Remember how, in childhood, we would need to wait for days to have our printed photographs on our hands? Luckily, those waiting days are gone, and film-based manual cameras have been replaced by digital cameras. The Polaroid camera is loved by professionals for its compact, easy-to-carry, and instant photo printing features.
Difference Between Digital Camera and Polaroid Camera
Digital cameras or DSLR cameras are heavily built and include features that are appropriate for detailed photoshoots. On the other hand, polaroid cameras are often called fancy cameras for artistic use. The DSLR cameras have more memory, and their storage can be expanded. They can be paired with different tools for better outcomes, and there is a lot of room for experimentation and creativity. In contradiction, polaroid cameras are simple and often have only three buttons to operate.
Polaroid cameras are compact and lightweight, so you can carry them in your pockets. The settings and modes are limited, and most of the time, you need to stick with the basic preset settings. Some Polaroid cameras use microSD cards that allow them to have some storage. DSLR cameras can be connected to Wi-Fi, but very few Polaroid cameras can be linked to smartphones through Bluetooth. The pictures that DSLR takes are high in pixel density, and you can print them in any size and of high quality.
Some Polaroid cameras let you print pictures in large sizes. These cameras use film, and these films are expensive. Another prime difference is that DSLR cameras require a lot of manual settings, whereas Polaroid cameras are often operated by point-and-shoot. Furthermore, DSLR cameras are expensive in comparison to Polaroid cameras and require additional tools and devices to perform better.
Why Should You Get a Polaroid Camera?
Like the DSLR and SLR cameras, the Polaroid cameras have distinctive features, too. Professionals often prefer to keep a Polaroid camera with them as the second device or the handy device that will not require too much time to set up and click pictures. Clients feel intimidated by Polaroid cameras as they are unique and often feel nice with the instant prints before getting the digital prints. Besides, the Polaroid cameras are far less expensive than the DSLR cameras, and many can be paired and controlled through smartphones. A Polaroid camera is handy in style, gives you instant prints, and is easy to operate simultaneously. As they are rechargeable and use basic batteries, it takes less time for them to charge, too. Also, the point-and-shoot feature lets professionals capture the moment instantly without worrying about adjusting the camera.
What Should You Consider Before Purchasing a Polaroid Camera?
A Polaroid camera is often considered a fancy camera that is good for instant moderate-quality pictures. However, there is a difference between a professional and a normal user in how they operate the device and its outcome. Professionals are very cautious about their clicks as they will be using these pictures in their portfolios and delivering them to the clients. So, there is no room for random clicks or thoughtless outcomes. Besides, many prefer not to experiment with their device too much and change the model now and then. So, there are some criteria that any professional needs to consider before choosing the Polaroid camera. They are:
Type of Photography
Every type of photography is different and requires different kinds of features and settings to attain good outcomes. So, a professional photographer needs to use the Polaroid in daylight, and then they need to pick a model that has double exposure with micro and macro lenses so the picture does not become blurry or get overexposed to the light. In the same way, if any photographer is required to click snaps instantly, then they should go for a model that is ideal for point-and-shoot.
Budget
Budgeting is a crucial aspect that everyone should consider before making any purchase. It is not wise to overspend on a device that will not benefit you professionally, and at the same time, you cannot purchase a model that lacks features because it will degrade the output. So, it is wise to explore the market beforehand and see the pricing. Then, you will get an idea of what amount you will be required to keep aside for your purchase.
Features
Features are the deal-breakers in any camera. You need to make a list of features that your Polaroid camera must have and also list the features that you are comfortable adjusting. Then, you can go through models that have your must-have features, and through this filtering, you will find your most suitable model quickly.
Shipping
Many times, the shipping charge costs more than the product itself. Also, there are ongoing offers both in stores and online that you need to keep an eye on for updates. If your nearby store is selling your desired model, you can go in person and have a look at it, and if they offer you a good price, you can purchase it, too. In the same way, if the online stores are offering better deals, you can place your order there.
Warranty and Servicing
Warranty and servicing are very important, especially for fancy items like cameras. Always purchase from a trusted source that offers proper papers and has reviews from true customers. Also, check their refund and replacement policy for the future. Besides, check if they have a return policy so that you can return the product if it is not up to the mark or has any faults.
There are many popular and loved Polaroid cameras in the market. Here, we will provide you with a list of the 10 best cameras for photography that are frequently suggested by professionals and have good reviews. In this list, we have briefly discussed the pros and cons of every model so that you can get a clear understanding of the product.
Canon Ivy Cliq+ Zoemini S Instant Camera
It is a Polaroid camera best for easy carrying because of its compact design and lightweight. The lens is 25.4mm with normal and landscape focus modes. It has a built-in flash and supports ring flash, too. Besides, you can set a timer via your smartphone through an app. This instant Polaroid camera takes Canon ZINK Photo paper as film.
- Comparatively moderate price conceding the features.
- Has Clique+ smartphone app to connect
- Offers both digital and physical prints
- The design is compact and can fit in your pocket
Fujifilm Instax Polaroid Mini 12 Film Camera
The Fujifilm Polaroids Camera Mini 12 is a mini Polaroids camera that is one of the most loved by professionals. The 60mm lens can focus both normal and macro, and there is an inbuilt flash to help in lowlight. Sadly, there is no self-timer option present.
- Handy to use, takes less time to operate
- Has an additional parallax correction for accurate viewfinder
- Reasonable price of the films
- The Polaroid camera’s vintage photographs are top-notch
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Camera
The camera polarizer lens is 28mm, with autofocus and a built-in flash feature. The film for this model’s Polaroid camera is Fujifilm Instax Mini.
- Compact polaroid camera with a great outlook
- Has a fun image effect feature
- You can connect the camera to the phone via Bluetooth and print pictures taken from your phone.
- You can select which picture you want to print, and with this, you will save films.
- Works as a printer for your phone images
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 Instant Camera
This is another incredible Polaroid instant camera from Fujifilm. It offers a 66mm lens, normal and selfie mode focus, and a built-in flash. However, it lacks the self-time feature, and it supports Fujifilm Instax Square film.
- Offers standard size polaroid pictures
- Point and shoot simple photo-clicking
- A vintage Polaroid camera photo outcome
NONS SL660 Instant Camera – Interchangeable Lens EF
The Nons SL660 is loved by professionals for its wide range of features, including an EF mount lens, manual focusing, and optional flash. It supports Fujifilm Instax Square film.
- Manual focus and exposure control enabled.
- Hotshoe and manual eject feature
- Can use many models of lenses passively
Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera with Color i-Type Film Dual Pack
The Polaroid I-2 uses a 98mm lens with LiDAR focus and has a built-in flash. It has a self self-timer feature and supports Polaroid i-Type Film, 600 Film, and SX-70 Film.
- The Polaroid I-2 has manual controls for you to control the shutter speed and aperture setting.
- The autofocus is reliable and does not blur the nearby and faraway subjects.
- Heavily built and durable
- Ideal for advanced professional photography
Polaroid Go+ Instant Mini Camera
This is a small and simple camera designed for anyone to carry and use easily. The lens is 34mm with normal focus and a built-in flashlight. This model has the self-timer feature, and it supports Polaroid Go instant film.
- The size of the camera is compact, and you can carry it in your pocket
- The fixed focus feature enables you to point and shoot instantly
- Self-timer feature enabled
Polaroid Now+ Instant Polaroid Camera
If you are a professional looking for the best Polaroid camera for printing big-size pictures, then you can pick Polaroid Now+ without any doubt. The 35-40mm autofocus lens with built-in flash is a great feature for any Polaroid to offer. The film types are Polaroid 600 camera and Polaroid i-type.
- Great for big-size pictures in 3.1-inch square format
- You can connect it to your phone via Bluetooth with the OneStep+ app for more shooting modes
- Self-timer, double exposure, light painting, and manual modes are available
- Tripod set-up enabled with the screw mount underneath
Kodak Smile Digital Instant Polaroid Camera
The Kodak Smile polaroid camera is very easy to operate and is compact to carry around. As it enables a microSD slot, you can store digital copies of your pictures too.
- Easy operation interface
- Compact design that is smooth to hold and easy to carry
- Good price range compared to the other cameras with the same features
- Stores the digital copies of photos to review before printing
Kodak Smile Classic Instant Polaroid Camera
The Kodak Smile Classic gives the outlook of an old Polaroid camera. Like every other vintage Polaroid camera, you will be mesmerized by its look. This camera has a smartphone app for you to connect to, which the other model lacks.
- You can print the pictures in larger sizes if you want
- You can print pictures that are clicked on your smartphone, too
- By using the app, you can edit the photographs and add annotations
Conclusion
Polaroid cameras are often considered the new generation of classic manual cameras, as both of these use film. But Polaroid cameras are more compound, easy to use, and print photographs instantly. In our article, we discussed our top 10 best Polaroid cameras for professionals. We hope this article will help you understand these products better and that you can easily purchase one from this list.
