This guide compares two of the most famous brands in the instant camera space.
It will help you decide between Polaroid vs. Fujifilm instant cameras for the best instant photography experience.
If you want to know more about these brands or are thinking about buying one of their instant camera products, keep reading.
About Polaroid Instant Cameras
Polaroid instant cameras have been around for over 75 years. The company was the first to introduce this type of photography, so it became synonymous with the brand name.
These cameras revolutionized photography by eliminating the need for traditional film development. Instead, they offered an immediate way to preserve memories.
Since then, Polaroid has continued to innovate, adapting to changes in technology. To satisfy its consumers, the brand keeps releasing more modern models to this day.
Here are a few examples of the most popular Polaroid instant cameras:
Polaroid OneStep
Polaroid SX-70 cameras
Polaroid 600 series cameras
Polaroid Impulse
Polaroid OneStep+
Polaroid Now and Now+
Polaroid Pop
About Fujifilm Instant Cameras
Fujifilm is also a prominent brand name and contender in the market of instant cameras. Also known as Instax cameras, Fujifilm instant cameras are renowned for their quality photos.
The company released its first Instax camera in the late 1990s, about 50 years after Polaroid. However, the brand has managed to gain a huge fan base of all ages over the years.
Overall, the brand’s commitment to innovation and film quality shows in the prints that Instax cameras deliver.
Take a look at a few of the Instax models:
Polaroid vs. Fujifilm Instant Cameras
Instant photography is a fantastic way to capture moments and memories instantly. Unlike in traditional film photography, you don’t have to wait for the photo to be developed.
It’s true that snapping a photo with your smart device also lets you view the shot instantly. Yet, there’s always something special about holding a printed photo in your hand right after taking it.
So, what makes each brand unique? Are there more similarities than differences between Polaroid and Fujifilm? Or is it the other way around?
In general, both brands offer an array of options to serve diverse needs. Below, you’ll find out more about their advanced features.
Image Quality
Both instant camera brands have their own strengths when it comes to image quality.
Primarily, Polaroid cameras are famous for their vintage charm and soft colors, which can be appealing to many users.
On the other hand, Fujifilm Instax cameras offer sharper and more vibrant colors, giving an overall realistic feel.
So, it all depends on your personal preferences. Therefore, it helps to check out some physical sample photos of each camera before making a decision.
Performance and Speed
When comparing both cameras for performance and speed, there are some notable differences.
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Usually, Polaroid cameras have manual focus, allowing you to have more creative control over the result. Nonetheless, the self-developing film process is slow.
As for Fujifilm Instax cameras, they often come with an autofocus feature alongside much simpler shooting modes. That’s why they’re quicker to use.
With Fujifilm instant cameras, you can see your snapped shot come to life in a short time (around two minutes). However, Polaroid instant photos can take up to 15 minutes to develop.
Film Types and Sizes
Both brands offer a diverse range of film types to go with the different versions they have in the market.
For example, Polaroid provides options like Polaroid Go, SX-70, 600, and i-Type film. Similarly, Fujifilm’s Instax brand offers Mini, Square, and Wide films.
Typically, Polaroid films come in two sizes, which you can buy in a pack of eight exposures.
For Polaroid Go cameras, there’s the Polaroid Go film (66.6 x 53.9mm), which only comes in colored format with a white border.
As for the i-Type, SX-70, and 600, they share a film size of 107 x 88mm. Such variety offers more flexibility with the format options, such as Monochrome, Duochrome, etc.
Compared to Polaroid instant cameras, Fujifilm Instax cameras provide a wider range of film size options.
Mainly, the Fujifilm Instax brand includes three film sizes: Instax Mini film (86 x 53mm), Instax Square film (86 x 71mm, with an actual image area of 61 x 61mm), and Instax Wide film (86 x 108mm).
All these formats come in packs of ten exposures. Moreover, they’re available in both color and monochrome options with various border styles to choose from.
Cost
Fujifilm Instax line generally offers more affordable options. Principally, both Instax instant cameras and their films come in a variety of price ranges that serve different budgets.
On the whole, entry-level models, such as the Mini 11 and Mini 9, are inexpensive and easily accessible. Thus, they’re among the most popular choices for beginners and casual users.
In contrast, Polaroid instant cameras usually fall at a more expensive price point. So, while the brand offers a diversity of models, the total cost tends to be a bit higher than Fujifilm.
Additionally, the price of Polaroid film packs can be much higher than that of Fujifilm.
For instance, a twin pack (16 photos) of Polaroid Go color film sells at around $17. Contrarily, the Instax Mini instant film double pack (20 photos) is $19.99, which is a slightly more reasonable price.
Final Verdict
It’s tough to announce a clear winner between the two brands. They both offer distinct advantages and appeal to different tastes.
Mainly, those who want a nostalgic feel and authenticity in their photos should go for Polaroid. With a range of modern and classic models, the brand captures the hearts of many users.
That said, Fujifilm’s Instax cameras shine for their versatility, innovation, and affordability. That’s why they can attract buyers of every budget and shooting style.
So, there’s no good or bad camera. The choice between Polaroid vs. Fujifilm instant cameras ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
