How we pick our products
The first polaroid camera called the the 95 Land Camera model – dates back to 1948. Since then generations of instant cameras have emerged and fallen in use. However, polaroid cameras have remained popular throughout.
There is nothing quite like being able to take a picture and right after have a physical copy of it in your hands. That said, finding the best polaroid camera is not easy as there are several factors to consider before deciding on ‘the one.’ To help you figure out which polaroid camera is best for you, we have prepared the following guide.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 The best polaroid cameras on the Canadian market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about polaroid cameras
- 3.1 What is a polaroid camera exactly?
- 3.2 What are the advantages and disadvantages of polaroid cameras?
- 3.3 What are most common uses for a polaroid camera?
- 3.4 Who should buy a polaroid camera?
- 3.5 What types of polaroid cameras are there?
- 3.6 How does a polaroid camera work?
- 3.7 What are the most common errors when using polaroid cameras?
- 3.8 Where can I buy photographic paper for polaroid cameras?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- There are several digital and hybrid cameras available. However, many photographers prefer polaroid cameras that create photos immediately, without the opportunity to edit.
- The most recognized polaroid cameras currently on the market are Fujifilm and Polaroid. Leica and Lomography are also brands that have been increasingly gaining popularity.
- You can use polaroid cameras to capture life’s moments and give someone the picture to take with them in their hand. Polaroid cameras can also be used to teach children about photography.
The best polaroid cameras on the Canadian market
In the following section we present the top five best polaroid cameras available on the Canadian market. All the polaroid cameras on our list have been selected due to their compelling features and affordability.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 instant camera
- Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera
- Polaroid Snap Touch Instant Print Digital Camera
- Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Print Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
Presently, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is one of the most popular polaroid cameras in Canada, and for good reason. It has analog technology and sports a styling vintage design. It comes with 8x optical zoom, rechargeable batteries and a high-performance flash.
There are six different photographic modes included in this camera. For example, macro-mode lets you take pictures up close at short distances. This camera also features an automatic detection system which analyzes the lightness in the area and adjusts the flash levels and shutter speeds for optimal photography. The double exposure mode lets you print 2 images on 1 film sheet with ease.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 instant camera
The new, Instax Mini 9 by Fujifilm camera is an excellent polaroid camera with a very affordable price tag. It comes with a mirror for making great selfies. You can also use this camera to take up great close ups up to 35-50cm away.
The Instax Mini 9 comes with exposure technology that guides you to choose the best recommended settings. Additionally, photographic quality is also high – bright pictures appear with a softness that is pleasing to the eye. The camera has a classic elegant design and comes in an array of color options.
Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera
The Polaroid PIC-300 is an analog camera. It takes great pictures and the price is not high. It has a simple design and it’s the perfect camera for traveling weighing a light 320 grams. The camera includes automatic flash alongside four different modes for taking pictures. If the camera isn’t used for 5 minutes the power turns off automatically and enters an energy saving state. The camera can be reset to the, “power on” state by hitting the shutter release button or pushing and pulling the lens section.
The Polaroid PIC-300 is a good option for travelers and hobbyists alike. The one drawback of this camera is that it doesn’t use researchable batteries but rather 4 AA batteries. Still, Polaroid, is a leading manufacturer and this camera will serve most needs.
Polaroid Snap Touch Instant Print Digital Camera
The Polaroid Snap Touch is a great option but not a cheap one. It comes with a powerful 13MP camera a 3.4mm lens and prints in an instant without the need for film and toners. It also doubles as a camcorder, so taking 1080p/720p HD video is easy. The camera also features a microSD card slot, so you can save your pictures and print them later. Taking great selfies is also easier than ever with the built-in selfie mirror.
The camera also integrates with the Polaroid app, (for iOS and Android) where you can send your photos to a smartphone via Bluetooth and access editing features. Editing tools include stickers, filters and borders. An additional bonus to this phone is that your photos are saved on the Polaroid Snap for easy uploading to your computer and social media platforms.
Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Print Camera
The Kodak Printomatic camera has a high-end 10MP sensor with a wide angle f/2 lens that prints hi quality color or black and white photos. This camera integrates 10-megapixel and comes with a light sensor that automatically activates the flash in dark settings. The photo prints are water-proof, robust and smudge free.
The Kodak Printomatic is available in a variety of colors. It is a small camera and easy to transport. The camera has slots for body straps, and photos can be saved on a microSD card.
Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about polaroid cameras
For anyone seeking a polaroid camera, there are several options on the market at the moment – each with its own set of features. Here, we examine the most frequently asked questions regarding polaroid cameras.
What is a polaroid camera exactly?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of polaroid cameras?
What are most common uses for a polaroid camera?
Another possible use is for photography education. Children are delighted when can take a picture and right after get to see the picture materialize in their hand. Some polaroid camera models have been designed especially for children.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dYeTC023QY
Who should buy a polaroid camera?
What types of polaroid cameras are there?
| Product | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
 |
Digital | Give you the ability to take pictures and decide when you want to print them. They allow you to edit or crop your photos. You can take many of photos and only print the ones you want |
 |
Analog | Photos are developed immediately after they are taken. Photos cannot be edited. The traditional art of photography is retained |
How does a polaroid camera work?
What are the most common errors when using polaroid cameras?
It is also common that people don’t use the camera settings to optimize the picture and as a result they don’t get the most out of their camera. Finally, people often ignore reading the operating manual.
Where can I buy photographic paper for polaroid cameras?
Shopping Criteria
It is a good idea to think about several criteria before making your decision. We’ve selected the criteria that we consider most important. We hope that this will help when choosing a polaroid camera that best suits you.
Use
The type of polaroid camera you will want will vary depending on if you will use it for traveling or for events. If you prefer a high level performance camera, consider the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 or the Polaroid Snap Touch.
The Instax Mini 90 is also a great option if you want to take pictures at events. For kids – we recommend the Kodak PRINTOMATIC or even the Polaroid Snap Touch.
Design
Polaroid cameras can also be differentiated through their design. There are those with a vintage look or others with more classic designs. If you prefer a polaroid camera with modern design, the Instax Mini 70 is a great choice, meanwhile a camera specially designed for children is the Hello Kitty camera by Fujifilm. Most manufacturers offer a variety of colors.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwaDJjMlRNg/
Size of photos and photographic paper
When buying a polaroid camera, consider the photo sizes you want. Each camera uses a specific size which will determines the photo paper you’ll need.
Fuji sells paper in three different formats: Instax Mini (54 mm x 86 mm), Instax Square (86 mm x 72 mm) and Instax Wide (108 mm x 86 mm). The latter is also used by some Lomography models. Another size you can find is the 50 x 76 mm Polaroid. The most famous photo size is from Polaroid – its iconic square format.
Battery
Instant camera batteries can be rechargeable or consist of AA batteries. Rechargeable batteries are more economical and better for the environment.
Additional functionalities
Another question to consider is what other features the camera has. There are cameras that offer multiple exposures, filter options and interchangeable lenses. The Lomo’Instant Wide is an excellent choice due to all the extra features it offers.
Brand
When choosing any type of camera, look for a brand that has extensive history. With polaroid cameras, the most famous brand is Polaroid. However, Polaroid is not the only option on the market. Fujifilm is an excellent brand with the and the largest variety. Leica or Lomography also have high brand recognition.
Summary
Polaroid cameras have stayed popular even as digital phones have gone mainstream. They are popular with hipsters and adolescents alike. Polaroid cameras can serve as a great birthday present as well as for saving unique moments and teaching children about photography.
Choosing the right model is not hard if you consider basic purchase criteria, as discussed in this article. Consider the use of the camera, design and which brands you trust.
If this guide has helped you, please feel free to leave us a comment or share it through your different social networks.
(Source of featured image: Rawpixel: 77924245/ 123rf.com)
