The fast-paced society that we are a part of has come up with an effortless and efficient alternative for almost every task out there.
Remember those chunky cameras that our parents used to carry everywhere, from birthday parties to family events? Yeah, those went obsolete a while back as digital cameras, and later cell phone cameras rose to fame. And we are well aware that these tiny cell phone cameras are capable of capturing mind-blowing masterpieces.
But some moments demand that you turn them into tangible memories, and then you miss having that chunky camera around. Well, here’s an alternative that might help: an Insta Camera, also known as the Polaroid camera.
Back in the day
Let’s take a step back and have a look at who is behind this marvelous technology.
The first Insta Camera that was made available to the public was the 95 Land Camera, and Edwin H. Land was the mastermind behind the camera. See what I did there? Anyways, this happened back in 1948. Here is a fun fact: American scientist Edwin Land invented the camera during the Second World War, and the idea came to him when his daughter asked why she couldn’t see her photos immediately.
Before inventing the Insta Camera, Land had already co-founded the Polaroid Corporation with George W. Wheelwright III in 1937. And now we know why the Insta Camera is popularly known as the Polaroid camera.
The technology behind it
Insta Cameras are able to do what they do by using Instant films. These, too, were invented and then introduced to the public by Edwin H. Land. There is a lot that goes into manually developing a photo, and an Instant film makes all of this happen inside a small camera. Amazing, right?
The instant film contains multiple layers that all work together to produce the print. The film comprises layers of light-sensitive grains arranged on a plastic sheet. Moreover, there are color layers, dye couplers, an image layer, a timing layer, an acid layer, and the black base layer. The intricacies of this process are exceptional.
What makes an Insta Camera unique
Apart from leaving you with hard copies of amazing pictures then and there, an Insta Camera has a lot more to it.
Have you seen the prints? The trademark white border around an Insta Camera photo makes the image pop beautifully.
The idea of an Insta Camera is quite aesthetic, too. Compared to today’s sleek devices, it is both fun and quirky to look at and work with. If you haven’t seen one yet, then do it now, and you will know what I mean.
Not only this, but it really simplifies the process of taking pictures, as well. You are free from having to fret about choosing the perfect filter, aspect ratio, and whatnot. Just aim and click. Also, Insta Camera prints make an excellent post for your Instagram account.
You might remember seeing it in a blog post or on Instagram, a tiny gadget that prints hard copies of pictures on the spot. Even if you are hearing about this device for the first time, then you have arrived at the right place. This is an all-you-need-to-know guide on Insta Cameras, and it is for everyone.
Kodak Smile Classic Digital Camera
Specs:
⦁ Prints 3.5” x 4.25” photos
⦁ 10 seconds self-timer
⦁ Bluetooth connectivity
⦁ Built-in rechargeable battery
⦁ 35 prints per charge
This Insta Camera is a complete package since it lets you do it all. It costs $119.99 and is a dream-come-true for picture enthusiasts. The Kodak Smile Classic adds to the experience of using an Insta Camera. It connects to the Kodak Classic application that comes brimming with great filters and multiple features that one can use to touch up pictures before printing them. With this one, you won’t have to worry about messing up the limited number of pictures that you can click and print. The Kodak Smile Classic lets you view your pictures on your phone and upload them to your social media. Moreover, it has been ensured that you end up with impeccable prints. Photos are printed on the sticky-back Kodak Zink Photo Paper, and these are larger in size compared to the Kodak Instant Print camera.
Pros
⦁ Easy-to-use.
⦁ Packs editing features.
⦁ Can operate without ink.
Cons
⦁ Colors are inaccurate.
⦁ Expensive to own.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
Specs:
⦁ Prints 2.4” x 3.9” photos
⦁ 0.37x Optical Viewfinder and Target Spot
⦁ Close-up lens attachment
⦁ Requires 4 AA batteries
⦁ Tripod socket
⦁ Film developing time: 90 seconds
If you are looking to take wider pictures using your Insta Camera, then Instax Wide 300 is perfect for you. Its retro, black and white exterior adds more charm to the idea of using an Insta Camera. That’s not all; this one comes with a close-up lens attachment that lets you capture beautifully detailed images. The focal zoom dial also comes in handy when trying to click the perfect shot. The Instax Wide is equipped with a built-in, automatic flash and the Lighten-Darken control to lend your pictures that extra oomph factor. You will need the Fujifilm Instant Color Film “Instax Wide” to use with this camera. It comes at a pretty reasonable price of $75.
Pros
⦁ Good picture quality.
⦁ Great color saturation and exposure.
Cons
⦁ Not many modes and creative options to play with.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Specs:
⦁ Prints 2.4” x 2.4” photos
⦁ 10 seconds self-timer
⦁ Inverted Galilean finder, 0.4x
⦁ Multiple shooting modes, including the Selfie mode
⦁ Requires 2 CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries
⦁ Tripod socket
⦁ 60mm fixed-focus lens
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 allows you to capture and print perfectly square 1:1 pictures. Hello, symmetry! Another feature that instantly grabs one’s attention is the selfie mirror. Yes, you can take perfect selfies using this Insta Camera that costs $179.95. There are several other modes that you can explore, such as: Automatic Exposure, Macro, Landscape, Double Exposure, Lighten, Darken, etc. Think of all the masterpieces that you can capture and print using the Selfie Mode and the tripod mount. The clean and minimalistic design of the Square SQ6 coupled with the amazing colors is a treat for the eyes.
Pros
⦁ Compact and easy-to-use.
⦁ Many modes to play with.
⦁ Fun to use
Cons
⦁ Soft image quality.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s
Specs:
⦁ Prints 1.81” x 2.44″ photos
⦁ 60mm fixed-focus lens
⦁ Real image finder, 0.37x, with target spot
⦁ Requires 2 AA batteries
⦁ Film developing time: 90 seconds
The quirky exterior of the Instax Mini 7s is as charming as the mini photos that it prints. Stick them in your wallet without the fear of your precious prints wrinkling. Not only this, but these smaller prints take up less space, so you don’t have to worry about storing them. The brightness control ensures that you capture the perfect picture no matter the weather. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s uses Fujifilm Instant Color Film “Instax Mini.”At a price of $99.99, it’s not too expensive either.
Pros
⦁ Useful exposure settings.
⦁ High quality prints.
⦁ Films are easy to replace.
Cons
⦁ Expensive films.
⦁ Photos are not well-developed.
Zink Polaroid Snap Instant 
Specs:
⦁ Prints 2” x 3” photos
⦁ Pop-Up Viewfinder
⦁ Captures 10MP Photos
⦁ It supports a 32GB MicroSD card
⦁ Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery
⦁ Film developing time: < 60 seconds
If you were in search of an Insta Camera that comes with a rechargeable battery, then the Zink Polaroid Snap Instant might be the perfect Instant photography partner for you. With this one, you have the liberty to choose from and work with six different photo modes, each one resulting in a beautiful print. The self-timer feature gives you more room to be creative. You can use it to click perfect selfies with your loved ones. The fact that the Zink Polaroid Snap Instant is compatible with an SD card is noteworthy, as you will be able to both print and save your photos for later. This one requires the Premium Zink Photo Paper to print your photos. And let’s not forget about the rainbow stripe that adorns the body of the Zink Polaroid; it’s extremely unique. You can get this masterpiece at a price of $104.96.
Pros
⦁ Easy and fun to use.
⦁ Saves 10 megapixels images directly to memory card.
⦁ Nifty colors and border modes.
Cons
⦁ Print quality is not exceptional.
Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro
Specs:
⦁ Prints 2.1” x 3.4’ photos
⦁ Bluetooth connectivity
⦁ Print two types of photos
⦁ Selfie mirror
⦁ LCD Viewfinder
When using the Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro, you don’t have to worry about the final product being anything but amazing. Why? Because the Kodak Mini connects to your phone via Bluetooth and gives you the option to edit your pictures using the free Kodak Photo Printer AR application. And yes, it is compatible with both Android and iOS phones. On the contrary, you can go ahead and print the picture as it is. The Kodak Mini uses the 4Pass (Dye-Sub) technology to print crystal clear photos. What’s more is that you can print two different kinds of pictures with the Kodak Mini, either with the traditional white borders, or you can skip out on those completely. The selfie mirror proves to be extremely convenient when you want to get in the picture with the rest of the group. It comes at a price of $129.99.
Pros
⦁ Prints high-quality pictures.
⦁ Less cost per print.
⦁ You can choose between bordered and borderless pictures.
Cons
⦁ No WiFi connectivity.
⦁ Only supports Android and IOS devices.
Kodak Printomatic
Specs:
⦁ Prints 2” x 3” photos
⦁ Captures 10MP photos
⦁ Built-in flash
⦁ MicroSD slot
⦁ Rechargeable 7.4V Li-ion batteries
⦁ Smudge-proof, water-resistant pictures
⦁ 40 prints per charge
The Kodak Printomatic is another amazing Insta Camera available on the market. It uses the Kodak Zink Photo Paper with an adhesive back to print smudge-proof and water-resistant photos that you can easily stick onto any surface. The fact that it uses a small battery gives you the freedom to charge it on the go using a portable battery pack. However, a smaller battery means that you will have to recharge the camera after 40 prints. Additionally, the built-in flash ensures that each click is nothing short of impeccable. A MicroSD card slot means that you can click and save your pictures for later, post them on your Instagram, edit them to your liking or just have soft copies for safekeeping. Plus, it’s very affordable and only costs $49.99.
Pros
⦁ More print modes.
⦁ Includes a self-timer.
Cons
⦁ A bit expensive.
⦁ Less color options.
⦁ Limited capabilities.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
Specs:
⦁ Prints 2.4” x 1.8” photos
⦁ High-performance flash
⦁ Multiple modes
⦁ Tripod socket
⦁ Brightness control
⦁ Rechargeable battery
This Insta Camera strikes the perfect balance between classic and modern. Its retro look adds a different aesthetic to the Instant photography experience, while the advanced features produce amazing-looking pictures. This camera offers multiple modes that you can play around with to capture diverse pictures. There is the Party mode, Kids mode, Macro mode, Landscape mode, and the Bulb Exposure mode, to name a few. However, the Double Exposure mode takes the cake because it lets you superimpose two different pictures onto each other. The resulting image is nothing short of mind-blowing. If you are wondering about how to switch between different modes, then it’s pretty simple; just use the dial around the lens and buttons on the back. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 uses the Instax Mini Instant Film to print your pictures. It costs $135.15.
Pros
⦁ Beautiful design.
⦁ Rechargeable battery.
⦁ Monochrome and color films.
Cons
⦁ No camera in-charging options.
Ending Note
The hype surrounding Insta Cameras is not unwarranted since these tiny devices are unique enough to pique and hold your interest. After browsing through the many options available, go for the one that meets your requirements the most because, at the end of the day, you must be comfortable with your Insta Camera to have a better chance at mastering the art of Instant photography.
