Tag Archives: polaroid

Modular instant camera concept offers a new way to create and share memories

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The Polaroid brand has become synonymous with instant cameras that are experiencing a renaissance these days. But while the retro fever has people printing out square format photos again, the designs of these modern instant cameras left some things to be desired. Yes, they recreated the feeling of holding a large and chunky camera, but they might have done it too perfectly to meet the needs and tastes of today’s mobile photographers and creators. Smartphones offer more flexibility and features but at the expense of that authentic instant camera experience. This product concept tries to bring the best of both worlds together through a design that can adjust to your needs rather than the other way around.

Designers: Daphne Hernández, Paola García Higuera, Gonzalo Barba, Ricardo Zerón, Ximena Bravo Barreto, George Gonzalez, Cristian Tovar

The earliest modern instant cameras try to stay faithful to the Polaroid design by eschewing modern conveniences like LCD screens and photo editing prior to printing. On the opposite end of the spectrum, portable photo printers try to provide the same instant printing experience without requiring a separate camera from the one you already have in your pocket. But while smartphones offer a lot of powerful photo editing features, many people find the camera user experience a bit artificial or even forced because of the design of the phone and the connotations that come with it.

The Polaroid DUO concept solves this duality by ironically embracing it. It splits the instant camera into two distinct parts: the camera module and the printer. The camera is a small, lightweight square reminiscent of action cameras that you can attach or hang anywhere so that you’re ready to take photos or record videos anytime. The compact design, which includes a touch screen on the back to tweak the photos’ properties after the fact, offers a more engaging and fun way to take photos without being too conspicuous or flashy like a smartphone.

You can use the camera module on its own and print the photo later, or you can slot it into the larger printer module to make it behave exactly like a traditional instant camera. You don’t lose any of the functionality, however, since you can still access that touch screen. What you get, instead, is a unique character and the experience of holding a fun-looking chunky box up whenever you want to capture the moment and print out the memory right then and there.

Polaroid DUO is definitely an intriguing concept, one that makes you wonder why no one has implemented it yet. It combines the powerful functionality of smartphones with the elements of fun from instant cameras in a way that doesn’t sacrifice one for the other. There might be some implementation details that will need to be ironed out, but most of the technologies needed to make this design a reality are ripe for the picking.

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Polaroid-inspired DIY camera uses AI to print poems instead of photos

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AI today powers many devices and services with mixed results. Some produce truly mind-blowing images, captivating narratives, and critical information that help drive cars, vacuum cleaners, and robots. Sometimes, those very same AIs are abused for selfish gains or nefarious purposes. In both cases, it proves that AI, impressive as it may be, is just a tool that can be used for good or for ill, depending on who’s wielding it. Or it could also be used for fun, whimsical projects that, while not exactly advancing the field, turn those rather mundane AI applications into delightful experiences. This DIY Polaroid-inspired camera, for example, does take pictures, but what it prints out isn’t a flat facsimile of the three-dimensional but instead spits out an interpretation expressed in words filtered through the minds of digital poets.

Designer: Sam Garfiedl (sam1am)

Two of the most controversial uses of AI today revolve around images and words, both of which tread gray legal areas. Image generators are infamous for taking well-worded prompts and turning them into images that truly look professional, though sometimes end up looking like an artist’s copyrighted work. On the opposite side of the spectrum are AIs that churn out essays and articles that also border on plagiarism.

The Poetroid, thankfully, won’t be treading those same waters. It does turn images into words, but nothing that can really be attributed to copyrighted material. In a nutshell, this rather crude-looking DIY camera sees the world through a webcam and then produces sheer poetry, literally, based on the object it sees. After all, there is perhaps no better way to truly capture the spirit of a flower, a fruit, or a pizza than with a mosaic of metaphors mixed together in a “mellifluous meter.”

What is rather impressive about this little project is that it can be assembled from off-the-shelf components like a webcam, a single-board computer, and a lunchbox, among other things. The tin lunchbox is probably a bit uninspired, but it was large enough to cram everything necessary inside, with a little modification for the screen and buttons. If the name wasn’t a giveaway, the idea was heavily inspired by the Polaroid instant camera that revolutionized photography during its time. Instead of getting a small photo, however, you get a poem printed out on thermal paper, almost like a receipt and probably just as incomprehensible as one.

The best part is that the AI and large language models needed to pull this off can run locally on the device itself, preventing any private data from leaking and saving you from potential embarrassment over accidental photos and hideous poetry. There’s definitely a lot of room for improvement in the design of the Poetroid, and having all the necessary pieces known and available can go a long way in helping design one that will look just as majestic as the words it ejects from its proverbial mouth.

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Polaroid I-2: Something the Photographer in You Was Waiting For

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Polaroid, a name synonymous with instant photography, has once again pushed the boundaries of creativity with its latest offering – the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera. This remarkable addition to the Polaroid family is a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality, designed to cater to the diverse tastes of creative enthusiasts around the world.

Designer: Polaroid

One of the standout features of the Polaroid I-2 is its collaboration with Japanese optical engineers, resulting in the creation of the sharpest-ever Polaroid lens. Equipped with a wide aperture three-lens system, this camera ensures that your snapshots are as sharp and vibrant as they come, whether you’re capturing moments indoors or basking in the sun’s glow.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. The I-2 integrates both autofocus and LiDAR technology, effortlessly adapting to different lighting conditions. Say goodbye to the frustrations of missed shots due to focus or exposure issues, as this camera ensures each image is a masterpiece.

Breaking away from the standard point-and-shoot format, the Polaroid I-2 introduces built-in manual controls. With a viewfinder and customizable shooting modes, this camera offers photographers a greater degree of creative freedom. Adjust the aperture and shutter speed to capture your vision perfectly. If you find a particular combination that resonates with your style, you can save it as a favorite setting using the Polaroid app.

Embracing modern connectivity, the I-2 comes with Bluetooth functionality. This feature allows users to sync the camera with the Polaroid app, offering remote control access and access to software updates. Stay up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements effortlessly.

Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the 49mm thread mount on the camera, which is compatible with filters and additional lenses. This versatility allows you to experiment with various effects and perspectives, truly unleashing your creativity.

With seven different f-stops, ranging from the largest f8 down to f64, the I-2 empowers you to experiment with exposure and depth of field. Craft your images with light just the way you envision them.

The Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera is a testament to craftsmanship. This camera was created entirely in-house, with its sleek black form a direct result of its function. Built around manual controls and a Japan-team-designed lens, it embodies an iconic yet original design. It’s not just a camera; it’s a craftsperson’s tool in an elegant package.

For film enthusiasts, the I-2 Instant Camera offers flexibility in film selection. It plays nicely with both i-Type 600 and SX-70 films, allowing you to choose the film stock that suits your preferences and style.

While embracing innovation, the I-2 pays homage to the classic Polaroid style that has become an enduring symbol of instant photography. Its design seamlessly blends the timeless charm of Polaroid with the cutting-edge technology of today.

The Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera is available for $599, with various film options to suit your preferences. This investment in your craft opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to capture memories with the precision and artistry that only Polaroid can deliver.

In a world where digital dominates, the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of analog photography, offering a delightful fusion of craftsmanship and innovation for creative enthusiasts. With its sharp lens, manual controls, and seamless adaptability, it is a testament to Polaroid’s commitment to evolving with the times while staying true to its heritage. So, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a newcomer to the world of instant photography, the I-2 is an excellent choice to embark on your creative journey.

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Polaroid-inspired coffee machine concept gives you a ‘shot’ of instant coffee with a simple ‘click’!

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Who knew Polaroid and espresso were unlikely companions? This concept rather cleverly combines the two into the ‘ultimate coffee machine for amateurs’. If Polaroid brought great retro photography (and photo development) to the masses, the Polaroid Express does the same for instant coffee. Plus, can we just take a second to appreciate how clever the name Polaroid Express is?! (as a play on Polar Express and Espresso)

The coffee machine looks like a massive camera, with the signature friendly rectangular form and the clever use of colors to create that friendly appeal associated with the instant camera company. Designed to be portable (it IS a concept, after all), the apparatus has a rather simple form factor and feels intuitive to operate. All you really have to do is select how many cups you want (the machine can make as many as 4), and hit the ‘shutter’ button and the Polaroid Express gets to work, filling coffee from a set of pre-fed pods into cups at the base of the machine. Lift the top off to reveal the base tray and voila! You’ve got your cups of coffee, freshly made and ready to consume… in an instant!

Designer: Elif Bulut

The Polaroid Express accepts a 2×2 tray of coffee pods, making a total of 4 cups of coffee.

The Polaroid Express’ simple design models itself on the cameras, which only require you to compose your shot and hit the shutter button. Here, all you do is select the number of cups you want to be made and hit the red button and the machine does all the work. It works similarly to how a Keurig or Nespresso machine might. Pods fit into the area right beneath the control panel, and the upper reservoir is filled with water. Once you hit the button, it heats the water up (the rainbow strip on the front acts as a temperature indicator), and as soon as it reaches the right temperature, the machine brews the coffee and dispenses it in the cups right below.

Designed to be perfect for amateurs, the Polaroid Express isn’t just simple to use, it’s fun in its own way too. The rainbow color scheme brings a certain joy to the coffee-making experience (it’s something teens and tweens will appreciate for sure), and the machine’s base comes with a variety of colored trays, allowing you to add a pop of color to your kitchen counter. The trays are paired with matching colorful-base glasses too!

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Polaroid ventures into musical lanes with colorful Bluetooth speakers that make an impact

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If you have been a photographer or love photography, chances are you have used or at least are familiar with the name Polaroid. After giving us colorful cameras to make photography impactful, Polaroid is venturing into the musical lanes with a series of four consumer-oriented speakers that are reminiscent of the company’s vibrant image.

The line of speakers is released in different sizes and price points to give all types of consumers a choice that suits their pocket and style. The playful Polaroid image reflects instantly in the hues that these speakers boast, which are an embodiment of the company’s decades of perfection. The exciting Bluetooth speakers in addition to doing absolute justice to the Polaroid’s image are equally effective when it comes to their audio performance.

Designer: Polaroid

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The four speakers in question are simply called P1, P2, P3, and P4. The basic naming doesn’t at all mean that these music players are in any way inferior to the competition. They may not boast support for voice assistants or any fancy connected features to go with their cute image, but all of them have the hues to floor us. The little, cube-shaped Polaroid P1 music player the company says “is apple size.” The absolutely compact device is pairable to other speakers in the lineup for a more robust sound and it can play music for up to 10 hours on a single charge. It is the only device with IPX5 waterproof rating, making it splash resistant. In fact, all the speakers can be paired with a simple tap and have the same music flowing through all the rooms of your house.

With 15 hours of playback time, P2 arrives in size roughly twice that of the P1. It is more powerful in comparison but equally portable to take anywhere you like. P3 with polished metal handle for portability as opposed to wrist strap on P2, the speakers are pretty identical in shape but this guy outpowers the P2 in output quality. The largest and loudest of the Polaroid speaker line up, the P4 music player can fill the largest of rooms with sound. This watermelon-sized speaker also boasts 15 hours of playback time.

All these colorful and powerful Polaroid speakers feature an array of handles and straps for easy transport. You can wear them on the wrist or carry them in Boombox style, the choice is yours! All the speakers, except for P1 feature an exciting, but small LED screen that dances with music and gives out some information. The most exciting thing about the Polaroid speaker lineup is that they can tune into the company’s radio stations and offer a lovely heart button to share for a song you love. If you are interested, the square-shaped P1 is priced at $59.99; compatible with Polaroid Music App, the P2 is priced at $129.99; Polaroid P3 will set you back $189.99; while the biggest of them all, the P4 music player, available in black and yellow, will cost $289.99.

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This modernized instant camera folds down compact when not in use

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According to a forecast by the Verified Market Research team, the global Polaroid market is slated to increase significantly during the time period 2021-2028. Cultural icons like David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams have pushed the technical limits of the playful camera; and in the current era, it’s paying much dividend.

Generation-Z is willing to spend time and money on more personalized products such as instant camera. In fact, the largest chunk of people interested in such genre of cameras is in the age group of 25–34-year-old. They are even willing to pay higher prices for Polaroids.

Designer: Ursuss Designs

This is the perfect opportunity to create a Polaroid camera that imbibes modern technologies and design elements to evolve naturally. Perhaps, the ideal time period to create a next-gen Polaroid, like the Next-Step SX-100 instant camera. Made out of brushed steel, the advanced shooter has a compact design, as compared to some of the most recent modern versions of the good old Polaroid. The mirror lid, lens case, LED flash bar and sensors conceal when the camera is not in use. Only when you need to shoot, does everything open up, ready for action.

In the non-working position, the camera can be mistaken for a modern projector with its metal finish and a similar form factor. With the push of a dedicated button, the mirror lid pops open and a firmer push makes the lens case rises. In the shooting position, the viewfinder displays the area of the subject appearing in the final photograph. Just adjacent to the mirror lid button is the film indicator that displays the amount of film left for more shoots.

Advanced shooting modes come in the form of a shutter button to click a photograph, manual focus to control zoom, auto/manual focus, exposer controls, and good old flash settings. The cartridge slot can be easily slid open to swap any cartridge running low on ink with a new one.

It has to be said, this compact designed Polaroid camera is quite practical for modern-day use, especially for the younger lot who prefer sleek looks any day.

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LEGO version of Polaroid’s iconic OneStep Camera is built to stunning detail with a functioning film tray

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With over 9,000 supporters and an official nod from the LEGO Staff Picks committee, the LEGO Polaroid OneStep SX-70 is just ‘one step’ away from getting its own official box kit.

With a relatively simple 538-brick design, the nearly-scale LEGO Polaroid OneStep features the iconic camera built to stunningly realistic detail (complete with the rainbow stripe across the front), with a functioning film tray and a piece of film that pops out when you rotate the gear on the side. Moreover, the camera even has the option of attaching a cloth strap for carrying the device around, along with its own LEGO box of SX-70 Land Film!

Designer: Minibrick Productions

Designed by LEGO Master Builder Minibrick Productions, the Polaroid Camera is easily one of the most realistic builds I’ve seen in a while. Not only is it aesthetically accurate with lenses, buttons, and features in the right places, the camera focuses on nailing the smaller, finer details too… like that film tray that opens up to reveal a LEGO photo paper inside, or the fact that the camera even comes with all the appropriate manufacturer stickers under the hood. To top things off, the camera even has a real see-through viewfinder that you can peer out of!

With a little above 500 votes left, Minibrick Productions is just weeks away from having their LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) turned into a real, buyable build that anyone can own. Major chops to the designer who managed to put together something this stunningly realistic. Now if only this little beauty had a tripod mount!

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This Polaroid Go idea could catapult the instant camera into low-light photography segment

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Pocket-sized instant cameras don’t have the best results professionals can rely upon, but these do have their own market. So, whether you like the compactness of the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 or the cuteness of the Polaroid Go camera, you’re in the domain where love for instant cameras is paramount. To toil your senses further, an artist has revealed a fresh new design to the already exciting and charming Polaroid Go with its special edition concept.

I am a big fan of Polaroid cameras; they have for generations been the go-to instant cameras and their film quality has been above par for their credit. Family and friends have captured memories on the fly using an ultra-compact instant Polaroid camera that in recent generations, especially with the Go edition, is white and amiable. It pleases the eye and the photography enthusiast in one portable design that has gone through drastic makeover through the years.

The most exciting new Polaroid Go has proven its stance in the instant camera market. It comes for an affordable $99.99 and fits in the palm of the hand to snapshots with point and shoot convenience. It’s a standout feature in the selfie mirror on the viewfinder, which can be used to align well for a perfect selfie before the self-timer kicks in.

The Polaroid Go is already equipped with standout features like double exposure, a selfie timer, and a throwback design that rekindles the nostalgia for Polaroid cameras of yesteryears. Designer JK Captain who is already reckoned for his retro-futuristic computer from the Loki series, believes the white plastic-bodied Polaroid Go featuring splashes of color, has some scope for improvement.

To present an idea Polaroid would want to look at closely, the designer has added a manual focus lens right below the company’s signature rainbow stipe logo for more precise focusing and better low-light photography. The portable camera is provided with three colorful buttons for Exposure, Timing, and Autofocus, alongside the zoom in, zoom out buttons. The overall design scheme from the Polaroid Go remains the same, however, the ingenious additions will make the Polaroid Go special edition create some ripples in the instant camera industry.

Designer: JK Captain

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Polaroid’s ‘most creative instant camera yet’ lets you edit photos, use lens filters, and click long-exposure shots

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Polaroid is, once again, at a crossroads. It famously survived the death of celluloid film cameras as everyone pivoted to digital media, and somehow managed to remain a relevant product even as smartphone cameras became more and more popular, but now as people are constantly pushing to create content and be more ‘creative’ on social media, a simple click-and-print instant camera doesn’t sound like a big deal anymore. To make the instant camera appealing to this new wave of ‘content creators’, Polaroid debuted the Now+, an i-Type camera that comes with a slew of features that upgrade the instant camera experience with filters, lenses, art-styles, and a remote shutter feature through Polaroid’s own smartphone app.

Polaroid’s always had a reputation of being a cool-kid toy, although the definition of ‘cool’ has certainly changed over the years. The Now+ keeps that in mind, with its unique set of features that let you capture images with a twist. The camera comes with snap-on lens filters that give your images different effects, while the camera now even supports capturing styles like long-exposure photography and double-exposure photography.

The snap-on lens kit features multiple tinted lenses as well as a ‘starburst’ lens for more vivid shots. The Now+ even comes with autofocus capabilities (a feature that was also built into its predecessor, the Now) and extensive creative control thanks to the accompanying Polaroid app. The app lets you adjust the camera’s aperture for either crisp, clear shots, or bokeh-filled low DoF images, while the camera intelligently handles the exposure to give you the best shot. The camera works with a tripod too, and can be remotely triggered via the smartphone app – a feature that’s integral to the Now+’s long-exposure photography mode that can be used for light-painting amongst other things. You can combine and photos too, for double-exposure photography – a feature that’s new to the Polaroid lineup.

The Polaroid Now+ supports both i-Type and 600 Type film. It comes in 3 colors (black, white, and blue-grey) and costs US$149 with the accompanying filter kit.

Designer: Polaroid

This Polaroid camera comes with an inbuilt stylus that lets you doodle on your photos before they print

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Looks like the Galaxy Note and the instant camera had a baby! Meet the NOTIC, a camera concept that takes instant photography to the next level. While most instant cameras are a mere two-step effort – clicking and printing (or developing if you’re pedantic), NOTIC adds a third intermediary step that lets you customize your photos before they print. The camera’s built-in stylus lets you doodle on your photos, adding notes, emojis, sketches, etc. to give your photo a more heartfelt, personal touch.

The NOTIC camera concept is roughly modeled on the format of the Fujifilm Instax series, with its almost boxy appearance. It comes with a viewfinder in the top corner that lets you compose your shot, a flash for dark scenes, and an autofocus sensor that ensures your images are crystal clear. Once you’ve clicked the picture, a screen on the back of the camera displays your photo (which you can either accept or reject), and a pop-out-stylus built into the side of the camera lets you doodle on your photo before printing it out. Just experientially, it feels a lot like doodling on an Instagram story or a Snapchat snap before posting it, except this isn’t really ephemeral. Once you accept your final result, the photo develops on the instant film which slowly makes its way out of the top of the camera.

Designer: Jinwoo Jang

The stylus isn’t just a mere pen-shaped hunk of plastic either. It comes with buttons that let you toggle the stroke-width of your brush and even a button on top that lets you swap between brush and eraser.