What kind of camera prints photos immediately, and what are its pros and cons?
Asked 12/23/2011
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I’ve seen cameras that take a picture and produce a paper print right away, similar to older Polaroid-style cameras. What are these cameras called today, and how do they compare with regular digital cameras? I’m also curious about the strengths and weaknesses of traditional instant film cameras versus newer digital camera/printer models.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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There are the old Polaroids, of course.
But in recent times Polaroid also started selling the "zero-ink" line of printers and integrated camera/printers, and these are different than the older models. These have an all-digital workflow, the colors in the paper are activated not chemically like the old ones, but thermally (as I understand it). The result is a printed photo that looks like the prints that you get from a lab (less quality though), and there are no white margins around the picture like before. The printer only model can be connected via bluetooth to a cell phone to download photos, or via USB cable to any camera that supports PictBridge (even DSLRs!). This is a huge benefit in my opinion, because you are not limited to a crappy camera like in the old days.
Google "polaroid zero-ink" to see what's available. I have two printers from them, one that prints little 2x3 photos, and one that is less little that prints 3x4s. Both operate on batteries and are intended for taking them out in the field.
Originally by user7604. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7604
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
These are generally called instant cameras. Classic examples are Polaroid cameras, and a modern example mentioned here is the Fujifilm Instax Wide series.
There are two main types:
- Traditional instant film cameras
- The photo develops on special film right after you shoot.
- Classic Polaroid models are the best-known version.
- Digital camera/printer models
- Some newer Polaroid models use a digital workflow and print onto special paper using thermal/"zero-ink" technology.
- Related portable printers can also print from phones or cameras that support PictBridge.
Strengths:
- Immediate physical print
- Fun, simple, and social experience
- With digital printer models, you may be able to print from a phone or another camera instead of relying on the built-in camera
Weaknesses:
- Print quality is generally lower than regular photo lab prints or normal digital-camera output
- Traditional instant cameras limit you to the quality and features of the camera itself
- Older-style instant prints have a distinctive look that may be less accurate or polished than standard digital photos
If you want the effect, search for instant cameras or portable instant photo printers.
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