Polaroid’s new Snap instant digital camera is like an old wine in a new bottle
Polaroid was once the best way to capture an image with
instant results. However, in the age of the selfie and digital cameras,
the Polaroid has been struggling to hold its ground.
In a hope to revive itself, Polaroid on Wednesday unveiled a
modernized version of its classic instant print camera, the Polaroid
Snap at IFA 2015 in Berlin, Germany. Polaroid Snap revisits the
company’s roots by merging instant prints with modern digital
technology. It is designed to combine the best of both worlds in a
pocket-sized camera that prints wallet sized photographs automatically
after an image is captured.
Further, the Polaroid Snap having more of a standard style
is sleeker now. It is a 10MP digital instant camera that features the
company’s ink-free Zero Ink Printing Technology. It is hassle free, as
it does not require ribbons, ink or toner. This system uses paper that
layers a composite material, embedded with cyan, yellow, and magenta
crystals, situated below a protective polymer overcoat.
The printer within the Snap camera heats the paper to
activate and colorize these crystals. One can enjoy full-color,
2×3-inch, smudge-free photos that are dry to the touch in less than a
minute. These prints are adhesive backed, so the photo can be used as a
sticker as well. Additionally, the users can also shoot new images even
while the Polaroid Snap is printing.
The variety of capture modes allows the users to change how
pictures can be taken. The Polaroid Snap shoots in color,
black-and-white, and, for a total retro throwback, vintage Polaroid. The
camera also features a photo booth mode, which takes six quick pictures
in ten seconds, and the option of printing with or without the Polaroid
Classic Border Logo format. Those who want to get in the photos and/or
are fond of selfies can do so with the camera’s self-timer. These
features enable users to easily add their own enhancements to the print
before they even take their photo.
In terms of operation, the Snap may seem a little lean
without a screen, zoom lens, flash, or advanced features. However, it
does have a pop-up viewfinder to center shots easier. The camera is
compatible with Micro SD cards that can hold up to 32GB of data allowing
users to save and digitally transfer their 10 MP images afterwards. As
for the consumables,
The Polaroid Snap is expected to have a retail price of $99,
which will be available in the fourth quarter of 2015. Further, a
50-pack of Polaroid’s 2×3 inch Zink photo paper costs about $29.99. The
budget friendly Polaroid Snap will be available in four color variants:
black, white, red and blue.
Post a Comment