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Fujifilm INSTAX mini Evo™

The Instax Mini Evo is a compact hybrid camera that combines the charm of an analogue instant camera with digital features. It allows you to selectively print images onto Instax Mini film using a small LCD screen. The camera pairs with a smartphone app, offering remote shooting capabilities and the ability to print images from smartphone library.

While retaining the nostalgic appeal of instant prints, the Mini Evo provides digital camera advantages. It has a review screen, customizable filters, and sharper, more vibrant images compared to other picks. The Mini Evo allows extensive adjustments to image appearance, including vignetting, fish-eye distortion, and double exposure, all without altering the original shot. When half-pressing the shutter button, the camera engages AE/AF lock, ensuring fixed exposure and focus even if your subject moves. Unlike most instant cameras, here you can choose which images to print repeatedly, whether it's a favourite moment or a specific shot. The Mini Evo streamlines shooting, reviewing, and printing, making it beginner-friendly even without consulting the instruction manual.

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Its added controls make it accessible for all skill levels. It appears durable enough to withstand accidental drops, and its compact size allows it to fit in most coat pockets.

Making it ideal for various photography genres, such as candids, street photos, and portraits.

NONS SL660

The NONS SL660 combines vintage aesthetics with modern features for creative photography enthusiasts. Unlike most Instax cameras, it supports interchangeable lenses, including EF, vintage M42, Nikon F, PK, CY, and medium format lenses (with adapters). The SL660 features an SLR viewfinder with a roof pentaprism, offering a natural manual focus experience and precise shot composition. Made from CNC anodized aluminium alloy, it is one of the sturdiest Instax cameras.

Unlike typical Instax cameras, the SL660 manual image ejection via a back button. Additionally, the battery lasts over 100 shots per charge, with USB Type-C charging. It features a wooden hand grip and extends full-frame lenses to a medium format (6x6) size.

The viewfinder has a 3:2 aspect ratio, but the final image is 1:1, so frame tightly. It uses a ground glass design with concentric rings but lacks a focusing assist mechanism. A built-in light meter, positioned above the lens mount, works with the OLED display to recommend apertures based on the selected shutter speed.

MiNT InstantKon RF70 Ultimate Package

The MiNT InstantKon RF70 is a unique camera with a 93mm f/5.6 lens, offers a wide to normal range on Instax Wide film. The lens produces beautiful bokeh, especially when shot wide open, though it can be soft at this setting. Stopping down to f/8 and beyond sharpens the image, making it ideal for portraits. However, the camera has some drawbacks, such as concerns about the bellows system's durability and the need for MiNT's filter system. Additionally, the lens could be sharper when wide open, and there are parallax issues with the framing windows.

Despite its flaws, the RF70 stands out as the world's first fully manual Instax Wide camera, providing comprehensive controls and impressive image quality. It is compact and lightweight, but it feels like a first-generation product that should have been released earlier.

Overall, the MiNT InstantKon RF70 is a promising option for photographers who appreciate manual controls and the unique aesthetic of Instax Wide film. While it has some areas for improvement, its ability to produce stunning portraits and its innovative design make it a noteworthy addition to the world of instant photography.

Polaroid I-2

The I-2 features a LiDAR autofocus system, which works well in various lighting conditions, including dimly lit settings. It excels at focusing on distant subjects. Unlike many instant cameras, the I-2 offers full manual control over aperture and shutter speed while adjusting exposure settings to your preference. The camera uses centre-weighted metering and locks exposure when the shutter is half-pressed and also warns about camera shake if the shutter speed is too slow. In addition to full manual mode, the I-2 has aperture priority, shutter priority, and fully automatic modes. Users can adjust exposure by up to 2 stops using the exposure compensation dial.

The I-2 boasts a sharp 98mm f/8 lens (equivalent to 38mm on a full-frame camera) with three polycarbonate and acrylic lens elements treated with an anti-reflective coating with aperture ranging from f/8 to f/64. Making it ideal for various photography genres, such as candids, street photos, and portraits. Some users may find the core features to be overkill, especially when compared to the more affordable Polaroid Now camera. The I-2 targets a specific audience: diehard Polaroid shooters who appreciate its features. These enthusiasts may already own older SX-70 cameras and value the I-2's capabilities.

In summary, the Polaroid I-2 combines advanced features, creative potential, and compatibility with various film types, making it a top choice for passionate instant photography enthusiasts.

From the August 2024 issue of FHM India.