Instant film in our range means cartridges and packs for instant cameras and instant photo printers, for anyone who wants a physical print within minutes of taking the shot. Most of it is FUJIFILM, with POLAROID and CANON also available. Film formats are not interchangeable between systems, so check your camera first.
How to choose instant film
Camera compatibility. Start with the make and model of your camera or printer. Fujifilm Instax film, Polaroid film and Canon's own paper are built for different devices, and a pack that does not match your camera will not load or will not print.
Film format and print size. Instax film comes in Mini, Square and Wide sizes, and the print gets larger in that order for Square and Wide. Mini is the smallest and the most common, Wide suits group shots and landscapes, and Square gives a format similar to a social media photo. Polaroid film has its own larger format, with a wider white border.
Look of the print. Colour film is the standard choice. Some ranges also offer monochrome film, and some have coloured or patterned frames. Polaroid film has a softer, more muted look than Instax, which tends to give a sharper, more saturated image. Decide which style you prefer before comparing packs.
Pack size and expiry date. Packs usually hold 10 sheets, and twin packs hold 20. If you shoot only now and then, a single pack is easier to finish before the film ages. For events or travel, a multipack means fewer reloads. Check the expiry date on the box, as old film can give weak colours.
Development time. Instax prints show an image within a minute or two, while Polaroid film takes noticeably longer to develop fully. If you want to share prints straight away at a party, this difference matters.
Instant film brands we carry
- FUJIFILM: maker of Instax, the best-known instant film system, with Mini, Square and Wide formats. It makes up most of our instant film range.
- POLAROID: the original instant photography brand, known for its square-format film with the white border. Its film is made for Polaroid cameras.
- CANON: known mainly for cameras, and also for compact instant cameras and pocket photo printers. Its paper is designed for those specific models, so match it to your device.
Frequently asked questions about instant film
How do I know which instant film fits my camera?
Look at the model name on your camera or printer and match it to the film type printed on the pack. Instax cameras take Instax film in the matching size, Polaroid cameras take Polaroid film, and Canon devices use Canon paper. The manual or the camera body usually shows the correct format.
Can I use Polaroid film in a Fujifilm Instax camera?
No. Polaroid and Instax film differ in cartridge shape, print size and chemistry, so they cannot be swapped between systems. Even within Instax, a Mini camera will not accept Wide film. Always buy film made for your specific camera.
How long does instant film take to develop?
Instax film shows its image within a minute or two, while Polaroid film takes longer and keeps developing for several more minutes. Keep the print out of the heat while it develops. Do not shake it, as that does not speed things up.
How should I store instant film?
Keep instant film in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. A car in summer is a poor storage spot. Leave the film in its sealed packaging until you load it, and use it before the expiry date for the best colour and contrast.