Do you miss the days of snapping vintage pictures that you can easily put inside your wallet? These pictures can be displayed in an album or in a frame to beautify your home. If you are yearning for this, you will find a lot to enjoy with today’s best instant cameras.
While the Instax Mini is one of the most popular choices when it comes to instant cameras in Singapore, there are other great options out there.
Let’s begin by defining what an instant camera is and highlighting the things to consider when purchasing one.
WHAT IS AN INSTANT CAMERA?
You do not need to apply advanced developing techniques to print your photos through instant cameras. You see, instant cameras use film that self-develops.
These instant cameras have a few buttons that can be easily used by everyone, typically consisting of a flash and a shutter button. In terms of its physical features, each camera differs based on size, quality and style of the photos, type of films, and other unique features. Features that may be good for you, may not suit your friend’s personal preferences. One size does not fit all!
Apart from these, instant cameras have a maximum number of films that can be held inside at once. Instant cameras are entertaining, and it takes practice to shoot beautiful photos, but the results are worth it.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONSIDER AS A BUYER?
#1: PRICE OF THE FILM
When doing your research to compare which instant camera suits your budget, do not forget about the cost of the film. It is important to keep in mind because films can be expensive, and they get used frequently.
For instance, a pack of Fujifilm Instax Plain Mini Film can go for S$10.50 as of writing. You will be surprised that this number quickly adds up!
#2: QUALITY OF THE PHOTO
Just like any other camera, the photo quality of instant cameras varies depending on the film ISO, the built-in settings, the distance between you and your subject, and other factors.
Photos from Fujifilm seem to be consistent when it comes to the colors and white balance. On the other hand, Polaroid film brings unique style and colors to its photos. It is important to know your personal preferences.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
#3: STYLE OF THE PHOTO
Identify the photo style that you desire. For instance, Polaroid cameras provide a vintage-style photography, which is what many people are looking for in their first instant camera. This makes your photos look different in each setting in which you are shooting.
In comparison, Fujifilm does a fantastic job in getting accurate coloring each time you snap a photo. It may not be able to give you that “vintage look” that you are looking for.
#4: BATTERY LIFE
Instant cameras can last a long time because they do not need to power a bright, high-resolution display or other complex features that drain the battery.
While some instant cameras need batteries, other models charge via USB. Often, they last for around 100-300 shots.
WHICH INSTANT CAMERAS ARE WORTH BUYING?
#1: FOR BEGINNERS WHO OPT FOR EASY-TO-FIND FILM
You cannot deny the popularity of Fujifilm Instax among the instant cameras in Singapore. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a good choice for creating memories with your family or for snapping travel-friendly photos with your companion.
Despite its size, the high-performance flash can calculate the brightness in the environment and adjusts shutter speed. You will always have quality shots, even in the dark. Unlike the other models on this list, this camera is easy to find, and it comes with an array of fun film presets such as comic strips or pastel borders.
Film: Instax Mini Film
#2: FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE RETRO PHOTOGRAPHY
The retro looks of Polaroid OneStep+ would make a delightful addition to your collection of vintage cameras. This camera comes with close focus so you can seamlessly switch between landscape and portrait shots.
It can also be connected to your handphone via Bluetooth for creative shots that use double exposure, light painting, and so on. You can even digitally scan your photos to keep them if you do not want to print them yet.
These modes can be accessed through the Polaroid Original app, which includes other features such as enabling shots to be taken with a noise trigger and using different flash options. With a self-timer and a variety of flash options, what is not to love?
Price: from S$195.69 at Amazon
Film: i-Type and 600 film
Image Credits: unsplash.com
#3: FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF PRINTING FROM MOBILE
You can enjoy the convenience of printing photo through your phone with the Kodak Mini Shot 3. This instant camera is a 2-in-1 device, which has photo-taking abilities as well as the ability to print any photo from your phone via Bluetooth.
It uses LED display with self-time and auto-flash mode. You can also select options for filters and borderless photos, giving you a freedom to choose your preferred style.
Price: from S$148.00 at Lazada
Film: Kodak Instant Print 3” x 3” Cartridge