An always-on flash ensures your subject is always brightly lit in all lighting conditions, though it can be a touch overpowering in certain situations. Okay, so now it's time to answer the big question –which is the best instant camera brand, Polaroid or Instax? We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Over time, the chemical composition of expired film may degrade, leading to unpredictable results and camera malfunctions. With several sizes to choose from, as well as an extensive range of compatible cameras, both from Fuji itself and smaller third party manufacturers, Instax is simply the more flexible option.

Polaroid vs Instax: which is the best instant camera brand?

It produced sepia-colored prints in about one minute; color film would take a further two decades to arrive.If those two things aren’t the issue, then it’s possible that there is something obstructing the viewfinder. For experienced photographers, there’s even a full manual mode that gives you complete control over the camera’s aperture, shutter speed and focus. Bring your camera to a qualified technician and they’ll be able to diagnose the issue and get your camera up and running again in no time. If the problem persists, the film ejection system or other internal components may be malfunctioning, and it’s best to contact Polaroid support or a qualified technician. Where the Now+ really sets itself apart is its inclusion of Bluetooth, allowing you to control the camera using Polaroid’s companion smartphone app.

Polaroid 300 Film PIF-300,4.6cm x 6.2cm , 10 Prints Polaroid 300 Film PIF-300,4.6cm x 6.2cm , 10 Prints

If you’re having flash-related issues, such as the flash not firing, it’s best to refer to the camera’s user manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your model. Polaroid still sells refurbished versions of some of its classic models, like this Polaroid 600 OneStep. This table compares various indicators and potential causes when a Polaroid camera’s flash is constantly flashing red.

Always check the expiration date of your film and avoid using expired film to ensure optimal performance and image quality. We test each camera in a range of environments and under a variety of different lighting conditions. If you’ve already replaced the battery and the red light is still flashing, there might be an issue with the battery connection or the camera’s internal electronics. So strong is this desire to snap old-school shots that analogue has made a significant comeback over recent years. Given its limited support, Instax Wide largely appeals to instant photography fans who own multiple cameras.

top Polaroid and Instax cameras Best instant camera 2023: The top Polaroid and Instax cameras

Many photographers also grew to love the distinctive, almost ethereal color balance and tonal range of instant film.

This coincided with the arrival of the earliest digital cameras, an industry change the Japanese company was far more prepared for than Polaroid. Measuring 105mm long, 84mm wide and 61mm tall, the Go is not only Polaroid’s smallest camera to date but the smallest analogue instant camera on the market. Both the Now and OneStep+ use I-Type film, but the former's autofocus lens makes it more of a point-and-shoot camera aimed at newcomers to the medium. Once the lens element is pulled out to turn the camera on, the shutter button at the front is activated and when it's pressed, a single frame is exposed and emerges at the top of the camera, just like you remember. A classic affliction of the Instax Minis: in low light conditions, the flash makes the background a bit too dark (a flaw that was finally eliminated with the Mini 11).

Polaroid 300 Instant Film (10 Photos) - Bristol Cameras Polaroid 300 Instant Film (10 Photos) - Bristol Cameras

To fix this, you’ll need to take your camera to a professional to have the shutter repaired or replaced.This may change once the wallet-friendly Polaroid Go establishes itself, but for now, Instax is the overall winner in our book. First of all, if you think of Polaroid 300 as an instant widescreen camera, you will probably find what you are looking for here: Instax Wide 300. When the Polaroid company announced in 2008 that it would no longer produce film for instant cameras, the Polaroid brand seemed to be at an end.