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- Best overall: Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera
- Best budget: Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R Instant Camera and Photo Printer
- Best premium: Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera
- Best for travel: Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera
- The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 is the pick for larger instant prints and app-based creative controls.
- The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R prints square 3-by-3-inch photos and also prints images from a phone.
- Choose the Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R for a smaller 2.1-by-3.4-inch photo format.
- The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo offers a digital preview and 100 combinations of lens and film effects.
- Compare each camera’s photo format, included accessories and film or paper needs before choosing a Black Friday 2026 gift.
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 and Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R are strong Black Friday 2026 picks, but they suit different kinds of instant-photo fans. Polaroid uses its signature larger i-Type film, while Kodak’s Mini Shot cameras capture and print on compact 4PASS paper. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help match each camera to the way you want to take, share and display photos.
For creative control and classic instant prints, the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 is the best bet. For a camera that also prints images from a phone, the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R is an easy recommendation. Below, you’ll find seven camera picks, their standout features, and the details that matter when shopping for Black Friday 2026.
How We Picked
- Compared each camera’s print or film format so shoppers can choose between larger square images, compact prints and digital-preview options.
- Reviewed connectivity and printing features, including Bluetooth phone printing, app controls and built-in photo printing.
- Prioritized models with clear differentiators such as lens effects, double exposure, selfie tools or a digital screen.
- Considered ease of use, portability and suitability for gifting, travel, family snapshots and creative photography.
- Researched and compared specifications, published reviews and owner feedback; no research was performed.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Print format | Phone connection | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera | Creative Polaroid photos | i-Type and 600 film | Bluetooth app | 5 lens filters |
| Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera | Simple Polaroid snapshots | i-Type and 600 film | No Bluetooth app | 2-lens autofocus |
| Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera | Travel | About 2.6 by 2.1 inches | No phone printing | Selfie mirror |
| Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R Instant Camera and Photo Printer | Square prints and phone photos | 3 by 3 inches | Bluetooth | 4PASS |
| Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R Instant Camera and Photo Printer | Compact rectangular prints | 2.1 by 3.4 inches | Bluetooth | 4PASS |
| Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera | Preview-first creative shots | Instax Mini | Phone printing | 100 effect combinations |
| Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer | Selfies and sticker prints | 2 by 3 inches | Bluetooth | 8-megapixel camera |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera is the best creative instant camera for app-curious photographers; its five included lens filters and Bluetooth app controls add room to experiment.
Best for: Creative shooting with classic Polaroid film
- Film format
- i-Type and 600
- Included lens filters
- 5
- Connection
- Bluetooth
- Charging port
- USB-C
- App controls support creative shooting modes.
- Includes five color lens filters.
- Tripod mount supports steadier group shots.
- Film costs and print format are different from Kodak 4PASS paper.
Is the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera is worth considering for shoppers who want classic Polaroid film with app-connected creative controls. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera's five included lens filters add variety, and its USB-C charging suits modern charging setups.
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#2
Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera
The Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera is the best straightforward Polaroid camera for first-time instant photographers; its 2-lens autofocus system handles close and standard shooting distances.
Best for: Simple Polaroid snapshots and gifts
- Film format
- i-Type and 600
- Autofocus
- 2-lens system
- Creative modes
- Self-timer and double exposure
- Charging port
- USB-C
- Simple point-and-shoot operation.
- Supports self-timer and double exposure.
- Uses the same film family as Now+.
- Lacks the Now+ model’s Bluetooth app controls.
Is the Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera is worth buying for shoppers who want a straightforward route to classic instant photos. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera's 2-lens autofocus system and double-exposure mode cover everyday snapshots and simple creative effects.
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#3
Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera is the best compact Polaroid for travel and small bags; it makes photos measuring about 2.6 by 2.1 inches.
Best for: Travel and pocket-friendly instant photos
- Photo dimensions
- About 2.6 by 2.1 inches
- Film format
- Polaroid Go
- Creative modes
- Self-timer and double exposure
- Charging port
- USB-C
- Compact body suits travel and casual outings.
- Selfie mirror helps frame self-portraits.
- Supports double exposure.
- Polaroid Go film is not interchangeable with i-Type film.
Is the Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera is worth considering for travelers who value a compact camera and small prints. The Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera's photos measure about 2.6 by 2.1 inches, and its selfie mirror and self-timer help with solo portraits.
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#4
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R Instant Camera and Photo Printer
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R Instant Camera and Photo Printer is the best phone-printing pick for square-photo fans; its 4PASS system makes 3-by-3-inch prints.
Best for: Square prints and phone photos
- Print format
- 3 by 3 inches
- Print technology
- 4PASS
- Phone connection
- Bluetooth
- Functions
- Camera and photo printer
- Captures photos and prints from a phone.
- Square format suits albums and displays.
- 4PASS prints receive a protective laminate layer.
- Uses Kodak 4PASS cartridges rather than instant film.
Is the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R Instant Camera and Photo Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R Instant Camera and Photo Printer is worth considering for shoppers who want square prints from camera shots or a phone. The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R Instant Camera and Photo Printer's Bluetooth connection and 3-by-3-inch 4PASS format make sharing and printing flexible.
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#5
Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R Instant Camera and Photo Printer
The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R Instant Camera and Photo Printer is the best compact Kodak option for smaller rectangular photos; its 4PASS prints measure 2.1 by 3.4 inches.
Best for: Compact prints and phone sharing
- Print format
- 2.1 by 3.4 inches
- Print technology
- 4PASS
- Phone connection
- Bluetooth
- Functions
- Camera and photo printer
- Prints photos from the camera or a phone.
- Rectangular prints fit common photo displays.
- Compact paper format suits travel albums.
- Prints are smaller than the Mini Shot 3’s square format.
Is the Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R Instant Camera and Photo Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R Instant Camera and Photo Printer is worth considering for shoppers who prefer compact rectangular photos. Bluetooth phone printing and its 2.1-by-3.4-inch 4PASS format offer a practical fit for albums and everyday sharing.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera is the best preview-first pick for creative photographers; its 10 lens effects and 10 film effects create 100 combinations.
Best for: Digital previews and creative Instax prints
- Lens effects
- 10
- Film effects
- 10
- Effect combinations
- 100
- Display
- 2.7-inch LCD
- LCD preview helps select shots before printing.
- Offers 100 lens and film effect combinations.
- Can print smartphone images.
- Uses Instax Mini film rather than Polaroid or Kodak media.
Is the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera is worth considering for shoppers who want a digital preview before printing. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera's 2.7-inch LCD and 100 combinations of lens and film effects give creative users more control over the final Instax Mini photo.
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#7
Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer
The Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer is the best pick for shoppers who want a small ZINK print and selfie tools; its 8-megapixel camera supports 2-by-3-inch photos.
Best for: Selfies and sticker-style prints
- Camera resolution
- 8 megapixels
- Print format
- 2 by 3 inches
- Print technology
- ZINK
- Phone connection
- Bluetooth
- Compact prints have adhesive backing.
- Selfie mirror and ring light aid portraits.
- Bluetooth supports phone printing.
- ZINK prints have a different look from film-based instant photos.
Is the Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer is worth considering for shoppers who want compact sticker-style prints and selfie features. The Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer's 8-megapixel camera and 2-by-3-inch ZINK photos suit casual portraits, journals and small displays.
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Polaroid Now+ vs Kodak Mini Shot: which is better?
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 and Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R suit different priorities: Polaroid offers 5 included lens filters, while Kodak prints 3-by-3-inch photos from its camera or a phone. Choose Polaroid if you value its larger instant-film look, app controls and creative effects. Choose Kodak if you want the flexibility to print selected phone images as well as new camera shots.
The two systems also use different consumables. Polaroid cameras use i-Type or 600 film, while Kodak Mini Shot cameras use 4PASS cartridges. Compare the format and ongoing media needs before choosing a gift. Shoppers who want smaller rectangular Kodak prints should consider the Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R; square-photo fans have the clearest match in the Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R.
Can the Kodak Mini Shot print photos from a phone?
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R and Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R connect to phones through Bluetooth and print photos from a compatible smartphone. That dual role separates them from the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2, which centers on instant-film photography and app-based camera controls rather than phone-photo printing.
Phone printing is useful for sharing a favorite image more than once or printing a photo captured on another camera. Kodak’s 4PASS formats differ by model: the Mini Shot 3 makes 3-by-3-inch square prints, and the Mini Shot 2 makes 2.1-by-3.4-inch rectangular prints. Check cartridge compatibility when selecting refill media.
Which instant camera has the best photo size?
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R gives shoppers 3-by-3-inch square prints, while the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 produces the larger classic Polaroid film format. Photo size is a practical choice: square prints suit grids and small frames, rectangular photos fit many albums, and larger film prints make a stronger display piece.
The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R prints 2.1-by-3.4-inch images, and the Polaroid Go Generation 2 makes smaller photos measuring about 2.6 by 2.1 inches. The Canon IVY CLIQ+2 uses 2-by-3-inch ZINK paper. Compare image size and media type together, since the dimensions alone do not tell you whether a print has an instant-film or printer-paper look.
Which camera is easiest to use for beginners?
The Polaroid Now Generation 2 and Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R are approachable picks for beginners, with simple shooting controls and clear product roles. Polaroid suits shoppers who want to point, shoot and wait for a film photo; Kodak combines camera shooting with the option to print a selected phone picture.
For someone who likes choosing a photo before printing, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo has a 2.7-inch LCD preview. That screen helps reduce unwanted prints and pairs with 100 lens and film effect combinations. For children or casual outings, the Polaroid Go Generation 2 keeps the camera and photo format small, though it uses its own dedicated Go film.
What should shoppers compare for Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 camera shoppers should compare the full kit, included accessories and compatible media—not just the camera body. A starter bundle with film or paper gives the recipient supplies for first-day photos, and accessories such as a case or album can make a gift more complete.
Match the camera to the intended user: Polaroid Now+ for app-connected creativity, Kodak Mini Shot 3 for square phone prints, and Polaroid Go for compact travel snapshots. Check the exact model name and cartridge or film format before checkout. A lower-cost camera is not a better value for a shopper who wants a different print size or phone-printing feature.
Buying Guide
Choose the print style first
Pick classic Polaroid film for a larger, distinctive instant-photo look. Choose Kodak 4PASS for compact square or rectangular prints, or ZINK for small adhesive-backed Canon photos. A print format the recipient enjoys is more important than extra features they will not use.
Check phone-printing needs
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R and Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R print from a phone through Bluetooth. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo also supports smartphone printing. Polaroid Now+ app controls add creative camera options, but do not make it a phone-photo printer.
Consider creative controls
Choose Polaroid Now+ for its 5 lens filters and app-connected modes. The Instax Mini Evo provides 100 effect combinations and an LCD preview. For simple family snapshots, the Polaroid Now Generation 2 keeps the experience more direct.
Account for size and supplies
Compact bodies and prints suit travel, while larger photos stand out on a wall or desk. Confirm whether the camera uses i-Type, Polaroid Go, Kodak 4PASS, Instax Mini or ZINK media. Those formats are not interchangeable, so include compatible refills in gift planning.
FAQ
Is Polaroid Now+ better than Kodak Mini Shot?
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 is better for app-connected creative controls and classic instant film. The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R is better for 3-by-3-inch square prints and phone-photo printing. Choose based on the print style and phone features the recipient values.
Can Kodak Mini Shot 3 print from an iPhone?
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R connects to compatible smartphones through Bluetooth and prints phone photos using its 4PASS system. Its 3-by-3-inch square format is a good fit for small frames, photo walls and memory books.
What film does the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 use?
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 i-Type Instant Camera uses Polaroid i-Type film and is also compatible with Polaroid 600 film. Polaroid Go film and Kodak 4PASS cartridges do not fit this camera, so check the format before buying refills.
Which Kodak Mini Shot is better, the 2 or 3?
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro C300R is the better match for 3-by-3-inch square prints. The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R makes smaller 2.1-by-3.4-inch rectangular prints. Both models combine camera shooting with Bluetooth phone printing.
Which instant camera is best for travel?
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera is a strong travel pick because its camera and photos are compact. The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro C210R is another portable option for shoppers who want Bluetooth phone printing and 2.1-by-3.4-inch prints.