Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 Review. Camera with instant photo printing. Menus, tests and controls

In the initial segment of photographic equipment, traditional digital cameras of compact dimensions have firmly established themselves. Users appreciate such devices for mobility, ease of use and good image quality. The class representing Polaroids is not so popular. It is supported by Fujifilm, improving its Instax family instant camera. Another modification of this line is represented by the device Instax mini 8, which received a modest size and decent functionality for its class.

Construction and design

In the development of the device, the creators adhered to the previous concept of a light and easy-to-handle camera. The modification even surpassed the previous version in terms of compactness. For example, an instant camera in this design can be easily placed in a pocket or worn with a lanyard on the wrist.

The form factor itself has not changed. Only the controls have been revised and moved to the front of the small structure. The device is also turned on by extending the lens, but there are some differences from the previous variation. Now, to start the instant camera, you need to press a special button. Here it is worth noting an important technical feature of this modification - the lens rotates, allowing you to manually adjust the focus.

Specifications

The Polaroids segment is quite narrow, so deviations from the main direction in the development of such devices often lead to the appearance of original, even piece goods. In part, these include the instant camera from Fujifilm, the characteristics of which are presented below:

  • Dimensions - 116 mm - width, 118.3 mm - height and 68.2 mm - thickness.
  • Weight - 307 g without accessories.
  • Photo parameters - 62 x 46 mm.
  • Battery life is enough for 10 cassettes.
  • Delivery set - device, lace on the wrist and two batteries.
  • Functionality - Hi-Key mode, designed to control contrast and increase brightness.

Functionality

The model received an active exposure meter, which greatly expanded the possibilities of shooting. The exposure is set automatically, but the operator also requires certain skills to use this option. In turn, the apparatus also acts as an assistant to the process, selecting the optimal shots. The mini 8 instant camera's red indicator lights up when targets are in the frame under optimal lighting conditions. This means that the best settings for the image have been selected. Space is also provided for the full realization of the operator's creative abilities. The new High-Key operating mode is free from the automatic tuner and prompts. By activating it, the user can also use the original effects for portrait shooting.

Cassettes for Polaroid

For the operation of the device, it is necessary to purchase special cassettes with film material. One standard set is designed for 20 shots. Actually, thanks to this consumables and instant printing. Fujifilm's proprietary instant camera cartridges feature high-definition and high-contrast reproduction. Also, with the skillful use of the settings of the device, the natural color reproduction and brightness will be reflected in the photograph. The cassettes are made in a reliable case, and thanks to the new emulsion technology, the user can take photos in temperature conditions from -5 °C to +40 °C.

Positive feedback about the model

Users praise the model for its ease of operation and overall good form factor. If the previous representatives of the series pleased the owners with their compact size and low weight, then in this device the same qualities were enhanced, which, of course, evokes admiring reviews. Also, many emphasize the quality of the case. The reliability of the assembly and the strength of the used plastic - these advantages are especially appreciated by lovers of travel and tourism. The functionality that the Japanese instant camera has also deserved high marks. Of course, there are more powerful models on the market with more features, but this already applies to a higher class, where prices are higher and the design is more massive. According to users, the developers provided the model with successful tools with four shooting modes and a viewfinder.

Negative Feedback

Not all owners share positive opinions about the operation of the viewfinder. Critical reviews addressed to him mainly relate to the location of the device. Especially inconvenience is felt after the transition from the usual digital camera. The viewfinder is located in the upper left corner, so the first time it is possible to get pictures that do not correspond to the originally intended frame. There are complaints about the very quality of the pictures that this instant camera takes. Reviews indicate that good photo, in principle, you can get it, but only with proper dexterity and the ability to use functions this device. In the hands of an inexperienced user, such shots can be rare. The main problem in this regard is the selection of optimal lighting and focus adjustment.

Separately, the model is criticized for its high cost. camera on Russian market available on average for 5-6 thousand rubles. If you add a little, then you can get the opportunity to create more quality pictures through a higher level device. Instax Polaroid cassettes are also expensive. In particular, a cartridge for 10 shots is estimated at 300-400 rubles.

Conclusion

In general, the model adequately coped with the task of continuing the concept of instant printing machines. Obviously, in comparison with the previous devices of this family, the model has taken several steps towards improving ergonomics and functionality. But at the same time, the instant camera Instax mini 8 is an expensive accessory, devoid of practicality. To a large extent, this is due to the high cost of the camera itself and consumables in the form of cassettes. Such costs can be forgiven if you get really high-quality images. But even here the camera does not inspire confidence, since even experienced users do not always get good shots. This is not to say that the format of pictures the size of a plastic card does not seem so attractive in itself. True, fans of Polaroids find their beauty in this feature, which deserves overpayments.

The Fuji Instax instant camera is made in Japan, and cartridges of amazing quality are also made there. In Russia at the moment you can more than 11 models of this camera. In addition to great functionality and ease of management, the manufacturer pays great attention to style and design. There are many body colors available for users, from classic black to hot pink. Choose your color to highlight your personality and complete your look.


Each camera has its own specifications, a set of options and design features. For example, Instax mini 9 is equipped with a light sensor that automatically detects the required shooting mode. Optics allows you to set the focus at a distance of up to three meters. And Instax Square SQ20 allows you to shoot short videos and choose your favorite frame for printing.


Instax will catch the attention of even the youngest users. The charming Instax Hello Kitty and Instax Minion are specially designed for them. Choose from our catalog an original gadget for yourself and for your loved ones.

Instant camera line

IN convenient directory You can buy inexpensive models of devices that differ not only in their technical features, but also in the size of the images. Instant cameras are available for you, which shoot in the following formats:

  • MINI (This line includes models Instax mini 9, mini 7, Hello Kitty, mini 90, etc. The size of the pictures is 62 mm x 46 mm);
  • SQUARE (Prominent representatives are Instax SQ20, SQ6, SQ10. Photo format - 62 mm x 62 mm);
  • WIDE (The range is represented by the instant camera Instax Wide 300 with image size - 62 mm x 99 mm).

The technical capabilities of gadgets are amazing. You can not only shoot and immediately print pictures, but also apply various filters that will make your photos more atmospheric. Some models of instant cameras are equipped with the function of creating a collage or superimposing one frame on another. Learn more about the features of devices, their capabilities and price from the professionals of our online store.

In many countries, polaroid cameras have now become fashionable, which differ in that they print it immediately after the picture. The development takes literally 1-2 minutes and does not depend on the amount of sunlight. In the article we will describe the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S camera.

Advantages of the device

The benefits of many include the fact that the camera immediately prints photos. Many people like to admire the process of developing a picture - a feeling of magic is created. At first, the picture leaves the camera empty, and after a minute a moment already appears. Children and adults who lived in the city will definitely feel nostalgic and remember their film cameras.

Camera disadvantages

Expensive cartridges and poor image quality are common complaints from buyers of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S. Due to the small size of the photo, many bypass this device, as people want bigger options.

General feedback

Many win this model in competitions. However, after the cartridge that comes with the kit runs out (and it is designed for 10 frames), it is immediately put aside in a distant drawer. As noted above, the device has a drawback in the cost of this part: the price goes off scale - from 400 rubles to 2 thousand. Of course, models are cheaper made by Chinese manufacturers, more expensive - branded and official. At the moment, you can, in principle, find options for 250 rubles, if you search well. Small shots The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S is slightly larger than a regular business card. You can put them in your passport or any album, and after a while you can enjoy memorable moments.

Hobbyists who shoot every day but don't like to, or due to lack of time and other factors, cannot print them all the time, note that such a camera is ideal. Many people write that for the sake of 1-2 photos I don’t want to go to develop photos, and a huge amount comes out a lot in terms of money. Because of this, masterpieces have to be watched on computers, and stored on digital media: flash drives and so on.

Results

Many are completely satisfied with their purchase. The device is very convenient and easy to use. You just need to insert the cassette, release the shutter. After that, you should pick up the photo that will come out of the tray, shake it a little - and that's it. Such a camera will be able to give a person pictures with real emotions, because it is no longer possible to edit or replace a picture.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S camera, the characteristics of which are described in the article, has the function of day and night shooting. In a special window on the case, you can keep track of how many shots are left. Many people call the size of the cards a disadvantage, but still this is a matter of taste - someone likes it, someone wants more. Due to their small size, they can be pasted over a mirror or made a collage.

It should be recalled that cartridges are expensive. Most often they are sold in 2 cassettes in a pack. Each has 10 cards, so you have to limit yourself. This thing is perfect for capturing pleasant moments.

After inserting the cartridge, you need to press the shutter to release the protective coating of the cards. It protects the item from sunlight. Thanks to this, they do not deteriorate.

Surely among the readers of our reviews there are many who know about the Polaroid camera with instant printing, for some time this topic ceased to be popular and disappeared from view. Last year, we were reminded of it at the Wargaming festival, when a Fujifilm instax mini 8 came into our editorial office, in fact, the same idea with snapshots. The camera is interesting, but it immediately had a number of shortcomings, which eventually turned into sending the camera to gather dust on the editorial shelves. In the summer of 2017, a new generation has already come to our attention - Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10, the most advanced on this moment instant camera.

We took it for a detailed study, and now we are pleased to present its first detailed review in Russian. Now it is already available in our stores with a recommended price of 17,990 rubles.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 review

Equipment

We have a limited set that includes one camera cartridge and a set of documentation. An important point that should be noted right away is that the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 will require the purchase of cartridges during operation. 1 cassette will cost 620 rubles, 10 shots, 1 shot, excluding camera costs, will cost 62 rubles.

Appearance

The design of the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 is reminiscent of the icon of the social network Instagram, which has become the most popular network in which the focus is on photography. By the way, even the format of the photos themselves from the camera is similar on this network (62 by 62 mm).

The camera measures 119 x 47 x 127 mm and weighs 450 grams with the cassette installed. In tests, the black version is likely to come out in other colors.

Appearance Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10

Outwardly, she became stricter and more harmonious. Revised location key elements management. Feelings and personal experience, interaction with the camera is simplified.

The Fujifilm instax mini 8 had two main problems: zero information content and an uncomfortable viewfinder. The second problem has also migrated to the SQ10, the eye is very small, visibility is poor and, moreover, is blocked by fingers due to the proximity of the button.

But here the problem became less critical due to the appearance of a 3-inch TFT display. If earlier, after the shutter was released, the print was going on immediately, now you can pre-edit and view the frame. Given the high cost of one photo, this is relevant.

In the center of the front side is a lens with a chrome trim. On the edges of it, one mechanical button. LED flash in the center.

On the right and left ends there are ears for which you can hook the strap for comfortable wearing of the camera around your neck.

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 camera has acquired a slot for a memory card, which can be useful for storing captured images or uploading files.

From the user's side, under the display, there is a control unit with several buttons, a four-way joystick and a central menu button. It is easy to understand, they are all labeled.

On top of the lid latch, as you might guess, under it is a compartment for installing the cartridge. Replacement is fast, everything is intuitive.

Menus, tests and controls

The appearance of the display in the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 made it possible to customize the operation of the camera. The Russian language is not available at the time of the review. Before shooting, you can adjust the exposure, shutter speed, select color profile. After shooting, you can process the photo by adding frames, filters, additionally adjust the brightness and contrast. There is a possibility of cropping.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 Menu

An interesting option is to combine several pictures, which allows you to make a collage of the captured photos. There is a semblance of a macro from a distance of 10 cm. From creative modes, we note the combination of two frames, when the first acts as a background for the second.

Internal memory is enough for about 50 shots, expandable with a memory card up to 32 GB.

Aperture F/2.4, focal length fixed, equivalent to a 35mm lens. ISO is adjustable from 100 to 1600.

Behind offline work Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 responds with an NP-50 battery, in theory it is enough for 160 shots, during the tests we were unable to discharge it.

When sent to print, an additional visualization of the movement of photo paper inside the case is displayed on the display. The frame comes out of the cutout in the upper part of the case. It takes about 2-3 minutes to fully develop.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 Tests

The photos themselves look unusual, and for most of those who were nearby during the tests and shooting, the camera aroused curiosity. This is partly due to the fact that the spread of tablets and smartphones, social networks, reduced the print activity of the captured photos. Now this is a curiosity.

We have only one complaint about the quality of photographic paper and pictures, it feels like there is not enough brightness and color, the picture looks a little faded. For those who are afraid of fading, we can say that we have had our first Instax shots for about a year now, visually there were no changes. Small dimensions allow you to capture such pictures in the workplace or refrigerator.

Pictures from Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 Results

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 camera has become an order of magnitude more functional and thoughtful in operation, but the cost has expectedly increased. Here, the competition is with smartphones and digital cameras, which are better in terms of capabilities and image quality in the same price segment. Immediately, the SQ10 acts more like a fashion camera that you can take with you to a party with friends, presentations or creative meetings. Instant printing and pictures that can be seen on living photo paper always cause a WoW effect. Creativity and activity of exploitation will be limited only by the cost of one cassette and, as a result, one printed photograph. Of the minuses of the camera itself, we note an inconvenient viewfinder.

Probably everyone who was born at least before the mid-nineties remembers this miracle - the first thing that appeared after film cameras - a healthy unit called "Polaroid". Vzhzhzhih, and the white rectangle darkens before our eyes, showing the outlines of a merry company imprinted (usually at the festive table). Then the first "figure" appeared, but it was not the same. Pure technology. But instant photo printing seemed like real magic of the second level. The second - because, undoubtedly, the first was the same process of drawing the outlines of the frame on paper, but in the "red room".

"Polaroid" in the house - it was incredibly cool. And frames from it - albeit blurry and "soapy" - were valued more than film ones. Of course, after all, there can be as many as 36 frames on the film, and it cost a penny compared to cassettes for 10 photos. Then, in the era digital cameras this magic was a little forgotten, but instant cameras gained a second wind relatively recently, when Fujifilm, along with the creator of this technology, took up them.

A bit of history:

Thanks for the appearance of the photograph, we must one American girl named Jennifer. She was three years old, in 1944 she was walking with her dad around the town of Santa Fe and suddenly asked him why it was impossible to immediately see what you were photographing. How many questions do little whys ask their parents, and what do these questions usually lead to? As a maximum to an explanation of this or that phenomenon, as a minimum - to an annoyed "Leave me alone!" But Jenny's father was a certain Edwin Land, already then a successful inventor and founder of Polaroid. What he answered then to his daughter is unknown, but three years later the first instant camera was born. Thank you Jennifer!

Edwin Land, who by the way was the idol of another technological genius - Steve Jobs, believed that patents would save, if not the world, then its exclusivity. 535 patents are recorded for him, more - only with the "inventor of the light bulb" Thomas Edison. And it was thanks to the patents that Land first won the trial against Kodak, which decided to produce its own similar cameras (although it took 10 years to sue), and after the lawsuit, Land went to a mutually beneficial deal with FujiFilm. Thanks to Fuji, Land's company was able to produce video cassettes and floppy disks, and a new era began in the history of FujiFilm - the era of instant photos of the Instax line.

Now in the line - eight different models of Instax-cameras, allowing you to take snapshots in two formats: mini-sized business card and wide, a couple of centimeters more. This winter, one of the most popular of Fuji's "instant" models, the Instax Mini 8, fell into my hands.

Specifications Fujifilm Instax Mini 8:

Film used: FUJIFILM Instax Mini
Received photo size: 6.2 × 4.6 cm
Lens: fixed, two-element and two-element, f=60 mm, 1:12.7
Viewfinder: optical
Shooting distance: 60 cm - ∞
Shutter speed: 1/60
Flash: continuous flash, recharges in 0.2-6 seconds, effective up to 2.7 meters

Instax Mini 8 comes in seven colors, including classic black and white, as well as candy ones - pink, raspberry, purple, lemon and mint blue. To be honest, for such a hipster toy camera, I would prefer one of these juicy shades, they fit perfectly, but I still ended up with a black one.

My "photo-hipster starter kit" included my own camera and two instant film cassettes. A small box fits the gadget itself, a couple of batteries for it, a lanyard on the hand and instructions. If you want something extra, you can buy separately. Fortunately, the company has enough accessories: from cute handbags-cases and special photo albums for the size of instax pictures to attachments for the lens and color filters.

I don’t raise the question of necessity here, they rather created their own ecosystem with a certain philosophy: “If you have a mimimi camera, then why not take a photo album and a stylish handbag with it, for a complete set?” From a marketing point of view, the perfect hit in your target audience and the right decision is to create a whole community around the product. On the site of the Instax line, you can find news about whole art projects based on instant photos (I remember the dress made of cards;)) - but I digress.

The camera itself cannot be called miniature, about 12 centimeters in height and length, almost 7 in width, it seems so somewhat "inflated", plump, thanks to the streamlined design. But light - about 300 grams in total, if weighed without batteries and cassettes. The body of the Instax Mini 8 is made of matte plastic, very pleasant to the touch, but alas - easily soiled.

We are used to the fact that cameras are similar in shape to rectangles "on the side", this one is more elongated, and the viewfinder looks "put on the butt" - this decision is due to the fact that the camera is mainly used in portrait mode. When shooting in landscape orientation, you need to rotate - how to do it correctly is even shown on the user manual.

The camera shutter button is located on the front panel - also unusual for everyone who usually looks for it from above. In addition to it, there is also a viewfinder window, a flash, two round windows - sensors for measuring the level of illumination, as well as a lens with a power button: it activates the power and extends the lens. It moves with just a hand, while the camera turns off. If you leave the camera alone without retracting the lens, it will turn off automatically after five minutes.

The photograph of the rear panel of the camera clearly shows what I was talking about a couple of paragraphs above - the soiledness of the matte plastic. I don’t know how it is on color models (I think it’s less noticeable there), but on a black camera you can literally perform fingerprinting without special equipment in just a few minutes of use - fingerprints remain very clear.
Here is the cassette cover with a window in which you can see the presence of a cassette inside, a viewfinder and a frame counter.

On the left edge - only a fastener for the strap, on the right - the same battery compartment. On top of the slot for feeding finished photographs. There is nothing interesting from below, not even a tripod mount (well, that's right, why does this camera need it?).

Each strap has its own color. Well, here again everything is banal for me :)

The camera uses conventional AA batteries, which, according to the company, are enough for 100 shots, on average. For all the time of testing, those that are included in the initial delivery set worked just like that.

Let's get to the fun part: usage. As a child, I somehow didn’t have a chance to “refuel Polaroids”, my parents did it all the time for us, so here I opened the cassette compartment with great curiosity. Everything turned out to be quite boring, except that I looked at the lens from the back side.

Only branded Instax Mini cassettes work with this camera, and this (or rather, their cost :)) is the main ambush. There are only 10 shots in a cassette, and until recently the cost was about seven hundred rubles for a package with one cassette and about one thousand three hundred for a double one. Recently, the company has reduced prices and they promise that now a package with one cassette will cost 500 rubles, and with two - 800. Of course, 40 rubles for a photo is not 70, but it is also noticeable.

The cassettes are stored sealed in a vacuum, before use it is important not to forget to remove the foil bag, and also not to press on the moving parts of the case.

I place the cassette in the compartment so that the yellow mark on it coincides with the mark on the case. It is recommended to close the compartment immediately - otherwise there is a risk of lightening the film inside.

Fans of changing shutter speed with aperture here nervously smoke on the sidelines, Instax users do not need the concept of ISO at all. Here, as a maximum, you can set the shooting mode, depending on the lighting around. There are four options - house, overcast, sunny or damn-as-sunny.

The camera itself, thanks to the sensors, will tell you by blinking the diode which mode is more suitable at a particular moment, but it is not necessary to listen to it - on the contrary, experienced instax users prefer to lower the exposure by one step ... oh, sorry, choose the "darker" mode, so the photos are richer.

For lovers of saturation, the fifth mode is also intended - Hi-Key, which allows you to take brighter and more contrasting photos. But in any case, the best possible result is achieved by trial and error, which, unlike a mirror (see the paragraph about the cost of a frame :)) is sometimes annoying. However, in advance I allowed myself to completely "ruin" the first cassette while practicing and I advise all new instax owners to do the same.

Instax Mini has a number of limitations: what cannot be done with a camera and film is clearly shown by the pictures from the instructions. From the quite obvious "do not chew photos" and "do not forcefully drag a picture out of the camera" to a common mistake with closing light sensors with your fingers and waving a card - so that it manifests itself faster.

I want to note two important features in using this camera:

1. What you see in the viewfinder and what you end up with in the photo are, as they say in Odessa, two big differences. Okay, not very big, but it's important to know that. The viewfinder here shows the scene a little to the right and higher than the lens "sees" it, so you also need to train to build the frame evenly. As a result, this is done something like this: look, literally move a few centimeters to the left yourself with the camera, or move the camera a centimeter or two and shoot.

2. Do you still remember that Instax is called "a hipster cam"? And what are the hipsters afraid of in their sneakers and short tight pants? Pra-a-avilno, Russian winter. So Fuji Instax does not react very well to frost, at negative temperatures the photo simply does not appear, and you will add the White Rectangle to the Black Square masterpiece in the world piggy bank. If you want to fully cosplay Malevich, you need to shoot in the heat above 40 degrees - high temperatures can, on the contrary, do it instead of a frame dark spot. For this reason, in winter, either take the camera out in the cold immediately before shooting, and then quickly put it in heat, along with the resulting print, or shoot from a window or a warm car :)

In general, of course, taking pictures with this camera, I got a lot of pleasure, even when I tested it on cats or tried to shoot New Year's illuminations (naive, in low light conditions, we again return to Malevich. In general, the ideal way to use the camera is to shoot portraits or landscapes with good A rather narrow field for application, of course, but there are several situations in which Instax will be indispensable.

First, a moment of magic - a video of the manifestation of a photograph, and then I will talk about them.

So, the first options that came to my mind for cool use of the Instax camera:

1. You are photographed hugging a departing friend at the airport. Immediately write on the photo to him good wishes and give the picture as a keepsake. Or vice versa - a selfie with a star and immediately an autograph across your happy face :)

2. A child of the 21st century, incredibly far from lighting a red lamp in the bathroom, with the help of such a camera learns to appreciate the shots, build a composition and try to shoot - immediately getting the result (this is important for children, you know). Maybe there's a chance he won't take 503 selfies in a single trip to a restaurant later, hm? :)

3. Grandma is tired of asking you to print her pictures from the next family gathering. You give her a similar camera and duplicate the photo from the digital camera with a picture on it. The cassette will last for a year, I think.

4. The most favorite and interesting option is when instant photos are woven into some kind of art project, starting from the dress I have already mentioned above from pictures and embroidery in photographs and ending with the use of instant photos during further shooting.

So, one of the photographers who have achieved great success on this wave is, by the way, also a Khabarovsk resident - Maxim Zavyalov in his instagram @mzavialov shows very beautiful pictures in this style. His submission even got its own name and the author's hashtag #timethroughphoto, which then began to be used by many others, showing similar pictures.

To sum it up, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is undoubtedly a niche toy, but a fun toy. You should not expect super quality from these pictures (although looking at the photo of the same Maxim, you can argue about this), but these photos are valuable to others.

And you know, even though I immediately gave the camera to a friend after testing, I already ... no, I don’t regret the gift, I love making them, but I catch myself thinking that I want to do it again. Or similar from the same line. And maybe I'll get it, I want to shoot "frame in frame" in the summer as well.

 

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