7 Instant Cameras to Capture Your Special Moments in 2020
Instant cameras from Polaroid, Fujifilm, Leica, Kodak, Lomography, and more. Let's see if any of them catch your eyes!
As the world strives towards new technologies and conveniences, some still cling to the quaint simplicity and nostalgia of the past. With this sentiment, old gadgets like vinyl record players and film cameras are making a rapid comeback despite being outdated.
Instant cameras, also called “polaroid” cameras after the company that invented them, are also seeing a rekindled interest in the photography world. Various manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon as they release their take on the instant cameras. For us, this means we get to shop to our heart’s content.
Other than their classic appearance, instant cameras remain highly popular because you don’t need expert photography skills to produce great pictures. With these, you can capture the moments and snapshots of the places you've been to in just one click. Plus, you’ll get a hardcopy photo as a memento as well.
So here are the seven instant cameras you’ll want to add to your collection. Get ready to capture all the special moments in 2020!
(In no particular order.)
Polaroid 600 Camera
Arguably the company’s flagship product, Polaroid 600 is a line of vintage cameras available on the market in the ‘80s to the early 2000s. Today, most Polaroid 600 on sale are old cameras that have been reassembled, redesigned, and readjusted for easy use. (Naturally, this means there isn’t a large stock – these are all ‘limited editions’.)
Other than the iconically classic shell, each model in the Polaroid 600 line also has a wide range of unique features.
For instance, the Sun 600 Autofocus (top) has a Sonar Autofocus system. The Barbie model (bottom left) holds one fixed focus lens and one close-up lens, while the Pop Deco Editions (bottom right) only holds one fixed focus lens.
Every model is equipped with an automatic flash and various brightness adjustments, so you won’t have to worry that these will be harder to use than newer cameras.
The Polaroid 600 uses the 600 films, which are available in color and monochrome with white as well as other adorably-themed frames. The 4.233 x 3.483 sq inches film takes about 15 minutes to fully develop.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
Fujifilm Instax Wide was unveiled back in 2000, with the Wide 300 being a reinvented design released in 2014. There’s only one color variation, silver/black, just like what you’d see today.
Instax Wide is unique in that it uses 4.3 x 3.4 sq inches films, which is twice as big as the normal Instax Mini films. As such, it’s perfect for taking group shots at parties and events. The camera has a close-up lens with a 40 cm focus, meaning you’ll get a clear selfie just by stretching out your arms.
Other features allow you to adjust the focus motor for general and landscape shots. At the same time, the automatic flash will ensure you’ll get a clear photo even in low light.
Instax Wide handles the brightness adjustment for you according to the distance. Even if you’ve got no clue about photography and lighting, you can still get a decent shot.
The model takes only two types of film: Instax Wide White white-framed color films and the Monochrome films. Both of them take about 10 minutes to fully develop.
Leica Sofort
Leica Sofort is the first-ever instant camera model made by Leica, the German high-end camera brand so sought after by photophiles. Luckily, the new model comes with a fairly affordable price tag. (Not in the hundreds of thousands like the average Leica.)
Sporting a modern classic square design, Leica Sofort comes in a variety of colors, including black, orange, red, white, and minty green.
The first notable feature of this instant camera is the various camera modes that accommodate users of all skills. For instance, Automatic, Party & People, Sports & Action, Macro, Multiple Exposures, Time Exposures, Self-portraits, and Self-timer.
Leica Sofort comes with three types of manual focuses – from Macro at 30 cm to 3 m and beyond. (So whether you’re taking a selfie or a landscape photo, Leica will make you have a clear shot.) The camera has an integrated flash as well as options of brightness adjustments to suit your needs.
Leica makes its own instant film for the camera, which has the same dimensions as Fujifilm’s Instax Mini at 1.8 x 2.4 sq inches.
Leica color films sell for 500 THB per 10-photo pack and the monochrome version for 600 THB. (Available only at Leica Store Bangkok at Gaysorn Village.) But if you can’t drop by the official store, you can also use the Instax Mini.
Kodak Smile: Instant Print Digital Camera
This one is more of a digital camera that prints out photos than a traditional instant camera, trading in the classic feel for more convenience and modern technology. Kodak Smile: Instant Print Digital Camera was first unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, 2019.
The camera’s small size makes it easy to take anywhere. Kodak offers five color options for the model – green, black, blue, white, and red – so you choose whichever matches your style.
One of the highlights of the camera is the 10 megapixel of resolution. It comes with automatic flash and a timer mode, and you also use the camera’s functions to add frames, filters, as well as photo booth effects.
The LCD screen lets you see exactly what you’re printing. Alternatively, insert a MicroSD card to record every special moment and print them out later.
Kodak Smile uses photo papers instead of films. Kodak’s version, named Zink, is 2 x 3 sq inches borderless paper that can be stickered to any surface of your choice. The integrated Zero Ink printing technology means your shots will be even clearer and more colorful than the average instant films.
Polaroid OneStep 2
Inspired by the brand’s most iconic model from 1977, OneStep, the Polaroid OneStep 2 is a new & improved version that combines the classic and the latest technologies.
Featuring a rectangular silhouette, the camera comes in a variety of colors: white, red, mint green, graphite gray, coral pink, and light blue.
OneStep 2’s main feature is its fixed-focus lens, which can capture objects from two feet away to beyond. The camera includes an automatic flash, a timer mode, and a battery that can be charged with a USB cable. One charge will last you as long as 60 days.
Unlike instant cameras from other brands, OneStep 2 doesn’t have multiple focus modes or auto brightness adjustment. However, this simplicity allows anyone, kids included, to have fun with photography. All you have to is press the shutter and wait for the image to come out.
Polaroid OneStep 2 takes two types of Polaroid films: the i-Type Film and the 600 Film. Measuring at 4.233 x 3.483 sq inches, these films offer many frame color options. The only difference is that the i-Type doesn’t include a battery and uses the camera’s battery to push out the photo. (This makes i-Type films slightly cheaper.)
Fujifilm instax Square SQ6
The first of Fujifilm’s instant camera line to feature a 1:1 ratio, Instax Square SQ6 was first released in 2018. Featuring an iconic square shape, the design brings modern aesthetics to a classic camera.
The Instax Square SQ6 is truly a hybrid model that combines the nostalgia of instant cameras with digital technology, resulting in its user-friendliness.
Serving as the main feature of Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is the auto-retractable lens. The model includes a timer mode and a flash, which can be turned on and off. The motor-controlled focus has three ranges: macro, normal, and landscape.
The camera comes with six preset modes for easy use: Automatic Exposure Control, Selfie, Macro, Landscape, Double Exposure, and Light/Dark. Currently, there are five color options available, including dark gray, light blue, rose gold, red, and white.
Fujifilm creates a new type of film – Instax Square – to be used with the Instax Square SQ6. Although measuring at 2.83 x 3.37 sq inches, the film actually has a 1:1 or a square-shaped ratio for the photo.
At present, only color films are available for the Instax Square SQ6 in frames such as white, black, marbles, and stars. The film takes about 90 seconds to develop.
Lomography Lomo’Instant Square Glass Combo
Lomography’s analog instant camera is the first dual-format model, meaning it can use two sizes of films. In this case, the camera can take both Instax Square (2.83 x 3.37 sq inches) and Instax Mini (1.8 x 2.4 sq inches); you only need to switch the back panel.
It’s perfect for those who want to play around with two types of films but don’t feel like buying two cameras.
Even though it’s an analog camera, this Lomo model is packed with functions that’ll help even amateurs take great pictures. For example, the Auto Mode calculates the proper shutter speed, brightness, and flash. Other than that, there’s the timer mode, long-range mode, multiple exposure, and long exposure.
The included portrait-type glass lens can capture subjects as close as 50 cm away and offers three focus ranges. The camera even comes with a remote control to trigger the shutter.
Made from plastic, Lomo’Instant Square Glass Combo is lightweight despite its rather large bulk. The classic design makes it feel like you’re holding an actual vintage camera. For the Glass Combo set, Lomography is offering three color options, white, black, and bright red.
Escura Instant 60s
Last but definitely not least is the Escura Instant 60s – a model so unique we can’t help but feature it here.
You might not have heard of the brand before. That’s because the Escura Instant 60s is an Indiegogo project created by a team of Thai and Hongkonger developers. (Which is also why we didn’t include it on the actual list; it’s not officially on the market yet.)
The retro exterior features bright colors and compact size with aesthetics that takes after iconic film cameras from the ‘60s. This design choice led to the Escura Instant 60s being developed as 100% analog. To use it, you must manually crank out the film; there are no batteries to help push the film out like in regular cameras.
The fiber lens comes with a hyper-focus system but no integrated flash. (For the external flash, you can buy the Escura Set.) And, as this is a fully analog camera, there are photo modes to assist you. Still, some consider that part of the charm – this unrefined process and barebone style of photography.
For the Escura Instant 60s, you can use Fujifilm’s Instax Mini films (1.8 x 2.4 sq inches), which are widely available.
Price:
Escura Instant 60s 2,648 THB
Fujifilm instax Mini 270 THB / 10 photos.
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