Instant Pic Cameras

[MarkF]

My daughter wants one for Christmas but I know nothing about them, are they a gimmick like the 70's versions? I looked last week in John Lewis, the camera cost was ok but each black & white pic appeared to cost £1!

Any advice? Should I steer her towards a "normal" camera?

 

[classic33]

They are the 70's version. Updated, fashionwise, but very little else.

 

[ianrauk]

She wants a camera that prints out instant pics. A normal camera wouldn't be any good.
I am guessing her friends have one also, so she want's one too.

 

[TVC]

I suppose the question is, do you think her interest in it will last beyond New Year?

I reckon you should buy a record player and get her into vinyl.

 

[gavroche]

You get instant pictures on digital cameras/phones for nothing. Why does she want paper copies? They will end up in a drawer, gathering dust . I think it is only a phase because her mates have one.

 

[MarkF]

She will have no idea of the pic cost, I know that. A quick look suggests about 50p per pic, so a day out with her friends will cost ME about a grand..............

I am reading reviews and they do just seem a re-hash of the old gimmicks but in girl friendly 2016 colours

 

[classic33]

She will have no idea of the pic cost, I know that. A quick look suggests about 50p per pic, so a day out with her friends will cost ME about a grand..............

I am reading reviews and they do just seem a re-hash of the old gimmicks but in girl friendly 2016 colours

Same battery pack in use.

They even do colour pictures now!

 

[biggs682]

you can get an instant printer that will work of most smart phones

 

[NorthernDave]

Yep, they're the emperor's new camera.
1970s tech prettified for another generation.

And like the 1970s the cost of the film means it will be destined to end up at the back of a cupboard very quickly.

 

[John the Monkey]

OTOH, having a finite number of exposures might teach her the importance of composition and framing.

There's also something about your creative efforts having a tangible result that's very satisfying - even in the age of digital, I loved the arrival of newly developed slides.

 

[midlife]

The Polaroid Snap is a tad disappointing.

Shaun

 

[ianrauk]

@MarkF
Forget what all these grumpy gits are saying.

Your daughter would like the camera as a bit of fun. they print off the pictures to share with their friends. Some even print off as stickers. Make her aware of the costs of the prints. If it lasts a few months or a year, its fun for your daughter and will make her happy. What more would you want?

 

[MarkF]

@MarkF
Forget what all these grumpy gits are saying.

Your daughter would like the camera as a bit of fun. they print off the pictures to share with their friends. Some even print off as stickers. Make her aware of the costs of the prints. If it lasts a few months or a year, its fun for your daughter and will make her happy. What more would you want?

But I am thinking that I can get her a "proper" camera, with wi-fi (to phone) for instant sharing, and she can walk to a supermarket in 10 mins and have printed off whatever she likes, and, have a decent camera remaining when the "fad/want" has long gone. If I thought the "fun" would last a year then the cost would be cheap, but I can see the fun lasting a week or two. I think her "must-have" MenKind helicopter held her interest for, ooh, perhaps half an hour.

 

[Cuchilo]

@MarkF
Forget what all these grumpy gits are saying.

Your daughter would like the camera as a bit of fun. they print off the pictures to share with their friends. Some even print off as stickers. Make her aware of the costs of the prints. If it lasts a few months or a year, its fun for your daughter and will make her happy. What more would you want?

Spot on !

 

[ianrauk]

But I am thinking that I can get her a "proper" camera, with wi-fi (to phone) for instant sharing, and she can walk to a supermarket in 10 mins and have printed off whatever she likes, and, have a decent camera remaining when the "fad/want" has long gone. If I thought the "fun" would last a year then the cost would be cheap, but I can see the fun lasting a week or two. I think her "must-have" MenKind helicopter held her interest for, ooh, perhaps half an hour.

Mark, you are missing the point. She doesn't want a proper camera and all the faff of going to a shop. She want's a camera that print's off instant pics to share with her friends.. You get her something she doesn't want rather then what you think she wants, then prepare for disappointment on both sides.