In short, very. You don't need to worry about complicated autofocus modes, setting the right white balance, or balancing the exposure triangle – simply load your film (this can be a little fiddly first time, but should soon become a cinch) and press the shutter button. Cameras don't get much simpler than this! Some instant cameras do offer more advanced creative features, but you don't have to use them – and most instant cameras are intentionally basic to be in-keeping with the retro, no-nonsense instant camera ethos. What's the print quality like? The camera overall is pretty cheap and running it isn't too expensive either, making it a good option if you want to shoot instant on a budget. It also produces 10MP digital photos that you can save via Bluetooth on the app (and you do have to do it this way; there's no internal storage). A cheap option that's good fun for anyone, especially those who aren't too confident with using a camera. Best instant cameras: How we test I still love it, though. It's got the most powerful flash on this list (thanks to all those batteries) and it produces the largest photos with great image quality. So if you want sheer scale with no frills, this is your best bet.

Instead of its own proprietary film, the Leica Sofort 2 uses Instax Mini prints, which can be bought pretty much everywhere around the world, so you won't ever have to look far to create a few more memories. It's the simplicity of the best instant cameras that makes them so appealing. After all, they're so straightforward that they make some of the best cameras for kids as well as the best cameras for beginners.With the VTech KidiZoom PrintCam, you can also turn your photos into line drawings to colour. Kids can also use the print shop to print games, design and print your own cards, pretend money, accessories and more. This camera for kids also functions as a normal digital camera.

I fell in love with this palm-sized camera faster than it took a photo to develop –and so does everyone I show it to. It's the world's smallest analog instant camera, and it produces fittingly tiny instant photos, too. In terms of quality, the Polaroid Now cameras balance exposures better while rival Instax Mini cameras deliver slightly better image quality indoors. Leica being a Leica, its premium design of course adds to its cost, and it does come at a price beyond the Instax Mini Evo, although fundamentally the two share the same technology, so you might need to decide how much that red dot is worth. This is my favorite hybrid digital instant camera, outclassing the Instax Mini LiPlay. It's like an Instax Mini that enables you to edit your photos before you print them –and it also enables you to turn images from your phone into real Instax photos. Ever wanted to produce an instant print of a phone selfie, or a shot you took on a "proper camera"? Now you can!

Neither are as joyous to use, though, nor will they make you as many friends as the Go – which still takes very pleasing pics. Instax Mini film does work out cheaper than Polaroid Go film, but then you'll also need to replace AA batteries on a Mini whereas the Go just needs a USB connection to top up the power. And the Go boasts double exposures, which you won't get unless you opt for pricier options like the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic (below). Unfortunately like other hybrid cameras, when it comes to digital image quality, it's not great with only a 4.9MP sensor. Although you can argue that is the point, as for snapping and printing Instax Mini prints, it is perfect. Like other hybrid cameras, the fun factor is the main selling point, something to be passed around at parties for making prints, and for that, the Leica Sofort 2 is a class act.