We've learned a lot about instant cameras in recent months and have put most of the hottest ones on the market through the motions to see which ones are the best. These cameras come with varying features, depending on how much they cost.
Polaroid Originals OneStep+
Retro and iconic
Pros
- Includes scanning feature to transfer analog images to digital
- Uses traditional Polaroid film, available in different styles
- Offers six creative tools through an app
Cons
- Film is outrageously expensive
- Can't store images on the camera
- Though iconic, it's a bulky design
The Polaroid OneStep+ is every bit like the Polaroid OneStep cameras of past decades, except it's been recreated for the digital world. First introduced in 2018, it's the one to buy for the most iconic instant camera experience.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Inexpensive starter choice
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Features a more traditional camera design
- Selfie mirror
Cons
- No timer
- Feels cheap to the touch
- No option for digital copies
- Uses AA batteries
Newbies to instant photography will quickly fall in love with the inexpensive Fujifilm Instax Mini 9. Available in multiple colors, this camera is ideally suited for kids and teenagers alike. It lacks key features, however, for most users.
Instant cameras have been around for decades, but they were reintroduced for the digital age and the market is growing. The Polaroid Originals OneStep+ and Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, both excellent instant cameras, target different users as their price points and list of features reflect. However, one is still a clear winner overall.
Time to compare
The differences between these two products are extensive as you can see below. Because of this, we see a clear winner in the Polaroid Originals OneStep+.
| Polaroid Originals OneStep+ | Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $140 | $50 |
| Estimated price per print | around $2 | $1 or less |
| Dimensions | 5.9 × 4.3 × 3.8 inches | 3 x 5 x 5.5 inches |
| Power | rechargeable | 2 AA batteries |
| Flash | Yes, automatically, depending on shooting mode | Yes |
| Paper | Polaroid i-Type or 600 instant film | Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film |
| Photo size | 3.108 × 3.024 inches | 2.44 x 1.81 inches |
| Colors | Black and White | Cobalt Blue, Ice Blue, Flamingo Pink, Lime Green, Smokey White, and retailer exclusives |
| Selfie mirror | No | Yes |
| Timer | Yes | No |
| Close-ups | Yes with Portrait Mode | Yes with an optional lens attachment |
| Digital copies | Yes with digital scanner | No |
| Bluetooth support | Yes | No |
Instant cameras have never been designed to take great photos. Instead, they're here to take good pictures quickly.
Instant cameras were designed to take great photos. Instead, they take good pictures quickly. Both the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ and Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 cameras surpass this decidedly low threshold appropriately. Only the Polaroid Originals OneStep+, however, offers a solution that best matches the look and feel of instant photography of yesteryear by using iconic Polaroid Film. This camera products photos that measure around 3-by-3 inches, versus the 2.44-by-1.81 inches for the Fujifilm camera, which uses a different kind of instant film.
The larger photo size isn't the only reason we recommend the OneStep+ for most users. It's also the only one that supports Bluetooth. In doing so, you can take advantage of the Polaroid Originals app for iOS and Android. With this app, you can use extra features, including double exposure, a self-timer, light painting, a manual mode, and a noise trigger. Thanks to the app, you can also scan your Polaroid pictures and convert them for digital use.
About the film
The Polaroid Originals OneStep+ supports i-Type and 600 film, which is available in both color and black and white. This film comes in various border styles, depending on the time of year. For example, you can purchase "summer haze" and "summer blues" packs. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film doesn't come in different styles, although it's cheaper than the Polaroid film. The price difference makes sense given the size of the photos.
Beyond this, the Polaroid Original OneStep+ offers a Portrait mode that allows you to take photos of objects or people as close as 12-inches away. It also benefits from having a rechargeable battery.
By contrast, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 includes a selfie mirror and macro lens adapter for close-ups. There's also a high-key mode that lets you adjust the brightness before taking a shoot. The Fujifilm camera is also noted for coming in more than two colors.
Bottom line
Perhaps we're putting too much emphasis on the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ because of its ties to the past. When coupled with its advanced features, however, it's clear the price difference makes it worth it.
Polaroid Originals OneStep+
Our pick
An iconic brand slightly revamped
Live the true Polaroid instant camera experience with the Polaroid Originals OneStep+, which is available in black and white. Go further with the Polaroid Originals app for mobile.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Starter pack
Affordable instant camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a charming little camera for those who are new to instant photography. The main downsides are the small prints it provides and also there is no way to save digital copies. The film is less expensive, however.
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