Instant Photography's Comeback Story | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Instant Photography's Comeback Story

The real question is, will Outkast make a comeback as well?

103
Instant Photography's Comeback Story
Pinterest

The death of “instant” photography occurred when Polaroid announced it would stop producing Polaroid cameras in 2007, or so we thought. In recent years instant photography has made a comeback.

The first Polaroid camera made its debut in 1943, according to Polaroid. By 1956 Polaroid had sold it millionth camera and had it’s product distributed throughout 45 countries. The camera itself was new and instant, which meant no more waiting for film to develop. With the Polaroid you click a button, watch the film come out of the camera, wait a couple of minutes and see your picture. It was new and exciting.

In 2007 Polaroid said it would stop producing Polaroid cameras and film, according to The New York Times. The craze was over. Up until a few years ago Polaroid-like cameras made a dramatic comeback.

Fujifilm one of the last companies to still make instant cameras sold five million Instax cameras, which is Fujifilm’s version of a Polaroid. With an expected growth for 2016 with an estimated 6.5 million in Instax camera sales, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Fujifilm is a company that began in 1934 that started in Japan. It was one of the few companies still making instant photography cameras. It shortly dominated the market in instant photography. Now the company has multiple variations of instant cameras, in order to create a wide variety of images to capture. With some cameras offering wider film to shoot from and others providing more camera accessories, such as exposure.

With Snapchat and Instagram it’s hard to imagine why the Polaroid would make such a big comeback. So far there’s little explanation as to why instant photography is coming back with a boom.

Polaroid camera’s are getting large sales in millennial and teen demographics, according to Time. It would seem that there’s a sort of nostalgia for something these generation never fully experienced.

The CEO of Polaroid attributes the comeback of instant photography cameras to the simplicity of the camera. With the teenagers of today use to quality cameras built into their phone and a well functioning computer in the palm of their hand, to find something that has one job is a rare site to see. With photos everywhere on numerous social media platforms the Polaroid cameras makes photos more unique and personal.

Since the spike in sales on Polaroid-like cameras the Polaroid company is attempting to get back in the game, so to speak. They’ve created numerous products centered around the instant photography idea. Zip is an inkless printer that prints images roughly the size of a business card that create that Polaroid feel.

Polaroid also introduced another new product, The Cube. A small and simple entry level action camera that is as Time puts it “About the size of four casino dice staked together.” However, Polaroid has an uphill battle ahead of them. Without their famous cameras to make anymore they face many challenges ahead.

They’re attempting to get reacquainted with their roots by creating products that are Polaroid accessories or have a Polaroid sense to them without actually creating their Polaroid camera. In addition, with the introduction to The Cube Polaroid is attempting to introduce itself in the action camera market run by GoPro.

With little explanation as to why Polaroids made a comeback the Polaroid company itself has found itself at the bottom of a market they used to dominate. With companies like Fujifilm running the market Polaroid might have missed its chance to make a comeback in the instant photography world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17190
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7358
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5404
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4709
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments