Instant picture cameras combine the instant gratification of digital photography with an old-fashioned physical print in the hand. The result spells F U N. Mini portable printers are cool, too. They are not just superconvenient; they also magically transform a smartphone, tablet or camera into an instant picture camera.
Today, snapshooters from kids to seniors are captivated by instant picture photography. As a result, analog photography as a whole is expanding, with fascinating instant cameras and printers aimed at casual shooters to serious enthusiasts. Here are just a few popular analog devices to whet your customers’ appetite this holiday season.
Instant Picture Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Fujifilm’s SQ6 instant film camera is simple, straightforward and fun. It uses the company’s Instax 1:1 square-format film to produce 2.4×2.4-inch square prints. The camera incorporates a 65.75mm f/12.6 lens that offers three focusing zones. They include macro mode, which provides an 11.8-inch minimum focusing distance.
Other features include: an optical viewfinder with target spot; autoexposure control with +/- 2/3-stop lighten/darken control and double exposure mode; and a built-in electronic flash. Moreover, a selfie mirror is integrated into the lens surround. The camera comes with a set of three flash gels for creative lighting effects. Two CR2 Lithium batteries power all functions. The SQ6 comes in gray, blue, gold, red and white. $106.99–$129.99.
Polaroid Originals OneStep 2
Bearing a strong resemblance to the popular OneStep formerly sold by Polaroid Corp. in the 1990s, this instant film camera from Polaroid Originals features an updated white, graphite or mint (+$10) colored polycarbonate and acrylic shell. It takes i-Type and 600 instant film to capture sharp images. With only a few buttons and a simple design, it’s easy enough for a child to use.
Its 106mm lens maintains sharp focus from two feet to infinity. The camera also has a powerful strobe flash, self-timer, external viewfinder barrel and tripod mount. Its built-in 1100mAh Li-Ion battery pack recharges via USB cable. $119.99.
Kodak Printomatic
This pocketable Kodak instant digital camera is an ingenious 10MP P&S that instantly and automatically prints color or black-and-white photos from the camera body. It sports an 8mm f/2 lens that captures images onto a microSD card. It then prints out borderless 2×3-inch, water- and tear-resistant photos without a computer on ZINK (Zero Ink technology) paper. The paper, available in 20 and 50 packs, is adhesive backed.
It has vibrant color and black & white shooting modes and will continue capturing images while printing. It also features an optical viewfinder, an auto flash as well as low battery, low paper and low card storage indicators. A built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery provides the power. In Kodak yellow, gray, black, blue or pink, with a 10-pack of Kodak ZINK photo paper, $69.99.
Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide Kit
This ultra-hip analog camera features a 90mm-equivalent lens with f/8 and f/22 apertures and three focus zones. In the bundle from Lomography is a 21mm-equivalent ultrawide attachment with matching viewfinder, a close-up lens attachment that shoots as close as 3.9 inches and a “Splitzer” that enables users to combine two images on a single frame. There’s also a lens cap that doubles as a remote control.
The programmed autoexposure camera has tripod and PC flash sockets, a small mirror for selfies, and +/- 1 stop exposure compensation. There are manual exposure settings and it is capable of long exposures, multiple exposures and color-flashed exposures. Four colored gels and shooting technique cards are included. Four AAs provide power. The camera uses Fujifilm Instax Wide film to produce 3.9×2.4-inch prints. Central Park with brown leather, $259; in black or white, $239.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
With retro styling reminiscent of mid-20th-century rangefinder cameras, this instant film model yields prints with a 3.9×2.4-inch image area on a 3.4×4.3-inch sheet using Fujifilm Instax Wide color film. It features a retractable 95mm f/14 lens with two-range motor-driven focusing down to 15.5 inches and a lens ring dial with focus zone setting.
Other features include: a 0.37x optical viewfinder with target spot; autoexposure via a programmed electronic shutter; a +/- 2/3 EV lighten-darken control, an auto flash; a film pack window; and a tripod socket. An LCD displays the number of shots remaining, exposure compensation and flash mode. Included with the camera is a close-up lens adapter. Four AA batteries power it. $129.99.
Polaroid Originals 600 Sun 660AF
This instant film camera looks exactly like a classic Polaroid 600, that’s because it is. It is complete with Polaroid’s innovative Intelligent Sonar AF technology that accurately focuses its single-element 116mm f/11 lens down to 3 feet. The carefully refurbished point-and-shoot beauty takes readily available Polaroid 600-type film packs. Each pack contains a fresh battery to power all exposure, AF as well as flash functions.
The camera’s electronically controlled shutter covers a 1/4–1/200 sec range. Moreover, the built-in flash has a manual override setting for flexible shooting options in low light, and the camera offers a slider-type lighten/darken control. Polaroid Originals installs a new film shield in each Sun 660AF camera to ensure consistent and accurate development of each sheet as it’s ejected from the camera. $179.99.
Portable Photo Printers for Printing on the Go
Canon Ivy Mini
This little beauty is only one inch tall and pairs with any iOS/Android device via Bluetooth 4.0 and the Canon Mini Photo Printer app. It produces borderless 2×3-inch smudge-proof, adhesive-backed prints on ZINK paper, in as little as 50 sec.
The downloadable app facilitates sharing and adjustments. It also allows users to add frames, emojis, stickers, filters and text before printing, as well as tile prints and create a collage. In rose gold, mint or gray, $129.99.
Kodak Photo Printer Mini
This ultracompact printer from Kodak connects to Android as well as iOS smartphones via Wi-Fi. Thanks to NFC, users can perform one-touch connections to print quickly and easily. It uses D2T2 dye-diffusion thermal transfer technology to produce vivid full-color 2.1×3.4-inch sticky-backed prints in a minute. It then overcoats them with a laminate that protects the image from fingerprints and water.
Moreover, via a dedicated app, users can customize photos with filters, templates and adjustment tools. At its core is an all-in-one cartridge that integrates paper and ink ribbon. A 20mAh LiPo battery that charges in 1.5 hours via a micro-USB connection powers the printer. In white, black or gold, $129.90.
Polaroid Zip
This svelte mobile printer from Polaroid turns out water-resistant, smudge-proof, adhesive-backed 2×3-inch prints in full color in about a minute on thermally based ZINK paper. It interfaces with Android/iOS devices via Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC connectivity as well as the Polaroid Print app.
The app enables phoneographers to place nine images on a single print, apply color filters and HDR, as well as enhance brightness, contrast and saturation. Its integrated 500mAh Li-Ion battery produces 25 photos on a charge. In black, aqua, red or white, $99.99.
Canon Selphy CP1300
This compact photo printer from Canon uses dye-sub/thermal transfer technology. While it won’t fit in a pocket, it is small enough to take anywhere and is powered by AC or an optional battery pack. The CP1300 turns out long-lasting water-resistant prints from 2.1×2.1 to 4×6 inches at up to 300 dpi. Moreover, it produces a 4×6 in 47 sec.
Users can print with AirPrint or a memory card, as well as from Facebook and Instagram via a smart device. It offers wireless PictBridge, USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has an SD card slot and a 3.2-inch, tilting LCD for viewing. The CP1300 comes with Canon Print Mobile as well as Party Shuffle Print apps and will print 50 photos on a charge. In black or white, $129.99.
