Instax Instant Cameras

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Hi all, my daughter (coming up 12) keeps banging on about wanting one of these. While I quite like the idea of her getting a camera and maybe getting into photography a bit more I can't help but worry about the cost (to me) with the price of the film. What are peoples thoughts on these? I would probably go for the Mini 90 for her as they seem to have a few more functions.

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I would give her the camera and an amount of money for her to buy film packs so she understands how much just clicking away randomly costs. Should get her thinking more about each shot and stop her machine gunning! Of course, that does run the risk that she'll just rattle through the cash and then lose interest but at 12, she could do that with anything...
 
My daughter, who admittedly is a bit older, got one a year or two ago. For her big part of it seems to be looking cool* with the Instax rather than doing loads of snapping. She does use it and it is a fun thing, there is that real sense of connection, seeing the image appear on paper. I'd say go for it, you can probably sell it on again if she gets bored of it.




*But I guess thats why so many on here have big fat DSLRs and lenses too:whistle:
 
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I would give her the camera and an amount of money for her to buy film packs so she understands how much just clicking away randomly costs. Should get her thinking more about each shot and stop her machine gunning! Of course, that does run the risk that she'll just rattle through the cash and then lose interest but at 12, she could do that with anything...

Yep, I guess that's an idea

My daughter, who admittedly is a bit older, got one a year or two ago. For her big part of it seems to be looking cool* with the Instax rather than doing loads of snapping. She does use it and it is a fun thing, there is that real sense of connection, seeing the image appear on paper. I'd say go for it, you can probably sell it on again if she gets bored of it.




*But I guess thats why so many on here have big fat DSLRs and lenses too:whistle:

yeah, I guess that could be a part of it, she seems to be getting to that age now, it came out of nowhere really but keeps coming up. I tend to try to ingnore most of these types of requests hoping they go away (which they normally do) but this has been going on for a few months now so shes obviously keen (for now) So I suppose I should set her on the path now :)
 
If she has a smartphone, see if she would prefer a point and shoot that has WiFi so she can transfer to her phone, no film will be lot cheaper and save the headache when she realises she can't post prints online easily.
 
Go for it. I have two! A mini 90 and a wide 300. I use them regularly. The mini 90 does offer a little more functionality but to be honest, I'd probably go for a cheaper mini 8 and a few extra packs of film for a 12 year old.
 
Go for it. I have two! A mini 90 and a wide 300. I use them regularly. The mini 90 does offer a little more functionality but to be honest, I'd probably go for a cheaper mini 8 and a few extra packs of film for a 12 year old.

Good idea.
 
I think I read the flash is always on on the lower models? Not sure I like that idea.
It's less of a problem than it might appear. Very handy in bright sunlight as fill-in. And, assuming you're not too close, fairly effective indoors. You can always block the flash with your finger if you really don't need it.

I attached an IR filter to my wide 300 flash using some sugru. That way, I can use an off camera speed light in slave mode.
 
My 6yo has an instax8 and its a great way of getting her to think about pictures as she knows its almost £1 per shot!
 
Have you looked at the Polaroid Snap or Snap Touch?
You get the option of instant prints but also a digital copy...
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/6009328
Might work out more money in the beginning but in the long run could be cheaper than tonnes of film packs?
 
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