Interested in purchasing a polaroid camera, but aren’t sure if it’s worth the money? This blog post will explore the pros and cons of using a Polaroid camera and determine if it might be worth your while purchasing one. At the end of this post, you should have a clearer idea of whether a Polaroid camera will be suited for you and your lifestyle. No one wants to spend over a thousand rand on an item they will eventually forget in the cupboard. Polaroids are making a comeback; let’s see if they are worth the money.

Advantages

Instant gratification is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Polaroid and other instant cameras. You capture a moment and instantly enjoy it in printed form!.

Instant cameras require discipline. You need to have a good eye to be able to capture interesting angles and  images, because instant cameras do not allow do-overs. Since you don’t get a second chance, you have to make sure it’s a good photo the first time; you also don’t want to waste your precious film, considering the steep price.

They are also definitely trendy. And not only in terms of the actual printed images. Picture yourself whipping out a pastel yellow Polaroid camera to capture a moment – quite cool, don’t you think? It is also a great conversation starter that allows you to share your passion for Polaroids with others who may be interested or already have a passion.

True, digital cameras allow you to keep negatives and printed versions, but there is something very special about a unique, one-of-a-kind image that has not been stored or created elsewhere. No two images will ever be the same, no matter how hard you try to replicate them. There is no evidence that an image was ever created on a Polaroid, unless it is printed and preserved.

Awesome, retro-styled images are produced. When a Polaroid camera prints out an image, you will notice a thick white border, slightly thicker at the bottom. This border creates the look of a frame around the image. You will also notice a very retro, almost fuzzy look about the image, which is very unique in comparison to an image produced by any other camera.

Using a Polaroid is a great idea for parties because you can capture moments instantly and give the prints to your guests as souvenirs right there and then. The printed Polaroid images are also ideal for crafts and scrapbooking.

Disadvantages

If you compare the cost of purchasing a Polaroid camera with that of a professional DSLR camera, the Polaroid seems like a very small dent in your pocket. The difference is you cannot place a Polaroid and a digital in the same category, as they produce very different images and offer different features. However, the downside of a Polaroid is the regular purchase of new film. This is a constant, hefty expense as the film for Polaroids will run out faster than the space you use on a digital camera memory card.  

As previously mentioned, the beauty of a Polaroid or another brand-name instant camera lies in the fact that photos can’t be saved. Having said that, it can also be argued that this is one of the major disadvantages. This is why cameras like the Polaroid Snap – Instant Digital Camera have been introduced, allowing you to not only print your images but also save them on a memory card. Bear in mind that digital instant cameras are three times the price of the traditional ones.

The backup battery of an instant camera is not that great as it doesn’t last all that long. These cameras use normal batteries which you will need to replace frequently. However, if you purchase a digital polaroid camera, it comes with a rechargeable battery which lasts longer. Purchasing a digital rather than a traditional instant camera is definitely worth considering. Although they are more expensive, they do offer more features. Think about your requirements and what you expect from your camera when making this decision.  

Simply put, it’s old! In today’s digital age, we have digital cameras (big and small), GoPros, and smartphones at our fingertips. So why would you get a Polaroid or another instant camera? This entirely depends on your personal preference. If you are looking to create images with a retro look and know you will enjoy the thrill of taking photos instantly, then old is good.

So there you have it, all the information you need to make an informed decision. Remember to choose what you want, buy it if it makes you happy and produces the kinds of photos you will treasure and enjoy. P.S. It can easily become an addictive hobby.