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- Best overall: Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera (Sage Green)
- Best budget: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple)
- Best premium: Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black)
- Best for travel: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple)
- Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 prints wide-format photos, while Polaroid Now Generation 2 uses Polaroid i-Type and 600 film.
- Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is the current wide-format alternative with a self-timer and 95mm lens.
- Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 adds app controls for creative shooting modes.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a simple pick for casual snapshots and smaller prints.
- Check film format and availability before choosing an instant camera for Black Friday 2026.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 and Polaroid Now Generation 2 suit different instant-photo styles: Fujifilm makes a wider rectangular print, while Polaroid produces its familiar square image with a broad border. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice comes down to the look you want, film costs, camera controls and who will use it.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make this guide useful for shoppers weighing either camera or looking at alternatives. Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is the natural wide-film upgrade, and Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 adds app-based creative options. Smaller Fujifilm Instax Mini and Square models round out the gift-friendly picks.
How We Picked
- Compared print formats and film compatibility, since Fujifilm Instax Wide, Mini and Square film are not interchangeable with Polaroid i-Type or 600 film.
- Reviewed published lens, focus, flash, power and shooting-mode specifications for each camera.
- Considered owner feedback about ease of use, portability and the learning curve for everyday snapshots.
- Included options for wide, square and credit-card-size prints, plus a model with app-connected creative controls.
- Prioritized cameras with clear use cases for gifts, travel, family gatherings and creative photography.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Film format | Lens | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera (Black) | Wide group and landscape prints | Instax Wide | 95mm f/14 | 4 AA batteries |
| Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) | Classic Polaroid prints | i-Type and 600 | 2-lens autofocus | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera (Sage Green) | Wide prints with a timer | Instax Wide | 95mm f/14 | 4 AA batteries |
| Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) | Creative Polaroid photography | i-Type and 600 | 2-lens autofocus | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple) | First instant camera | Instax Mini | 60mm f/12.7 | 2 AA batteries |
| Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Instant Camera (Black) | Creative Mini-format photos | Instax Mini | 60mm f/12.7 | Rechargeable battery |
| Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera (Chalk White) | Simple square prints | Instax Square | 65.75mm f/12.6 | 2 CR2 batteries |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera (Black)
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera (Black) is the best wide-print pick for group photos and gatherings, with a 95mm lens and easy-to-understand controls.
Best for: Wide group and landscape prints
- Film format
- Instax Wide; 62 x 99 mm image
- Lens
- 95mm f/14
- Power
- 4 AA batteries
- Focus range
- 0.9m to infinity
- Wide print fits more people into a frame.
- Simple controls make it approachable.
- Close-up lens attachment is included.
- Larger body is less convenient for small bags.
- Uses Instax Wide film only.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera (Black) is a strong buy for shoppers who value wide prints and uncomplicated operation. The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera (Black)'s 95mm lens and Instax Wide film make it especially useful for groups, travel scenes and landscapes.
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#2
Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black)
The Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) is the best pick for classic Polaroid-style prints, with a 2-lens autofocus system for everyday portraits.
Best for: Classic Polaroid prints
- Film format
- Polaroid i-Type and 600
- Lens system
- 2-lens autofocus
- Power
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Charging
- USB-C
- Autofocus helps simplify everyday shooting.
- Works with i-Type and 600 film.
- Includes self-timer and double exposure.
- Polaroid film has a different look and format from Instax Wide.
- Larger prints take more room to carry.
Is the Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) is worth considering for shoppers who want the classic Polaroid image and straightforward autofocus. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black)'s 2-lens system, self-timer and double-exposure mode give portraits and keepsakes extra flexibility.
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#3 · Top pick
Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera (Sage Green)
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera (Sage Green) is the best current wide-format alternative for group-photo fans, with a 95mm lens and a built-in timer.
Best for: Wide prints with a timer
- Film format
- Instax Wide; 62 x 99 mm image
- Lens
- 95mm f/14
- Power
- 4 AA batteries
- Timer
- Self-timer with 2- or 10-second setting
- Wide format suits group photos.
- Self-timer helps include the photographer.
- Close-up lens attachment supports nearer subjects.
- The body is bulky compared with Mini cameras.
- Limited to Instax Wide film.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera (Sage Green) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera (Sage Green) is a strong choice for wide prints and group pictures. The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 Instant Camera (Sage Green)'s 95mm lens keeps the familiar Instax Wide approach, while the self-timer adds a useful feature for family photos and gatherings.
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#4
Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black)
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) is the best creative-control pick for photo hobbyists, with Bluetooth app features and a 2-lens autofocus system.
Best for: Creative Polaroid photography
- Film format
- Polaroid i-Type and 600
- Lens system
- 2-lens autofocus
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth app control
- Power
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- App adds creative shooting controls.
- Supports double exposure and light painting.
- Self-timer helps with portraits.
- More controls take time to learn.
- Requires a compatible phone for app features.
Is the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera (Black) is a good fit for photographers who want more than point-and-shoot controls. Bluetooth app features add options such as aperture priority, light painting and remote operation.
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#5
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple)
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple) is the best simple gift for casual snapshots, with a 60mm lens and easy close-up mode.
Best for: First instant camera
- Film format
- Instax Mini; 62 x 46 mm image
- Lens
- 60mm f/12.7
- Power
- 2 AA batteries
- Close-up range
- 30cm to 50cm
- Simple controls suit beginners.
- Compact size is easy to carry.
- Selfie mirror and close-up mode are handy.
- Small prints are less suited to group scenes.
- Limited manual control.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple) is an easy recommendation for a first instant camera or a casual gift. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (Lilac Purple)'s 60mm lens, close-up mode and simple operation suit selfies, parties and everyday keepsakes.
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#6
Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Instant Camera (Black)
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Instant Camera (Black) is the best Mini-format pick for creative control, with 6 color effects and multiple shooting modes.
Best for: Creative Mini-format photos
- Film format
- Instax Mini; 62 x 46 mm image
- Lens
- 60mm f/12.7
- Color effects
- 6 effects
- Power
- Rechargeable battery
- Color effects offer varied image styles.
- More shooting options than a basic Mini camera.
- Compact format stays easy to share.
- Extra controls have a learning curve.
- Uses Instax Mini film only.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Instant Camera (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Instant Camera (Black) suits shoppers who want creative effects in a compact format. Six color effects and several shooting modes offer more room to shape photos than a basic point-and-shoot instant camera.
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#7
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera (Chalk White)
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera (Chalk White) is the best square-print pick for simple portraits, with a 65.75mm lens and automatic exposure.
Best for: Simple square prints
- Film format
- Instax Square; 62 x 62 mm image
- Lens
- 65.75mm f/12.6
- Power
- 2 CR2 batteries
- Shutter speed
- 1/2 to 1/400 second
- Square prints give portraits balanced framing.
- Automatic exposure keeps operation straightforward.
- Selfie mirror supports close-up portraits.
- Uses Instax Square film, not Wide or Mini.
- Few manual controls.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera (Chalk White) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera (Chalk White) is worth a look for shoppers who prefer square prints and simple operation. Automatic exposure and a selfie mirror make it an approachable choice for portraits and social occasions.
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Which is better: Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 or Polaroid Now?
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 and Polaroid Now Generation 2 suit different print preferences: Instax Wide makes a 62 x 99 mm image, while Polaroid Now uses i-Type or 600 film. Choose the Fujifilm camera for a broad rectangular photo that fits more people or scenery. Choose Polaroid for its distinctive square image and broad white border.
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 has a 95mm lens and simple controls, making it a straightforward pick for parties and travel scenes. Polaroid Now Generation 2 has a 2-lens autofocus system, USB-C charging and a self-timer. Film compatibility is the deciding factor: each camera needs its own format, so compare the look and ongoing film availability before choosing. Best bet: select by the print you want to keep, not by camera appearance alone.
What is the difference between Instax Wide and Polaroid film?
Instax Wide film makes a 62 x 99 mm image, while Polaroid i-Type and 600 film produce a square-format image with a white frame. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 and Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 take Instax Wide film; Polaroid Now Generation 2 and Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 use Polaroid film.
The image shape changes how each camera works for portraits and groups. Wide prints give people room to stand side by side and leave more space for scenery. Polaroid prints emphasize a central subject and provide a recognizable keepsake style. Film does not cross between the systems, so the camera choice also sets the type of film you will need to buy. Check the exact format on refill packs before stocking up or gifting a camera.
Is Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 a better choice than Wide 300?
Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 and Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 both use Instax Wide film and a 95mm lens, so both deliver the larger rectangular print. Wide 400 adds a self-timer, making it more convenient for group photos when the person holding the camera wants to join in.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 remains a clear choice for shoppers who want basic wide-format snapshots and prefer uncomplicated controls. Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is the newer-style alternative for family gatherings and shared photos. Both cameras use 4 AA batteries and the same film format. Compare their features and handling against your needs, then choose the model that best fits your preferred shooting style and gift recipient.
Which instant camera is easiest to give as a gift?
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is the easiest gift pick for casual photographers, with a 60mm lens, close-up mode and simple controls. Fujifilm Instax Mini film makes smaller prints than Instax Wide or Polaroid film, and its compact camera body is easy to carry to parties and trips.
For someone who enjoys creative settings, Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 adds 6 color effects and multiple shooting modes. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a simple option for people drawn to square photos, while Polaroid Now Generation 2 makes sense for someone who specifically wants Polaroid prints. Include compatible film with a camera gift, and make sure the recipient likes the print format before choosing.
What should I look for in an instant camera on Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 instant-camera shoppers should compare film format, camera features and ongoing film availability before choosing a model. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300, Fujifilm Instax Wide 400, Fujifilm Instax Mini and Polaroid Now cameras all use distinct film formats, so a camera is only a good fit when its prints match the recipient’s preferences.
Look at the camera’s lens, close-up options, timer, charging method and controls. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 favors simplicity, while Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 adds app-connected creative modes. Fujifilm Instax Wide models prioritize group-friendly prints. A useful deal is one that matches your intended use and includes the features you value; a lower-cost camera is less appealing if its film format or size is a poor fit.
Buying Guide
Choose the print format first
Pick Instax Wide for broad rectangular group photos, Instax Mini for compact keepsakes, Instax Square for square framing or Polaroid for its signature bordered image. Film types are not interchangeable, so format determines which refills to buy.
Match camera controls to the user
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 and Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 keep operation simple. Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 and Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 add creative options for people who enjoy adjusting how a photo looks.
Check power and portability
Compare battery type, charging and camera size before buying. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 uses 2 AA batteries; Polaroid Now Generation 2 charges by USB-C. Wide-format cameras take more bag space than Mini-format models.
Plan for film refills
Include the camera’s exact film format in your shopping plan. Check pack compatibility and how many shots each pack includes, then consider how often the recipient plans to take photos. The right camera needs refills that are easy to find.
Prioritize useful extras
A self-timer helps with group photos, a close-up attachment supports nearer subjects, and app controls add creative modes. Choose features the user will enjoy instead of paying attention to a long feature list alone.
FAQ
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 vs Polaroid Now: which prints are bigger?
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 makes a 62 x 99 mm image, while Polaroid Now uses a square-format Polaroid image with a border. The Instax Wide image is rectangular and better suited to fitting several people or a broad scene into one frame.
Does Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 use Polaroid film?
No. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 uses Fujifilm Instax Wide film, which is a different format from Polaroid i-Type and 600 film. Buy Instax Wide refills for this camera and check the packaging carefully before placing an order.
Can Polaroid Now use Instax Wide film?
No. Polaroid Now Generation 2 uses Polaroid i-Type or 600 film, not Instax Wide film. Fujifilm Instax Wide film is designed for compatible Fujifilm Wide cameras, including Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 and Fujifilm Instax Wide 400.
Is Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 worth choosing over Wide 300?
Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is a strong choice if you want a wide-format camera with a built-in self-timer. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 also uses Instax Wide film and a 95mm lens, making it a straightforward option for shoppers who prioritize basic operation.
Which instant camera is best for beginners?
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a beginner-friendly choice because its controls are simple, its body is compact and it has a close-up mode. Choose it when smaller Instax Mini prints suit the recipient better than wide or square photos.
Which instant camera has app controls?
Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera has Bluetooth app controls for creative features, including aperture priority and light painting. The camera uses Polaroid i-Type or 600 film, so confirm that its print style and refills suit your needs.