While digital photography dominates our world, there’s a unique charm to instant cameras – those magical devices that bring tangible photos to life right before your eyes. If you’re captivated by the idea of a Camera That Prints Out Pictures, you’re in for a treat. This guide explores some of the instant cameras available, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the perfect one for capturing and sharing memories instantly.
It’s important to note that the instant camera market is constantly evolving. Some models mentioned in older reviews may have been discontinued or no longer meet the standards for image quality and user experience that today’s photographers expect. This review focuses on cameras that are currently available and represent the best options for those seeking the joy of instant photography.
For those considering the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay and the FujiFilm Mini 99, while they might seem appealing at a similar price point to some higher-end models, it’s worth noting their limitations. These cameras offer fewer creative features and less control over crucial aspects like exposure. While their compact size might be attractive, the build quality can feel somewhat plasticky, lacking the premium feel and vintage aesthetic that many instant camera enthusiasts appreciate. When investing in an instant camera, especially at a higher price, opting for a model that provides more creative control, a wider range of effects, and a more refined design is generally a better choice.
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay in a lifestyle setting, emphasizing its compact design.
Exploring Unique Instant Camera Designs: The Nons SL660 SLR
Stepping away from typical instant camera designs, the Nons SL660 presents a unique SLR-style approach to instant photography. This camera utilizes Instax Square film, offering a larger format than the Instax Mini. What truly sets the SL660 apart is its lens compatibility. It’s designed to work with vintage lenses, specifically Canon EF-mount lenses. For photographers with a collection of classic glass, or those interested in exploring vintage lenses, the SL660 opens up a world of creative possibilities. Nons also provides adapters for various other lens mounts, including Nikon F, Pentax K, Contax/Yashica CY, and M42 screw mount, further expanding lens options.
However, the Nons SL660 isn’t without its drawbacks. During testing, some functional issues were encountered, such as a loose circuit board for the film eject button requiring manual readjustment. Furthermore, the camera is notably bulky and heavy, even before attaching a lens. To put its weight into perspective, a robust film SLR like the Nikon F2 weighs around 730 grams, while the Nons SL660 surpasses it at 850 grams. Carrying the SL660 with multiple lenses can quickly become cumbersome.
Considering its premium price point, substantial weight, and the necessity of owning or acquiring vintage lenses, the Nons SL660 may not be the most practical choice for the average user seeking a camera that prints out pictures. Its appeal is likely stronger for photographers deeply invested in vintage lenses and seeking a unique, experimental instant photography experience.
The Nons SL660, an SLR-style instant camera, highlighting its vintage lens compatibility.
Polaroid I-2: Premium Build, Inconsistent Results
The Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera aims for a premium instant photography experience with its high-quality construction and enjoyable user interface. The camera boasts user-friendly settings adjustments, making it simple to switch between fully automatic and manual modes with just a few button presses. A built-in light meter in the viewfinder is designed to assist in achieving proper exposure, and dialing in settings is generally straightforward.
Despite these positive aspects, testing revealed inconsistent image quality with the Polaroid I-2. Some photos were overexposed even when the light meter indicated correct exposure settings. Other issues included unexpected cropping and focus problems, even when utilizing the parallax guide for close-ups or the half-press focus lock feature.
These inconsistencies in image quality are not unique to the I-2 and seem to be a recurring theme across Polaroid’s newer camera lineup. For instance, with the Polaroid Now, the frustration of obtaining blurry, overexposed, or underexposed prints is amplified by the relatively high cost of Polaroid film, roughly $2 per print. Adding to the complexities, the latest Polaroid film requires protection from light for a full 15 minutes during development. This eliminates the iconic “shake it like a Polaroid picture” tradition. Instead, the camera ejects a rigid black plastic shield to cover the image as it emerges. This shield, while functional, introduces a slight awkwardness when sharing photos, as there’s always a concern someone might prematurely remove it, potentially damaging the developing image and wasting expensive film. Furthermore, the 15-minute development time means you won’t immediately know if you’ve captured a successful shot, significantly reducing the chance of retaking a fleeting moment.
The Polaroid I-2, a premium instant camera with a focus on manual controls and classic Polaroid film.
Vintage Polaroids and Film Reliability
Vintage Polaroid cameras, such as the sought-after SX-70, offer a nostalgic appeal but come with their own set of challenges. These cameras necessitate the use of original Polaroid film, the production of which ceased in 2008. While the modern Polaroid company has reintroduced new versions of Polaroid film, feedback from photographers suggests that this film can be unreliable, and concerns exist regarding its long-term archival qualities. For those considering venturing into vintage Polaroid photography, being aware of potential film-related issues is crucial.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11: A Balanced Option?
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 aims to strike a balance between image quality, ease of use, and affordability. While it might not reach the pinnacle in any single category, it serves as a solid entry-level option in the realm of cameras that print out pictures. However, in comparison to top picks in the instant camera market, the Mini 11 may not offer the same overall value proposition.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, a popular and colorful instant camera option.
Zink Print Technology: Canon Ivy Cliq+ and Cliq
Zink (Zero Ink) printing technology has been used in several cameras and portable printers. However, the print quality associated with Zink has often been a point of criticism, leading to the dismissal of cameras like Canon’s Ivy Cliq+ and Ivy Cliq in many reviews. While convenient, Zink prints often lack the image quality and longevity that users expect from instant photos.
Kodak 4Pass Photo Paper: Mini 2 and Mini Shot 3 Retro
Kodak has explored its own instant print technology with 4Pass Photo Paper, featured in models like the Kodak Photo Printer Mini 2 and Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro. These cameras produce credit-card-sized prints that are sharp and vibrant. However, the printing process can be slow, and the resulting images sometimes lack the soft, nostalgic aesthetic that many associate with classic Instax or Polaroid prints. The wide-angle lens on the Mini Shot camera has also been reported to introduce distortion, leading to unflattering results in some cases.
The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro, utilizing 4Pass printing technology and a retro design aesthetic.
Lomography Lomo’Instant Series: Automat and Wide
Lomography cameras are known for their distinctive aesthetic and creative features. The Lomo’Instant Automat series uses readily available and affordable Fujifilm Instax Mini film. Features like unlimited multiple exposures are intriguing for experimental photographers. However, the controls are marked with somewhat cryptic hieroglyphic symbols, which can make operation less intuitive. Often marketed towards advanced instant photographers, many cameras in this series come bundled with fisheye, wide-angle, and close-up lens attachments. While these accessories expand creative options, they can also feel cumbersome and less practical for everyday use.
The Lomo’Instant Wide cameras are designed for the larger Fujifilm Instax Wide film format. They share the three shooting modes found in the Lomo’Instant, and add a shutter remote integrated into the lens cap. Despite the creative features, the Lomo’Instant series is often criticized for its somewhat clunky controls and unconventional layout, making them less user-friendly compared to more streamlined instant cameras. The Lomo’Instant Wide inherits these characteristics, making the entire series less appealing for those seeking straightforward instant photography.
The Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat, showcasing its retro style and lens attachments.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right camera that prints out pictures depends on your priorities. Whether you value vintage aesthetics, SLR-like control, ease of use, or affordability, the instant camera market offers a range of options. Carefully consider the image quality, film costs, features, and usability of each model to find the perfect instant camera to capture and share your memories in a tangible and delightful way.
