Buying Guide for the Best Instant Cameras
What could be better than giving your friends a keepsake photo memory, minutes after taking it? Instant cameras can liven up any party as well as be a key tool in a photographer's kit. Whether you are looking to set up your own photo booth at the next family get-together or are a photographer looking for an instant camera to check lighting before a shoot, there is an instant camera for you. To help you decide on which is the best model for you, we have put together this instant camera buying guide. Types
Instant cameras come in two types: Film Instant Cameras and Digital Instant Cameras, and can be either manual or automatic functions. Here is a short description of instant camera types for you to compare:
Film Instant Cameras: These instant cameras use film to shoot and create instant photos. Ranging in price, quality, and film size, these cameras cater for any budget or instant photography needs.
Digital Instant Cameras: Digital instant cameras have onboard printers that don’t require ink. Using a zinc film, they also allow photographers to do some slight editing before photos are printed out. Another advantage of these cameras is their Wi-Fi capabilities that allow photos to be uploaded to social media instantly and eliminate the need for a PC.
Point and Shoot Instant Cameras: Point and shoot instant cameras have no manual settings and everything is done automatically by the camera, which makes them very easy to use.
Manual Control Instant Cameras: These instant cameras allow users to control and choose the flash they want, to zoom in and out for better framing, to adjust the focus manually, and to change the exposure setting.
What Reviewers Have to Say
Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their cool new stuff:
- Build: Since most owners see their instant cameras as a product to have fun with, they value models that are durable over ones that are not. Owners who view their purchases as tough and durable report being more satisfied with their decision.
- Battery: Lithium batteries are favored over other battery types as owners feel they are easy to maintain, more cost effective in the long run, and affordable enough to buy extras.
- Features: Instant camera that include video, added settings for different light conditions, and/or adjustable flash settings are valued by their owners and are rated much higher.
- Quality: Clear, good quality imaging is what commenters want out of their instant cameras, and those cameras that perform get good reviews. When it comes to printing quality, many owners feel film outshines onboard printer prints, but printer cameras redeem themselves with their editing abilities.
Important Features
- Price out replacement film before hand. Different models and brands will be compatible with different films. Checking the costs and availability of replacement films before purchasing will save you a lot of frustration and money.
- What size will be best suited for you? Smaller instant cameras are almost the size of traditional digital point-and-shoot cameras and can be conveniently taken anywhere. Larger cameras can be easier to handle and therefore make focusing and steadying easier.
- For comfort, consider where the instant camera’s shutter button is placed. This will either be at the top of the camera or on the front. Choosing between them depends on your comfort preference.
- Instant cameras have two battery options: normal household batteries that will be easy to replace when needed, or lithium batteries that are rechargeable.
- Digital control panels will make changing settings and navigating menus much easier.
- LCD screen or viewfinder? Instant cameras that include LCD screens add a modern convenience to a traditional camera and offer simpler viewing, while a lot of photographers prefer the familiar comfort of viewing through a viewfinder, especially when using the camera in bright light.
Top-Rated Brands
Fujifilm:
Beginning in 1934 as Japan's pioneering photographic film maker, Fujifilm has leveraged its imaging and information technology to become a global presence known for innovation in healthcare, graphic arts, optical devices, highly functional materials, and other high-tech areas.
Polaroid:
Polaroid has been a trusted global brand for more than 75 years and is best known for pioneering instant photography since Edwin Land first conceived of the instant camera in 1943. They embrace the nostalgia inherent in our past, to embrace old technologies through new technologies and beyond.