The best instant cameras make it easy to turn a moment into a physical print, but they differ in print size, paper type, and editing options. Choose between simple pocket cameras, phone-connected photo printers, and feature-rich models based on how you want to shoot and share.
Quick Top Products
Kodak Step Touch
- Combines a 13MP camera with a 3.5-inch touchscreen.
- Includes 10X optical zoom, pop-up flash, auto-timer, and selfie mirror.
- Prints 2 x 3 inch sticky-back photos without ink cartridges.
Best For: Travelers and creators who want to frame, review, edit, and print from one device.
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro
- Works as both an instant camera and a portable photo printer.
- Prints 3 x 3 inch square photos using 4PASS dye sublimation.
- Includes 38 sheets and supports Bluetooth printing from iOS and Android.
Best For: People who want square prints from the camera or a connected iOS or Android phone.
Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro
- Lets you print a shot or cancel it after capture.
- Prints 2.1 x 3.4 inch photos from the camera or a phone gallery via Bluetooth.
- Offers bordered and borderless photo styles with 4PASS printing.
Best For: Shoppers who want a camera-printer that lets them decide which shots to print.
Kodak Smile+ 2-in-1
- Uses a rotating lens to select standard, retro, or star effects.
- Prints 2 x 3 inch sticky-back photos with inkless ZINK technology.
- Connects to a smartphone over Bluetooth for edits before printing.
Best For: Friends and families who want quick filter effects and phone-assisted photo edits.
Kodak Printomatic+
- Captures at 10MP and uses auto flash with fixed focus.
- Prints full-color, sticky-backed 2 x 3 inch ZINK photos.
- RGB status lighting indicates processing, printing, and cooldown.
Best For: Those who want simple pocket shooting with a clear visual indication of camera activity.
Kodak Smile+
- Switches among standard, retro, and star lens effects.
- Makes 2 x 3 inch sticky-back photos with ZINK printing.
- Supports Bluetooth connection to iOS and Android devices.
Best For: Phone users who want to customize prints and switch camera effects without changing lenses.
Kodak Printomatic
- Pairs a 5MP sensor with a wide-angle f/2 lens.
- Can shoot a new photo while the previous one prints.
- Prints 2 x 3 inch ZINK photos without cartridges, toner, or film.
Best For: Casual photographers who want a compact camera that prints while they keep shooting.
Kodak Printomatic Basic Bundle
- Includes a 20-sheet ZINK paper pack and deluxe case.
- Has a 10MP sensor and wide-angle f/2 lens.
- Prints 2 x 3 inch adhesive-backed photos without ink cartridges.
Best For: Buyers who want a simple 10MP instant camera with a small paper bundle and case.
Kodak Printomatic Starter Bundle
- Includes a carrying case and 20 sheets of ZINK paper.
- Uses a 5MP sensor and wide-angle f/2 lens.
- Prints 2 x 3 inch photos without ink or toner.
Best For: New instant-camera buyers who want a carrying case and 20 ZINK sheets in the box.
Kodak x Barbie Printomatic
- Has a 5MP sensor with auto flash and focus.
- Prints full-color 2 x 3 inch sticky-back ZINK photos.
- Can save photos to a MicroSD card.
Best For: Barbie fans and younger photographers who want a pocketable camera with sticker-like prints.
Touchscreen Editing and Zoom
Zink Kodak Step Touch | 13MP Digital Camera & Instant Printer with 3.5” LCD Touchscreen Display, 1080p HD Video (White) Starter Bundle
The Kodak Step Touch combines a 13MP camera, a 3.5-inch touchscreen, and a built-in ZINK printer in one portable device. The screen supports capturing, reviewing, and editing photos before printing, while 10X optical zoom, a pop-up flash, auto-timer, and selfie mirror give it more shooting options than a basic point-and-print camera.
It also records 1080p video and can print from a smartphone or MicroSD card. Its 2 x 3 inch sticky-back prints suit scrapbooks and quick sharing.
This is the most feature-rich pick here, though its larger screen and broad toolkit may be unnecessary for someone who mainly wants simple snapshots.
Best For: Travelers and creators who want to frame, review, edit, and print from one device.
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Choose the Step Touch if you want to compose and edit on a built-in screen and value zoom, video, and multiple print sources. Its 2 x 3 inch ZINK output is smaller than the square prints from the Mini Shot 3 Retro, but it combines more shooting and editing tools in the camera itself.
Check what comes in the starter bundle and whether you want those extra controls before buying.
Square Prints and Phone Printing
KODAK Mini Shot 3 Retro 3x3” Instant Digital Camera & Photo Printer, 38 Sheets, 2-in-1 Portable Print Camera, Bluetooth Smartphone Printer for iOS & Android, 4PASS Dye Sublimation, Yellow
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro pairs an instant digital camera with a portable printer for 3 x 3 inch square photos. Its 4PASS dye-sublimation process applies three color layers and a protective lamination layer, and the bundle includes 38 sheets.
Bluetooth and the KODAK Photo Printer app let you print from compatible iOS and Android devices, with options to edit, crop, and customize before printing. The square format has a different feel from the smaller rectangular prints in this roundup and suits albums or displays.
Choose it when print format and phone printing matter more than extensive on-camera controls.
Best For: People who want square prints from the camera or a connected iOS or Android phone.
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Pick the Mini Shot 3 Retro if you prefer square prints and want to print phone photos through an app as well as take pictures with the camera. Its 4PASS process and lamination distinguish it from the ZINK models, which make smaller sticky-back prints.
Confirm the precise consumable format and the 38-sheet bundle contents before ordering, especially if you are comparing ongoing paper costs.
Flexible Shooting Before Printing
KODAK Mini Shot 2 Retro 2x3” Instant Digital Camera & Photo Printer, 38 Sheets, 2-in-1 Portable Print Camera, Bluetooth Smartphone Printer for iOS & Android, 4PASS Dye Sublimation, Yellow
The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro combines a digital camera and photo printer, with a useful option to print an image or cancel after taking it. It also prints photos from a phone gallery over Bluetooth and supports Apple iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
The camera uses 4PASS printing for 2.1 x 3.4 inch photos, with bordered and borderless options. The included 38-sheet bundle and app editing tools make it versatile for albums or sharing.
Unlike a camera that automatically prints every shot, this model gives you a choice, though it still uses dedicated instant-print media rather than standard photo paper.
Best For: Shoppers who want a camera-printer that lets them decide which shots to print.
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This Mini Shot 2 Retro suits buyers who want to review a camera shot before committing media and also print selected phone photos. Its 2.1 x 3.4 inch format is rectangular, while the Mini Shot 3 Retro uses square 3 x 3 inch prints.
Compare the bundle's actual cartridge and paper contents with your expected use, and treat the advertised longevity as a claim rather than a measured guarantee.
Rotating Creative Filters
Kodak Smile+ 2-in-1 Digital Instant Print Camera & Wireless Bluetooth Photo Printer - 10MP, Special-Effect Rotating Lens, Zink 2x3” Sticky-Back Photos, Print via Fun App from Smart Devices - Blue
The Kodak Smile+ 2-in-1 pairs a 10MP digital camera with a ZINK printer for 2 x 3 inch sticky-back photos. Its rotating lens selects standard, retro, or star effects, so you can change the look while shooting.
Bluetooth connects the camera to a smartphone, where an app can add text, colors, and stickers before printing. A MicroSD card slot saves captured photos.
This is a practical pick for playful prints and phone-assisted personalization. Its photo format stays compact, and the supplied facts do not identify included paper quantity, so check consumables when comparing the overall setup.
Best For: Friends and families who want quick filter effects and phone-assisted photo edits.
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Choose the Smile+ if you expect to use its three lens effects and want to personalize prints from a connected phone. Its ZINK prints are smaller and adhesive-backed, unlike the larger square output of the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro.
Check whether paper and a MicroSD card are included, since those details affect how ready the camera is for immediate use.
Status Lights for Print Progress
Kodak Printomatic+ Instant Print Digital Camera (Black) 10MP Portable Camera with Interactive RGB LED Status Indicator, Prints Full-Color Photos on Zink 2x3” Sticky-Backed Photo Paper - Easy & Fun
The Kodak Printomatic+ is a compact point-and-shoot built around 10MP capture, auto flash, and fixed focus. It prints full-color 2 x 3 inch photos on sticky-backed ZINK paper, with no ink cartridges required.
An interactive RGB LED indicator shows when the camera is processing, printing, or cooling down, making its operating status visible at a glance. That straightforward approach fits casual outings and quick handouts.
It does not offer the phone editing and filter choices found on the Smile+, so choose it for simple camera-to-print use and check whether paper is included before relying on it for an event.
Best For: Those who want simple pocket shooting with a clear visual indication of camera activity.
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The Printomatic+ is a straightforward choice if you want pocketable shooting and an indicator for print progress. It has fixed focus and lacks the documented phone-editing workflow of the Smile+, which offers Bluetooth personalization and rotating effects.
Check included paper and storage options before purchase, then decide whether the simpler camera-to-print routine matches how you plan to use the photos.
Phone Editing With Three Lens Effects
KODAK Smile+ Wireless Digital Instant Print Camera with Effect-Changing Lens, 2x3” Sticky-Backed Photo Prints, and Zink Printing Technology, Compatible with iOS and Android Devices - Black
The Kodak Smile+ is a wireless digital instant print camera with an effect-changing lens and ZINK printing. It makes 2 x 3 inch sticky-backed photos, while Bluetooth compatibility with iOS and Android devices supports smartphone connection.
Its standard, retro, and star filters are selected by turning a knob, and a MicroSD slot can save captured images. That combination suits casual creative use when you want a choice of in-camera effects and phone connectivity.
The supplied details do not specify the camera's resolution or included paper quantity, so confirm those points if image detail or immediate print capacity is central to your decision.
Best For: Phone users who want to customize prints and switch camera effects without changing lenses.
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Pick this Smile+ when smartphone compatibility and quick lens effects are more useful than a touchscreen or square prints. Its documented workflow combines ZINK output, Bluetooth, and MicroSD storage; the Printomatic models instead emphasize point-and-shoot printing and use Zink paper.
Check resolution and paper quantity before buying, since neither detail is provided here and both can shape expectations for a first print session.
Pocketable ZINK Snapshots
KODAK Printomatic Full-Color Instant Print Digital Camera, Zink 2x3" (5.1x7.5 cm) Sticky-Back Photo Paper, 5MP, Portable, Creative Fun Gift for Birthday, Christmas, Holiday, Green
This green Kodak Printomatic combines a 5MP sensor and wide-angle f/2 lens with direct ZINK printing. It produces 2 x 3 inch photos without ink cartridges, toners, or film, and its pocket-sized design is aimed at grab-and-go use.
The camera can shoot a new image while a previous one prints, and a light sensor automatically activates the flash in low-light settings. A MicroSD card can store photos, though the camera does not include a USB cable.
Its simple controls and compact prints suit informal gatherings, but shoppers should check paper availability and storage needs.
Best For: Casual photographers who want a compact camera that prints while they keep shooting.
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This single-camera Printomatic is the better fit for someone who wants a portable camera and direct prints without a multi-piece bundle. The camera supports MicroSD saving and keeps shooting during a print, but the record explicitly notes there is no USB cable.
Confirm paper supply and the required MicroSD card separately if you want to save images as well as print them.
10MP Camera With Starter Paper
Kodak Printomatic Instant Camera (Black) Basic Bundle + Zink Paper (20 Sheets) + Deluxe Case
This Printomatic basic bundle packages the black camera with 20 sheets of ZINK paper and a deluxe case. The camera has a 10MP sensor, a wide-angle f/2 lens, and automatic printing of 2 x 3 inch color or black-and-white photos.
A light sensor turns on the flash in low-light settings, and the camera can shoot while a prior image prints. Its adhesive-backed prints avoid separate ink cartridges and can be saved to a MicroSD card as digital files.
Choose this version when the included case and paper are useful; consider that the bundle still centers on small-format instant prints.
Best For: Buyers who want a simple 10MP instant camera with a small paper bundle and case.
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Select this bundle if the case and 20 sheets make a convenient starter package and you prefer a simple point-and-print camera. Its 10MP sensor and wide-angle lens make it a point-and-shoot option, while compact ZINK output and MicroSD saving support printed and digital photos.
Confirm the memory card is supplied if digital storage matters, and compare bundle contents rather than assuming other Printomatic offers include the same extras.
Starter Case and Paper Bundle
Kodak Printomatic Full-Color Instant Print Camera Starter Bundle + Carrying Case + Zink 20pk Photo Paper - Colorful Photos On 2x3 Sticky-Back Paper - Fun Gift for Birthday Christmas Holiday - Yellow
This yellow Printomatic bundle adds a carrying case and 20 sheets of ZINK paper to the compact camera. The 5MP sensor and wide-angle f/2 lens support straightforward point-and-shoot capture, while the camera can take another photo as a previous one prints.
Its 2 x 3 inch ZINK photos need no ink cartridges, toner, or film, and the camera saves images to a MicroSD card. The bundle is aimed at getting started with printed snapshots and basic carrying protection.
It lacks the richer editing and smartphone workflows of some alternatives, and it does not include a USB cable.
Best For: New instant-camera buyers who want a carrying case and 20 ZINK sheets in the box.
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Choose this bundle when an included carrying case and starter paper are more useful than an expanded scrapbook kit. It shares the Printomatic's simple 5MP, wide-angle and ZINK approach, so the main distinction is what comes in the box rather than a different camera system.
Check storage and charging needs before buying, since the MicroSD card is not specified and no USB cable is included.
Barbie Styling and Sticky Prints
Kodak x Barbie Printomatic Full-Color Instant Print Digital Camera, 5MP Portable Barbie Camera, Zink 2x3 (5.1x7.5 cm) Sticky-Back Photo Paper, Gift for Christmas, Holiday, Birthday, Iconic Style
The Barbie-themed Kodak Printomatic pairs a pink, pocket-sized design with one-touch capture and printing. Its 5MP sensor, auto flash, and focus simplify snapshots, while the camera prints full-color 2 x 3 inch ZINK photos with adhesive backing.
The print paper needs no ink, toner, or cartridges, and the camera can also save photos to a MicroSD card. This version suits buyers for whom the Barbie styling and peel-and-stick output are part of the fun.
The supplied details do not identify an included paper quantity or card, so check those before planning a photo activity.
Best For: Barbie fans and younger photographers who want a pocketable camera with sticker-like prints.
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This edition makes sense when Barbie styling and sticker-ready prints are central to the choice. Its camera basics resemble the other 5MP Printomatic models, so the practical distinction is the themed design rather than a different print workflow.
Check for included paper and a memory card, then compare those consumables with a standard Printomatic bundle if you want a camera for frequent use.
How to Choose Instant Cameras
How We Picked Best Instant Cameras
We focused on products that take photos with a built-in camera and make physical prints, while excluding refill paper and devices centered on monochrome labels. The picks cover simple pocket cameras, camera-printer hybrids that can choose whether to print, phone-connected printers, and a touchscreen camera with zoom and video.
We also separated distinct models from color and bundle variations. Several Printomatic offers use the same camera design, so the selection includes only one representative offer of each relevant variant type: a standard camera, a starter bundle, and the Barbie edition.
Comparing Instant Cameras
The main split is between ZINK and 4PASS printing. ZINK models make compact 2 x 3 inch sticky-back photos without ink cartridges, while the Mini Shot cameras use 4PASS dye sublimation and offer rectangular or square formats.
The Step Touch adds a touchscreen, zoom, video, and on-device editing; simpler Printomatic cameras prioritize pocketable point-and-print use.
Think about whether every camera shot should print immediately. The Printomatic is designed for direct output, while the Mini Shot 2 Retro lets you print or cancel after a capture.
The Mini Shot 3 Retro and Smile+ also print smartphone images, with app-based editing options.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kodak Step TouchCheck Price |
| Travelers and creators who want to frame, review, edit, and print from one device. |
| Kodak Mini Shot 3 RetroCheck Price |
| People who want square prints from the camera or a connected iOS or Android phone. |
| Kodak Mini Shot 2 RetroCheck Price |
| Shoppers who want a camera-printer that lets them decide which shots to print. |
| Kodak Smile+ 2-in-1Check Price |
| Friends and families who want quick filter effects and phone-assisted photo edits. |
| Kodak Printomatic+Check Price |
| Those who want simple pocket shooting with a clear visual indication of camera activity. |
| Kodak Smile+Check Price |
| Phone users who want to customize prints and switch camera effects without changing lenses. |
| Kodak PrintomaticCheck Price |
| Casual photographers who want a compact camera that prints while they keep shooting. |
| Kodak Printomatic Basic BundleCheck Price |
| Buyers who want a simple 10MP instant camera with a small paper bundle and case. |
| Kodak Printomatic Starter BundleCheck Price |
| New instant-camera buyers who want a carrying case and 20 ZINK sheets in the box. |
| Kodak x Barbie PrintomaticCheck Price |
| Barbie fans and younger photographers who want a pocketable camera with sticker-like prints. |
Choosing Print Size and Paper for Instant Photography
Print shape affects how you will display or share photos. The Mini Shot 3 Retro makes square 3 x 3 inch pictures, while the Mini Shot 2 Retro produces 2.1 x 3.4 inch photos with bordered and borderless choices.
ZINK cameras in this roundup make 2 x 3 inch adhesive-backed prints suited to scrapbooks, labels, or quick handouts.
Check which consumables a bundle includes and how the camera stores digital copies. The Printomatic starter options include 20 ZINK sheets, while other models leave paper quantity unspecified.
MicroSD support appears on several Kodak models, but that does not confirm a card comes in the box.
What Instant Camera Controls Fit Your Routine?
For a simple gathering camera, auto flash and direct printing keep the process straightforward. The Printomatic can take another shot while the previous one prints, and the Printomatic+ adds an RGB indicator for processing and cooldown.
If you want to adjust a photo before it becomes a print, look at the Mini Shot 2's print-or-cancel option or the Step Touch touchscreen and editing tools.
Phone connectivity expands the source photos you can print. Both Mini Shot models connect through the KODAK app, and the Smile+ supports Bluetooth personalization and lens effects.
Check device compatibility and whether the app workflow suits you before making a phone-connected camera your main choice.
Who Should Buy Which Instant Camera?
Pick the Step Touch for its touchscreen, zoom, and video tools; choose the Mini Shot 3 Retro for square 3 x 3 inch 4PASS prints. The Mini Shot 2 Retro suits buyers who want to decide whether to print each shot, while either Smile+ is a fit for Bluetooth personalization and creative lens effects.
For basic pocket snapshots, compare the standard Printomatic with the Printomatic+ and the two bundles. The basic bundle includes a case and 20 sheets, the yellow starter bundle adds a carrying case and 20 sheets, and the Barbie model brings themed styling and adhesive-backed photos.
Choose the camera whose included supplies and creative features match how often you expect to print.