Whether you’re at the beach on a perfectly clear afternoon or hiking up a mountain at sunset, you want to capture the moment in all its raw, unedited beauty. Unfortunately, snapping a photo with your smartphone simply can’t do it justice. You need a high-quality camera if you want to treasure crisp, polished photographs for years to come.

There’s only one problem, though: conventional cameras require you to wait a week or two for the film to develop. When you’ve just taken the perfect shot, you want to see instant results. That’s why Polaroid cameras, also known as instant cameras, are the best choice for amateur and professional photographers alike. Whether you’re new to Polaroids or are looking to upgrade your camera, this buyer’s guide has everything you need. Here are the 2 best Polaroid cameras for your next family vacation.

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

If you’re looking to enjoy an instant camera on a budget, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is your best bet. This affordable camera is living proof that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for a better price. Thanks to its compact design, you can easily bring this device along with you on any family vacation. The Fujifilm’s ease of use also makes it a favorite among legions of photographers. By capturing true automatic exposure, this camera makes it easy for you to immediately share each photo with friends and family.

Moreover, the Instax Mini 11 offers several customization options that let you make the camera your own. Its wide range of fun colors is sure to satisfy all kinds of tastes. The camera also includes mirror and close focus features for flawless selfies. Because it uses both color and black-and-white Instax Mini film, you can choose between either color scheme to bring your photos to life.

Unfortunately, this instant camera lacks a tripod socket, which may be a drawback for some users. It’s also important to note that there may be overexposure in bright light and when the camera is focused closely.

Overall, this favorite from Fujifilm is a clear winner for affordable, high-quality photography. Not only can you capture stunning shots with this simple but powerful device, but you also have the opportunity to personalize it according to your unique needs.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

2. Polaroid Originals OneStep+

You can’t go wrong with the classic Polaroid when browsing the best instant cameras. This camera, which uses the original Polaroid square film format, is trusted by countless photographers as a reliable and efficient instant camera. While this model is a bit pricier than the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, its household name has attracted numerous photography fans over the decades. These enthusiasts have found that the Polaroid camera consistently lives up to its reputation as a sturdy, impactful and high-quality device.

No matter where you’re headed on your next family getaway, bringing the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ along for the ride is sure to make your trip worthwhile. This instant camera offers both monochrome and color films, giving you the chance to add your own personal touch to your photos. To create true-to-life portraits, you can also activate close focus mode, which gives your photographs a crisper and sharper quality.

For the tech-savvy out there, this Polaroid camera includes high-tech features to optimize the user experience. Equipped with Bluetooth connection for manual exposure control, this device allows you to adjust the exposure of your film without any difficulty. The camera can also be charged via USB for greater convenience.

While there are numerous benefits of choosing the OneStep+, it’s worth keeping in mind that the color materials tend to be a bit finicky. The film is also more expensive than other Polaroid models.

The Polaroid Originals OneStep+ is overall a popular choice among instant camera fans. If you’re willing to splurge a little more and prefer the classic Polaroid style, this model may be the best choice for you.

Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

Choose the Best Polaroid Camera for Your Needs

These top-rated instant cameras are exactly what your suitcase is missing for your next vacation. Whether you prefer the classic, reliable Polaroid Originals OneStep+ or the compact, trendy Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, these devices are built to suit almost every kind of need. Be sure to keep your personal goals in mind when considering these options so that you make the best decision for your needs. No matter which camera you choose, both of these options can give your photos a polished, professional look.