your storytelling skills is by studying the work of others. You can go to art shows, review books and magazines and look at the winners in photo contests – most of the time, there’s a category for photo series.

6. Get a wide variety of photos

Think about a story – a literary one. It usually tells you where the story is happening, who is the main character, and it gives you a few details to make you engage with it, right?

The same thing happens with a visual story in a photo essay – you can do some wide-angle shots to establish the scenes and some close-ups to show the details. Make a shot list to ensure you cover all the different angles.

Some of your pictures should guide the viewer in, while others are more climatic and regard the experience they are taking out of your photos.

7. Follow a consistent look

Both in style and aesthetics, all the images in your series need to be coherent. You can achieve this in different ways, from the choice of lighting, the mood, the post-processing, etc.

8. Be self-critical

Once you have all the photos, make sure you edit them with a good dose of self-criticism. Not all the pictures that you took belong in the photo essay. Choose only the best ones and make sure they tell the full story.

9. Ask for constructive feedback

Often, when we’re working on a photo essay project for a long time, everything makes perfect sense in our heads. However, someone outside the project might not be getting the idea. It’s important that you get honest and constructive criticism to improve your photography.

How to Create a Photo Essay in 5 Steps

Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh

1. Choose your topic

This is the first step that you need to take to decide if your photo essay is going to be narrative or thematic. Then, choose what is it going to be about?

Ideally, it should be something that you’re interested in, that you have something to say about it, and it can connect with other people.

2. Research your topic

To tell a good story about something, you need to be familiar with that something. This is especially true when you want to go deeper and make a compelling photo essay. Day in the life photo essays are a popular choice, since often, these can be performed with friends and family, whom you already should know well.

3. Plan your photoshoot

Depending on what you’re photographing, this step can be very different from one project to the next. For a fine art project, you might need to find a location, props, models, a shot list, etc., while a documentary photo essay is about planning the best time to do the photos, what gear to bring with you, finding a local guide, etc.

Every photo essay will need different planning, so before taking pictures, put in the required time to get things right.

4. Experiment

It’s one thing to plan your photo shoot and having a shot list that you have to get, or else the photo essay won’t be complete. It’s another thing to miss out on some amazing photo opportunities that you couldn’t foresee.

So, be prepared but also stay open-minded and experiment with different settings, different perspectives, etc.

5. Make a final selection

Editing your work can be one of the hardest parts of doing a photo essay. Sometimes we can be overly critical, and others, we get attached to bad photos because we put a lot of effort into them or we had a great time doing them.

Try to be as objective as possible, don’t be afraid to ask for opinions and make various revisions before settling down on a final cut.

7 Photo Essay Topics, Ideas & Examples

Credit: Michelle Leman

• Architectural photo essay

Using architecture as your main subject, there are tons of photo essay ideas that you can do. For some inspiration, you can check out the work of Francisco Marin – who was trained as an architect and then turned to photography to “explore a different way to perceive things”.

You can also lookup Luisa Lambri. Amongst her series, you’ll find many photo essay examples in which architecture is the subject she uses to explore the relationship between photography and space.

• Process and transformation photo essay

This is one of the best photo essay topics for beginners because the story tells itself. Pick something that has a beginning and an end, for example, pregnancy, the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the life-cycle of a plant, etc.

Keep in mind that these topics are linear and give you an easy way into the narrative flow – however, it might be difficult to find an interesting perspective and a unique point of view.

• A day in the life of ‘X’ photo essay

There are tons of interesting photo essay ideas in this category – you can follow around a celebrity, a worker, your child, etc. You don’t even have to do it about a human subject – think about doing a photo essay about a day in the life of a racing horse, for example – find something that’s interesting for you.

• Time passing by photo essay

It can be a natural site or a landmark photo essay – whatever is close to you will work best as you’ll need to come back multiple times to capture time passing by. For example, how this place changes throughout the seasons or maybe even over the years.

A fun option if you live with family is to document a birthday party each year, seeing how the subject changes over time. This can be combined with a transformation essay or sorts, documenting the changes in interpersonal relationships over time.

• Travel photo essay

Do you want to make the jump from tourist snapshots into a travel photo essay? Research the place you’re going to be travelling to. Then, choose a topic.

If you’re having trouble with how to do this, check out any travel magazine – National Geographic, for example. They won’t do a generic article about Texas – they do an article about the beach life on the Texas Gulf Coast and another one about the diverse flavors of Texas.

The more specific you get, the deeper you can go with the story.

• Socio-political issues photo essay

This is one of the most popular photo essay examples – it falls under the category of photojournalism or documental photography. They are usually thematic, although it’s also possible to do a narrative one.

Depending on your topic of interest, you can choose topics that involve nature – for example, document the effects of global warming. Another idea is to photograph protests or make an education photo essay.

It doesn’t have to be a big global issue; you can choose something specific to your community – are there too many stray dogs? Make a photo essay about a local animal shelter. The topics are endless.

• Behind the scenes photo essay

A behind-the-scenes always make for a good photo story – people are curious to know what happens and how everything comes together before a show.

Depending on your own interests, this can be a photo essay about a fashion show, a theatre play, a concert, and so on. You’ll probably need to get some permissions, though, not only to shoot but also to showcase or publish those images.

4 Best Photo Essays in Recent times

Now that you know all the techniques about it, it might be helpful to look at some photo essay examples to see how you can put the concept into practice. Here are some famous photo essays from recent times to give you some inspiration.

Habibi by Antonio Faccilongo

This photo essay wan the World Press Photo Story of the Year in 2021. Faccilongo explores a very big conflict from a very specific and intimate point of view – how the Israeli-Palestinian war affects the families.

He chose to use a square format because it allows him to give order to things and eliminate unnecessary elements in his pictures.

With this long-term photo essay, he wanted to highlight the sense of absence and melancholy women and families feel towards their husbands away at war.

The project then became a book edited by Sarah Leen and the graphics of Ramon Pez.

Picture This: New Orleans by Mary Ellen Mark

The last assignment before her passing, Mary Ellen Mark travelled to New Orleans to register the city after a decade after Hurricane Katrina.

The images of the project “bring to life the rebirth and resilience of the people at the heart of this tale”, – says CNNMoney, commissioner of the work.

Each survivor of the hurricane has a story, and Mary Ellen Mark was there to record it. Some of them have heartbreaking stories about everything they had to leave behind.

Others have a story of hope – like Sam and Ben, two eight-year-olds born from frozen embryos kept in a hospital that lost power supply during the hurricane, yet they managed to survive.

Selfie by Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman is an American photographer whose work is mainly done through self-portraits. With them, she explores the concept of identity, gender stereotypes, as well as visual and cultural codes.

One of her latest photo essays was a collaboration with W Magazine entitled Selfie. In it, the author explores the concept of planned candid photos (‘plandid’).

The work was made for Instagram, as the platform is well known for the conflict between the ‘real self’ and the one people present online. Sherman started using Facetune, Perfect365 and YouCam to alter her appearance on selfies – in Photoshop, you can modify everything, but these apps were designed specifically to “make things prettier”- she says, and that’s what she wants to explore in this photo essay.

Tokyo Compression by Michael Wolf

Michael Wolf has an interest in the broad-gauge topic Life in Cities. From there, many photo essays have been derived – amongst them – Tokyo Compression .

He was horrified by the way people in Tokyo are forced to move to the suburbs because of the high prices of the city. Therefore, they are required to make long commutes facing 1,5 hours of train to start their 8+ hour workday followed by another 1,5 hours to get back home.

To portray this way of life, he photographed the people inside the train pressed against the windows looking exhausted, angry or simply absent due to this way of life.

You can visit his website to see other photo essays that revolve around the topic of life in megacities.

Final Words

It’s not easy to make photo essays, so don’t expect to be great at it right from your first project.

Start off small by choosing a specific subject that’s interesting to you –  that will come from an honest place, and it will be a great practice for some bigger projects along the line.

Whether you like to shoot still life or you’re a travel photographer, I hope these photo essay tips and photo essay examples can help you get started and grow in your photography.

Let us know which topics you are working on right now – we’ll love to hear from you!

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Edward Land Essays

$ 79.95

Edwin H. Land is known worldwide for his work in photography, but of equal importance are his writings on polarizers, color vision, business, and education. This collection of his papers is amazing for its scope, insight, and influence. Lillian Christmas initially gathered the articles of Dr. Land [1909-1991] as part of the Rowland Institute for Science’s 80th birthday gift to him. Mrs. Land’s wish to make all of his papers available to the students of Norwich Free Academy led John McCann, past IS&T President, to suggest that the Society for Imaging Science and Technology publish the papers as a set. IS&T is proud to be the publisher of the volumes and acknowledges Mrs. Land as a source of encouragement through the work on these books.

Edwin H. Land’s Essays  is an unique compilation of 76 essays presenting for the first time in a singular collection the major “themes of Land’s life-long preoccupation with science, invention, education, industry and humanity” (Jerome Wiesner, President Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Included with the articles that appeared in 35 books and journals are 16 heretofore unpublished essays and lectures along with Land’s testimony before the Senate Military Affairs Committee at the Joint Hearings on Science Bills in 1945.

Of great interest to many, included in Volume I are the only published listing of all 540 of Land’s patents, 406 in Land’s name alone. Such a special feature along with the 24 pages of colour appendices make Land’s Essays  more than a compilation of research articles and speeches which in and of themselves make for fascinating reading. McCann’s selections provide the reader with a special insight into the life and times of a great inventor, researcher, scientist, and American.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Publisher ‏ : ‎  Society for Imaging Science & Technology; Slp edition (January 1, 1993)
• Language ‏ : ‎  English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎  590 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎  0892081708
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎  978-0892081707
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎  5.5 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎  8.75 x 1.5 x 11 inches

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Medieval history

Modern history, administrative and municipal status, demographics, transportation, notable people, twin towns and sister cities, external links.

Astrakhan was formerly the capital of the Khanate of Astrakhan (a remnant of the Golden Horde ) of the Astrakhan Tatars , and was located on the higher right bank of the Volga, seven miles (11   km) from the present-day city. Situated on caravan and water routes, it developed from a village into a large trading centre, before being conquered by Timur in 1395 and captured by Ivan the Terrible in 1556 and in 1558 it was moved to its present site.

The oldest economic and cultural center of the Lower Volga region, [16] it is often called the southernmost outpost of Russia, [17] and the Caspian capital. [18] [19] The city is a member of the Eurasian Regional Office of the World Organization United Cities and Local Governments . [20] The great ethnic diversity of its population gives a varied character to Astrakhan. The city is the center of the Astrakhan metropolitan area .

The name is a corruption of Hashtarkhan, itself a corruption of Haji Tarkhan ( حاجی‌ ترخان )—a name amply evidenced in the medieval writings. Tarkhan is possibly a Turco-Mongolian title standing for "great khan ", or "king", while haji or hajji is a title given to one who has made the Islamic requisite of pilgrimage to Mecca . Together, they denoted "the king who has visited Mecca". [ citation needed ] The city has given its name to the particular pelts from young karakul sheep , and in particular to the hats traditionally made from the pelts. [ citation needed ]

Colloquially, the city is known by the short form Astra . Another popular nickname is The Caspian Capital . [ citation needed ]

Astrakhan is in the Volga Delta , which is rich in sturgeon and exotic plants. The fertile area formerly contained the capitals of Khazaria and the Golden Horde . Astrakhan was first mentioned by travelers in the early 13th century as Xacitarxan . Tamerlane burnt it to the ground in 1395 during his war with the Golden Horde . From 1459 to 1556, Xacitarxan was the capital of Astrakhan Khanate by the Astrakhan Tatars . The ruins of this medieval settlement were found by archaeologists 12   km upstream from the modern-day city.

Starting in A.D. 1324, Ibn Battuta , the famous Berber Muslim traveler, began his pilgrimage from his native city of Tangier , present-day Morocco to Mecca. Along the 12,100-kilometer (7,500   mi) trek, which took nearly 29 years, Battuta came in contact with many new cultures, which he writes about in his diaries. One specific country that he passed through on his journey was the Golden Horde ruled by the descendants of Genghis Khan , located on the Volga River in southern Russia; which Battuta refers to as the river Athal. He then claims the Athal is, "one of the greatest rivers in the world". In the winter, the Khan stays in Astrakhan. Due to the cold water, Özbeg Khan ordered the people of Astrakhan to lay many bundles of hay down on the frozen river. He does this to allow the people to travel over the ice. When Battuta and the Khan spoke about Battuta visiting Constantinople, which the Khan granted him permission to do, the Khan then gifted Battuta with fifteen hundred dinars, many horses, and a dress of honor. [21] [22]

In 1556, the khanate was conquered by Ivan the Terrible , who had a new fortress, or kremlin , built on a steep hill overlooking the Volga in 1558. This year is traditionally considered to be the foundation of the modern city. [3]

In 1569, during the Russo-Turkish War , Astrakhan was besieged by the Ottomans, who had to retreat in disarray. A year later, the Ottoman sultan renounced his claims to Astrakhan, thus opening the entire Volga River to Russian traffic. [ citation needed ] The Ottoman Empire , though militarily defeated, insisted on safe passage for Muslim pilgrims and traders from Central Asia as well as the destruction of the Russian fort on the Terek River . [23] In the 17th century, the city was developed as a Russian gate to the Orient. Many merchants from Armenia , Safavid Persia , Mughal India , [24] [25] and Khivan Khanate settled in the town, giving it a cosmopolitan character.

For seventeen months in 1670–1671, Astrakhan was held by Stenka Razin and his Cossacks . Early in the following century, Peter the Great constructed a shipyard here and made Astrakhan the base for his hostilities against Persia, and later in the same century Catherine the Great accorded the city important industrial privileges. [26]

The city was held from 1707 by the Cossacks under Kondraty Bulavin during the Bulavin Rebellion until they were defeated the next year. A Kalmuck khan laid an abortive siege to the kremlin several years before that.

In 1717, it became the seat of Astrakhan Governorate , whose first governors included Artemy Petrovich Volynsky and Vasily Nikitich Tatishchev . Six years later, Astrakhan served as a base for the first Russian venture into Central Asia . In 1702, 1718 and 1767, it suffered severely from fires; in 1719 it was plundered by the Safavid Persians; and in 1830, cholera killed much of the populace. [26]

The Astrakhan Kremlin was built from the 1580s to the 1620s from bricks taken from the site of Sarai Berke . Its two impressive cathedrals were consecrated in 1700 and 1710, respectively. Built by masters from Yaroslavl , they retain many traditional features of Russian church architecture, while their exterior decoration is definitely baroque .

In March 1919 after a failed workers' revolt against Bolshevik rule, 3,000 to 5,000 people were executed in less than a week by the Cheka under orders from Sergey Kirov . Some victims had stones tied around their necks and were thrown into the Volga. [27] [28]

During Operation Barbarossa , the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the A-A line running from Astrakhan to Arkhangelsk was to be the eastern limit of German military operation and occupation. The plan was never carried out, as Germany captured neither the two cities nor Moscow . In the autumn of 1942, the region to the west of Astrakhan became one of the easternmost points in the Soviet Union reached by the invading German Wehrmacht , during Case Blue , the offensive which led to the Battle of Stalingrad . Light armored forces of German Army Group A made brief scouting missions as close as 35   km to Astrakhan before withdrawing. In the same period, elements of both the Luftwaffe 's KG 4 and KG 100 bomber wings attacked Astrakhan, flying several air raids and bombing the city's oil terminals and harbor installations.

In 1943, Astrakhan was made the seat of a Soviet oblast within the RSFSR . The oblast was retained as a national province of the independent Russian Federation in the 1991 administrative reshuffle after the dismemberment of the Soviet Union .

In the present day, Astrakhan is a large industrial centre of the Volga country, Russia, with a population of over 500,000. Starting nearly 400 years ago and continuing to the present day, Astrakhan has been Russia's main center of fish processing. The market for fish is a large component of the economy in this city. [29]

Owing to shared Caspian borders, Astrakhan recently has been playing a significant role in the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. As the latter's government has been heavily investing into the wellbeing of the city, Astrakhan has recently begun to symbolize the friendship between both countries. In 2010 a bridge was constructed with donations from Azerbaijan, which was named "Bridge of Friendship". [30] Moreover, Azerbaijani government sponsored secondary school number 11, which carries the name of the national leader Heydar Aliyev , as well as a children's entertainment center named "Dream". [31] Apart from that, a park has been built in the center of Astrakhan which is dedicated to friendship between the two countries. In the last 5 years Astrakhan has been visited by top Azerbaijani delegations on several occasions. [32] [33] [34] [35]

After fraud was alleged in the mayoral election of 2012 and the United Russia candidate was declared the winner, organizers of the 2011–2012 Russian protests supported the defeated candidate, Oleg V. Shein of Just Russia , in a hunger strike . Protestors, buoyed by celebrities who support the reform movement, attracted 5,000 people to a rally on April 14. [36]

Astrakhan is the administrative center of the oblast . [10] Within the framework of administrative divisions , it is incorporated as the city of oblast significance of Astrakhan —an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts . [1] As a municipal division , the city of oblast significance of Astrakhan is incorporated as Astrakhan Urban Okrug . [11]

The city of Astrakhan is further subdivided into four administrative districts: Kirovsky, Leninsky, Sovetsky and Truskovsky.

Astrakhan is the archiepiscopal see of one of the metropolitanates and (as Astrakhan and Yenotayevka) eparchies of the Russian Orthodox Church , its only other suffragan being Akhtubinsk. [ citation needed ] There is also a Catholic community, served by the Church of the Assumption of Mary (Astrakhan) . There is also a substantial Muslim population made up of Astrakhan Tatars and other Muslims. [37] At 1777 the white Mosque was built, [38] and the Baku Mosque was built in 1907–1909.

According to the results of the 2021 Census, the population of Astrakhan was 475,629. [15]

At the time of the official 2021 Census, the ethnic makeup of the city's population was: [39]

The city lies on two banks of the Volga, in the upper part of the Volga Delta, on eleven islands of the Caspian Depression, 60 miles (100 km) from the Caspian Sea. At an elevation of 28 meters (92 ft) below sea level, it is the lowest city in Russia.

Astrakhan features a continental cold semi-arid climate ( Köppen climate classification : BSk ) with cold winters and hot summers. Astrakhan is one of the driest cities in Europe. Rainfall is scarce but relatively evenly distributed throughout the course of the year with, however, more precipitation (58%) in the hot season (six hottest months of the year).

The below sea-level elevation and long distance from the ocean of Astrakhan significantly influences the climate. Winters are cold with average January temperature -3.6 °С (25.5 °F). Summer temperatures in Astrakhan are one of the highest in Russia with average Jule temperature 26.1 °С (79 °F) and may reach 40 °С (104 °F) and higher. The summers are much hotter than found further west on similar latitude in Europe and worldwide for 46°N with the notable exception of the interior Pacific Northwest of the United States. [ citation needed ] The mean annual temperature amplitude (difference between the mean monthly temperatures of the hottest and coldest months) is thus equal to 29.7 °С (85.5 °F) so the climate is truly continental. Spring and fall are basically transitional seasons between summer and winter.

Astrakhan has five institutions of higher education. Most prominent among these are Astrakhan State Technical University and Astrakhan State University .

The city is served by Narimanovo Airport named after Soviet Azerbaijani politician Nariman Narimanov . It is managed by OAO Aeroport Astrakhan. After its reconstruction and the building of the international sector, opened in February 2011, Narimanovo Airport is one of the most modern regional airports in Russia. There are direct flights between Astrakhan and Aktau , Istanbul , St. Petersburg and Moscow.

There is also a military airbase nearby ( Astrakhan (air base) ).

Astrakhan is linked by rail to the north ( Volgograd and Moscow), the east ( Atyrau and Kazakhstan ) and the south ( Makhachkala and Baku). There are direct trains to Moscow, Volgograd, Saint Petersburg , Baku , Kyiv , Brest and other towns. Intercity and international buses are available as well. Public local transport is mainly provided by buses and minibuses called marshrutkas . Until 2007 there were also trams, and until 2017 trolleybuses.

• Luara Hayrapetyan , singer
• Boris Kustodiev , painter
• Joseph Deniker , naturalist and anthropologist
• Ilya Ulyanov , father of Aleksandr Ulyanov and Vladimir Lenin .
• Rinat Dasayev , association football player
• Marziyya Davudova , actress
• Velimir Khlebnikov , poet
• Emiliya Turey , handball player
• Andrei Belyanin , science fiction writer
• Dmitri Dyuzhev , actor
• Maksim Gleykin , former professional football player
• Vasily Trediakovsky , academic, poet, translator
• Tamara Milashkina , soprano
• Valeria Barsova , soprano
• Maria Maksakova, Sr. , mezzo-soprano
• Elena Nikitina , skeleton racer
• Yelena Shalamova , rhythmic gymnast
• Natalia Sokolovskaya , pianist and composer
• Nikolai Petrovich Skarzhinsky Russian Cossack Lieutenant decorated at the Battle of Borodino . [42]
• Pytor Mikhailovich Skarzhinsky Russian general and governor of Astrakhan. [43]

Astrakhan is twinned with:

• Astrakhan Jews
• Astrakhan Tatars

Related Research Articles

Privolzhsky District is the name of several various districts in Russia. The name literally means "something near the Volga".

Krasnoyarsky District is the name of several administrative and municipal districts in Russia:

Akhtubinsk is a town and the administrative center of Akhtubinsky District in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia, located on the left bank of the Akhtuba River, 292 kilometers (181 mi) north of Astrakhan, the administrative center of the oblast. Population: 41,853 (2010 Russian census) ; 45,542 ; 50,261 (1989 Soviet census) ; 30,000 (1968).

Znamensk is a closed town in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 29,401 (2010 Russian census) , 24,628

Narimanov is a town and the administrative center of Narimanovsky District in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia, located on the western bank of the Volga River, 48 kilometers (30 mi) northwest from Astrakhan, the administrative center of the oblast. Population: 11,521 (2010 Russian census) ; 11,202 (2002 Census) ; 11,084 (1989 Soviet census) ; 3,400 (1979).

Kamyzyak is a town and the administrative center of Kamyzyaksky District in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia, located on the Kamyzyak River, 27 kilometers (17 mi) south of Astrakhan, the administrative center of the oblast. Population: 16,314 (2010 Russian census) ; 16,052 (2002 Census) ; 15,084 (1989 Soviet census) .

Volodarsky District is the name of several administrative and municipal districts in Russia. The districts are generally named after V. Volodarsky, a Russian revolutionary and politician.

Chernoyarsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the eleven in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. It is located in the north of the oblast. The area of the district is 4,217.99 square kilometers (1,628.58 sq mi). Its administrative center is the rural locality of Chyorny Yar. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 20,220, with the population of Chyorny Yar accounting for 38.5% of that number.

Ikryaninsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the eleven in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. It is located in the south of the oblast. The area of the district is 1,950 square kilometers (750 sq mi). Its administrative center is the rural locality of Ikryanoye. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 47,759, with the population of Ikryanoye accounting for 21.0% of that number.

Limansky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the eleven in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. It is located in the southwest of the oblast. The area of the district is 5,234 square kilometers (2,021 sq mi). Its administrative center is the urban locality of Liman. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 31,952, with the population of Liman accounting for 28.2% of that number.

Privolzhsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the eleven in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. It is located in the south of the oblast. The area of the district is 840.9 square kilometers (324.7 sq mi). Its administrative center is the rural locality of Nachalovo. Population: 43,647 (2010 Russian census) ; 38,649 ; 38,575 (1989 Soviet census) . The population of Nachalovo accounts for 12.5% of the district's total population.

Yenotayevsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the eleven in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. It is located in the west of the oblast. The area of the district is 6,300 square kilometers (2,400 sq mi). Its administrative center is the rural locality of Yenotayevka. Population: 26,786 (2010 Russian census) ; 27,625 ; 29,093 (1989 Soviet census) . The population of Yenotayevka accounts for 28.4% of the district's total population.

Kharabali is a town and the administrative center of Kharabalinsky District in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia, located on the left bank of the Akhtuba River 142 kilometers (88 mi) northwest of Astrakhan, the administrative center of the oblast. Population: 18,117 (2010 Russian census) ; 18,296 (2002 Census) ; 18,566 (1989 Soviet census) .

Ikryanoye is a rural locality and the administrative center of Ikryaninsky District of Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 10,036 (2010 Russian census) ; 9,925 (2002 Census) ; 9,629 (1989 Soviet census) .

Krasny Yar is a rural locality and the administrative center of Krasnoyarsky District of Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 11,824 (2010 Russian census) ; 10,926 (2002 Census) ; 10,875 (1989 Soviet census) .

Nachalovo is a rural locality and the administrative center of Privolzhsky District of Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 5,451 (2010 Russian census) ; 4,830 (2002 Census) ; 3,922 (1989 Soviet census) .

Volodarsky is a rural locality and the administrative center of Volodarsky District of Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 10,005 (2010 Russian census) ; 9,553 (2002 Census) ; 9,326 (1989 Soviet census) .

Liman is an urban-type settlement and the administrative center of Limansky District of Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 9,024 (2010 Russian census) ; 8,899 (2002 Census) ; 9,185 (1989 Soviet census) .

Volgo-Kaspiysky is an urban-type settlement in Kamyzyaksky District of Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 2,581 (2010 Russian census) ; 2,674 (2002 Census) ; 3,088 (1989 Soviet census) .

Kirovsky is an urban-type settlement in Kamyzyaksky District of Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Population: 2,249 (2010 Russian census) ; 2,259 (2002 Census) ; 2,446 (1989 Soviet census) .

• 1 2 3 4 5 Law #67/2006-OZ
• ↑ Decision #123
• ↑ Charter of Astrakhan, Article   35
• ↑ Charter of Astrakhan, Article   32
• ↑ Official website of Astrakhan. Head of the City Administration Archived May 9, 2015, at the Wayback Machine (in Russian)
• ↑ Russian Institute of Urban Planning. Генеральный план города Астрахань. Основные технико-экономические показатели. Archived October 2, 2013, at the Wayback Machine ( General Plan of the City of Astrakhan. Main Technical Economical Measures ). (in Russian)
• ↑ Russian Federal State Statistics Service (2011). Всероссийская перепись населения 2010 года. Том   1 [ 2010 All-Russian Population Census, vol.   1 ] . Всероссийская перепись населения 2010   года [2010 All-Russia Population Census] (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service .
• ↑ Astrakhan Oblast Territorial Branch of the Federal State Statistics Service . Население Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ( Population ) (in Russian)
• 1 2 Charter of Astrakhan Oblast, Article   9
• 1 2 3 Law #43/2004-OZ
• ↑ "Об исчислении времени" . Официальный интернет-портал правовой информации (in Russian). 3 June 2011 . Retrieved 19 January 2019 .
• ↑ Почта России. Информационно-вычислительный центр ОАСУ РПО. ( Russian Post ). Поиск объектов почтовой связи ( Postal Objects Search ) (in Russian)
• ↑ Charter of Astrakhan, Article   6
• 1 2 "Оценка численности постоянного населения по субъектам Российской Федерации" . Federal State Statistics Service . Retrieved 26 March 2023 .
• ↑ "Официальный сайт органов местного самоуправления" . Archived from the original on 11 December 2013 . Retrieved 14 May 2023 .
• ↑ "В военных подразделениях Астраханской области работают 35 тысяч специалистов — Российская газета — Спецвыпуск № 4762" . rg.ru . October 2008 . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ Howard Amos (17 July 2011). "Astrakhan" . themoscowtimes.com . Archived from the original on 19 September 2018 . Retrieved 18 September 2018 .
• ↑ "Gazprom dobycha Astrakhan to be major partner for Days of Spain in Russia within Astrakhan Oblast" . www.gazprom.com . 8 April 2011. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021 . Retrieved 18 September 2018 .
• ↑ "Публикации – Члены ОГМВ Евразия" . euroasia-uclg.ru . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ " Lands of the Golden Horde & the Chagatai: 1332 - 1333 Archived August 12, 2018, at the Wayback Machine ". University of California, Berkeley (UCB).
• ↑ Batuta, Ibn, and Samuel Lee. The Travels of Ibn Battuta in the Near East, Asia and Africa. pp79
• ↑ Janet Martin, Medieval Russia:980-1584 , 356.
• ↑ "Astrakhan's India Connection" . 16 March 2020.
• ↑ Staff, Homegrown (8 June 2021). "Fascinating Accounts Of Indians In Russia Dating Back To The 17th Century" . Homegrown . Retrieved 14 May 2023 .
• ↑ [books.google.com.sg/books?id=00o2eO8w06oC&pg=PA5]
• ↑ "Archived copy" . Archived from the original on December 22, 2011 . Retrieved March 12, 2012 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: archived copy as title ( link )
• ↑ "Astrakhan" . russia.rin.ru . Retrieved 14 May 2023 .
• ↑ "Heydar Aliyev Foundation - Azerbaijan-Russia Friendship Bridge in Astrakhan" . heydar-aliyev-foundation.org . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ "Azerbaijan, Russian Astrakhan mull relations" . azernews.az . 12 May 2014 . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ APA Information Agency, APA Holding. "APA - Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia met in Astrakhan - PHOTO" . en.apa.az . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ "News.Az - Azerbaijani first lady Mehriban Aliyeva receives Astrakhan Oblast Order of Merit" . news.az . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ "tass.ru/en/world/699466" . tass.ru . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ "Гейдар Алиев на полях сражений Ивана Грозного - астраханские записки Эйнуллы Фатуллаева" . Haqqin . 19 April 2015 . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• ↑ David M. Herszenhorn (14 April 2012). "Moscow Protesters Take Their Show on the Road" . The New York Times . Retrieved 15 April 2012 .
• ↑ "TATAR MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF ASTRAKHAN IN THE EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY" . Retrieved 14 May 2023 .
• ↑ "White Mosque of Astrakhan attraction reviews - White Mosque of Astrakhan tickets - White Mosque of Astrakhan discounts - White Mosque of Astrakhan transportation, address, opening hours - attractions, hotels, and food near White Mosque of Astrakhan" .
• ↑ "Итоги::Астраханьстат" . Retrieved 26 March 2023 .
• ↑ "Pogoda.ru.net (Weather and Climate-The Climate of Astrakhan)" (in Russian). Weather and Climate . Retrieved 8 November 2021 .
• ↑ "Astrahan (Astrakhan) Climate Normals 1961–1990" . National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Retrieved 3 November 2021 .
• ↑ "Генерал Скаржинский и его дети: неизвестное о представителях известного рода" . 19 November 2016.
• ↑ "رشت و آستارا خان خواهر خوانده شدند+ تصاویر | پایگاه خبری تحلیلی 8دی نیوز" . 8deynews.com (in Persian). 28 April 2014 . Retrieved 6 September 2017 .
• Государственная Дума Астраханской области.   Закон   №67/2006-ОЗ   от   4 октября 2006 г. «Об административно-территориальном устройстве Астраханской области», в ред. Закона №46/2017-ОЗ от   5 сентября 2017 г.   «О преобразовании муниципальных образований и административно-территориальных единиц "Лебяжинский сельсовет", "Образцово-Травинский сельсовет", "Полдневский сельсовет" и внесении изменений в Закон Астраханской области "Об установлении границ муниципальных образований и наделении их статусом сельского, городского поселения, городского округа, муниципального района" и Закон Астраханской области "Об административно-территориальном устройстве Астраханской области"». Вступил в силу   по истечении 10 дней со дня официального опубликования. Опубликован: "Сборник законов и нормативных правовых актов Астраханской области", №47, 19 октября 2006 г. (State Duma of Astrakhan Oblast.   Law   # 67/2006-OZ   of   October   4, 2006 On the Administrative-Territorial Structure of Astrakhan Oblast , as amended by the Law   # 46/2017-OZ of   September   5, 2017 On the Transformation of the Municipal Formations and the Administrative-Territorial Units of "Lebyazhinsky Selsoviet", "Obraztsovo-Travinsky Selsoviet", "Poldnevsky Selsoviet", and Amending the Law of Astrakhan Oblast "On Establishing the Borders of the Municipal Formations and on Granting Them the Status of Rural, Urban Settlement, Urban Okrug, Municipal District" and the Law of Astrakhan Oblast "On the Administrative-Territorial Structure of Astrakhan Oblast" . Effective as of   after ten days from the day of the official publication have passed.).
• Государственная Дума Астраханской области.   Закон   №43/2004-ОЗ   от   6 августа 2004 г. «Об установлении границ муниципальных образований и наделении их статусом сельского, городского поселения, городского округа, муниципального района», в ред. Закона №47/2017-ОЗ от   5 сентября 2017 г.   «О внесении изменений в Закон Астраханской области "Об установлении границ муниципальных образований и наделении их статусом сельского, городского поселения, городского округа, муниципального района"». Вступил в силу   через 10 дней со дня официального опубликования. Опубликован: "Астраханские известия", №34, 12 августа 2004 г. (State Duma of Astrakhan Oblast.   Law   # 43/2004-OZ   of   August   6, 2004 On Establishing the Borders of the Municipal Formations and on Granting Them the Status of Rural, Urban Settlement, Urban Okrug, Municipal District , as amended by the Law   # 47/2017-OZ of   September   5, 2017 On Amending the Law of Astrakhan Oblast "On Establishing the Borders of the Municipal Formations and on Granting Them the Status of Rural, Urban Settlement, Urban Okrug, Municipal District" . Effective as of   the day which is 10 days after the official publication.).
• Городская Дума муниципального образования "Город Астрахань".   Решение   №24   от   31 марта 2016 г. «Устав муниципального образования "Город Астрахань"», в ред. Решения №91 от   17 июля 2017 г.   «О внесении изменений в Устав муниципального образования "Город Астрахань"». Вступил в силу   22 апреля 2016 г. (за исключением отдельных положений). Опубликован: "Астраханский вестник", №15, 21 апреля 2016 г. (City Duma of the Municipal Formation of the "City of Astrakhan".   Decision   # 24   of   March   31, 2016 Charter of the Municipal Formation of the "City of Astrakhan" , as amended by the Decision   # 91 of   July   17, 2017 On Amending the Charter of the Municipal Formation of the "City of Astrakhan" . Effective as of   April   22, 2016 (with the exception of certain clauses).).
• Государственная Дума Астраханской области.   №21/2007-ОЗ   9 апреля 2007 г. «Устав Астраханской области», в ред. Закона №49/2017-ОЗ от   25 сентября 2017 г.   «О внесении изменения в статью   17 Устава Астраханской области». Вступил в силу   30 апреля 2007 г. (за исключением отдельных положений). Опубликован: "Сборник законов и нормативных правовых актов Астраханской области", №18, 19 апреля 2007 г. (State Duma of Astrakhan Oblast.   # 21/2007-OZ   April   9, 2007 Charter of Astrakhan Oblast , as amended by the Law   # 49/2017-OZ of   September   25, 2017 On Amending Article   17 of the Charter of Astrakhan Oblast . Effective as of   April   30, 2007 (with the exception of several clauses).).
• Городской Совет города Астрахани.   Решение   №123   от   1 ноября 2000 г. «Об утверждени гимна города Астрахани». (City Council of the City of Astrakhan.   Decision   # 123   of   November   1, 2000 On Adopting the Anthem of the City of Astrakhan . ).
• Kropotkin, Peter Alexeivitch (1911). "Astrakhan (town)"   . Encyclopædia Britannica . Vol.   2 (11th   ed.). p.   795.
• Official website of Astrakhan (in Russian)
• Directory of organizations in Astrakhan (in Russian)
• Old photos of Astrakhan

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Astrakhan Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Astrakhan oblast: Astrakhan .

Astrakhan Oblast - Overview

Astrakhan Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, part of the Southern Federal District, situated in the Caspian Lowlands where the Volga River flows into the Caspian Sea. Astrakhan is the capital city of the region.

The population of Astrakhan Oblast is about 989,400 (2022), the area - 49,024 sq. km.

Astrakhan oblast flag

Astrakhan oblast coat of arms.

Astrakhan oblast map, Russia

Astrakhan oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

4 March, 2020 / Astrakhan - one of the oldest cities in southern Russia .

18 May, 2019 / Colorful summer sunset in the Volga River delta .

4 April, 2019 / Cities of Russia at Night - the Views from Space .

11 May, 2017 / Astrakhan Kremlin after the Restoration .

13 December, 2016 / Astrakhan - the view from above .

More posts..

History of Astrakhan Oblast

In ancient times, the territory of the Astrakhan region was crossed by trade routes of the Persians and the Arabs. In the 8th-10th centuries, the territory belonged to the Khazar Khanate. There is a hypothesis that Itil, the capital of the Khazar Khanate, was located on this territory. It was destroyed by Prince Svyatoslav in 965.

Later, Polovtsy settled on this land. In the first half of the 13th century, the Mongol-Tatars came to the area. After them, Tatars of the Astrakhan Khanate and Kazakhs became the main population of the region.

In 1556, during the reign of Ivan the Terrible, the Astrakhan Khanate was annexed to the Russian state and ceased to exist. Astrakhan krai became the southeastern military outpost of Russia. In particular, in 1569, the Turks unsuccessfully besieged the fortress of Astrakhan.

In the 17th century, trade, fishing and salt industries developed in the region. In the middle of the 17th century, the uprising of Stepan Razin took place on the territory of Astrakhan region. In 1722, near the mouth of the Kutum River, a shipyard called the Astrakhan Admiralty was built. In the 1730s-1740s, the processing of silk and cotton began here.

Astrakhan Oblast was created in 1943. The region gained its current borders in 1957.

Steppe landscapes of Astrakhan Oblast

Astrakhan Oblast scenery

Author: Dvornikov Mikhail

Steppe road in the Astrakhan region

Astrakhan Oblast - Features

Astrakhan Oblast is located in the south-east of the East European Plain within the Caspian Lowlands. It is an area of deserts and semi-deserts. Astrakhan oblast borders on the Volgograd region in the north, the Republic of Kalmykia in the west and Kazakhstan in the east.

It is located on the border between Europe and Asia, the Volga River gives access to five seas. The main cities of the region are Astrakhan (518,700), Akhtubinsk (35,500), Znamensk (25,700), Harabali (17,100).

The climate of Astrakhan Oblast is continental, dry. Winters are with little snow, frequent thaws and unstable snow cover; summers are hot. January is the coldest month, the average temperature is minus 10-20 degrees Celsius. July is the hottest month - the average temperature is plus 35-45 degrees Celsius.

According to the 2010 census, the ethnic composition of the local population is the following: Russians (67.6%), Kazakhs (16.3%) and Tatars (6.6%). Orthodox Christianity is the main religion. However, Muslims also make up a significant group of the population (more than 20%). Historically, this province was a place where Kazakhs and Tatars settled. The largest Kazakh community in Russia lives in the Astrakhan region.

Astrakhan Oblast views

Paved road in Astrakhan Oblast

Author: V.Kildushov

Camels in Astrakhan Oblast

Author: Viktor Grigoriev

The Volga-Don Shipping Canal in Astrakhan Oblast

Author: Kudanov Pavel

Astrakhan Oblast - Economy

Natural resources of the region include natural gas, oil, salt, gypsum.

The industrial complex of Astrakhan, the economic center of the region, includes shipbuilding, pulp and paper industry, fish processing industry. The leading industries are fuel industry, mechanical engineering, power engineering, food industry. Astrakhan gas condensate field, the largest in the European part of Russia, is located in the area. Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant produces gas for cars, diesel and boiler fuel.

Agricultural lands make up more than 3.4 million hectares - the cultivation of tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, courgettes, cucumbers, carrots, beets, onions, cabbage, watermelons. Rice is traditionally grown along the Volga. The leading branch of livestock is sheep breeding.

The region stretches for over 400 km in the form of a narrow stripe on both sides of the Volga-Akhtubinsk flood-lands. Flooded for a long time, the territory of the delta serves as spawning-ground for such fish as sturgeon, stellate sturgeon, white sturgeon and others.

Astrakhan oblast of Russia photos

Pictures of astrakhan oblast.

Lenin Monument in Astrakhan Oblast

Bridge in Astrakhan Oblast

Author: Anatoliy Martyshkin

Church in Astrakhan Oblast

Limanskiy Khurul - the only active Buddhist temple in Astrakhan Oblast

Limanskiy Khurul in Astrakhan Oblast

Author: Moskaluk Vitaly

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