The ultimate guide to Instant cameras in 2025 and 2026: Instax vs Polaroid (Which one should you choose?)

Capturing beach memories with a modern Polaroid instant camera — the perfect retro gift for photogra

Snapping coastal moments with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 — a fun and nostalgic way to take instant

Instant cameras have become one of the most popular gifts of 2025 — not just because they’re fun, but because they create real, tangible memories in a world that feels increasingly digital. Whether you’re looking for a gift that feels thoughtful, creative or nostalgic, Polaroid and Instax cameras continue to be favourites for all ages.

At Retro Wink, we offer a carefully chosen range of Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax cameras — plus beautifully curated hampers where each item is selected to complement the camera and create a story around it.If you're deciding which camera fits your style (or the person you’re gifting), this guide will make it simple.

Polaroid vs Instax in 2025: What’s the difference?

Both brands create instant prints, but the experience is quite different.

Polaroid:

• dreamy, vintage aesthetic

• softer tones

• iconic square-style prints

• artistic, nostalgic feel

Instax:

• bright, crisp colours

• easy for beginners

• quicker developing

• playful and modern vibe

  
  

Your choice really depends on the style of images you love.

Polaroid Cameras at Retro Wink (2025 Range)

Polaroid cameras are perfect for people who love that classic, retro aesthetic — warm tones, soft details and a slightly unpredictable charm that makes every print unique.

Retro Wink stocks the best three Polaroid models, each suited to a different type of photographer.

1. Polaroid Go Generation 2 – Small, Creative & Fun

This tiny camera is perfect for people who want Polaroid magic in a compact size. It makes adorable miniature Polaroid prints and is ideal for travel, parties and everyday adventures.

Why people love it:

• The world’s smallest Polaroid

• Mini prints with full Polaroid charm

• Simple and creative, with a fun double exposure feature

This camera often appears in Retro Wink hampers designed for fun, spontaneous photography moments.

Polaroid instant camera ready for beach-day snaps — the perfect retro companion for summer memories.

Polaroid instant cameras in classic retro colours — choose the perfect style for your next gift or a

Polaroid instant camera with fun retro accessories — a bright and nostalgic setup for capturing ever

2. Polaroid Now Generation 2 – True Polaroid Feel Made Simple

This is the “classic Polaroid experience” in modern form. It’s easy to use, reliable and produces authentic Polaroid-style prints that feel warm and nostalgic.

What makes it great:

• Autofocus lens

• Classic full-size Polaroid prints

• Ideal for families, beginners or anyone wanting that nostalgic aesthetic

  
  

It’s a favourite for hampers themed around capturing everyday memories or celebrating special occasions.

3. Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 – For the Creative Photographer

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 is Polaroid’s most advanced instant camera yet, designed for photographers who love experimenting with light, exposure, and creative effects. It combines the classic Polaroid experience with modern technology, giving every shot an artistic, playful touch.

Creative features include:

• Manual mode for precise control over exposure

• Double exposure for layered, experimental images

• Light painting to turn dark environments into a canvas

• Aperture control to adjust depth and focus

• Tripod compatibility for steady shots and long-exposure experiments

• Bluetooth connection to unlock extra features via the Polaroid app

The Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 is perfect for hampers that celebrate creativity and storytelling, making it ideal for those who want their instant photos to be as expressive as their imagination.

Fujifilm Instax cameras at Retro Wink (2025 range)

Instax cameras are colourful, cheerful and incredibly user-friendly. They’re perfect for first-time instant photographers, families and anyone who wants bright, consistent results.

Retro Wink stocks three most popular Instax models.

4. Instax Mini 12 – The everyday favourite

Simple, reliable and fun. The Instax Mini 12 is designed for people who want quick, vibrant prints without needing any technical knowledge.

Why it's loved:

• Very easy to use

• Great for selfies and group photos

• Affordable Mini film

• Popular with teens, students and families

It fits perfectly into hampers built around fun moments, celebrations and shared memories.

5. Instax Mini Evo – Retro style meets modern control

The Mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera — you take digital photos, choose your favourites, and print only the ones you love. That means no wasted film and more creative freedom.

Highlights:

• Retro body with digital control

• 10 built-in filters and creative effects

• Smartphone printing

• High-quality Instax Mini prints

Hampers built around the Mini Evo often include elements that encourage creativity, journaling and storytelling.

6. Instax Wide 400 – Bigger rrints, bigger impact

If Mini photos are cute and playful, Wide photos are bold and spacious. The Wide 400 creates prints twice the size of Mini film — perfect for events, travel moments and scrapbooks.

Why it's special:

• Large, dramatic prints

• Great for landscapes, group shots and memory books

• A strong choice for people who want photos that stand out

  
  

This camera often features in hampers designed for memory-keepers, travellers and families who love documenting moments in a meaningful way.

Gift Hampers: When you want more than “just a camera”

At Retro Wink, accessories aren’t sold as standalone products. Instead, they’re carefully curated into themed hampers that enhance the camera and create a complete experience.

Each hamper tells a story — whether it’s about creativity, travel, journaling, cosy moments, celebrations or capturing everyday life.They may include items like:

• photo albums

• journals

• LED string lights

• GlowNote boards

• enamel, copper mugs

• decorative photo pieces, and more

  
  

Every element is chosen to complement the camera inside and turn it into a thoughtful, meaningful gift — something more personal than simply handing over a device in a box. Check our Picture Perfect Gift hampers here.

Polaroid instant camera with beach-day accessories — a perfect retro gift for summer memories.

Our Retro Wink smiley LED light adds a cosy retro glow to any room or gift hamper.

A retro-themed flatlay featuring instant photography gear and nostalgic accessories.

Pastel photo albums for storing your favourite instant snaps — stylish, simple, and retro-inspired.

A fun Retro Wink setup with instant film, camera gear and our signature smiley LED light.

Refreshing drink in a vintage-style copper mug — a stylish addition to retro home décor or gifting.

How to choose the right instant camera

Here’s the simplest way to decide:

Choose Polaroid if you want:

✔ warm, nostalgic photos✔ a classic vintage feel✔ the iconic Polaroid look✔ a more artistic and expressive experience

Choose Instax if you want:

✔ bright, crisp photos✔ easy operation✔ quick developing✔ a playful, modern vibe

Both deliver wonderful memories — it just depends on the style you love.

Ready to find your camera?

Explore the full range of Polaroid and Instax cameras, or choose a beautifully curated hamper that brings the whole experience together.

www.retrowink.com.au

Instant photography isn’t just about taking a picture…It’s about capturing a feeling.

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