BBy Bikram Nath·Researched from UK Amazon listings·Updated 2026-10-16·5 products compared
What are the best instant cameras to buy in the UK?
Our top pick for Instant Cameras in the UK is the Polaroid Now Gen 3 Instant Camera Bundle with Colour Film (16 Photos), Black.
The Polaroid Now Gen 3 bundle suits buyers who want full-sized Polaroid prints with autofocus, a self-timer and double exposure, a USB-C rechargeable battery, film in the box and a 2 year warranty on the listing.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you — but it never changes our rankings.
The Polaroid Now Gen 3 instant camera bundle is our top pick because its listing states a two-lens autofocus system, self-timer and double-exposure modes, a built-in tripod mount, a USB-C rechargeable battery, compatibility with Polaroid i-Type Film and 600 Film, a double film pack of 16 photos in the box and a 2 year manufacturer warranty. For credit card sized prints, the instax mini 13 lists a 54 x 86 mm print, a 2 sec/10 sec self-timer and two AA batteries in the pack; for a portable, wearable camera, as Polaroid describes it, the Polaroid Go Generation 2 takes only Polaroid Go format film and lists a USB-C charged internal battery and a 2 year manufacturer warranty.
This guide compares five instant cameras from Polaroid, instax (Fujifilm) and KODAK, using what each listing states: film or print format, print size, power, self-timer, what is in the box and warranty. Stated warranties run from 1 Year (INSTAX mini and KODAK) to 2 year manufacturer (both Polaroid cameras).
Buying guide
What should you look for in Instant Cameras?
1Film and print format: the instax mini 13 and the INSTAX mini camera use instax mini film, with a stated print size of 54 (W) x 86 (H) mm and image size of 46 (W) x 62 (H) mm. The Polaroid Now Gen 3 takes Polaroid i-Type Film and 600 Film; the Polaroid Go Generation 2 takes only Polaroid Go format film. The KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA prints 2x3” pictures.
2Film in the box: the Polaroid Now Gen 3 bundle includes a double film pack (16 photos) and the KODAK title says 38 Sheet. The instax mini 13 and INSTAX mini listings say film is sold separately, and the Polaroid Go Generation 2 is listed as camera only.
3Power: the instax mini 13 pack contains AA Batteries x 2; the Polaroid Now Gen 3 lists a USB-C rechargeable battery; the Polaroid Go Generation 2 lists an internal lithium-ion battery that charges via USB-C. The INSTAX mini and KODAK listings do not state the power source in the features we read.
4Self-timer and selfies: the instax mini 13 lists a 2sec/10 sec self-timer, selfie lens and selfie mirror; the Polaroid Now Gen 3 lists a self-timer and double exposure mode; the Polaroid Go Generation 2 lists a self-timer and reflective selfie mirror; the INSTAX mini lists a selfie lens and selfie mirror.
5Warranty: the Polaroid Now Gen 3 and Polaroid Go Generation 2 state a 2 year manufacturer warranty, the INSTAX mini a 1 Year Manufacturer warranty and the KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA 1 Year. The instax mini 13 listing states no warranty term.
Our process
How do we choose our picks?
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise current Amazon UK listings and published specs into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We check each pick against live Amazon UK catalogue data rather than last year’s model lists. Stock moves fast, so a listing can sell out after we publish.
Published specs
We compare manufacturer specifications so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage and plug/fitting standards — details that generic global lists miss.
Camera, hand strap with angle adjustment accessory, user manual, AA Batteries x 2; film…
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38 sheets (per title)
Print Size
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54 (W) x 86 (H) mm print, 46 (W) x 62 (H) mm image
54 (w) x 86 (H) print, 46 (w) x 62 (H) mm image
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2x3”
The rankings
The best Instant Cameras, ranked
1
Polaroid
Top Pick
Polaroid Now Gen 3 Instant Camera Bundle with Colour Film (16 Photos), Black
The Polaroid Now Gen 3 bundle suits buyers who want full-sized Polaroid prints with autofocus, a self-timer and double exposure, a USB-C rechargeable battery, film in the box and a 2 year warranty on the listing.
Film
Polaroid i-Type Film and 600 Film
Power
USB-C rechargeable battery
Self Timer
Yes, plus double exposure mode
In The Box
Camera + double film pack (16 photos)
Warranty
2 year manufacturer
Focus
Two-lens autofocus system
What we like
+Two-lens autofocus system and an improved ranging sensor, per the listing
+Self-timer and double-exposure modes plus a built-in tripod mount
+Bundle includes a double film pack of 16 photos
+2 year manufacturer warranty
Worth noting
–The listing gives no print dimensions
–Film beyond the bundled 16 photos is sold separately
£139.99Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 13:00 (London time). Details
The instax mini 13 suits buyers who want credit card sized instant prints and hands-free selfies, with the listing stating a 54 x 86 mm print, a 2 sec/10 sec self-timer, a selfie lens and two AA batteries in the pack.
Film
instax mini film
Print Size
54 (W) x 86 (H) mm print, 46 (W) x 62 (H) mm image
Power
AA Batteries x 2 (included)
Self Timer
2 sec / 10 sec
In The Box
Camera, hand strap with angle adjustment accessory, user manual, AA Batteries x 2; film sold separately
What we like
+Credit card sized prints: 54 x 86 mm print, 46 x 62 mm image
+2 sec/10 sec self-timer and an angle adjustment accessory for hands-free selfies
+Built-in selfie lens and selfie mirror
+Built-in automatic flash control
Worth noting
–Film sold separately
–The listing states no warranty term
£77.23£79.99−3%Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 13:00 (London time). Details
The INSTAX mini Retro Classic Design camera suits buyers who want credit card sized prints in a retro body, with the listing stating automatic exposure, a close up mode with parallax correction and a 1 Year Manufacturer warranty.
Film
instax mini film (sold separately)
Print Size
54 (w) x 86 (H) print, 46 (w) x 62 (H) mm image
Warranty
1 Year Manufacturer
Exposure
Automatic exposure and flash control
Close Up Mode
Close up mode with parallax correction
What we like
+Automatic exposure and flash control
+Close up mode with parallax correction
+Built-in selfie lens and selfie mirror
+1 Year Manufacturer warranty
Worth noting
–Film sold separately
–The listing does not state the power source or a self-timer in the features we read
£84.99£94.99−11%Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 13:00 (London time). Details
Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera, Purple
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 suits buyers who want a small, wearable Polaroid camera, with the listing stating a USB-C charged battery, a self-timer and a 2 year warranty, using Go format film only.
Film
Polaroid Go format film only
Power
Internal lithium-ion battery, charges via USB-C
Self Timer
Yes
Warranty
2 year manufacturer
Materials
30% recycled materials (per listing)
What we like
+Internal lithium-ion battery charges via USB-C
+Self-timer and reflective selfie mirror
+Large aperture range and precise light sensor, as Polaroid describes them
+2 year manufacturer warranty
Worth noting
–Only compatible with Polaroid Go film
–Listed as camera only, so film is bought separately
–The listing gives no print dimensions
£78.00Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 13:00 (London time). Details
KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA 2x3 Instant Camera and Photo Printer, Black
The KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA suits buyers who want an instant camera that also prints from a phone, with the listing stating 2x3” dye sublimation prints, Bluetooth app printing, 38 sheets and a 1 Year warranty.
Print Size
2x3”
In The Box
38 sheets (per title)
Warranty
1 Year
Printing
4PASS dye sublimation, approximately 55 seconds per print
Connectivity
Bluetooth, KODAK Photo Printer app (iOS and Android)
What we like
+Takes photos and prints 2x3” pictures, or prints from a smartphone
+4PASS dye sublimation with a clear protective lamination layer, per the listing
+Bluetooth connection to the KODAK Photo Printer app for editing and cropping
+1 Year warranty
Worth noting
–Each print takes approximately 55 seconds, per the listing
–The listing does not state the power source in the features we read
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 17 Oct, 13:00 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
The instax listings give print and image sizes, while the Polaroid listings give no print dimensions. The KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA is a camera and photo printer that makes 4PASS dye sublimation prints, per its listing, and can also print from a smartphone over Bluetooth.
Our Take
The Polaroid Now Gen 3 bundle is the default instant camera: autofocus, self-timer and double exposure, a rechargeable battery, 16 photos of film in the box and a 2 year warranty. Choose the instax mini 13 for credit card sized prints and a 2 sec/10 sec self-timer, or the KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA to print 2x3” photos from the camera or a smartphone.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Which instant cameras come with film?
The Polaroid Now Gen 3 bundle includes a double film pack of 16 photos, and the KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA title says 38 Sheet. The instax mini 13 and INSTAX mini camera listings say film is sold separately.
What size are instax mini prints?
The instax mini 13 listing gives a print size of 54 (W) x 86 (H) mm with an image size of 46 (W) x 62 (H) mm. The INSTAX mini camera listing gives the same figures and calls them credit card sized photos.
Which instant cameras are rechargeable?
The Polaroid Now Gen 3 lists a USB-C rechargeable battery, and the Polaroid Go Generation 2 lists an internal lithium-ion battery that charges via USB-C. The instax mini 13 pack contains two AA batteries.
Which instant cameras have a self-timer?
The instax mini 13 lists a 2sec/10 sec self-timer, and the Polaroid Now Gen 3 and Polaroid Go Generation 2 both list a self-timer. The Polaroid Now Gen 3 also creates a double exposure when the self-timer button is pressed twice.
Can an instant camera print photos from a phone?
Yes: the KODAK Mini Shot 2 ERA is a camera and photo printer that connects to compatible iOS and Android devices over Bluetooth through the KODAK Photo Printer app, per its listing. It prints 2x3” pictures in approximately 55 seconds.
What film does the Polaroid Go Generation 2 use?
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 only takes Polaroid Go format film, according to its listing. The Polaroid Now Gen 3 takes Polaroid i-Type Film and 600 Film instead.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.
