Top three camera releases you need to be across in 2025

It's undeniable that novice and experienced photographers are leaning into nostalgia. And camera brands are right there with them, bringing them products that allow them to capture moments tinged with the nostalgia of older film cameras.

Three of this year's biggest releases: the Fujifilm X-Half camera, the Polaroid Flip and the Instax Mini 41, all celebrate this film-forward photography. While the latter two are instant-printing, the Fujifilm X-Half camera fuses both the digital and film experiences to give a well-rounded approach to photography.

Here's what you need to know about all three, and which one is best for you.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Fujifilm X-Half Camera

Pre-order for $1298

Price: $1349

Now available for pre-order, the Fujifilm X-Half Camera is inspired by half-frame cameras. These typically use half a frame of film to take a photo, meaning 24 exposures would total 48. The exposures have a vertical orientation, reflected in the small LCD screen on the Fujifilm X-Half Camera.

Although small (it weighs just 240 grams), the camera is packed with tech that enables it to take really stunning photos with that nostalgic feeling. You can turn it into a 'film' camera, requiring you to pull the frame advance lever on the camera's top plate to allow another picture to be taken. The only catch is you have to end the roll to see your images, but you can start a new roll anytime, which makes it much more convenient than a regular film camera.

Fujifilm has also released the dedicated X Half App, which you can use to digitally develop your film images. The camera can connect to your phone via Bluetooth and allow you to transfer both images and movies to your phone. It also makes them compatible with the Instax Link series of printers.

Meanwhile, the 'digital' side allows you to filter images with classic Fujifilm "Film Simulations", which are accessed via the various menus you can swipe through on the device.

What makes it cool:

• It takes really stunning photos!
• There's so much scope in the camera to play with filters and looks, way more than an instant-printing camera. It has the option to shoot digitally, but also in film mode, which turns the LCD screen into the back of a film camera.
• The dedicated X-Half App makes your photos accessible on your phone and allows you to print on Instax film via the Mini Link series.
• The scope in the camera has Fujifilm's famous "Film Simulations" (think Provia, Sepia, Nostalgic Negative, etc.)

Any cons?

• The camera is a bit confusing to use, with swiping actions revealing different menus. However, they make sense once you wrap your head around them.
• Costing $1298, it's an investment you'll want to make if you're really dedicated to photography.

If you feel you're not quite at the level of the Fujifilm X-Half, try out these instant printing cameras instead.

Polaroid Flip

Buy yours here!

Price: $399

The Polaroid Flip, equipped with its signature red shutter button, is the brand's most capable point-and-shoot camera yet. While Polaroid release new generations of their classic Polaroid Now cameras each year, this is their first unique release since the original Polaroid Now came out in 2020.

What makes it cool:

• The Polaroid Flip is named for a flippable lid that protects the lens. You fold the camera out, which makes it slightly less cumbersome while still retaining the heavy-tech feeling of earlier generations.
• It has a hyperfocal four-lens system, which means it has four sharp lenses that select automatically based on the distance between the lens and the subject. 
• The focus is found with 'sonar autofocus', which uses sound waves to determine subject distance and then select the lens, which allows for maximum clarity (even in the dark).
• It features Polaroid Flip most powerful flash thus far.
• Scene Analysis alerts users when their shot is over- or underexposed via the LED screen that turns on with the 'flipping' of the lid.

Any cons?

• Polaroid film is quite expensive, especially in addition to the camera. This might make the Flip more of a 'special occasion camera'. However, instant analog cameras are rarely used as an everyday accessory.

Grab your film here:

$34.95 for eight sheets

Instax Mini 41

$179 on Amazon$179 on Myer

Price: $179

Excitingly simple to use, the Instax Mini 41 has built on the features from its predecessor, the Instax Mini 40. With both a normal and close-up mode, it brings extra creativity to the Instax experience.

What makes it cool:

• The Mini 41 has a 'close-up mode' that you can access by just turning the lens. Even better, you can see the difference between 'close-up' and normal modes when looking through the viewfinder and twisting the lens.
• The Mini 41 has a small mirror on the side of the lens for 'selfie mode'. Selfies are best taken on the close-up setting.
• Automatic light adjustment automatically senses the ambient light setting when you press the shutter button, going on to optimise shutter speed and flash output according to conditions – this takes the stress of adjusting the lens for lighting out of your hands.
• The camera has a textured exterior that makes it easy to grip and hold, allowing the design to remain both compact and easy to hold.

Any cons?

• Same as the Polaroid model, you'll have to buy the film separately, which makes it another special occasion camera.

Get your film for the Instax Mini 41 here:

$29 for 20 sheets

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