Polaroids, Instax and the Rise of the Hybrid Camera.

Instant cameras have always held a certain magic. There’s something unforgettable about watching a photo appear in your hand seconds after it’s taken. For decades, Polaroid was the pioneer of that instant joy, before fading into nostalgia and then returning as a retro revival. In more recent years, Instax has taken the spotlight in New Zealand, offering fun, easy-to-use cameras that bring instant photography back into everyday celebrations.

Polaroid cameras carry with them a strong sense of vintage charm. The square format, the unpredictability of exposure and the slightly washed-out tones feel like stepping into another era. Instax cameras, on the other hand, are often more accessible and playful. With their mini film size and colourful designs, they’ve become a staple at weddings, parties and milestone events, where guests love taking photos they can keep or pin to a wall.

Now, instant photography has entered a new chapter with the release of the Instax Mini Evo — a hybrid instant camera that blends digital convenience with the timeless appeal of film. The Evo allows you to preview and select images before printing, combine creative filters and lenses, and still enjoy the satisfaction of a physical print. It’s designed for people who want the nostalgia of instant photos without wasting film on shots they may not keep.

For couples and hosts in New Zealand, the Instax Mini Evo offers the best of both worlds. Guests can capture candid moments, choose the photos they love, and instantly print keepsakes that become part of the day. At the same time, the digital memory ensures you never lose the images that matter most.

Whether you’re drawn to the retro appeal of Polaroid, the fun and accessibility of Instax, or the new possibilities of hybrid cameras like the Evo, instant photography continues to create moments of connection. In a world of endless scrolling and digital archives, there’s something refreshing about holding a memory in your hand.