Polaroid camera advice?
I've been looking to buy a Polaroid camera for quite a while. I've only ever used my big Nikon digital, so I know nothing about anything non-digital. (Please don't give me an attitude or a debate about "photography." I just want someone experienced to help me out here, I'm starting a new project.) I looked on Amazon, but there were many different models and types, and I don't know where to start or what to get! I just want a camera that will give me simple little physical Polaroid pictures. Preferably affordable, but I'll worry about prices on my own.
When you looked on line did you happen to notice that all these cameras are second hand? The only current Polaroid instant camera is a re-badged Fujifilm Instax. Any other Polaroid is going to be old and you'll struggle to get the film packs for it, the only new ones coming from "the impossible project". Every one of those little photos is going to cost you around $3!
Start the process with the film! Polaroid is in its death throes and film availability is becoming a problem.
So find a convenient supplier of film and buy the camera that uses the film he supplies.
Be prepared for a sharp intake of breath when you discover the film cost. And for another in 12-18 months time when your beautifully crafted photos have faded to white paper squares. Be sure to scan them straight after you take 'em if you want to keep the images for any length of time.
Look for a Fujifilm Instax, either the Mini series or the Wide 210. The Instax Mini gives you pictures that are the size of a credit card, and the Wide gives you pictures that are twice as big (take two credit cards on their end and put them side-by-side to get an idea). The cameras themselves are more expensive than Polaroids ($60+ vs $5-10 for a Polaroid), but the film is significantly cheaper ($14-16 for 20 shots vs $24 for 8).In my opinion, the colors are better as well and there are fewer opportunities for mistakes with the Instax.
Bestselling list of Polaroid cameras:
http://www.amazon.com/...gp/search/
Out of these i recommend the following best selling camera:
http://www.amazon.com/...002YOVF90/
Some of its features are:
- LCD control panel displaying focal distance and film count
- Programmed electronic shutter, 1/64-1/200 sec
- Close-Up Lens Included
- Automatic flash for low-light shooting
-High-speed ISO 800 Super-Fine grain
Read this review by a user about the overall performance of the camera: