Sensor & Scene

Which Film Instant Camera Should You Buy? Polaroid Now, Go, and Instax Mini SE Compared

Four film instant cameras from $42.99 to $75.95: Polaroid Now Gen 2 and Gen 3, Go Gen 2, and Instax Mini SE. Match your pick to film size, portability, and price.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Film instant cameras are all about that physical print you can hold moments after the shot. But the choice gets tricky when you see a wide price spread and different formats. The four cameras here range from $42.99 to $75.95, split between different film formats, plus one Fujifilm bundle. Depending on whether you favor size, color, or newest generation, there's a different answer.

Quick Take

If you want a Polaroid with the classic square format at the lowest listed price, the Polaroid Now Generation 2 in Purple at $42.99 is the clear value pick. If you want a brand-new Polaroid Now, the Generation 3 is listed at $75.95. For portability, the Polaroid Go Gen 2 at $51.95 is described as the world's smallest instant camera. And if you want a Fujifilm option, the Instax Mini SE is listed at $55.00.

Listed Price Comparison

ProductListed PricePrice Bar
Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant Camera PinkUSD 75.95
Polaroid Now Generation 2 PurpleUSD 42.99
Polaroid Go Gen 2 BlackUSD 51.95
Fujifilm Instax Mini SE Bundle, Pink - 5MPUSD 55.00

Decision Matrix

CameraPick this if...
Polaroid Now Generation 3You want a brand-new Polaroid from a newer generation than the Gen 2 option.
Polaroid Now Generation 2You want full-size Polaroid prints at the lowest listed price.
Polaroid Go Generation 2You want a tiny, wearable camera and are comfortable with a smaller film format.
Fujifilm Instax Mini SEYou want a Fujifilm option and are okay with a mid-range price.

Product Notes

Polaroid Now Generation 3

Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant Camera Pink Brand New In Box

This Polaroid Now Generation 3 is the priciest of the four. It's described as brand new in the box, which makes it a clean, ready-to-use option if you want a current Polaroid body. The pink finish is a distinct color choice, and the Generation 3 label sets it apart from the Generation 2 in this lineup. If you're drawn to the newer generation, this is the one to pick. The trade-off is the price: it's the highest listed here, so if you're more concerned with spending less, the Generation 2 Purple offers a lower-priced Polaroid Now path.

Polaroid Now Generation 2

Polaroid Now Analog Instant Camera Generation 2 Purple (New in Box/Unused

This is the lowest listed price in this comparison. The description says it produces full-size square-format instant photos and includes autofocus, double exposure, and a self-timer. The purple body and "new in box" status are part of the listing. If you want the classic Polaroid format and the most affordable entry point in this group, this is a straightforward choice. The trade-off is that it's a Generation 2 model, so you're not getting the newer generation label that the Gen 3 carries, and the color is purple instead of pink.

Polaroid Go Generation 2

This is the portability pick. The description calls it the world's smallest instant camera and notes a built-in selfie mirror, self-timer, double-exposure modes, and USB-C charging. The black body is a versatile choice, and the camera is described as brand new. Because it uses Polaroid Go film, Polaroid's smallest instant film format, you get a much more compact setup. The limitation is the small film size, which trades print area for portability.

Fujifilm Instax Mini SE

Fujifilm 600023854 Instax Mini SE Instant Camera Bundle, Pink - 5MP

This Fujifilm is listed with a bundle and a 5MP camera, so you're getting more than just the body. The price sits in the middle of the range, which makes it a middle-ground option between the lowest and highest listings in this group. If you want a Fujifilm bundle and are okay with a mid-range price, this is the one to consider. The trade-off is that the listed price is not the lowest here, so if keeping costs down is your main goal, the Polaroid Now Generation 2 gives you a lower-priced full-size Polaroid option.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

  • Lowest-price pick: Polaroid Now Generation 2
  • Highest-price pick: Polaroid Now Generation 3
  • Portability pick: Polaroid Go Generation 2
  • Fujifilm pick: Fujifilm Instax Mini SE
Products in this article
Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant Camera Pink Brand New In BoxUSD 75.95View on eBayPolaroid Now Analog Instant Camera Generation 2 Purple (New in Box/UnusedUSD 42.99View on eBayPolaroid Go Gen 2 Instant Camera Black World's Smallest Instant Camera Brand NewUSD 51.95View on eBayFujifilm 600023854 Instax Mini SE Instant Camera Bundle, PinkUSD 55.00View on eBay
Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant Camera Pink Brand New In BoxUSD 75.95View on eBayPolaroid Now Analog Instant Camera Generation 2 Purple (New in Box/UnusedUSD 42.99View on eBayPolaroid Go Gen 2 Instant Camera Black World's Smallest Instant Camera Brand NewUSD 51.95View on eBayFujifilm 600023854 Instax Mini SE Instant Camera Bundle, PinkUSD 55.00View on eBay

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