STACK #246 April 2025

TECH FEATURE

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Start snapping with these instant cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini12 • Adjustable viewfinder • Automatic exposure and flash control • Close-up mode • Selfie mirror • Five-second high-speed photo printing Instax Mini12

You can take a photo on your smartphone or a digital camera, but it can’t compare to the nostalgic buzz you can get from holding a physical print. Enter the instant camera – yes, the classic is still very much alive, and very much up to date for those who crave that tactile experience. Words Bec Summer PHYSICAL PHOTOS IN AN INSTANT!

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 • Classic design • Automatic exposure and flash control • Close-up capture • Selfie mode and mirror

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo • Hybrid instant camera and smartphone printer • Traditional analogue design • 10x lens options and 10x film effects • Remote shutter button • 2x colour modes Fujifilm

I nstant cameras reached peak popularity during the 1970s and ‘80s, eliminating the need to send rolls of film off to a lab for developing – and that anxious feeling as to whether those important shots would turn out as intended. With an instant camera, you took a shot, waited a few minutes, and then watched it materialise before your eyes like magic. Despite smartphones being the go-to for photography nowadays, the instant camera has not only made a comeback but also rekindled the nostalgia of physical photos, as well as introducing the format to a whole new generation. While today’s instant

higher printed picture quality than ever before, along with a range of features that not only offer ease of use – just point and shoot – but also the potential for a whole lot of creative fun with photography. If you haven’t indulged in the fun of instant photography, it can be a great way to get friends and family interacting, and add some spontaneity to get-togethers beyond staring at snaps on a smartphone display. What are the benefits and advantages? An instant camera provides a unique and nostalgic experience that sets it apart from digital photography. One of its biggest advantages is the ability to capture and print photos on the spot. This instant gratification is perfect for those special occasions, travel, and creative projects – immediately holding a physical print in your hands can enhance the experience. Instant cameras are incredibly user-friendly, too. There are no complex settings and editing tools to fiddle about with, making them accessible to all ages and levels of photography expertise. Then there's the unpredictability and charm

of instant film. Unlike digital photos that can be endlessly edited and enhanced, instant prints possess a raw, authentic quality – each shot is unique. Another benefit is the tactile nature of instant photos. With most photos now stored digitally, instant photography brings back the joy of tangible images that can be shared with friends as a permanent memory, sent to a loved one as a postcard, or slapped on the fridge with a magnet. You can’t do that with a digital image! Instant cameras also encourage more intentional photography. The limited number of shots per film pack makes you more mindful of their compositions when capturing moments – just like the good old days!

cameras are similar to the traditional variety, the technology inside is cutting edge. This means

10 APRIL 2025

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