My travel style has changed over the years, but one thing that has remained constant is my love for travel polaroid cameras! Who doesn’t love the polaroid camera ~aesthetic~? I know I do. Capturing memories on a polaroid is so fun, but you might be hesitant to travel with one. After all, polaroid cameras are a bit clunky, right? Logic says they wouldn’t make the best travel companions. I absolutely love to travel with my Instax or polaroid cameras, but you do have to be strategic about which models you choose.
In this post, I’m going to share why you should consider traveling with a polaroid camera, as well as the seven best polaroid cameras for travelers. Let’s get to it!
In this blog post you’ll find:
- Why you should travel with a polaroid camera
- What’s the difference between Instax and Polaroid?
- Can you take a polaroid camera on a plane?
- Does the weather affect polaroid camera film?
- 5 best Instax polaroid cameras for travel
- 2 best Original Polaroid cameras for travel
- Best travel polaroid camera accessories
Related: Seeing Vienna Through a Lens: Our Vienna Polaroid Tour
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may make a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Endless Distances!
Why you should travel with a polaroid camera
There is no better travel souvenir than a little polaroid photo, easily tucked in a wallet or back pocket, to remind you of adventures taken.
I first fell in love with traveling with a polaroid camera in Vienna. Dan and I went on a polaroid tour of Vienna with Sophort, which to this day remains one of the best city tours I’ve ever been on. We learned all the details of polaroid, and then traipsed about the city chatting with a local and seeing the city through new angles.
Not to mention that the photos we took on that trip still hang above my desk and are so treasured! This tour inspired me to continue traveling with a polaroid camera – if you look through my blog, you can see these photos featured in my other travels, such as trips to New York City or Prague.
Polaroids are just fun. They give you an opportunity to go back in time, to slow down, to change your perspective, and to PLAY!
Reasons to take a travel polaroid camera on your next trip:
- A polaroid photo is the perfect travel souvenir
- You can gift polaroid photos to locals (like your Airbnb host, or friends you meet on the road).
- Bring travel into your home. String some up above your desk or bed – this is the fairy light string I use!
- You can see a city through creative and new angles – especially on a polaroid city tour!
- They are fun and memorable
- Polaroid photos remind you that the best souvenir from travel is the EXPERIENCE!
What’s the difference between Instax and Polaroid?
Yes, there is a difference between polaroid and Instax (although I’ve lumped them together in this post). These are the two main brands you’ll consider when buying your camera.
Think of Instax as the new kid on the block, and Polaroid as the old guy making a comeback.
The main difference between Instax and Polaroid is in how the film develops. For example, when you snap a photo on an original polaroid camera, you need to hide the photo from light sources so it develops properly. The same is not true for Instax, which develops fine in sunlight (one reason it is more user-friendly).
Is Instax or Polaroid better for travel?
I’ve used both Polaroid and Instax and both have benefits and drawbacks. But which one is better for travel with polaroid cameras?
Instax, produced by Fujifilm, is generally more user friendly and affordable. Their cameras are generally more lightweight. Instax also produces hybrid instant photography cameras that can connect to apps on your phone.
But everyone calls instant photography “polaroid” for a reason. After their bankruptcy in 2001, the Polaroid story gets a little convoluted, but as of March 2020 they are operating again under the official Polaroid name. They now have some newer models of instant cameras that rival Instax in user (and travel) friendliness.
Keep reading below for my seven most recommended cameras for travel, from both Instax and Polaroid.
FAQs on the best travel polaroid cameras
After years of traveling with polaroid cameras, I’ve developed some opinions on the best options out there! Below, I share my top picks from both Instax and Polaroid. But first I’ll answer some frequently asked questions.
Is it really practical to travel with a polaroid camera?
This depends on your trip style! I almost never regret packing a polaroid or Instax camera in my luggage. However I’m less likely to take them on whirlwind outdoor trips, like when I trekked to Everest Base Camp.
Overall, if you’re like me, you’ll more often wish you had your polaroid camera with you, than not! There are some surprisingly compact models now like the Instax Mini LiPlay or Square SQ6 that are great for travel.
Can you take a polaroid camera on a plane?
Yes. The film can go through airport security X-rays perfectly fine. Polaroid is not restricted by TSA. Just be careful not to put pressure on the film or spill liquids on it in your luggage. An Instax case can help with that (I think that one is super cute!).
Does weather affect polaroid cameras?
Yes. Polaroid cameras are not waterproof – although you can buy waterproof cases for very select styles of polaroid cameras. I only take mine out in the rain if I have a purse.
Cold weather can also affect Instax film. If Instax film is exposed to weather below freezing it can become quite underexposed. Extreme temperatures can also affect Polaroid film but the results are less predictable. For this reason, I would recommend travel polaroid cameras for warmer or average temperature destinations.
5 Best Instax travel polaroid cameras to buy
As I mentioned, Instax is newer on the block but it is also more user friendly and affordable. They make some great cameras for a variety of budgets. These are my five favorite Instax cameras for travel.
1. Instax Mini 9
The Instax Mini 9 is my top pick from Instax cameras for travel in terms of budget, user friendliness, and weight, although it is still pretty simple in comparison to other Instax cameras that now connect to your phone.
This is an upgrade from the classic Mini 8 in that it has a selfie mirror and macro lens. This makes it easier to snap pictures on the go and not waste film! It comes in 13 colors.
Check prices for the Instax Mini 9 here.
Fillm: Instax Mini Film
2. Instax Mini 8
The Instax Mini 8 is one model older than the 9, and has since been discontinued by Fujifilm. However, this means if you buy it on Amazon, you can get it for a slightly cheaper price than other models.
The Instax Mini 8 is lightweight and great for travel – it doesn’t have many special gadgets or capabilities besides taking instant photos, so it’s the best option if you’re looking for something simple!
Check prices for the Instax Mini 8 here.
Fillm: Instax Mini Film
3. Instax Wide 300
The Instax Wide 300 is great if you are looking for more polished photos from your travel polaroid camera. It’s the bulkiest of the Instax cameras I recommend, but it produces wider photos which are great for displaying. The film is closer to the original polaroid size (3×5″).
The Instax Wide 300 also has a tripod socket and two focus zones, and even a self timer. These capabilities make it the perfect pick if you’re a more advanced photographer.
Check prices for the Instax Wide 300 here.
Fillm: Instax Wide Film
4. Instax Square SQ6
The Instax Square SQ6 is one of the newest Instax models available. It is one of the thinnest and most compact Instax cameras out there – a perfect size for travel!
It uses an auto exposure, meaning your photos will turn out great (no more guessing with the film, like with some of Instax’s other cameras… although that’s part of the fun). There is also a self timer.
Check prices for the Instax Square SQ6 here.
Film: Instax Square Film
5. Instax Mini LiPlay
The Instax Mini LiPlay is the smallest Instax camera and therefore the best size to fit in your luggage or purse when you’re traveling. It’s the newest Instax on the market and is actually a hybrid Instant camera.
The camera connects to an app on your phone, and can print photos from your phone as well as those you take on the camera. It also lets you preview your images before you choose to print, and has up to 32GB storage.
The Instax Mini LiPlay isn’t your typical instant photography camera, and traditionalists will want to stay away. But if you want more capabilities and a compact size, this is the best Instax for you.
Check prices for the Instax Mini LiPlay here.
Film: Instax Mini Film
2 best Original Polaroid cameras for travel
If you want the real original, then I have to recommend Polaroid itself over Instax. These cameras are a bit bulkier and may take more getting used to than Instax, but the photos come out clearer and the exposure is usually better.
1. Polaroid Now i-Type
The Polaroid Now i-Type is the signature Polaroid camera. It’s the simplest and most affordable of the lot, and I would compare it to the Instax Mini 9 in terms of budget and user friendliness.
However, it does have a few more capabilities than the Instax Mini 9. For instance, it has autofocus and a self timer, for a pretty similar price.
Check prices for the Polaroid Now i-Type here.
Film: i-Type Film
2. Polaroid SX-70
The Polaroid SX-70 is my top Polaroid pick in terms of size! It is ideal for travelers. The SX-70 is totally unique as the world’s first single lens reflex camera that uses original Polaroid film. The photos are sharp and crisp.
Even better, this camera literally folds down so you can tuck it in your purse, backpack, or even a big coat pocket!
Check prices for the Polaroid SX-70 here.
Film: Color Film for SX-70
Compare travel polaroid cameras
| Camera | Film | Dimensions + Weight | Perks | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instax Mini 9 | Instax Mini Film | 116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm 307g / 10.8 oz (without batteries, strap and film pack) | -User friendly -Lightweight | Check prices |
| Instax Mini 8 | Instax Mini Film | 116mm x 118.3mm x 68.2mm 307g / 10.8 oz (without batteries, strap and film pack) | -Most affordable -Lightweight -User friendly | Check prices |
| Instax Wide 300 | Instax Wide Film | 7.4 x 4.8 x 3.8" / 188 x 122 x 96.5 mm 600 g / 1.32 lb | -Tripod Socket -Self timer -Largest photos | Check prices |
| Instax Square SQ6 | Instax Square Film | 118.7 mm x 128.1 mm x 58.1 mm/4.7 in. x 5.0 in. x 2.3 in. (excluding protrusions) 393 g/ 13.9 oz. (without battery, strap, and film pack) | -Auto Exposure -Self Timer -Thin size | Check prices |
| Instax Mini LiPlay | Instax Mini Film | 82.5 mm x 122.9 mm x 36.7 mm (excluding protrusions) 255 g / 9 oz (excluding film pack and memory card) | -Smallest size -Lightest Weight -Hybrid digital camera | Check prices |
| Polaroid Now i-Type | i-Type Film | 3.7 x 4.42 x 5.91" / 94 x 112.2 x 150.2 mm 434 g / 15.31 oz | -Most affordable Original Polaroid camera -User friendly -Autofocus -Self Timer | Check prices |
| Polaroid SX-70 | Color Film for SX-70 | 8.4 x 7.9 x 7.4 inches 839 g / 1.85 pounds | -Vintage Original Polaroid camera -Folds down to fit in jacket or pocket | Check prices |
Travel polaroid accessories
This is film photography, so you will need to do the occasional restock! I promise it’s worth it for those special souvenirs. Here are some of my recommended accessories – from film to photo albums to cases – for traveling with a polaroid camera.
- Film – make sure you have the correct type of film for your camera!
- Camera case
- Frames – I love this magnetic polaroid frame for the refrigerator
- Polaroid photo album – this is the one I have
- Camera strap
- Fairy light string and clips – I recommend buying this one, which I have hanging above my desk.
- Polaroid Originals Printer – an alternative to having a camera. It prints photos from your phone on Polaroid film.
- A city tour with Sophort
So… what travel polaroid camera should you buy?
Honestly, it is hard to pick when it comes to the best polaroid camera for travel.
I personally most often travel with the Instax Mini 8 or 9. These are affordable, very lightweight, and very simple. The only downside is they are bulkier than other Instax cameras.
If you’re really looking for a compact camera to travel with, then my top recommendation is definitely either the Instax Mini LiPlay or the Instax SQ6. These are the smallest cameras, but they also have way more capabilities like connecting to your phone through bluetooth. These advanced settings are fab, but might turn you off if you’re looking for something “old fashioned.”
Without a doubt, if your top goal is authenticity, then you need to purchase an original Polaroid camera. They weigh slightly more and can cost more than Instax, but they’re the real deal. Plus the SX-70 can fold down, and the brand new Now i-Type is a great combo of old fashioned brand with new technology.
I love my travel polaroid cameras. If you’ve never traveled with a polaroid camera, then I have to encourage you to try it! It helps you view a city through new eyes and new angles, and get off your phone. Plus, you get the perfect little souvenirs to take home.
Sarah xx
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*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Endless Distances!
