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Are you a woman ready to complete her metamorphosis and embrace the ’90s trend to the fullest? Your style transformation has been slow and steady but now you’re ready to take the plunge into instant film. What could be more authentic than a stack of Polaroids inspired by your lifelong friends and spontaneous adventures?

The art of instant film has transcended generations since 1947. Though the hype has slowed down over time, instant film has regained its place as a trendy hobby perfect for party-goers, amateur art photographers and plain ol’ nostalgia addicts. Clearly, instant cameras have made their comeback in a big way.

Thinking about getting one yourself? Here’s a simple breakdown of some of the best instant cameras on the market!

(Note: All prices are approximate and calculated using lowest price option available online. Many of these products are available at local electronic and department stores, though they tend to be slightly more expensive.)

1 Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant

This camera is super simple and super cute! It’s interface is straightforward with only four different photo settings. What’s better is that it comes in a variety of rainbow pastel colors. (Get one to match every outfit!) If you’re an instant film newbie, this camera will be perfect for you.

Size: Fits in your purse and comes with a wristlet for easy carrying.

Cost: $55 (not too shabby).

Quality: Eh, outcome is usually 50/50. Quality of photos is dependent on the lighting and setting of the photo.

Film: $0.75 per photo.

2 Fujifilm Instax Wide 210 Instant

If you’re looking to upgrade from the size and quality of the Instax Mini, this may be your perfect match. With three light settings and two distance settings, the Instax 210 allows users to adjust their camera settings to fit their subject, resulting in less “fuzzy” photos. Even better, the film is basically the same price and the photos are twice as large as those from the Instax Mini.

Size: Bulky. You’ll have to rearrange your lipgloss collection to be able to fit this bad boy in your bag.

Cost: $65 (Only $10 more for pictures that are better quality? Yes, please.)

Quality: Dependent on setting and user expertise. Once mastered, your photos will almost always turn out well.

Film: $0.80 per photo.

3 Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant

The Instax Wide 300 is simply a glorified Instax 210. It’s more expensive, more aesthetically pleasing and … that’s all. It has the same settings, film usage and quality as the Instax 210.

Size: Bulky. At least the weight of this camera will be cushioned by all your old Starbucks receipts.

Cost: $97 (Sheesh.)

Quality: Dependent on setting and user expertise. Once mastered, your photos will almost always turn out well.

Film: $0.80 per photo.

4 Polaroid OneStep Instant Camera

If you’re a full on vintage lover and you want to be as authentic as possible in your endeavors, then a classic Polaroid OneStep may be your instant camera of choice.

Size: The classic bulky cube shape it totally in, right? It takes up space, but it’s just as manageable as an Instax Wide.

Cost: $160 (What!? Don’t worry. eBay is full of functional Polaroid OneStep cameras for around $30 each.)

Quality: Film for this camera tends to be more temperamental. Photos are less sharp than Fujifilm models.

Film: $1.20 per photo. (If you’re feeling lucky, eBay also offers a variety of expired films for a better price.)

5 Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Printer

If the waiting game of instant film isn’t really your style or if you think the risk of taking bad photos isn’t worth the payoff, there are alternatives. Fujifilm offers an Instax Share Smartphone Printer that allows you to cast your photos over Bluetooth and print them out on Instax Mini Film.

Size: Slightly larger than an iPhone and fits in the palm of your hand for easy travel.

Cost: $130.

Quality: Approximately the same as the Instax Mini film, but with a smaller chance of blurriness or overexposure. Keep in mind, this isn’t as good as a real printer but it gets the job done.

Film: $0.75 per photo.

TIPS:

Buy film in bulk! Many sites offer quantity discounts, which can save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Always be aware of how your film will react to the photo you’re taking. Make sure your background isn’t brighter than your foreground and that you aren’t too close to the object you’re shooting. Though your first shots may not come out perfect, it takes time to master the art of instant film. With more experience, you’ll be a film pro in no time.

Buy a protective case. If you have the money for it, buy a protective case or skin for your camera. Since instant cameras are often used to capture festivals, parties and social outings, they are much more likely to take a beating. Instant film cameras don’t have the sturdiness and resilience of digital cameras, so treat your instant camera with care.

Be wary of buying expired film! Often it comes out overexposed, warped or tinted. Many photographers like to be surprised when they receive their film so it’s worth the risk to them. Some artists also enjoy the deformities that come along with expired film, saying that it adds to the overall aesthetic of their photos.

With these camera choices and our ENTITY tips, it’s time to start experimenting with your instant film camera!

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