Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo vs Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant Camera (White)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 3.2). Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is best for: digital-instant hybrid users. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

4.4

2 sourcesall derived$217as of Oct 19

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid digital instant camera, bringing traditional instant photography together with digital convenience. Reviewer Mark G Adams traces how it went from a fun, experimental device to a practical tool for printing family memories across three years of use. It carries a 28mm f/2.0 lens with dial controls for lens and film effects, a selfie mirror, and smartphone connectivity for remote control and social sharing. Purists who want a fully analog instant camera may not warm to it, but as a printer for digital images it does the job well, with a nostalgic feel attached. Casual users and families who want digital flexibility plus instant prints are the audience.

Strengths

— Combines digital camera functionality with instant film printing capabilities
— Features 10 lens effects and 10 film effects that can be combined for 100 different looks
— Includes built-in selfie mirror and dual shutter buttons for versatile shooting

Watch-outs

— Limited 5MP resolution when capturing images digitally

$217 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #10 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant Camera (White)

3.2

1 source$149.99as of Oct 19

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 pairs nostalgic design with simple operation and app-based creative controls, but the autofocus is unreliable and I-Type film runs expensive and unpredictable. PCMag's Jim Fisher writes that the classic Polaroid look and one-button simplicity hold up, while the basic autofocus misses too often for the price. It charges over USB-C and takes both I-Type and 600 film, the latter bought separately. Casual users who want easy operation should look at the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99, and artsy photographers set on Polaroid film may prefer the $200 Flip model.

Strengths

— Iconic trapezoidal design with classic Polaroid silhouette
— Simple one-button operation with optical viewfinder
— App-enabled manual exposure control and creative modes including Double Exposure and Light Painting

Watch-outs

— Basic autofocus misses too often to justify cost per use
— Expensive I-Type film that is unpredictable and must be shielded from light during development

$149.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo and the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid are both digital hybrids that print on Instax Mini film. The Mini Evo offers 10 lens effects and 10 film effects, while the LiPlay records sound and prints it as a QR code. The Mini Evo costs more than the LiPlay and weighs 285g against about 255 g.

Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant Camera (White)

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 and the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 both list Bluetooth and a double exposure mode. The Generation 3 offers Light Painting and manual exposure control through its app, where the Polaroid I-2 has aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual modes plus LiDAR autofocus. The Generation 3's basic autofocus misses often, and it costs less than the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo	Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant Camera (White)
Film Format	Instax Mini Film	I-Type and 600
Lens	28mm f/2.0	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Shutter Speed	1/8000th to 1/4 second	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Battery Type	Built-in lithium-ion	Rechargeable battery
Flash	Built-in flash with automatic mode, and forced ON mode	Accurate, human-friendly flash
Dimensions	4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4 (123 x 87 x 36mm)	3.8 x 4.4 x 5.9 inches
Weight	10.1 oz (285g)	15.9 ounces
Connectivity	Smartphone app support	Bluetooth

← See the full ranking of best instant cameras