5 best instant cameras for Mother’s Day – treat Mom to retro photography gifts and memory making
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, many of us will be looking to find the perfect gift. It’s not always an easy task – anyone who wants to break the cycle of ordinary flowers and chocolates will need some inspiration.
One of the gifts I was most excited to give was an instant camera. These little boxes of joy are great fun for anyone, with easy functionality and a body image you can hold and love in the end.
1. Polaroid Flip
(Photo credit: Sam Cross)
In my humble opinion, this is the best fast camera on the market right now. It’s a lot cheaper than the pro-grade Polaroid I-2, but it still offers a lot of testing features.
Those are slightly hidden, however, which helps ensure that this camera isn’t too loud. There are only three buttons, easy enough for anyone – yes, even Moms with flip phone cases that scroll with one index finger.
Bonus points here for using Sonar autofocus, too. That was big back in the 1970s and 1980s for Polaroid, and it’s back here to deliver cool, cool photos.
THE MOVIE: Polaroid Film Type
2. Instax Wide 400
(Photo credit: Sam Cross)
Hands down my favorite camera in the Instax lineup right now is the Instax Wide 400. Why? Well, to put it simply: because it’s the only one that uses the Instax Wide frame.
That’s the largest Instax format – the same size as a Polaroid, although it’s horizontal rather than square. It’s a very simple camera, and the resulting images are large enough to be viewed without glasses.
THE MOVIE: Instax wide film
3. Polaroid Go (Gen 2)
(Photo credit: Sam Cross)
If you’re looking for the dinkiest instant camera on the market, congratulations – you’ve got it in the Polaroid Go (Gen 2). This is my personal go-to as it’s small enough to fit in bags and even large pockets, making it the perfect everyday camera to carry.
The film it uses is also surprisingly small, taking the classic Polaroid frame and shrinking it to give you unmatched retro vibes at a low price. This format is very underrated.
THE MOVIE: Polaroid Go Film
4. Instax Mini 99
(Photo credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
It’s the only camera on this list that I own I didn’t personally, the legend of the Instax Mini 99 precedes it. Considered by many to be the best example of an Instax analogue camera right now, it’s perfect for those looking for a premium experience.
I love the quirky lights on the frame, which allow you to mimic some of the soft colors of Polaroid, while the three-point focus system and exposure compensation ensure that this is a system that can grow with you as you get more creative.
THE MOVIE: Instax Mini Film
5. Instax Mini Link+
(Photo credit: Fujifilm Instax)
As something of a curveball at number five, the newly launched Instax Mini Link+ is not a camera. Instead, this small printer allows you to get a quick photo printed from any other phone or camera.
This is perfect for anyone who likes the idea of gifting a camera, but knows it won’t actually be used as a phone replacement. This is the latest addition to the range, too, which should ensure it remains supported for years to come.
THE MOVIE: Instax Mini Film
