Polaroid cameras are what most people first think of when you mention instant photography. While the company has changed significantly from what it was in the 70s, it has continued to produce cameras, film, and printers that spark creativity and are simply fun to use. If you’re itching to get into (or back into) instant photography, you’re in luck. These Polaroid Prime Day deals will save you up to 33 percent on these classic yet modern cameras and photo printers. The main deal is even cheaper than it was this morning, so jump on it quickly before it sells out.

All of these Prime Day deals require an active Amazon Prime Membership. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial.

Polaroid Now+ White with Bonus Lens Filter Set $93.99 (was $149.99)

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The Polaroid Now+ is a unique instant camera. It can function just like a typical Polaroid camera with automatic exposure and a flash that you can turn on or off. But it can also pair with the Polaroid app via a Bluetooth connection which opens up an expansive number of options. You can control the camera through the app, using it to create double exposures, set a self-timer, change the aperture, make light paintings, and so much more. For creatives and artists, this is truly an impressive and exciting camera. The $99 price is the cheapest we’ve seen it, other than if you were to buy it used, so you won’t want to pass this up.

Even more Polaroid Prime Day deals

• Polaroid Now+ Black with Bonus Lens Filter Set $99.99 (was $149.99)
• Polaroid Now+ Blue Gray with Bonus Lens Filter Set $99.99 (was $149.99)
• Polaroid Originals Lab – Digital to Analog Polaroid Photo Printer $90.99 (was $129.00)
• Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera – Red $69.99 (was $99.99)

More Prime Day deals

• CleverMade storage
• GoPro cameras
• Rokinon and Samyang camera and lenses
• Sony cameras and lenses
• Kodak and HP portable printers
• PNY memory cards
• Arzopa portable monitors
• Polaroid cameras and printers
• FLIR thermal cameras
• Nixplay digital picture frames

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The Polaroid Now instant film camera combines the old school feel of a traditional Polaroid with the modern features of Fujifilm’s Instax cameras. It still relies on automatic exposure, making it easy to use. But you can turn the flash on or off, take double exposures, and utilize the self-timer for more elaborate selfies or group shots. The Polaroid Now 2nd Generation cameras rarely go on sale, and this is the cheapest price we’ve seen in a while. We’ll be sure to keep our eyes open in case a better deal comes around come Prime Day, so if this doesn’t cut it for you, check back next week.

Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle $128.95 (was $149.99)

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The Polaroid Now 2nd Generation camera is made of 40 percent recycled materials and features some improved optics over the first generation camera. And as mentioned, it offers up a double exposure mode and self-timer for lots of creative control and flexibility. This bundle deal comes with the black version of the camera and two packs of color i-Type film for 16 photos so that you can get shooting right away.

More Polaroid early Prime Day deals

• Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera – White $95.43 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Film Camera – Black & White $95.15 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Film Camera – Blue $99.99 (was $119.99)
• Polaroid Go Instant Mini Camera $80.34 (was $99.99)
• Polaroid Originals Lab – Digital to Analog Polaroid Photo Printer $94.99 (was $129.00)
• Polaroid Hi-Print – Bluetooth Connected 2×3 Pocket Photo, Dye-Sub Printer $84.00 (was $99.99)

The post Snag a discounted Polaroid Now during this early Amazon Prime Day deal appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Fujifilm’s Instax line of instant cameras runs the gamut from advanced hybrid digital models to extremely basic point-and-shoots designed to emphasize the simplicity of the format. The Instax Mini 11 leans into that latter category to provide a quirky, streamlined, and ultimately highly enjoyable experience, no matter your skill level or age.

After many iterations, the company released the Instax Mini 11 in 2020. I’ve been shooting around with one for a month to see what it’s capable of. And, since it’s a fully automatic camera, I also passed it off to my nieces and nephews (who are between the ages of five and 11) for a bit during our Christmas gathering. Fujifilm markets the camera as a fun device for parties, partly because of how easy it is to use, and we definitely found that to be true. 

Instax Mini 11 design & build 

The Instax Mini is an affordable camera (typically around $69 at the time of writing), and with that comes a plastic body. It does, however, offer a glass lens, which is a first for Instax Minis. It comes in five colors: Blush Pink, Charcoal Gray, Lilac Purple, Ice White, or Sky Blue, which is the version I’ve been reviewing. The Instax Mini 11, of course, doesn’t feel like a high-end camera, but it doesn’t feel overly cheap, either. It feels sturdy enough to take some minor hits and be fine. 

There’s not much to the Instax Mini 11, which is why it’s as durable as it is. The only real moving part is where the lens pops out from the camera. Pull it out to turn the camera on, then push it back in when you’re done shooting. That’s the one area where I could see the potential for issues. I was pushing it in at one point, and it got stuck a little, which made me apprehensive about pushing on it more. It was ultimately fine, but the process was slightly unsettling. It also feels forced to pull the lens out for selfie mode. With kids pushing and pulling on it repeatedly, it could be a weak point.

Besides the lens, you’ll find a viewfinder, film compartment on the back, and a film counter. The front comes equipped with a small mirror for composing selfies, light sensor for controlling exposure, flash, and the shutter button. There are no other buttons or settings to fuss with. At 2.6 x 4.2 x 4.8 inches, it’s not a tiny camera. But it’s small enough to pop into a backpack or purse easily. And it only weighs 10.3 ounces, so you could even carry it by the strap and not be too bothered. 

One thing I didn’t love about the Mini 11 is how slippery it is. The plastic body is entirely smooth, with no texture to speak of. There is a slight protrusion to act as a hand grip and an optional lanyard to keep it on your wrist, but they only do so much. While I managed not to drop it, it would be really nice to have some texture for better grip, at least on the sides.

Getting started with the Instax Mini 11

Getting started with this instant camera is extremely simple. You’ll need two AA batteries for power and at least one pack of film (though you’ll want more). The instructions are basic but walk you through loading the film and taking photos with plenty of diagrams and graphics. 

Once you have film and batteries in the camera, just press the button by the lens to extend it, which turns the camera on. And you can pull on the lens to extend it and turn on selfie or closeup mode. 

Using the Instax Mini 11

Once the film is loaded, the camera couldn’t be much easier to use. It is fully automatic in every way, including automatic exposure and flash. Taking a picture only requires pushing the shutter button. My nieces and nephews, all under 12, each took a few photos with the camera, and they all could figure it out. They inherently got it without any instruction beyond how to hold the camera.

There is also no focusing with this camera, adding to the simplicity. Instead, it relies on zone focus, which is based on distances. Normal mode requires a subject to be at least 19.7 inches away for it to be in focus, while selfie mode can focus on subjects from 11.8 to 19.7 inches. Despite those zones, you really need to find the sweet spot of distance to get the sharpest results. Subjects will be blurry if they are too close or far away. I found about three feet to be ideal when shooting in normal mode. Anything beyond that was soft, and anything closer is noticeably out of focus.

The viewfinder is small but easy to look through. But be aware that it shows slightly less than what you’ll actually get in the frame. And the lens provides fairly wide coverage, offering the full-frame equivalent of a 35mm lens, which is helpful for taking selfies or group photos. 

Since the camera utilizes auto exposure and has a small, f/12.7 aperture, it relies on flash for everything. In fact, the flash goes off for every shot, even when in bright sunlight. And even with the flash, the shutter speed can get a bit slow if you are photographing in a dimly lit space. You’ll want to try to hold the camera as steady as possible to avoid blurry shots. 

When you take a photograph, the film will spit out from the slot on the top of the camera. Be sure to wait until the camera stops making noise to pull the film out the rest of the way. And be aware that the image won’t instantly be there. It takes about 90 seconds to develop fully, and no, you don’t need to shake it. 

Image quality of the Instax Mini 11

The Instax Mini 11, as the name implies, spits out small little images. They are just 2 x 3 inches with an image area of 2.4 x 1.8 inches. They are fun, but it can be hard to see much detail since they are so small. 

As essentially a toy camera, the Instax Mini 11 doesn’t put out the sharpest, most perfect results. The newly added glass lens produces sharper images than past versions of the Mini, but it still won’t be like what you’re used to from a smartphone or a more expensive camera.

The flash is similarly quirky. It goes off for every shot, which can result in overexposed and washed-out results, especially if white objects are in the frame. But when the camera nails the exposure, the results can be great. The colors were neutral but well-saturated, with vibrant blue skies and rich greenery from plants. 

All that said, if you embrace the less-than-perfect results, it can produce some fun images. Some of the camera’s quirks can even lend themselves to creative images if you want to experiment with it. And having a physical photo in your hand in just a few minutes is pretty special, even if they aren’t the absolute best.

Final thoughts

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Film is easy to find
• Lightweight and small
• Produces fun results
• Makes selfies easy

Cons

• Camera body is pretty slippery
• Flash goes off for everything, even when not needed
• Can be tricky to get great images

The Instax Mini 11 is is a playful camera. Everything from the price and color options to the total lack of manual controls make it fun and simple in a refreshing way. Of course, as a result, images won’t be flawless. But with some patience and planning, you can get surprisingly good pictures. Or, just point and shoot without worrying about it. 

The Instax Mini 11 is meant to be fun. It’s meant to document snapshots at parties, concerts, or on vacation, not high-end portraiture or still life. The Mini 11 is perfect for capturing memories. It’s a fun family camera. Seeing the excitement on kids’ faces when a photo seemingly magically appears right before their eyes is absolutely fantastic. And it’s ideal for people who don’t want to take photography too seriously, either because they never have or because they need a break from precise technology. 

Related: Best instant cameras

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Best Polaroid		Polaroid Originals Now+		SEE IT
Best Square Instax		Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1		SEE IT
Best Instax Mini		Fujifilm Instax Mini 11		SEE IT

Instant cameras are a fun and extremely easy way to dive into photography. They are typically fully automatic, making them a great option for kids, enthusiastic amateurs, or seasoned pros. Prints are produced in just a few seconds and come in a variety of sizes. Lots of the cameras come in fun colors, and you can find film borders in all sorts of colors and designs. If you have never tried instant photography, the best instant cameras are sure to make you fall in love.

• Best Polaroid: Polaroid Originals Now+
• Best hybrid Polaroid: Polaroid Lab
• Best square Instax: Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1
• Best Instax Mini: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
• Best hybrid Instax: Instax Mini Evo
• Best budget: KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

Best instant cameras: Reviews & recommendations

The instant camera was invented by Edwin H Land of Polaroid in the late 1930s. The medium then became an incredibly popular–and approachable–way of shooting photographs in the 60s and 70s. It appealed to growing families in the suburbs, as well as professional artists like Andy Warhol, who used the cameras to produce some of his most famous works of art. Although there are still plenty of vintage working instant cameras on the market, it can be difficult to find the correct formats of film for them or the batteries that make them run. 

Luckily there are plenty of modern instant cameras being made that provide the joy of instant photography in smaller packages that use easy-to-find (and more affordable) film. These include the likes of Polaroid, Kodak, and Fujifilm. Below are some of our favorite instant cameras that are widely available today.

Best Polaroid: Polaroid Originals Now+

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Why it made the cut: It’s easy to use, but thanks to app connectivity, it also provides full manual control, should you want it. Plus, it’s compatible with two types of film for more versatility.

Specs

• Weight: 1.05 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.91 x 4.4 x 3.76 inches
• Minimum focusing distance: Not provided
• Focal length: Standard lens: 102.35 mm (40mm/35mm equivalent) Closeup lens: 94.96 mm (35mm/35mm equivalent)

Pros

• Accepts both i-Type and 600 instant films
• App connectivity for more control
• Large print size
• Fun, retro design that comes in many colors

Cons

• Film is a bit finicky and expensive

The Polaroid Originals Now+ is an analog instant camera for the modern age. Its built-in Bluetooth allows you to connect to the powerful Polaroid app. With the app, you can easily create double exposures or even light-painting images on instant film. It also has a portrait assist mode, which tells you where to put your subject to get some background blur. And you can even shoot with full manual control with the app. The camera works without it, but the app opens up a lot of possibilities.

The Now+ provides a powerful flash for shooting indoors. It also features a self-timer for capturing selfies and group photos and features a tripod thread to make those types of shots easier. It, conveniently, is rechargeable via micro USB. And the camera is compatible with both I-type and 600 films, which each come with eight frames per pack. This particular bundle also comes with five filters for even more creative and fun images.

Best hybrid Polaroid: Polaroid Lab

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Why it made the cut: The Polaroid Lab is like a mini darkroom. It turns digital photos from your phone into analog instant photos using a lens and authentic Polaroid photochemistry.

Specs

• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Dimensions: Closed:  5.9 x 4.6 x 5.9 inches Open: 5.9 x 4.6 x 7.0 inches
• Minimum focusing distance: Not applicable
• Focal length: Not applicable

Pros

• Uses real Polaroid photochemistry to create an analog print
• Very simple to use
• App provides editing tools

Cons

• Not as spontaneous as an instant camera
• Film is pricey

If you want the look of classic Polaroids but don’t want the risk of taking a shot on expensive film and it not turning out, the Polaroid Lab is the answer. This device is unique in that it doesn’t just create prints of digital files. Instead, it uses a three-element lens and auto-adjusting shutter system to actually take a photo of the photo on your phone. It then uses traditional Polaroid photochemistry to create a true analog print.

The Polaroid Lab accepts both Polaroid 600 and Polaroid Originals i-Type films. It charges via USB and provides Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your phone. Within the Polaroid app, you can edit your photos before printing. It even offers Collage mode, which splits up your photo into up to nine frames and then prints on separate pieces of film. And for something really different, you can use  Augmented Reality to assign video playback to still images, layering motion onto your photos. 

Best square Instax: Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

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Why it made the cut: The Instax Square SQ1 produces classic square instant photos, is extremely easy to use, comes in three colors, and produces quality prints.

Specs

• Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Dimensions: 5.1 x 4.7 x 2.3 inches
• Minimum focusing distance: 11.81 inches
• Focal length: 65.75mm

Pros

• Easy and comfortable to hold
• Includes a mirror for selfies
• Focuses as close as 11.81 inches
• Easy to use

Cons

• Prints are smaller than Polaroids
• No self-timer or tripod socket

The SQ1 is an easy-to-use instant camera that is a great option for beginners. It has a retractable 65.75mm f/12.6 lens, fully automatic exposure control, and a flash that always fires. You pull on the lens to activate the camera’s selfie mode and can use the little mirror on the front of the lens to check your frame before you fire. 

Two CR2 batteries power the camera, and it comes in orange, blue, or white. It also features a nice grip on the right side which makes it comfortable to hold. Although it lacks some of the creative features of other Instax or Polaroid cameras, it consistently prints beautiful, nicely exposed square frames.

Best Instax Mini: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

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Why it made the cut: The Instax Mini 11 produces tiny little prints and is fun and inexpensive to use.

Specs

• Weight: 10.34 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.24 x 4.77 x 2.65
• Minimum focusing distance: 11.81 inches
• Focal length: 60mm

Pros

• Affordable
• Includes a mirror for selfies
• Powered by AA batteries

Cons

• No tripod socket

Similar to the SQ1, the Instax Mini 11 is an easy-to-use camera, but the Mini shoots the smaller Mini film. Mini film has a frame size of 2.1 x 3.4 inches with an image area of 1.8 x 2.4 inches. The camera is also nice and small, which is great for bringing with you on outings. It automatically selects the shutter speed depending on the scene, so you don’t need to worry about figuring out camera settings. 

The Instax Mini 11 comes with two shutter button accessories that allow you to customize the camera. In addition, it is available in five different colors: lavender, blush pink, light blue, white, or black. And it’s powered by two AA batteries, so you don’t have to keep track of cords. And it features a pull-out lens to activate selfie mode with a tiny mirror on the front that lets you check your frame before you shoot. 

Related: Polaroid Fade-to Black Film Made Photos That Disappeared Way Before Snapchat

Best hybrid Instax: Instax Mini Evo

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Why it made the cut: Fujifilm’s take on a hybrid instant camera allows you to print photos from your phone or take and print photos with the camera and then send those files to your phone. Plus, you can’t beat the camera’s retro styling.

Specs

• Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches
• Minimum focusing distance: 3.9 inches
• Focal length: 28mm

Pros

• Unique blend of printer and digital camera
• Attractive retro design
• Lots of digital filter effects
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Digital image quality isn’t great

If you like the idea of the Polaroid Lab but still want an actual camera, the Instax Mini Evo will hit that sweet spot for you. It is a hybrid camera that allows you to take and print photos with the camera itself. You can also choose not to print a photo and just store it as a digital file on the camera. The camera can hold 45 photos with internal memory, or you can use a microSD card for additional storage.

The Instax Mini Evo provides 10 lens effect options and 10 film effect options, giving you up to 100 different image styles. It also uses Instax Mini film, which will give you a  3.4 x 2.1-inch print with a 2.4 x 1.8-inch image area. It provides Bluetooth connectivity so you can use your phone as a wireless remote control, print photos from your phone, and save photos taken and printed from the camera to your phone.

Best budget: KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

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Why it made the cut: The Printomatic has a very budget-friendly purchase price and uses affordable Zink paper, saving you money all around.

Specs

• Weight: 7.1 ounces
• Dimensions: 1 x 4.83 x 3.11 inches
• Minimum focusing distance: Not provided
• Focal length: 8mm

Pros

• Affordable
• Extremely easy to use
• Results in digital photos and physical prints
• Zink paper is more affordable than instant film

Cons

• Zink paper isn’t as high-quality as traditional photo paper
• Doesn’t work well in low-light conditions

For those wanting the joys of instant photography at a lower price, The Kodak Printomatic is a great choice. Not only is the initial purchase price lower than other instant cameras, but it uses Kodak Zink paper instead of more expensive film packs. It’s built around a 5MP sensor and features a wide-angle f/2 lens. 

The prints that it makes are water-resistant, tear-resistant, and smudge-free. Plus, they have a sticker back, so you can display them on anything. You don’t need an ink cartridge to print, and if you are out of paper, the camera will save images to its microSD card to be printed on a later day. Although Zink paper is an inexpensive way to print instantly, the quality isn’t quite as good as what you might get with a camera that is using instant film packs. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best instant cameras

Instant photography is a fun and incredibly approachable way to capture the world around you. There is something immensely rewarding about firing the shutter and watching an image appear before your eyes a few minutes later. Regardless of the instant film format that you choose to shoot, we think that these instant cameras will put a smile on the face of the photographer and the subject. 

Methodology: How we picked the best instant cameras

The writers and editors at PopPhoto have decades of experience in photography across genres and equipment types. That includes seeing the development (pun intended) of the instant film industry over the years. When selecting the best instant cameras, we prioritized film quality. We also considered the camera’s design and usability. Features like connectivity and creative tools were also important to our decision. Finally, we looked at cameras at a range of price points to suit various budgets.

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Instant photos sure pack a nostalgic punch. Maybe it’s the tangible aspect of a real photo in your hands instead of one floating in the cloud. Maybe it’s the way the images come out just a little imperfect that adds to the charm. But whatever it is, there’s no denying that where there’s instant film, there is fun being had. And no company is more synonymous with instant photography than Polaroid. 

With the release of Polaroid Go’s two new colorways, we decided to finally give this tiny camera a whirl for ourselves. In short: it’s definitely a delight. Pocketable and extremely portable; the design should appeal as much to the younger set as to those who grew up with the original. It creates prints in miniature (though personally, I find the colors leave something to be desired), and has a fun double exposure feature for the adventurous experimentalist. 

Polaroid Go review: Keys specs

• f/12 and f/52 apertures
• Focal length of 51.1mm
• Shutter speeds ranging from 1/250 to 1 second
• Automatic flash, can be disabled 
• Viewfinder doubles as a selfie mirror
• Double exposure mode
• Self-timer, but no tripod mount
• LED frame counter window
• Compatible with Polaroid Go film, 8 shots per pack
• Pocket-sized
• Built-in battery with USB-C charging, 120 shots per charge

What’s new

In addition to the classic white, the Polaroid Go now comes in black and red models. In tandem with the release of the camera bodies, the company also debuted a set of lens filters in red, yellow, and blue, as well as a matte black-edge Go film.  

Polaroid Go handling & design

As the world’s smallest instant camera at 4.1 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, and 2.4 inches tall, the Polaroid Go makes compact efficiency its middle name. With the camera in hand, all the buttons you’d need—shutter, flash, and power—are situated together on the right side while the viewfinder is on the left.

On the front of the camera, the lens sits center, flanked by the flash on the left and the viewfinder on the right—the latter doubles as a selfie mirror thanks to a reflective coating. Because of the compact nature, I sometimes found my finger obscuring the flash, but overall, I appreciated the size of the Go, which felt manageable. However, I do have fairly small hands, so I could see how the diminutive size of this camera could be a major point of frustration. 

Related: How to digitize an instant photo in three easy steps

The camera’s shooting options are all controlled by the flash button. Press it twice in rapid succession to activate the double exposure mode. Activate or deactivate the self-timer by holding it down for two seconds. Hit it once to turn the flash on and again to turn it off. And that’s it. Everything else is automatic, so just press the shutter when you’re ready.

The entirety of the camera is basically plastic, which makes it incredibly light and easy to handle while still feeling solid. There’s nothing fragile about it, and it happily dangles from the included wrist strap for easy access. Essentially, the Go is the mini version of the Polaroid Now, but the layout and lens do allude to the extremely classic SX-70 Land Camera.

In use

Loading the film is self explanatory. Line up the arrows on the cartridge with those on the camera and drop it in, chunky end first. Unlike the larger cameras, which load from the front, the Polaroid Go has a little film hatch at the bottom. Do not peel off the tape on the cartridge; you’ll need it to pull it out after it’s empty. 

To test the Go, I took it on a spin at my local botanical garden and also to a Waffle House (as one does in the South) to see how it’d do at night. I shot a mix of flash/no flash and a handful of double exposures (plus one selfie).

I admit that I was already smitten before the first picture, purely on the basis of its size. My current obsession is the pocket camera. And while the Go is indeed a portable dream, there are other features worth discussing, for better or worse. 

Double exposure confusion

The camera has a nifty double exposure feature that’s activated by quickly hitting the flash button twice. Once in this mode, the frame counter will flash “1” indicating it’s time for the first shot. Tap the shutter and the counter will flash “2”; hit it again, and voilà, your double exposure ejects out.

While this feature is fun, it can at times be confusing, specifically when there’s a delay between the first and second exposure. For example, I wanted to do an overlay of flowers at the botanical garden with my typewriter at home. So, I put my camera in double exposure mode, took a photo of the typewriter, and turned it off. According to Polaroid, the camera will “remember” you’re in double exposure mode, so when you arrive at your next location and turn it on, you can make the second photo.

However, this is where things got tricky. After I arrived at the gardens and turned on the camera, the film counter no longer showed I was in double exposure mode. This made things confusing. Did I lose the picture of my typewriter? Did I need to put the camera back in double exposure mode for it to work? I tried that, but the counter started at “1” again, so I took it out of double exposure mode, took a picture of some roses, and waited to see what would happen. As it turns out, you don’t need to put the Go back in double exposure mode for that second shot. My final image was my typewriter/flower overlay as planned.

Remember to turn off the flash…

As far as flash is concerned, I preferred to keep it off in broad daylight. But, it perfectly delivers the harsh ‘90s candid vibe, if that is what you’re after. However, one thing that frustrated me—particularly with double exposures—is that the flash is automatically activated. This meant I had to remember to disable it each time I went to take a new shot. I’m forgetful and thus ended up firing it a few more times than I had planned.  

A flimsy film shield

Like the other Polaroid cameras, you only get eight shots per pack of film, which is fine. What I did find odd (and somewhat counterintuitive to the whole ‘instant’ promise) was the awkward film shield that rolls out on top of the photo after it’s printed, as well as the necessity to wait five seconds before pulling the print out of the slot. The film shield is just a thin sheet of dark gray plastic that rolls out with the picture to protect it from light. Though you are supposed to let the Polaroid develop in the dark, other instant cameras I’ve used do not require such a feature. You simply stuff the picture in your pocket as fast as possible. I’m not particularly fond of the shield as it felt that I might accidentally bend it.

Finally, while I love the compactness of this camera, I did have a couple of scares, including nearly wasting a precious sheet of already scarce film by accidentally pushing the shutter button. Since I’m right handed, I would always reach for the camera with that hand, but the shutter is also on the right side. It doesn’t help that I’m also notorious for forgetting to turn off any camera—I have had plenty of “what is that?” shots in the past. 

Polaroid Go Image quality

Objectively, I would describe the Polaroid Go image colors as moody ‘90s nostalgia with exuberant sepia undertones. With or without flash, there’s a hazy imperfection that lends a certain charm. Am I head-over-heels? Not exactly, but in a way that is more so personal taste than quality. 

Compared to photographs I have made with the Polaroid One Step and the Fujifilm Instax Wide, the latter two produce cleaner, brighter images. I tend to favor this in my work. However, the Polaroid Go is a vibe—I see many people shoot their film (instant or not) this way, so it’s by no means bad. 

Related: Best instant cameras

Compared to…

Polaroid’s main competitor in the instant space is Fujifilm, which offers a fine line of products, too, and at a slightly (emphasis on slightly) lower price point. Cameras like the Fujifilm SQ1 will also produce a square image, and you can snag a pack of 20 frames at a little less than $1 each on Amazon. Meanwhile, 16 Go photos will cost you about $20.

That being said, the Polaroid Go is a solid choice if you value a compact design, as the Fujifilm options are a lot bigger. It also comes down to your stylistic choice and how you want your colors to turn out. The Go flash covers up to two meters (6.56 feet), while Fujifilm claims that its flash on the SQ 1 is effective up to 7.2 feet.

Polaroid Go Review: Overall, the Go rides on a retro reputation

Overall, the Polaroid Go really appeals to those who love the brand and what it’s represented over the years. From the retro, reminiscent design to the vintage cast in the film, it’s definitely something that’ll bring back (and preserve) memories, new and old. 

However, the price of the film and hiccups in user experience design leave a little bit to be desired. And with the price of film these days, saving a few pennies never hurts. It ultimately comes down to your personal artistic preferences, which should then dictate the system you buy into. 

Pros 

• Fits easily in a small bag or pocket
• Can be operated by one (small) hand without much trouble
• Flash can be disabled
• Double exposure mode creates the potential for cool shots
• Self-timer mode is handy for more complex selfies

Cons

• Polaroid Go film is more expensive than the competition
• Double exposure mode is confusing if you turn off the camera between shots
• Colors are muddier/moodier than the competition (this is subjective taste)
• The film shield is a little awkward/flimsy, and so is waiting five seconds before pulling out the picture
• Flash cannot be permanently disabled; you must remember to turn it off for each shot

The post Polaroid Go review: Instant fun & convenience with a few small caveats appeared first on Popular Photography.

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This article originally appeared on The Drive

In addition to seeing awesome cars throw themselves sideways around turns, another wonderful thing Formula Drift gives us is the opportunity to practice photography. You’re usually sitting close enough that you can grab at least a couple of really cool photos. Just for fun, I thought I’d bring my cheap instant camera to this past weekend’s Long Beach season opener. The results came out way better than I could have ever imagined.

I’d bought the $70 Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 instant camera (in Sky Blue, duh) as a party favor a few weeks back and had some film left over. Why not bring it to FD? Could be fun. It’s lightweight and slim and fit unobtrusively in my camera backpack. There’s a 60mm lens and the shutter speed is automatically chosen based on lighting conditions with a permanent ISO 800. With the built-in flash, it worked great with taking pictures of my friends in a dark bar. But now, I’d be outside in full daylight taking pictures of cars between 15 to 50 feet away. 

Related: Motorsports photographer Jamey Price on how to shoot a 24-hour endurance race

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shot film. I exclusively shoot digital because it’s cheaper, faster, and I don’t have to be as choosy when I decide to click the shutter. Digital space is basically free and unlimited so I’ve enjoyed the luxury of the spray and pray style of shooting a motorsports event. But seeing as Amazon charges $13.98 for a pack of 20 instant photos, I was basically spending around 70 cents a shot. My cheap ass had to make them count.

Standing at the Touch & Go 1 straight (you can see an FDLB track map here) and facing the Outside Zone 1, the first batch of photos actually came out pretty nice. They were overexposed, but the grainy quality of the photo itself actually added to the aesthetic in an extremely cool way. 

Needless to say, I was very pleased. The Instax’s wide-angle viewfinder made it easy to take in the whole scene and the resulting photo came out pretty close to what I saw with my eye.

Still, I wanted the cars to take up more of the frame so I walked a little further to go hang out at the Inside Clip 1 hairpin turn. Everyone drives the slowest around this turn, so it was a good opportunity to really place the cars in the frame.

I really tried to get the palm trees in these shots. The longer I’ve shot, the more I realize I love a portrait layout. It just gives you so much more vertical context than a landscape layout. You can get a real sense of the sky and the time of day, especially at Long Beach, where highrise buildings provide the perfect backdrop for an urban course.

Over at the Inside Clip 1, I also ran into Larry Chen, ace photographer and friend of The Drive. Chen saw what I was doing and wanted a piece of the action, too. And because he is far wiser than me, he immediately identified the permanent ISO 800 as an issue and popped the polarizer off his own camera to address it.

He also tried out a landscape pan, which I hadn’t done yet.

It turned out more than alright. We were thrilled.

My attempt was, uh, less than stellar. Is that my finger or a pole in the corner? Only God will know.

But I was stoked, man! Who knew a silly, cheap little camera could bring me so much joy? There was also something intangibly special about getting to hold a physical picture moments after I’d taken it. Waiting for the film to develop gave the whole experience a sense of anticipation. Shooting digital means instant gratification (for the most part), but the Instax forced me to slow my game down, to plan, to really think about what I was aiming my camera at. 

The last shot was my favorite by far. I wanted Chris Forsberg and the new Nissan Z, and I wanted the round building in the background. I got what I wanted.

I realize that the photos appear a little darker than they really are to you all through the screen after I scanned them. But that’s just another part of the charm; the photos are most impactful in person. They’re not for mass, online sharing. They’re going into a photo album that I can show my friends in person. It’s a very sweet thing.

I’m glad I tried this out at Long Beach, which is a very tight and close-up course to shoot. The other tracks in the season don’t really offer this kind of intimacy, but it’s where the Instax shone the brightest. I know I’m very late to the shooting-on-film party, but I definitely do understand the appeal now. Even if I was doing it on a camera I’m pretty sure is meant for children. But I’m never getting rid of this thing.

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Fujifilm’s new digital Instax Mini Evo Hybrid is a unique instant camera that combines a digital sensor with traditional Instax technology. The interesting pairing of tech makes for an Instax camera that falls somewhere between printer and camera, allowing users to store images, make edits and selections before they print—you can even transfer images from your smartphone for printing. Announced back in November 2021, this intriguing hybrid camera just started shipping worldwide.

SEE IT

We’ve been shooting around with the Instax Mini Evo Hybrid for some time now, and though it offers a very different experience compared to a typical Instax, there is still a whole lot to love. 

What’s New 

This isn’t Instax’s first foray into hybrid cameras, the Instax LiPlay also has a digital sensor that lets shooters select images before printing them, but the Mini Evo Hybrid packs in a ton of other creative features. The Mini Evo Hybrid has 10 film effect options and 10 lens effect options to help you customize the way your Instax prints look. Film effect options include Normal, Vivid, Pale, Canvas, Monochrome, Sepia, Yellow, Red, Blue, and Retro. Lens effect options include Normal, Vignette, Soft Focus, Blur, Fisheye, Color Shift, Light Leak, Mirror, Double Exposure, and Half Frame—you can see an example of the Mirror effect above. And users can combine Film and Lens effects for maximum creativity.

Look and Feel 

This camera looks and feels really good in your hands. The Mini Evo Hybrid definitely takes some style inspiration from Fujifilm’s line of X-mount digital cameras. While it’s still made of plastic, it has a black “leatherette” body and shiny silver accents. 

The fixed 28mm F/2 lens includes a lens ring that lets you swap between the different integrated lens effects. On the front of the camera, you will also find the camera’s on and off switch and a shutter button. The Instax selfie mirror is above the lens, near the front-facing shutter button. The top of the camera includes a clever “film advance” that can be used to make a print. On top, you’ll also find an additional shutter button, a “Favorite” button (for saving settings), and a dial for swapping between the different film effects. Instax film packs load into the back of the camera underneath the 3-inch LCD screen that lets you preview images before you print or make edits. The buttons to the right of the LCD screen allow you to change flash settings, change to macro mode, adjust the white balance, shoot in self-timer mode, change exposure brightness and use a digital zoom effect. 

The Mini Evo Hybrid uses a long strap that attaches to the side of the camera where the film is printed. This makes traveling with it easier than some other Instax options, which only have a single connection point for a wrist strap. But we do wish that Fujifilm had included an additional attachment point so that the camera could be carried in a horizontal orientation, in addition to the vertical orientation—especially since ergonomically, this Instax makes you want to shoot in landscape mode rather than portrait mode.

The camera charging port can be found under a door beneath the lens, which is also where you can add a micro SD card to increase storage capacity. 

In Use 

Shooting with the Mini Evo Hybrid is a different experience than shooting with a standard Instax camera—and it’s not just because you have the option to review your images before you print them. The Mini Evo Hyrbid is still easy to use, you can absolutely keep it in normal film mode and normal lens mode while shooting, but with all the different settings we’d recommend you explore the various creative options. 

While the different film emulsions are a nice touch, it’s the ability to choose different lenses that I found most exciting with the Mini Evo Hybrid. As you move the lens ring on the front of the camera, the LCD screen will show you a preview of how the effect will change the image. The lens effects range from very subtle (Vignette and Soft Focus) to extreme (Fisheye and Mirror). During my time with the camera, I found myself gravitating towards Light Leak, Mirror, Half Frame, and Double Exposure modes. Double Exposure mode in particular was one of my favorites as it allows you to layer two images on top of one another on a piece of instant film—a feature that was previously only found on higher-end Instax cameras like the Instax Mini 90.

Having all of these creative options at my fingertips changed the way I used this Instax camera. Rather than shooting a frame and being done with it, I found myself wanting to experiment and take multiple exposures of a subject using the different settings without being worried about burning through my packs of Instax film. 

Users also have the option to send pictures from their phone directly to the camera through the Mini Evo app—essentially turning the camera into an Instax printer. Unfortunately, there is no way to adjust film emulsions or lens settings if you are sending something through your phone. Remote shooting is also available through the app. 

Image Quality

The image quality of Instax cameras has always been solid and the prints made by the Mini Evo Hybrid are no exception. Similar to the Instax Wide Link printer you have the option to print in Instax Rich mode or Instax Natural. Instax Rich boosts deep, warm colors, while Natural mode emphasizes the natural tones of the image. The ability to adjust exposures before shooting is helpful for preventing over or under-exposed frames, and the flash is powerful enough to handle shooting indoors or at night.   

Conclusion

Ultimately I really liked shooting with the Mini Evo Hybrid, but it did come with a bit of a learning curve compared to other Instax cameras. Using the Mini Evo Hybrid isn’t as intuitive as an Instax Mini 11, but I got the hang of shooting with it rather quickly. I love the creative lens modes and appreciate the visual aesthetics of the camera too. It looks good and it makes prints that look really good.

Having the ability to preview images before you print is my favorite part though. Instax Mini prints are 75 cents per picture—if you are buying in multipacks—and the ability to preview all these creative effects before you print will definitely prevent you from burning through film packs (and money) too quickly.

The Instax Mini Evo Hybrid is available now for $200. 

Additional samples

Additional samples from Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid can be found below.

The post Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid review: Our new favorite digital instant camera appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Fujifilm has unveiled its latest instant camera, the Instax Mini Evo Hybrid. Unlike most Fujfilm Instax models, this one combines a digital sensor with analog printing capabilities. The pairing allows users to store, edit, and select which shots they want to print. The camera uses the brand’s Instax Mini format film, which costs around $0.75 a shot if you buy it in multipacks.

This isn’t Instax’s first foray into the realm of hybrid cameras. The Instax LiPlay also combines a digital sensor with analog printing capabilities. But the Mini Evo Hybrid has a lot more features to offer in terms of creative photography. Let’s take a closer look at how it stacks up against our other favorite instant cameras.

Mini Evo Hybrid features

The Mini Evo Hybrid includes 10 integrated “lenses” and 10 “film effects”, giving photographers a lot of creative options when they shoot. The available lens effects include “Normal,” “Vignette,” “Soft Focus,” “Blur,” “Fisheye,” “Color Shift,” “Light Leak,” “Mirror,” “Double Exposure,” and “Half-Frame”. In terms of film effects, shooters can choose from “Normal,” “Vivid,” “Pale,” “Canvas,” “Monochrome,” “Sepia,” “Yellow,” “Red,” “Blue,” and “Retro”.

Most of these effects are pretty self-explanatory. But if you want a closer look, the video above does a good job showing off examples of quite a few. The Double Exposure, Half-Frame, and Light Leak effects in particular look fun. It’s also cool to see that you can combine film and lens effects, for added creative potential.

Storage and battery life

Internally, the Mini Evo Hybrid can store up to 45 shots. But users can expand storage via a microSD card slot. In addition to saving photos on the camera itself, you will also be able to send them directly to your smartphone or smart device via Bluetooth using the Mini Evo app. The app also offers remote shooting options.

In terms of power, a built-in Lithium-Ion battery should allow you to print about 100 images per charge, according to Fujifilm.

Camera design

The unit has a stylish vintage look with its black “leatherette” and silver accents. It even has an adorable “film advance” lever, used for making prints. The 3-inch LCD screen on the back of the camera lets photographers select shots, add creative frames and make small edits to their images before they print. There is one odd omission, though: The camera doesn’t have Instax’s classic selfie mirror on the front of the camera lens.

Price and availability

The Mini Evo Hybrid will launch alongside a new Instax film line called Instax Mini Stone Gray, which features a gray border instead of the traditional white one. The Instax Mini Evo Hybrid will be available in February 2022 for $199.95. The new film stock will also be available in February 2022 for $14.99 per pack. 

We loved working with Instax’s last hybrid Instant camera and look forward to getting the Mini Evo Hybrid in our hands in the new year.

The post Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid is a digital instant camera with lots of creative features appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Pepsi and Polaroid have just announced a fresh new retro collaboration, courtesy of Retrospekt, a specialist restoration shop out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

The Pepsi x Polaroid 600 camera is built from refurbished Polaroid internals, though they’re inside a brand-new blue molded plastic case. The whole thing is inspired by a much earlier Pepsi-Polaroid collaboration from the 1980s—and is officially endorsed by all parties involved. Retro really is back, baby. 

The camera deets

The original Pepsi-Polaroid was very much an 80s camera. Instead of just copying it directly, Retrospekt used Pepsi’s 1992 rebranding, featured in the famous Cindy Crawford Super Bowl ad as inspiration for the design.

“When we went to create a new camera with a throwback feel, we didn’t want to rehash what the original camera had already done,” says Michael Kempen, Retrospekt’s Creative Director. “And since Polaroid was still producing this style of camera into the ‘90s, it means these logos and brand elements are an authentic fit for the camera’s original era.” 

This means that the Pepsi x Polaroid 600 isn’t strictly a retro camera. It’s got a brand new design, and it’s made from refurbished vintage internals, but it’s really its own weird thing. It’s like a retro camera from an alternative universe. 

In terms of specs, the Pepsi x Polaroid 600 is pretty standard. It doesn’t have sonar autofocus or a close-up mode, like some of the more desirable 600-series cameras. Though it does have the built-in flash, which you can override. Its fixed focus 110mm f/10 lens is going to give you the classic Polaroid look with whatever Polaroid 600 film you choose to use. 

Who on earth is Retrospekt?

At the core of this wild Pepsi x Polaroid collab is Retrospekt, whose mission is “to give you a product with years of history that works like it was made yesterday.” It does this by offering a combination of fully restored gear, refurbished and improved gear, stuff that looks like it was made in the 80s but is brand new, and weird projects like this one. 

I’m not quite sure how I feel about all this as an idea. As much as I love vintage film gear and retro projects, half the fun of it all is that nothing ever works as you’d hope. When I want reliability, I shoot with my Canon 5D Mark III—when I want to embrace the inner turmoil of the universe, I go vintage. 

Still, if new-old gear takes your fancy, Retrospekt is probably right up your alley.

How do I buy the Pepsi x Polaroid 600

The Pepsi x Polaroid 600 instant film camera is available right now from Retrospekt for $160—not including any film. We have no idea how many are available, or if more will be made, so if you want one, you should probably buy it soon. If you’re after a more traditional Polaroid camera, Retrospekt also has a full range of restored models.

The post Pepsi x Polaroid – the camera collaboration we never saw coming/knew we needed appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Fujifilm’s new smartphone-friendly Instax printer—the Instax Link Wide—has officially landed. As the name suggests, it makes use of the brand’s largest format instant film, Instax Wide, and is the first Fujifilm printer to do so. It’s designed to be complementary to 2019’s Instax Mini Link, and so many of the specs are the same, just bigger.   

Instax Link Wide Key Features

The Instax Link Wide smartphone printer makes prints in approximately 12 seconds and can generate about 100 prints per charge. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and within its dedicated “Instax Link Wide” app, you can choose a variety of printing options. Options include access to editing tools and 30 different filters. You can also use the app to choose and print still frames from a video and/or add text or a QR code to an image.  

Additionally, it allows users to choose between two printing modes: “Instax Rich,” which boosts deep, warm colors, or “Instax Natural,” which emphasizes the image’s natural tones.

Although it’s bigger than the original Instax Mini Link, it’s still compact and lightweight enough to make it easy to travel with. At 5.5 inches by 5 inches by 1.3 inches, the printer it’s only slightly larger than a portable hard drive and comes with a convenient stand for your desk. 

First Impressions

Prior to launch, we got our hands on an Instax Link Wide and so far we’re impressed. The “Instax Rich” printing mode makes the colors on the final prints pop considerably. And the ability to print larger (than Instax Mini) gives users more flexibility when collaging images together or adding text elements (see below).

The premade editable templates within the app make it easy to create elegant-looking prints that could easily double as thank you cards, wedding announcements or holiday cards. And if you are design-savvy, you can import your own text elements. Although the collage modes and ability to add text to the images is fun, where the Instax Link Wide really shines is in simple print mode. 

In terms of operation, the Instax Link Wide is incredibly easy to use. You load the film in through the back of the printer, charge via USB and press the large button on the top of the printer to turn it on. Everything else is done through the app which has intuitive edit modes and shows you how many pieces of film are left in the printer, as well as how much battery is left.

Within the app’s menus, you will also find options for selecting print modes and Bluetooth settings. There’s also the option to create and print QR codes onto your images. These can link to a Website, location tag or audio recording.

Instax Wide cost per print

Expect to pay about $1 per print with the Instax Link Wide printer. Color film packs contain ten shots and film tends to be sold in a 2-pack (20 shots) for $20. However, there are deals to be had on bulk pack purchases. Black-and-white Instax Wide tends to be a bit pricier at $15 for a single pack (10 shots).

Instax Link Wide price and availability

There’s a lot to love about the Instax Link Wide and we suspect this smartphone printer will be highly sought after this holiday season. It comes in Ash White or Mocha Grey and will be available by the end of the month for $149.95.

The post Hands-on: Fujifilm’s new Instax Wide smartphone printer proves bigger is better appeared first on Popular Photography.

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