Instant cameras are cameras that embody the magic of photography. By pressing the shutter button, you can capture the world and see the results in just a few seconds. Instant camera photo sheets come in various sizes, so you will need to choose the appropriate format for your specific model: mini (62 mm x 46 mm), wide (62 mm x 99 mm), square (62 mm x 62 mm). The most popular instant camera manufacturers are Kodak, Polaroid, and Fujifilm. Using search filters, you can choose an instant camera based on price, manufacturer, and delivery time.
Analog-type cameras with a mechanism for instant photo development, commonly referred to in English as “self-developing film”. Polaroid was the first to manufacture such cameras. Nowadays, the most popular instant cameras are Fujifilm’s Instax models. The formats of instant camera film sheets are as follows: 46 mm × 62 mm, known as Mini, 99 mm × 62 mm, known as Wide, and 62 mm × 62 mm, known as Square. The Polaroid 600 format is 10.8 x 8.8 cm. Several other manufacturers, such as Lomography and Leica, also produce instant cameras.
INSTANT CAMERA - is a camera that takes a photo and prints it in one self-contained device. The film sheet allows you to get the image a few seconds after taking the photo. It contains the chemicals needed to develop the image once it’s taken.
Instant cameras are popular because of their speed and the unique, classic final photo effect. Each photo has an iconic look.
FEATURES OF INSTANT CAMERAS:
- Selfie mirror: Although instant cameras generally do not have a flip-out screen for selfies, many have a small mirror next to the lens. This can be used to help frame your selfie shots with approximate accuracy. If you plan to take selfies with your instant camera, you may want to choose a model with this feature.
- Photo size: Instant camera film sheets come in various sizes, so you will need to choose the one that suits you best. This will determine which camera you purchase, as each instant camera generally only prints one size of film sheet.
- Shutter speed: Many basic instant cameras have a fixed shutter speed of 1/60 seconds. This is a good all-purpose shutter speed that reduces blur while trying to make the best use of light collection potential to produce clean images. However, some higher-end instant cameras offer a wider range of shutter speeds, which can be useful for advanced photographers in various situations.
- Automatic timer: Using the automatic timer, you can choose the countdown duration, stand in front of the camera, and the camera will automatically take the photo when the set time is reached. This feature is very popular and is a great way to capture group photos.
- Bluetooth: The ability to connect an instant camera to a computer via Bluetooth allows you to have a backup copy of your favorite photos. To get larger prints, you can automatically send them to a Bluetooth printer. Bluetooth also allows you to quickly transfer photos to a larger device for editing.
- Various modes: Photographers appreciate versatility, so you may want to take a wider-angle photo or a selfie. There are instant cameras with different modes that allow you to change the focus, including selfie mode, landscape mode, macro mode, and Hi-Key mode. Not all instant cameras have these modes, so research your desired model to ensure it has the features that matter to you.
Some more advanced instant cameras, such as the “Fujifilm Instax LiPlay”, can actually take digital photos. This allows you to apply filters and frames to photos, preview photos before choosing which to print, or even reprint them.
Instant cameras come in various sizes – from tiny to heavier models. The size will determine how portable the camera is when you need to carry it with you or pack it for a trip. Additionally, consider parts that may make it harder to carry, such as a pop-up flash.
Different photo sheet formats depending on the type of instant camera:
- Mini (62 mm x 46 mm): Mini is the most common size, making the photos roughly the size of a credit card. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 and Instax LiPlay are examples of cameras that use this size of photo sheets.
- Square (62 mm x 62 mm): These photos are printed in a perfect square, like old instant cameras. They give a sense of nostalgia but may be a bit more challenging to center and frame perfectly.
- Wide (62 mm x 99 mm): Wide-format photo sheets are ideal for photographers who want to capture more panoramic images with their instant cameras. They are approximately twice as wide as mini photo sheets, while maintaining the same height. For example, the Fujifilm Instax WIDE 300 uses this size of photo sheet.
