Fuji helps Polaroid fans move on
Out with the old, in with the new.
(Credit: Urban Outfitters)The next generation of instant film has made its way into the U.S. market to delight those of us who never had the chance to say goodbye to the classic Polaroid camera.
Fuji's Instax Mini camera creates credit card-size photos in a funky camera that comes in pink, blue, and white.
Last February, Polaroid announced that it's shutting down factories of its instant-film cameras. Websites like SavePolaroid, which actively contact Polaroid in a bid to save the classic camera, have sprouted in response to the sad departure.
Though Fuji's Instax Mini is no Polaroid, it is a great alternative for photographers who like instant gratification. The 5-inch by 5-inch by 2.5-inch camera sells for $130 at Urban Outfitters, and film is about $1 a photo. Compared with what avid Polaroid fans are currently paying for film, this may actually be a cheap and practical solution.
Update at 5:45 p.m. Friday: Contrary to what was stated in the original post, Instax uses Fujifilm's instant photography and film technology, and Fujifilm is in no way limited by Polaroid.
Sharon Vaknin is the CNET Labs' go-to intern. When she's not testing MP3 players, blogging, or making the lab look presentable, she can be found playing computer games. Sharon formerly worked for Best Buy and is currently studying journalism at San Francisco State University. E-mail Sharon.
