With digital cameras - Fujifilm Instax Mini 8
Instant Camera - you can keep taking pics and filming to your heart’s
content … a failed photo, take it again and see how you piled photos in your
USB drives, memory cards, external hard disk drives and eventually loaded onto
social networks: Facebook, Flickr, Instagram … Photos get piled up and thus
easily forgotten. How many photos successfully see light and get open for
all to see?
Accordingly, why not try
the instant photo pleasure instead? Unfortunately, the digital technology has
killed Polaroid and plagued Fuji. And despite some of the projects in progress
– ImpossiblProject’s Instant Lab or the Socialmatic Polaroid – it is hard to
believe in a victorious comeback. And yet how pleasant it is to take just
a piece of paper in hand immortalizing present events.
So, again yes, why not
change our habits and adopt what some connoisseurs, artists, enthusiasts or
just amateurs have already found pleasure in. Not to make a vintage, no,
just to discover and dig up a lost pleasure that has been choked by the ever
galloping technology.
In terms of camera, the
choice should be between Fuji or Polaroid cameras. Fuji camera, Instax Mini and
Wide, are still being manufactured and are fully functional.
Polaroid cameras have
resurfaced from the past right into flea markets, Amazon, eBay or other online
stores and retailers at varying prices and their quality is often to be careful
with. Models are diverse, but we can simply distiguish them into those using
Fuji films (these are essentially Polaroid Land Cameras 100-400) and those
using Impossible Project films, purchaser of Polaroid technology (SX70, 600 ASA
like SLR 680).
As far films are concerned,
here again, the choice should be between Fuji films or Impossible Project
films.
Fuji films are less
expensive and guarantee naturally well-rendered, quality product photos. Photo
printing is immediate (from 1 to 2 minutes), we can talk about “instant”. Talking
about Fujifilm Instax Instant films, well they are relatively easy to find in
stores, whereas peel-apart films (for Polaroid 100-400), most of the time you
have to look for them online. Instax Mini’s photos are small and the Wide’s are
larger.
Impossible Project films,
whose technology is perfect, (while disappearing Polaroid has come back with
some exclusive secrets) are more expensive (2.44$ for the photo), capricious
(hard to anticipate the result of the photo mainly because of the high temperature
sensitivity and take longer time to print (it takes over 45 minutes).
Yet, some improvements have
been promised.
And then, it’s always
important to add a significant subjective factor. Polaroid cameras have a
glorious history (we are on the tracks of Andy Warhol, Patty Smith …), whereas
it’s the case with Fuji (Fuji Instax 210 Camera is bulky, and to be honest, not
that sexy as an instant camera should be).
For example, the same scene
in two photos. The first taken with a Polaroid 240 (Fuji FP-100C film) and the
second taken with Polaroid SLR680 (Impossible Project PX680 CP film) – a Gold
Frame special series 12/2012). The temperature is approximate to 78.8 F … the
Fuji film handles the photo whereas the Impossible Project film takes on more of
a chocolate hue.
A waterproof camera is an essential travel companion if you intend to take underwater pictures. So here are a few tips for choosing a great quality underwater camera!
Why buy a waterproof camera?
For diving, snorkeling, the activities in whitewater: you want to bring the travel photos that are different from the ordinary? You want go snorkeling or diving and take photos of that? Then, you absolutely need a good quality waterproof camera which makes lovely underwater images.
Indeed, without this precious waterproof camera, you may be frustrated not being able to take pictures. As you'll see a turtle in Koh Tao or a manta ray in Perhentian Islands and you'll be sad since you can not share this wonderful discovery with your family ... Too bad! But thanks to a waterproof digital camera, you'll be able to bring pretty pictures of the seabed while exploring!
And do not think you do not need a waterproof camera if you do not intend to go diving or snorkeling. Indeed, the waterproof camera is essential in many situations ... You could for example take it to the beach or the pool without the risk of damaging it. And it is the same for all activities such as white water rafting, canyoning or surfing!
Photos of activities in whitewater, pictures at the beach, pool, or pictures in the rain ... anything goes through a waterproof camera!
To fight against the rain, liquid projections, falls: you will not hastily store your camera in case of rain or liquid spills ... You will be free to take pictures whenever you happen to be. With your waterproof camera in hand you can take pictures in all circumstances, without worrying about "survival" of your camera.
Also note that a waterproof camera is perfect for travelers or careless people (like children). Often, in addition to a good seal, these devices are resistant to shock and extreme temperature.
Once for professionals, waterproof are now very good compact models for everyone. The range of prices is quite large, but it is necessary to choose a good quality waterproof camera.
Space-saving deviceSnorkeling, diving and all whitewater activities generally require you have your hands free. Consider choosing a small, lightweight camera that will weigh you down less than a large machine!
Safe brands
Brands such as Canon, Nikon and Panasonic usually offer quality cameras. Avoid low-cost brands, even if they offer extremely attractive prices, they do not have the reputation for good quality equipment.
Good resolution and interesting options
Think of comparing different resolutions suggested by the major manufacturers. Options such as image stabilizers are also important. The underwater pictures are difficult to perform, then it is necessary that the basic picture quality is good!
Pay attention to standards
Common standards for waterproof cameras:
The first defines the watertightness, but also to dust. Typically, manufacturers specify the maximum depth. But beware, the term is rarely specified directly! You may know it by carefully reading the documentation of the camera.
The second standard, in turn, describes the resistance. But again beware! If your device is dropped on a hard surface such as stone, there is a good chance that it may be destroyed!
It is therefore necessary to learn about the waterproof camera that you want to purchase. And it is essential to compare different devices and read user reviews online
