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Best Instant Camera Under £100 / €100 in 2026: Top 5 Compared
The best instant cameras under £100 in 2026: Instax Mini 12, Mini 11, Polaroid Go Gen 2... our complete comparison with prices and reviews.
by Stephanie
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Summary
The Instax Mini 12 is the best instant camera under £100 in 2026: versatile, reliable, and better than £150+ models for everyday use.
Comparison criteria
Products compared
Best Instant Camera Under £100 / €100 in 2026
Under £100, you enter the most competitive segment of instant photography. This is where Fujifilm and Polaroid battle it out, and where the differences between models really matter. Stephanie spent three months testing the five best cameras in this bracket. Here is the ranking.
Quick Comparison Table
| Camera | Price | Format | Cost per shot | Ease of use | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instax Mini 12 | ~£75 | Mini 62x46mm | ~£0.60 | 5/5 | Everyone |
| Instax Mini 11 | ~£65 | Mini 62x46mm | ~£0.60 | 5/5 | Tight budget |
| Polaroid Go Gen 2 | ~£85 | Go 33x36mm | ~£1.10 | 4/5 | Extreme compactness |
| Instax Pal | ~£60 | Digital → Mini | Variable | 4/5 | Film savings |
| Polaroid Now Gen 2 | ~£95 | i-Type 88x107mm | ~£1.40 | 4/5 | Iconic look |
1. Instax Mini 12 — The All-Round Champion
The Instax Mini 12 is not just the best camera under £100. According to Stephanie, it is the best instant camera overall for 9 out of 10 users.
What sets it apart at this price:
- Dedicated macro mode down to 30 cm (the 11 only does 60 cm)
- Faster, more reliable autofocus
- 6 modern pastel colours
- Same launch price as the Mini 11, but more refined
Real-world test: Stephanie took it to a picnic, a birthday party, and a countryside weekend. Out of 60 shots, 52 were perfect first time. An 87% success rate that even the Mini 99 does not beat in auto mode.
Who is it for? Beginners, children, teenagers, casual adults. Actually, everyone.
2. Instax Mini 11 — The Best Value for Money
The Instax Mini 11 at ~£65 is the best choice if you want to spend as little as possible while still getting a genuine Instax.
What it does just as well as the 12:
- Identical automatic exposure
- Same image quality
- Same film (so same long-term cost)
What it lacks:
- No dedicated macro mode (close-ups are harder)
- Slightly slower autofocus
- Less contemporary colours
The maths are simple: if the £10 difference lets you buy 2 extra film packs, the Mini 11 may be the better economic choice.
3. Polaroid Go Gen 2 — The Most Compact
The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is a camera apart. It is the smallest Polaroid in the world and literally fits in a jeans pocket.
Pros:
- Ultra-compact and lightweight
- True Polaroid look (iconic white border)
- Rechargeable USB-C battery
- Decent flash for its size
Cons:
- Very small prints (33 x 36 mm)
- Film more expensive than Instax Mini
- Less detail in images
Who is it for? Those who want a pocket camera for concerts, festivals, or nights out where an Instax Mini would be too bulky.
4. Instax Pal — The Long-Term Saver
The Instax Pal is a tiny digital camera that connects to an Instax Mini Link printer. At ~£60, it is the cheapest in this selection.
The real advantage: no wasted film. You take 20 digital photos, pick the best one, print it. Over time, you save dozens of pounds in film.
But beware: you need a smartphone and a Link printer (~£100 extra). Without both, the Pal is useless.
Who is it for? Children who click without thinking, or parents who want to control the film budget.
5. Polaroid Now Gen 2 — The Iconic Look on a Budget
The Polaroid Now Gen 2 hovers around £95, but it deserves its place for a specific audience.
Why it matters:
- THE Polaroid format everyone recognises
- Dual-lens autofocus (reliable sharpness)
- Large 88 x 107 mm prints
- Rechargeable battery
The catch: at ~£1.40 per shot, the film budget adds up fast. For 100 shots, budget £140 in film. That is three times more expensive than Instax Mini.
Who is it for? Polaroid lovers who use the camera occasionally (not for 10 shots a day).
The Verdict by Profile
You are a beginner and want the best
→ Instax Mini 12. No hesitation. The best combination of image quality, ease of use, and overall value.
Your budget is really tight
→ Instax Mini 11. At £65, it is a reliable camera that does the job. Everyday results are almost identical to the Mini 12.
You travel light
→ Polaroid Go Gen 2. It fits in your pocket and produces cute memories without bulk.
You want the iconic Polaroid look
→ Polaroid Now Gen 2. But budget generously for film.
You are buying for a trigger-happy child
→ Instax Pal. The initial setup is slightly more complex, but the film savings are real.
FAQ
What is the best instant camera under £100?
The Instax Mini 12. At ~£75, it offers the best balance of simplicity, image quality, and running cost.
Mini 11 or Mini 12 under £100?
The Mini 12 is worth the extra £10 for its macro mode and improved autofocus. But if your budget is capped at £70, the Mini 11 remains excellent.
Is the Polaroid Now Gen 2 worth £30 more than the Mini 12?
Only if you specifically want the Polaroid format and aesthetic. In total cost (camera + film), the Mini 12 is far more economical.
Can you find a new instant camera under £50?
Not of Instax/Polaroid quality. See our dedicated under £50 guide.
Comparison written by Stephanie for PixInstant. Updated April 2026.