Introduction
Instant photography has grown in popularity in recent years. The ability to see an analogue photograph in just a few minutes reflects a magic that seems to have been forgotten in the age of digital photography. For many people, including beginners, instant photography is becoming a medium to explore their own creativity and capture moments in a way that combines both tradition and modernity. The search for the right instant camera will usually lead one to face a choice between two classics: Instax from Fujifilm and the legendary Polaroid.
Choosing between the Instax and the Polaroid can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to instant photography. On the one hand, we have the affordable Instax, with its wide range of models, including the popular instax mini 11, instax mini 12 and other models in the mini series, which are praised for their ease of use and accessibility. On the other hand, Polaroid, with its rich history and cult status. Both brands have their merits and offer a variety of photographic experiences.
What Is the Instant Camera?
An instant camera is a photo-taking device that combines the process of shooting and developing a photo in one compact tool. This feature allows users to enjoy a physical photo just minutes after the photograph is taken. The history of instant cameras dates back to the 1940s, when Edwin Land, co-founder of the Polaroid Corporation, introduced the world to the first instant camera. This groundbreaking invention revolutionised the way people perceived and engaged with photography, taking it from professional photo studios into the homes and everyday lives of ordinary people.
In the 1940s, Edwin Land presented the first instant camera.
Instant cameras offer the opportunity to have a physical, tangible record of a moment that can be hung on a wall, pasted into a notebook or gifted to a loved one immediately. In addition, by not having to edit the images before developing them, each photo is unique.
Technological developments have brought significant improvements in instant camera design and photo quality. Today’s models, such as the instax mini 11, instax mini 12 from Fujifilm or the new models from the Polaroid brand, offer advanced features such as automatic exposure adjustment, shooting modes adapted to different lighting conditions and the ability to take close-up photos.
Why Get Started With Instant Photography?
While photos taken with a phone often stay in its memory forever, instant cameras offer a return to the roots of photography, where each photo is unique. So why take the plunge into this analogue world? Here are some of the advantages for embarking on an instant photography adventure.
Tangible Photography
As a counter to ubiquitous digitisation, instant photography rebels against these trends by offering something tangible. Edwin Land, creator of the first Polaroid camera, once said, “It’s not about taking pictures, it’s about creating memories.” This is precisely the philosophy behind instant photography – creating physical, lasting memories that can be touched, felt and even smelled. Each photograph becomes a personal artefact whose emotional value is incomparable to its digital counterpart.
Spontaneity and Authenticity
Instant photography encourages the spontaneous capture of a moment, without the possibility of later editing or filtering. What we see moments after printing is a true reflection of the moment.
Ease of Use and Accessibility
Modern instant cameras, such as the instax mini 11 and instax mini 12, are designed with ease of use in mind, making instant photography accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. The easy-to-use cameras allow people to explore the world of photography without the need for advanced technical knowledge. This is particularly appealing to people who want to get started with photography but feel intimidated by the complexity of digital SLR cameras.
Style
Instant cameras are not only tools for creating photos, but also stylish accessories. Their interesting design and the variety of models and colours available mean that they can make a personal statement, reflecting the user’s character. What’s more, the aesthetics of instant photos, with their distinctive frames and unique visual effects, add a separate, artistic dimension to each photo.
Image Size and Format
When choosing an instant camera, the format of the photos is an important factor. Instax offers a variety of sizes, from small instax mini photos (credit card size) to larger formats such as instax square or instax wide. Polaroid releases photos in a larger square format, which is more similar to the original Polaroid photos. The choice of format should depend on personal preference and how you plan to use the photos, but it is also worth bearing in mind that smaller photos are usually better value for money.
Functionality and Ease of Use
Modern instant cameras are equipped with a range of features to make shooting easier, such as automatic exposure adjustment, shooting modes to suit different lighting conditions and even the ability to take a selfie. When choosing a camera, it is worth paying attention to these features to ensure that the camera will meet expectations in terms of ease of use and photo quality.
The Price of Using an Instant Camera
The cost of an instant camera is not only the purchase price of the device, but also the cost of the replacement cartridges. Film prices can vary considerably between brands and types, so it is important to consider the long-term costs involved before purchasing a camera. Instax models are often seen as more affordable, both in terms of the price of the camera itself and the price per individual image.
Design
The appearance of an instant camera matters not only aesthetically, but also practically. Lighter and more compact models are easier to carry, which is important for people who plan to take their camera with them everywhere. Older Polaroid models may perform better in more controlled conditions and with a tripod.
Instax Instant Cameras
Instax, the instant camera brand owned by Japanese photography giant Fujifilm, has revolutionised the world of instant photography by offering a wide range of cameras to suit a variety of user needs and preferences. Since the debut of the first Instax camera in the late 1990s, Fujifilm has continually launched new models that combine advanced photographic technology with usable simplicity and aesthetic design.
Instax Mini 11 or Instax Mini 12?
Among the Instax cameras, you will find a variety of models, from classic and minimalist to more high-tech. The Instax Mini 11, launched in 2020, quickly gained popularity thanks to its simplicity, reliability and attractive price, making it an ideal choice for budding instant photography enthusiasts. Its successor, the Instax Mini 12, continues this tradition with improvements in ergonomics, image quality and additional features such as better exposure adjustment for different lighting conditions.
Advantages of Instax Models for Beginner Photographers
For those new to instant photography, Instax cameras offer many benefits. First and foremost, they are extremely easy to use, allowing new users to focus on the creative aspect of photography rather than the technical details of how the camera works. In addition, Instax offers film at an affordable price, which is important for frequent use of the camera. These models are also compact and lightweight, making them ideal for taking on the go, to a party or simply to capture everyday moments.
Select the Right Instax Model
When choosing an Instax camera, there are a few things to consider. The first is the format of the photo. The Mini series offers smaller photos that are great for portfolios or small frames, while the Square series offers larger photos in a square format. The second consideration is the functionality of the camera – some models, such as the Instax Mini 12, offer additional options such as self-timer or selfie mode, which can be attractive to users who want more control over the shooting process.
Polaroid
The name Polaroid resonates in instant photography culture as a symbol of innovation and nostalgia. For decades, the brand offered cameras that became not only tools for creating photographs, but also iconic objects of design. Speaking of his invention, Edwin Land emphasised its ability to capture “the world as it changes”, which attracted professional photographers and amateurs alike.
New Polaroid Models on the Market
Despite financial difficulties and changes in the photographic landscape at the beginning of the 21st century, the Polaroid brand has survived by adapting to new market realities. Today’s Polaroid cameras, such as the Polaroid Now, Polaroid Lab, and Polaroid Go, combine classic charm and ease of use with modern technology. Current models offer features such as auto focus, double exposure, self-timer and many more to meet the needs of the user, while retaining the distinctive aesthetic of the photos of yesteryear. Polaroid cameras are designed with intuitiveness in mind, allowing you to easily capture moments without having to understand complicated settings. In addition, the larger photo format has a loyal following.
Tips for Choosing a Polaroid Model
First of all, decide which of the available photo formats best suits your needs – the larger squares or the smaller, more compact photos offered by Polaroid Go. Next, consider what features are important to you, such as whether you plan to experiment with double exposure or need a self-timer. Look at the individual features of each model to determine which functions are most important to you.
Instax vs Polaroid
Functionality Comparison
Instax offers a wide range of cameras, from the simple and easy-to-use, such as the Instax Mini 11, to more advanced models with additional features, such as the Instax Mini LiPlay, which allows you to print photos from your phone. Many Instax models have built-in selfie mirrors and shooting modes to suit different lighting conditions, making them user-friendly.
Polaroid, on the other hand, focuses on the classic instant photography experience with modern enhancements. Models such as the Polaroid Now offer automatic focus adjustment and the ability to take double-exposure photos. Polaroids offer the opportunity for greater creative control over the shooting process, which may be more appealing to users who want to experiment.
Film Availability
Instax films are widely available and usually less expensive than Polaroid films. Instax offers a variety of film types, including colour frames and special editions, giving users more freedom to personalise their photos.
Polaroid films are more expensive but offer a larger photo format, which is preferred by some users who value more space for artistic expression. The availability of Polaroid films has improved significantly, although they can still be harder to find in stationary shops.
Price
Both the Instax and Polaroid brands offer models in different price ranges, but overall Instax cameras are more economical, both in terms of the initial purchase cost and the running costs associated with the films. For budding photographers on a tight budget, Instax may be a better choice. Polaroids, on the other hand, can also be purchased on the second-hand market, which is particularly desirable for vintage camera enthusiasts.
Ease of Use
Instax cameras are known for their ease of use, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Simple instructions and intuitive features allow you to quickly master the basics of instant photography. Polaroid also offers cameras that are easy to use, but because of the additional features, they may require a little more practice and experimentation to realise their full potential.
Personal Style in Photography
The choice between Instax and Polaroid may also depend on personal aesthetic preferences. Instax offers modern, colourful cameras that may appeal to a younger audience or those looking for a fun, fashionable accessory. Polaroid, with its classic, retro look, may attract those who appreciate nostalgia. Polaroid cameras and their images have a unique charm that reflects the brand’s rich history in the world of photography.
Summary
A quick review of products from brands such as Instax and Polaroid shows the variety of options available, each with its own set of advantages.
Instax:
- Cheaper to purchase and operate
- Available in various formats (mini, square, wide)
- Modern design
Polaroid:
- Larger, square format
- Timeless design
- Vintage camera option
- Greater control over settings
Instant photography allows us to quickly capture everyday moments and enjoy them as soon as the photo is taken. It’s a spontaneous way to preserve memories that adds magic to ordinary moments, giving us a tangible keepsake. We recommend everyone to try it!
