What’s your Instagram style? Are you an avid photo-dumper with curated carousels or do go for the occasional one-off portrait? Whether you’re a comical captioner or prefer prose, the most important part of any grid post, of course, is the image you’re sharing. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your grid and better highlight your most Instagram-worthy moments, consider swapping your iPhone lens for one of the best film cameras that come approved by Gen Z fashion cool girls.

There have never been more photo editing features to filter your ‘flicks, be it FaceTune or eerily accurate AI tools. But, let’s face it, nobody has time to fuss with their photos all day (especially if you prefer a hefty photo dump), plus social media trends are shifting away from overly-edited imagery, anyway. Blame it on Gen Z’s candid internet presence across apps like TikTok or BeReal, or consider the golden rule to achieving an It-girl aura — trying too hard never looks cool. Not only do film cameras produce a perfectly imperfect image with a built-in filter (that you can always edit after!), but they also bring an authentic vibe to your feed, sharing a raw memory in all of its natural glory.

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Gen Z’s favorite film cameras are also a fun way to temporarily cut ties with your notification-filled phone and dedicate your focus to a significant event, be it a vacation, birthday party, or even faux pap walk to document your outfit du jour. There are so many camera options that won’t run you a pretty penny, from throwback single-use cameras that are lightweight in your handbag to easy-to-use point-and-shoot film cameras for novice photographers and instant cameras that print out a physical copy of your shot on the spot.

Fujifilm Quicksnap Flash Camera

$19.99

Buy Now at Target

You don’t have to know anything about photography to get amazing photos out of this single-use camera. Just wind the film, switch on the flash, and find your focal point. Then, bring the camera to your local photo lab and ask for image downloads that you can upload to your feed.

Editor testing and review notes: “The Fujifilm Quicksnap Flash Camera was my gateway into film photography. I’d carry it around to snap photos of my friends and was always amazed by how clear the images turned out and how glossy the flash looked. It’s the perfect size to slip into a shoulder bag for a night on the town and literally only weighs four ounces.” — WWD Shop Commerce Writer & Producer Olivia Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera

$69.99 $79.99 13% off

Buy Now at Target

Fujifilm Instax Mini Cameras look and feel super retro, but the brand keeps all the photo features modern and easy to use. By the lens, there’s a built-in selfie mirror to ensure your face is in frame, as well as a dial to toggle between different settings to align with the lighting you’re in. Plus, it comes in so many colors to match your aesthetic.

Editor testing and review notes: “In my opinion, this camera is a household staple. I leave it on a console table in my living room just in case an exciting moment presents itself. Then, I can immediately hang my pictures on the wall and create a whole memory board to enjoy every day. Also, if you’ve ever used one of these babies, you know they take the most flattering selfies ever. The film and the flash blur your skin in all the right ways.” — Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $69.99

Fujifilm ISO 200 36-Exposure Color Negative Film for 35mm Cameras

$31.99 $51.99 38% off

Buy Now at Target

Dipping your toe into film photography? Whether you source a manual film camera from a vintage store or find one in the back of your parent’s closet from decades ago, this film is compatible with any 35mm shooter. It creates beautiful photos with accurate color in both outdoor and indoor lighting (yep, even under harsh fluorescent lights).

Editor testing and review notes: “This is my go-to film to load my thrifted film camera with. The colors are vibrant without looking overly saturated, and it achieves that ideal vintage texture on images no filter could replicate. It’s also one of the most affordable options on the market, especially if you buy it in a value pack like this. Plus, I love that I can easily re-stock my rolls at local retailers like Target.” — Cigliano

Price upon publish date of this article: $31.99

Shop More Cameras, Film, and Accessories

Fujifilm Instax Mini Contact Sheet Instant Film

$8.99

Buy Now at Target

Price upon publish date of this article: $8.99

Fujifilm Quicksnap Waterproof Camera

$24.49

Buy Now at Target

Price upon publish date of this article: $24.49

Fujifilm Quicksnap Flash Camera 2-Pack

$35.99

Buy Now at Target

Price upon publish date of this article: $35.99

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Accessory Kit

$139.99

Buy Now at Target

Price upon publish date of this article: $139.99

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Decorative Camera Case

$14.99 $29.99 50% off

Buy Now at Target

Price upon publish date of this article: $14.99

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Film Camera

$199.99

Buy Now at Target

Price upon publish date of this article: $199.99

Fujifilm Blush Gold Instax Square SQ6 Instant Film Camera

$210.08 $252.99 17% off

Buy Now at Target

Price upon publish date of this article: $210.08

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Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. When she’s not writing for WWD, you can find her shooting film photography around the city with Fujifilm cameras.

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Put Your Phone Down — Gen Z Fashion Cool Girls Use Film Cameras Now.

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