Fujifilm, the Japanese company known for its popular Instax line of instant film cameras, has announced a new product that is aimed at young and creative users. The Instax Pal is a palm-sized digital camera that comes with a smartphone printer and a pack of film. The camera does not have a viewfinder or a built-in printer, but instead connects to an app that allows users to edit, print, and share their photos. The Instax Pal bundle will be available in late October for $199.95.
What is the Instax Pal?
The Instax Pal is a round-shaped digital camera that can fit in the palm of your hand. It has a simple design with only a power button and a large shutter button on the back. It also has a detachable ring that can be used as a finger strap, a viewfinder, or a stand. The camera has an internal memory that can store up to 50 photos, or you can use an optional microSD card to expand the storage. The camera also has a flash and supports interval shooting, which can take 3, 6, 11, or 21 continuous images at three-second intervals.
The Instax Pal does not print photos directly from the camera, but instead transfers them to your smartphone via the Instax Pal app. The app lets you customize your photos with 18 creative filters, text, and stickers. You can also create animations with multiple images, similar to a flipbook. The app also allows you to record your own custom shutter sound for the camera.
To print your photos, you need to use the Instax Mini Link 2 smartphone printer, which is included in the bundle along with a 10-pack of white-bordered film. The printer connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and prints photos in about 12 seconds. You can also print QR codes on your photos that will play back your animations when scanned.
Why did Fujifilm make the Instax Pal?
Fujifilm says that the Instax Pal is the first all-digital camera in the Instax line and that it is designed to capture life’s spontaneous moments. The company says that the camera is ideal for kids who want to have fun and express themselves creatively. By using the app and the printer, kids can choose which photos they want to print and avoid wasting expensive film on bad shots. They can also share their photos digitally or physically with their friends and family.
Fujifilm may also be trying to capitalize on the success of its Instax Mini Evo instant camera, which also captures digital images and prints them on film. However, unlike the Instax Pal, the Mini Evo has a built-in printer and a viewfinder, as well as more controls and features that make it feel like a real camera. The Mini Evo also costs around the same price as the Instax Pal bundle.
How does the Instax Pal compare to other cameras?
The Instax Pal is not the only digital camera that works with a smartphone printer. Polaroid recently launched the Polaroid I-2 instant camera, which also connects to an app and prints photos on Zink paper. The Polaroid I-2 has a more retro design and offers more options for editing and printing your photos, such as collages, borders, and augmented reality effects. However, it also costs more than the Instax Pal bundle at $229.99.
Another similar product is the Canon Ivy Cliq+2 instant camera printer, which also takes digital photos and prints them on Zink paper. The Canon Ivy Cliq+2 has a more compact design and a selfie mirror, as well as an LED ring light for better lighting. It also has an app that lets you add filters, frames, and stickers to your photos. However, it has less internal memory than the Instax Pal and does not support animations or custom sounds. It costs $149.99.
The Instax Pal may appeal to users who prefer the look and feel of Fujifilm’s Instax film over Zink paper, as well as those who want a simple and fun camera that can create animations and custom sounds. However, it may not satisfy users who want more control and features from their camera or who do not want to carry around an extra device for printing.