Polaroid's "Instagram" camera is finally pre-ordered.

The long-awaited super cute (and Instagram) camera takes the stage.

It has been two years since Italian design company ADR Studio released the cutest camera concept so far, and many people have laughed. But finally, pre-orders for the Socialmatic autofocus camera began.

A chubby square device similar to the Instagram app icon, with a built-in printer function and a Polaroid brand logo. The price is $300 and shipment is expected to begin on January 1, 2015. The company began promoting its pre-orders at Amazon last Wednesday.

The company officially launched the device on Consumer Electronics Show in January. So here's the reservation for the holiday season. Let's take a look at the modern version of this Polaroid classic real-time camera.

It's not a real camera, but the fun is real.

Polaroid Socialmatic camera

Socialmatic is expected to compete with Samsung's Galaxy Camera, but the comparison is completely meaningless. Both can run Android software and connect wirelessly (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), and users can take photos and share them on the spot. However, in Galaxy Camera, more formal photos can be taken. This is especially true of the second generation model.

In a nutshell, Galaxy Camera2's hardware beat Polaroid. Samsung not only has optical zoom and jitter correction, but also exceeds the number of pixels (14MP Vs16MP), touchscreen (4.8in vs4.5 inch) and capacity (4 GB Vs8 GB). The hardware specification of the Socialmatic doesn't even have a zoom function, but if it has all the features like Galaxy, there will be digital problems.

Samsung Galaxy Camera2

However, Socialmatic is not going to argue as a real camera. The previous instant digital cameras from Polaroid, the Z2300 and Z340, are captured as models of cute and nostalgic ascension. The built-in ZINK (zero ink) printer is reminiscent of Polaroid's instant film camera that allows people to indulge in the glory days of photos.

Other products, such as the Fuji Film Instax Mini and Polaroid's real-time analog cameras, sell with their nostalgic charm and instant spot access to photos.

Instax Mini 8, a popular product of Fuji Film

Unlike products that use special film developed on the spot, Socialmatic does not need film. The built-in printer also does not require ink. The ZINK printer matches transparent dye crystals in 2 × 3 inch photo paper.

Heat is applied from the camera, and the crystal is melted and colored. Oh, it's incredible, so you can take a good picture! However, it requires ZINK photo paper, such as plastic. After such a process, you can keep ambiguous, water-resistant, unbreakable photos or submit them to friends. Of course, it can also be uploaded to any SNS as a digital image file.

In previous prototypes, no particularly exciting photos were provided. In spite of this, the classic real-time film camera can not be said to be a big disadvantage, because it does not have such a big defect in terms of quality. Considering the purpose of the equipment, the quality is sufficient, and in the final production mode, it has also been improved.

Even if there is some dissatisfaction with the quality of the photos, Android apps are capable of being digital cameras that can be shared directly to their own social networking sites. In other words, it can be sent to services such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and so on immediately after taking photos. Of course, it looks like a Socialmatic application, and so is Instagram.

Autofocus and nostalgic memories

Polaroid imitates Instagram, which is neither extremely fair nor accurate. In the final analysis, the popularity of photo apps and social networking sites is clearly due to the introduction of Polaroid aesthetics from the very beginning.

Different real sizes: Instagram app (left), classic Polaroid instant film camera (center), new Socialmatic instant digital camera (right)

So in a sense, it can be said that Socialmatic just goes back to its original state around the food chain of product development. Polaroid also uses this seductive retro design sensibility in its small polaroid Cube HD action camera.

No matter what the shortcomings and inspiration of this thick, flat, square device, I have to support it. This can be said to be a masterpiece of Polaroid. Although it has a potentially attractive popular product, it has not yet eliminated the title of retro brand with modern characteristics. This is what the company has been desperately pursuing for many years.

Polaroid's career is to dress up in a situation where the consumer market is changing to digital photos. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2001. Since then, Polaroid has been exploring how to make the most of memorable brands by selling businesses such as licensing, new cameras and printers, or pursuing other ways.

With its long-awaited product, Socialmatic, Polaroid may be able to set off a whirlwind again. The only unstoppable problem is price. During this year's holiday season, including Galaxy Camera2, there are many cameras that can be bought for $300. Recalling the charm of Polaroid in the past, how much consumers are willing to pay to the current Socialmatic can be said to be the key to success.

Pictures provided: top pictures: Polaroid/Socialmaticclassic Polaroid pictures: Shutterstock other pictures: Amazon

Adriana Lee [original]

This report is reprinted from ReadWrite Japan. The source of the reprint is here.

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