We may be experts in iPhone photography, but we’re also an authority on snapping instant pics for fun. We’ve tested lots of instant cameras and know what you’re looking for when it comes to choosing what instant camera is right for you.
Polaroid Snap
Durable instant camera
Pros
- A simple-to-use instant camera
- Can use a microSD for storage (32GB)
Cons
- No selfie mirror
- Prints 15-25 photos per charge
The Polaroid Snap is an entry-level instant camera that allows you to print photos as you take them or you can save them to a microSD for later use. The film for this camera is relatively inexpensive.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Functional
Pros
- Can print up to 100 prints before needing new batteries
- Selfie mirror
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Film is expensive
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a practical and affordable instant camera that allows you to express yourself through a variety of colors and fast-printing photography. The downside? The film is pricey, and the camera isn’t very sturdy.
The Polaroid Snap and Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 are starter instant cameras for kids and adults alike. Both are good at what they do, but one outshines the other, as you’ll see below.
The choice
When deciding between these two cameras, you’re making a choice between one ecosystem over the other. You’re also deciding whether being able to store your photos for later use is essential, and whether you want a camera with a rechargeable battery or not.
| Polaroid Snap | Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.52 ounces | 10.8 ounces |
| Paper | Zink | Instax |
| Photo size | 2×3 inches | 2.44×1.81 inches |
| Colors | 7 | 5 |
| Charging time | 2.5 hours | N/A |
| Battery | Rechargeable | 2 AA |
| Prints per charge | 15-20 | 100 |
| No. of sheets it holds | 10 | 10 |
| Price per print | around $0.70 | around $1 |
| microSD | Yes | No |
Although the Polaroid Snap is more expensive than the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, it offers a less expensive experience over the long-run since its film cost less per print. It also has a rechargeable battery, which should save you some money too. Perhaps the best reason to buy the Polaroid camera over the Fujifilm Instax is the ability to save photos to microSD. I’ve also noticed the Polaroid is more durable than the other camera. You can feel the difference immediately when comparing the two.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 does have some strengths, however, depending on your situation. First, with two AA batteries, you can snap up to 100 photos. By contrast, the battery on the Polaroid will only allow for 15 to 20 pictures before it needs to be recharged. The Fujifilm camera is also the only one to include a selfie mirror. It also offers an automatic exposure measurement, which signals the recommended aperture setting with a flashing LED.
The bottom line: At this price point, where convenience and price are perhaps most important, you should go with the Polaroid Snap.
Polaroid Snap
Good at what it does
Point and snap
The Polaroid Snap is a low-cost instant camera that allows you to take quick shots which are printed immediately on small pieces of Zink Paper. You can also save your photos for later use.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Always ready to shoot
Snap again and again.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a simple-to-use instant camera that can take many pictures with the same two AA batteries. Still, it uses expensive paper, which is something you need to keep in mind.
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