Instant Cameras (41 Photos): How To Choose An Instant Camera? Review Of Cameras That Immediately Print Photos, Owner Reviews

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

An instant camera allows you to get a printed photo almost instantly, on average, this procedure takes no more than a minute and a half. This is the most important quality of this device, and it allows it to be used, for example, when carrying out experiments or when photographing nature - wherever a snapshot is needed.

Peculiarities

Instant printers provide the finished picture immediately after the button is pressed. With a huge variety of models, they are united by a common mechanism of operation. Taking photos is done in two ways.

• The first method is to develop the photo cartridge reagent . The materials used for this type of camera consist of protective, sensitive and developing layers. In fact, they are both paper and film material at the same time. The film, passing through the device in the form of a roller, appears, as a special liquid gets on it.
• The second method is with the participation of special crystals . A special film is used, which acquires the desired shades with the help of a certain temperature regime and special crystals. This is the newest and most promising technology, and the photos obtained in this way come out bright, do not fade, they do not show fingerprints, and they do not care about moisture.

Of course, there are pros and cons here. One of the most important advantages is the very compact form of this technique, moreover, the weight rarely exceeds 500 g . The uniqueness of the obtained photos (they cannot be copied again) can also be attributed to the undoubted advantages of the device. And, of course, it pleases you to receive a photo instantly - no need to waste time printing and looking for a printer.

Of the most significant shortcomings, the quality of the resulting photos should be highlighted - they cannot be compared with professional shots, a quick shot will always be inferior to a good professional one.

The high price for the camera itself and for the equipment is not encouraging. One removable cassette is designed for an average of 10 shots, is consumed quickly, and the cost is not cheap at all.

Species overview

Before choosing the ideal model for yourself, it is worth finding out how some instant cameras differ from others and which one is better, and then consider all types.

Classic Cameras

When you mention snapshot, the name Polaroid immediately pops up . This model of the device was present in almost every family at one time. It was released in the late 90s, and even now it will not be difficult to purchase replacement cassettes for it. Such a vintage item will delight you with its trouble-free performance and perfect appearance. The polaroid camera will be a godsend, because film and cartridge-type cassettes are suitable for it. Previously, the cassettes were produced by the Polaroid corporation, each cassette had 10 frames, and the picture was developed within a minute.

At the moment, the company has discontinued the production of these products . Replaceable cassettes are produced by another well-known company, but there are only 8 frames in it, and the development is delayed for 20 minutes. One more thing - the purchase of the simplest classic device is not particularly expensive in terms of money, but the purchase of cassettes in the future will cost a pretty penny.

Since the emulsion in Polaroid is quite unpredictable and unstable, the pictures will always be unique. Each new photo will differ in color, saturation and sharpness.

There are also two large series, namely amateur and professional devices

• The amateur series is suitable for those who do not plan to shoot a lot . A feature of the model is a fixed focus optics made of plastic, a minimum number of settings, an affordable cost. This technique works quickly and simply, you just need to insert a removable cassette, press a button - there will be no problems with taking a picture. In terms of characteristics, all amateur cameras are identical, they may differ only in external design.
• The more serious Polaroid model belongs to the professional classic series . There are glass optics with manual focus adjustment, the body is made of metal and genuine leather, there are models that have a folding design. Due to the settings, it is possible to highlight the desired object, which is an undoubted advantage. The device makes better and clearer pictures.

Modern cameras

These include completely new models that are still being produced. One of the leaders in this area - Japanese corporation Fujifilm , they represent a huge selection of cameras for all tastes and colors, and are also renowned for their line of dual frame size cameras. You can choose a suitable model both for a child (there are settings that are understandable for a kid) and for a professional photographer. In the devices, it is possible to take a picture darker or lighter, as well as to select the distance of the subject. Cassettes for such a model of equipment are relatively inexpensive, and photographs are developed in a matter of seconds.

Polaroid also contributed to the creation of modern photographic equipment . They released a device with a preview (with a screen on which you can view a photo), moreover, you can apply a filter to the selected images and only then print. Another noteworthy camera was released by firm Impossible … Here there was an automatic mode, a huge number of subtle settings, which can be activated using a pre-installed application on a smartphone. In this way, the phone is transformed into a remote control, the "little assistant" will help you select the desired settings right on the screen of the gadget.

The price for this model is very high, but even here there are true connoisseurs of this camera.

Smartphone printers

They serve as devices for printing an instant photo taken from a mobile phone or tablet. This modern printer will help you to print hundreds of photos accumulated in your phone . This gadget is produced by almost all companies that are somehow related to instant photography. It should be borne in mind that this device only prints, you can select and edit a picture, but such a device cannot take pictures. Ideal for those who want to get their paper prints straight away and print them effortlessly.

In principle, digital models with built-in printers are also produced, they are able not only to print pictures, but also to shoot videos

The devices can also send the desired information via USB cable, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Popular models

One of the first places in the ranking of the best is occupied by Instax Mini 90 model of Japanese company Fujifilm … It looks a bit like a retro film machine. The cartridges are budgetary, there are 3 types of shooting: landscape, normal and macro photography. To get clear photos, a unique sensor is built in, which automatically recognizes the distance to the target. Frame preview is not included in this model. The device is presented in classic brown and black colors.

The next in the top of popular models is a camera of a German company called Leica Sofort … This camera can be seen in blue, orange and white, comes with a carrying strap, battery lasts somewhere around 90-100 frames. The camera pleases with a variety of shooting modes: "party", "self-portrait", "nature", "people" and so on. On the front, it is equipped with a small mirror. Compared to the previous model, this one is already more advanced.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Mini Camera worthy of the highest praise. It is tiny, its weight does not exceed 300 g, but it is equipped with modern technologies. It has a flash and a mirror for selfies, as well as manual focus adjustment, thanks to which the photos are juicy and vivid. The choice of colors is simply huge. Ideal for those looking for a neat and lightweight everyday option. Another "baby" weighing 200 g - Polaroid Snap … It has automatic focus and 3 filters (black and white, natural and with a purple tint). Suitable for creating a collage and has the ability to connect a memory card at any time. Available in white, purple and black.

Another mega-popular instant camera - Kodak Mini Shot … Neat, compact, with flash, automatic focusing, has its own application for applying various filters, is able to print photos in two different sizes. Printing is done on Kodak's own paper, which is significantly cheaper than using other manufacturers' paper.

Expendable materials

When using the device, use only those consumables that are prescribed by the technical characteristics and parameters of the selected device. Photo paper does not need to be purchased separately as it is already built into the replacement cassette. Cartridges are selected based on the features of the model, they all have their own individual characteristics, and versatility is inappropriate here. When placing the cartridge in the special compartment, never touch the outside of the film with your fingers. If you follow all the above precautions, then in the future this will protect the camera from damage and will allow it to serve for a long time.

When buying consumables, be sure to look at the expiration date, since the expired product simply will not appear. Store "consumables" out of direct sunlight, in a dark and dry place.

Criterias of choice

• When choosing a camera, you should pay attention to the number of modes - the more there are, the more interesting the result will be. It is optimal to have a macro mode in your arsenal, with it even small details will not remain in the shadows.
• Another important selection criterion is the presence of a memory card, which will allow you to store many frames, and, if desired, immediately print the necessary ones.
• For lovers of selfies, special models have been created - you should pay attention to the presence of a retractable mirror on the top of the camera. You just need to look into it, choose the desired angle, click the shutter, and you will not be long in coming to get the finished picture.
• If editing and retouching are available in the models, then with their help you can update the images and add interesting filters.
• It is also necessary to be guided by the development time - some cameras quickly cope with the issuance of a picture, while for others this process takes up to half an hour.
• If the model is equipped with a frame counter, it can be used to determine when to change the cartridge, but this function is not at all necessary.
• The presence of the zoom function will allow you to zoom in far away objects and objects.

It is equally important to pay attention to the characteristics described below.

Type of food

Instant photo equipment can be charged from standard batteries, as well as from a removable or built-in rechargeable battery. Batteries can be purchased at any store, they are easy to replace, but since the consumption is high, you will have to change quite often.

If a battery is used, then it is easy to recharge it if necessary, after which you can continue to work. And a discharged plug-in unit simply needs to be replaced with a plug-in unit.

Photo size

When choosing a model, you should also pay attention to the size of the camera itself, because not only the price of the device, but also the future size of the images directly depends on this. If you want to get large pictures, then you should not choose miniature models, it is better to stay on a larger specimen.

The most common sizes are 86 * 108, 54 * 86, 50 * 75 (this is taking into account the white border around the picture). But the quality of the photo does not depend in any way on the dimensions of the camera, so the main thing is that it is convenient to use it.

Shooting modes

To use shooting modes correctly, you need to understand a little about them

• Auto mode used mainly by beginners in photography, because the camera automatically sets the shutter speed, as well as the white balance and built-in flash.
• Program mode . The device will allow you to choose the white balance, flash, but will automatically set the aperture and shutter speed.
• Manual mode . Here you can independently change all the settings, the camera does not do any actions automatically, which allows you to control the entire process of creating a photo.
• Scene mode . The principle is very similar to automatic mode. You need to select the desired scene (for example, "landscape", "sports" or "portrait"), and the camera will already set the settings based on the task at hand.

Matrix resolution

In principle, this is the main thing in the camera - the quality of future photos directly depends on the resolution. With the help of a matrix, an image is obtained. In times when there was no digital technology, instead of a matrix, they used film, and if the image was saved on the film, then in digital photography the storage is contained on the memory card of the device.

When choosing a camera, experts recommend staying with a matrix of 16 MP and higher, since with a lower content of pixels, the image turns out to be blurry, clarity in the contours disappears. The presence of a small number of pixels also leads to sensitivity of the camera to hand shake and slight displacement of the camera in relation to the subject.

You should be aware that a properly selected matrix is the key to the perfect photo, and when choosing a camera, you should start with it.

How to use?

Almost all camera models are very lightweight and easy to use. They are made for quick photography without difficulty. Some of them are equipped with tripods, which allows you to set the desired frame.

Taking pictures with such cameras is a pleasure, if you wish, you can get a great photo with one click of a button . Also a huge plus is the absence of the need to buy photo paper for printing pictures separately, everything is equipped with a cartridge.

Review overview

Considering the reviews of the happy owners of this technique, it can be noted that how many people, so many opinions, but in one the opinions coincide. The owners of such devices are unanimous that the photos are truly fabulous . Maybe they are not perfect (although with modern technologies this fact is already unlikely and is found only in the cheapest models), but no one argues that the photographs are unique.

Buyers recommend not to grab the first camera that comes across, but to think carefully about how this technique will be used, how often and in what conditions. If this is a fleeting fun for the sake of a couple of pictures, then, probably, you should not invest large funds in a purchase and you can get by with a budget option . But if we are talking about long-term operation, then a model is needed, first of all, on batteries, moreover, removable, since it is not always possible to recharge the built-in drive.

It is also advised to opt for multifunctional devices that are capable of working in various modes, creating a border on the photo, and performing macro photography. In addition, these devices are very easy to use and can be a great gift for both adults and children. It is good if the model has a function of approaching an object, since almost all Polaroid specimens react poorly to an object in the distance . - an object that will be located far away will simply turn out to be blurry and indistinct. If there is no such function, then you should not shoot from afar and count on a great shot. The reviews also show that when buying, you need to choose models with an interchangeable lens. There are such, you just have to search a little on the Internet or in household appliances stores.

Having received a second life, instant cameras have become many times better than their predecessors . - minor errors were eliminated, now the frames have more yellow and black colors, which were so lacking earlier. The frames are obtained in full color gamut. Of the significant shortcomings, consumers note a rather high price of the product - it fluctuates depending on the capabilities of the device (the smarter the device, the higher the price for it). Despite this, users and happy owners of a truly unique device are delighted. If we close our eyes to the high cost, otherwise the acquisition will give only pleasure and vivid, memorable emotions.