FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera Review

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera

I love my Canon Rebel (and I love it more than words) but they're is something so exciting about having a physical picture moments after you take a picture. I can't remember the last time I printed a picture that I'd taken but it's been even longer since the last time I used a polaroid camera. This past December I received this little guy from my aunt as a Christmas present. And, even though it is a frustrating piece of equipment at times, I really love it. 

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera

This particular model comes with four settings--super sunny, sunny, cloudy, and indoors. It's really important to pay attention to these settings because otherwise you'll get a lot of pictures that are washed out or too dark. Unfortunately, even if you pay attention to these settings there is still a learning curve. You want to stand close to the camera but not too close (the camera has no way to zoom in or out). In my experience, pictures taken indoors are less likely to have problems with brightness. So I'd recommend starting there. The pictures will come out of the slit on the top of the camera a few seconds after you've taken the picture. 

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera

The eyesight is located in the upper right corner of the camera but unfortunately (the first picture displays this problem a little better) the button to take a picture is located right below the eye hole. If you're not careful, you'll get a lot of pictures with a finger in the frame. It isn't too much of a hassle but it can be a bit frustrating if you ask someone who isn't familiar with the camera to take a picture. The size of the camera is about the same size of an old school polaroid. It's a little clunky (especially now that most people are used to super small digital cameras) and given the limitations on the types of pictures you can take, I wouldn't recommend bringing it on a trip. It's really nice to have around the house for those impromptu moments when you want to take a picture but the quality isn't really important.  

Here are two pictures I've taken of my cats with this camera. As you can see from the photo on the left, choosing the proper settings is really important. They're fairly small (smaller than the size of a credit card) but they're great for collages or to keep in your wallet. 

FUJIFILM INstax Mini Film

This is what the film looks like. It comes with two packs and each pack contains 10 sheets. 

POSITIVES

-Comes in multiple colors

-Pictures fit in wallets

-Price ($60)

NEGATIVES

-Bulky 

-Film is expensive

-Low quality photos

-Only four settings for lighting

-No way to zoom in or out

-Learning curve

-Not good for action shots

In conclusion, the FUJIFILM Instax Mini Polaroid Camera would make a great camera gift for young kids or people that want to have fun with photography. It's price is pretty comparable to other cameras but there are a lot of limitations on the types of pictures you can take. It isn't good for action shots and it takes a bit of practice to begin producing good pictures. Unfortunately, that practice can be a bit expensive because you have to keep buying film. But I still love it. It's great for family get-togethers or sleep overs or birthday parties. It's nice to give people a physical memento to take home with them. Although, be forewarned that it can become a fight over who gets what picture. 

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