My daughter loves taking pictures. What is the best instant camera like a Polaroid or Fuji Instax?

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 is the best overall choice for a young photography enthusiast because it is affordable, incredibly easy to use, and produces reliable, bright photos without complicated settings.[1]

The top instant cameras vary based on budget, style, and whether you want a traditional analog experience or a modern digital hybrid:

Best for beginners and everyday fun. It features automatic exposure, a built-in selfie mirror, a close-up mode twist lens, and a dual self-timer. Film is widely available and cheaper per shot than Polaroid. You can check current pricing on the Best Buy Instax Mini page or similar retailers.

Best hybrid digital/instant choice. This camera lets your daughter view her photos on an LCD screen, apply fun digital filters or lens effects, and only print the shots she likes , saving money on wasted film. It also connects via Bluetooth to print pictures straight from a smartphone.

Best ultra-compact analog choice. If she prefers the classic square Polaroid photo frame rather than the credit-card size of Instax, the Polaroid Go Instant Camera is miniature, portable, and packs fun features like double-exposure mode into a pocket-sized body.[1][2][3]

Instant Camera Comparison

Model	Type	Film Size	Price Range (Approx.)	Key Advantage
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13	Analog	Credit-card (Mini)	$100 – $115	Foolproof automatic lighting & low cost
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo	Digital Hybrid	Credit-card (Mini)	$230 – $235	Preview shots before printing & phone connectivity
Polaroid Go Gen 3	Analog

If you tell me how old your daughter is and what your budget is , I can help you pick the exact model and suggest a starter film bundle.

Absolutely. If she loves taking pictures, I’d lean toward Fujifilm Instax rather than Polaroid—especially for a daughter who will actually use it a lot. Instax film is generally less expensive, and the cameras tend to be easier and more forgiving.Tom's Guide+1

My top 3

• Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 - $93.99 (Walmart)
• Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo - $234.00 (Walmart)
• Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 - $149.99 (Target)

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 — best gift for most kids/teens This is the one I'd buy if you want something fun, simple, colorful, and genuinely instant. It has automatic exposure, a selfie mirror and close-up mode, and uses the little credit-card-sized Instax Mini prints. Reviews consistently highlight how easy it is to use.Tom's Guide+1

2. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo — my pick if she's really into photography This is the more interesting camera for a budding photographer. It has 100 combinations of lens and film effects, lets her preview photos before deciding to print them, and can also print photos from a phone. That means much less wasted film.Tom's Guide

It's currently around $234, compared with roughly $94 for the Mini 12 in the shopping results I found.

3. Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 — if she specifically wants the Polaroid look This gives you the classic larger square Polaroid photo and adds app-based creative controls such as manual exposure, double exposure and a self-timer. It's a better choice if the Polaroid aesthetic is part of the appeal.

What I'd choose

• Under ~$100: Instax Mini 12 ❤️
• Around ~$200–250 and she's a photography enthusiast: Instax Mini Evo 📸
• She specifically says "I want a Polaroid": Polaroid Now+ Gen 3
• For a younger child: Mini 12
• For a teenager who loves experimenting with photos: Mini Evo

One other consideration: film cost adds up quickly when a kid gets excited and starts taking 20 pictures at a time. That's another reason I'd favor Instax for a frequent shooter.iTechGuides

If you tell me her age and your budget (e.g. $100, $150, $250), I can narrow it down to the exact camera + film bundle I'd buy.

For a young photography enthusiast, the best overall choice is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 (or the widely popular Fujifilm Instax Mini 12).

Here is why it hits the sweet spot for kids and teens, along with a couple of other strong alternatives depending on her age and budget:

• Why it’s great: It's practically foolproof. It features automatic exposure (so pictures aren't too dark or washed out) and a twist-to-turn-on lens that also clicks into a dedicated close-up/selfie mode. It also has parallax correction, meaning what you see in the viewfinder is actually what gets captured.

• Film cost: Instax Mini film is significantly cheaper and more reliable per shot than traditional Polaroid film.

• Price: Around $89 - $100.

• Why it’s great: If your budget is higher and your daughter is a bit older, this is a hybrid digital/instant camera. It has a digital screen on the back so she can take dozens of shots, preview them , apply fun retro lens/film effects, and only print the ones she actually likes. It also functions as a smartphone printer via Bluetooth. This saves a ton of money on wasted film!

• Price: Around $230.

• Why it’s great: If she loves the classic, iconic large square photo format of traditional Polaroids, the Polaroid Now is fun and tactile. However, keep in mind that Polaroid film is pricier, the camera is bulkier for smaller hands, and the analog process means a higher chance of ruined/exposed shots if she's still learning.

• Price: Around $100 -$1 4 0.[1][2][3]

If you let me know how old your daughter is and your budget for the camera and film , I can tell you which option will give you the best value without wasting film.

For a daughter who loves taking pictures, I’d usually steer you toward Fujifilm Instax over Polaroid. Instax cameras tend to be easier for kids/teens, the film is widely available, and you’ll waste fewer shots learning.The Verge

Here are the ones I’d consider:

• Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera - $234.99 (Target)
• Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 Instant Camera - $89.00 (Best Buy)
• Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera Generation 3 - Price not available (Go to merchant)

My top picks

🥇 Best overall gift: Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

Best for: A kid who really enjoys photography and likes experimenting.

Why it’s great:

• Lets her preview photos before printing, which saves film.
• Has lots of creative effects (10 lens effects × 10 film effects).
• Can also print photos from a phone.
• Feels more like a “real camera” rather than a toy.instax.com+1

Downside:

• Costs more than a basic Instax.
• The prints are the smaller Instax Mini size.

🥈 Best first instant camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 13

Best for: Younger kids or someone who just wants to point, shoot, and get a picture.

Why it’s great:

• Very simple.
• Automatic exposure helps avoid dark or washed-out pictures.
• Has selfie features and close-up mode.
• Less expensive, so you can include extra film.

This is probably the one I’d buy for a child who is excited about taking lots of pictures.

🥉 Best “classic Polaroid feeling”: Polaroid Now+ Generation 3

Best for: Someone who loves the vintage Polaroid look.

Why it’s fun:

• Bigger, iconic square Polaroid photos.
• More artistic controls through the app.
• Double exposure and creative modes.Polaroid

Downside:

• Film tends to be more expensive per photo.
• The camera is bulkier.

A few buying tips

• Buy extra film with the camera. Kids burn through instant film quickly.
• Consider a small photo album so she can save favorites.
• A camera case is worthwhile because instant cameras are often carried around in backpacks.

If she’s around 8–12, I’d pick the Instax Mini 13. If she’s 12+ and really loves photography, I’d pick the Instax Mini Evo. If she’s fascinated by old-school Polaroids and the “magic” of the developing picture, go Polaroid Now+.

For a young photography enthusiast, Fujifilm Instax is generally the winner over classic Polaroid. Instax film is significantly cheaper per shot, the cameras are easier for smaller hands to hold, and the exposure is more reliable (meaning fewer wasted, pitch-black or blown-out photos, which can frustrate kids).

The best options depending on your daughter's age and style include:

1. Best Overall for Kids / Beginners: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 (or Mini 13)
   • Why it's great : It’s ultra-simple—just twist the lens to turn it on, twist further for close-up/selfie mode, and shoot. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 automatically adjusts exposure, so she doesn't have to fiddle with settings. Credit-card-sized film is cheap and fun to trade with friends.
2. Best Hybrid (Digital + Print): Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
   • Why it's great : This is a hybrid digital/instant camera. It has a screen on the back, allowing her to take dozens of photos, apply fun digital filters, and only print the ones she actually likes . It also doubles as a smartphone printer via Bluetooth. It's more expensive upfront, but it saves a ton of money on wasted film.
3. Best Classic Big Photo Vibe: Polaroid Now (Generation 3)
   • Why it's great : If she specifically wants that iconic, large, square retro Polaroid look with the classic white border, the [Polaroid Now Generation 3 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK8IReQJpo8) features a great autofocus system and USB-C charging . Just keep in mind that Polaroid film costs roughly double per photo compared to Instax Mini film.youtube.com

To help narrow it down, tell me:

• How old is your daughter?
• Do you prefer a model that prints every shot or a hybrid where she can preview and choose photos before printing?

Best choice for most kids: Fujifilm Instax Mini 13. It’s simple, durable, fun, and uses affordable Instax Mini film. It’s a great first instant camera for a daughter who loves taking pictures.Good Housekeeping+1

Other great options:

• Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo — Best if she’s really into photography. It lets her preview shots, add effects, and avoid wasting film. More expensive.The Verge
• Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 — Best for the classic Polaroid look: larger square photos and a more artistic feel, but film costs more.iTechGuides
• Polaroid Go Generation 2 — Cute, tiny, and easy to carry, but prints are smaller.Tom's Guide

My pick by age:

• Under ~10: Instax Mini 13
• Tween/teen who loves creativity: Instax Mini Evo
• Teen who loves the vintage aesthetic: Polaroid Now+

Also budget for film—the camera is the cheap part; frequent photographers can go through packs quickly.Good Housekeeping