In a world where megapixels are glamorised, having the latest DSLR is seen as a symbol of expertise, and where smartphones rule the world of modern imagery – how do instant cameras measure up?
It measures up quite well, actually.
It’s true that with high-quality cameras installed on almost if not all smartphones, anybody can become a photographer. However, some are keeping film photography alive, and instant cameras are making a comeback and sales are expected to hit a new record this fiscal year.
So how are instant cameras like Instax are managing to thrive in the digital age? Here are some reasons – reasons that may sway you to go get yourself one. Oh, and if you’re actually thinking of buying one now, you can get a Fuji polaroid camera at Harvey Norman and other online camera stores at a sweet price you can’t ignore.
Back to the reasons…
See, feel and experience. Seeing your photograph virtually on your smartphone is one thing, actually feeling a printed one on your palm is another story. Having an instant camera means that you don’t go through the hassle of going to a photo-printing shop or your own printer to have a hard copy of your photograph. Simply snap and wait for the print to shoot out the side.
Instant retro-style imagery. Wonder how vignette and lomo-style filters (yeah, even Instagram) come into prominence? It’s because people love the authentic and unique feel of old photographs. Images produced by instant cameras are different from those developed by digital or 35 mm cameras. They come out looking retro and fuzzy, with white surrounding block that safely surrounds the image like a frame. This unique look can never be totally duplicated; as hard as online digital photo-editing tools may try.
Great for party and gatherings. From snapping to developing photos, everything happens fun and quick. It is an awesome way to capture candid, formal or any random moments. Also, you can send the models with souvenirs. Digital photos have to be uploaded onto social networking sites, but instant film gives out hard copies right away. One more good thing about this (or sometimes frustrating as well) is that it only produce a single copy, so if you don’t particularly like the image, it will disappear into obscurity as fast as it comes out.
Fun crafts. Because of their distinctive look and style, instant film photos can make an amazing addition to many different crafts. Use an instant camera to make take-home portrait crafts at your child’s (or your own) birthday party or tag kitchen cabinets in an awesome, fun way. These kinds of cameras are just another way for the artistically minded people to make life more exciting.
Polaroid-style pictures are also good for scrapbooking. They have a small white space at the bottom of the photo that is perfect for adding the date, time, or whatever caption you like. They also look more retro than digital and conventional prints.
Stand out from the crowd. Instant cameras are weirdly unique photography devices. Aside from its unusual, handy look, there are no edits or do-overs. It is a unique way of capturing moments that automatically sets you apart from digital point-and-shoot lovers. Even the grandest, most advanced digital camera cannot rival the uniqueness and the experience you’ll get from using an instant camera.
So what are you waiting for? Shoot away in style!