Instant camera facts for kids
The instant camera is a type of camera which uses self-developing film to create a chemically developed print shortly after taking the picture. Polaroid Corporation pioneered (and patented) consumer friendly instant cameras and film, and were followed by various other manufacturers.
The invention of commercially viable instant cameras which were easy to use is generally credited to American scientist Edwin Land, who unveiled the first commercial instant camera, the model 95 Land Camera, in 1948, a year after unveiling instant film in New York City. The earliest instant camera, which consisted of a camera and portable wet darkroom in a single compartment, was invented in 1923 by Samuel Shlafrock.
Usage
Instant cameras have found many uses throughout their history. The original purpose of instant cameras was motivated by Jennifer Land's question to her father (Edwin Land): "Why can't I see them now?" Many people have enjoyed seeing their photos shortly after taking them, allowing them to recompose or retake the photo if they didn't get it right. But instant cameras were found to be useful for other purposes such as ID cards, passport photos, ultrasound photos, and other uses which required an instant photo. They were also used by police officers and fire investigators because of their ability to create an unalterable instant photo.
With the advent of digital photography, much of the instant camera's consumer appeal has been transferred to digital cameras. Passport photo cameras have gone to digital, leaving instant cameras to a niche market.
Images for kids
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One Polaroid and two Fujifilm instant cameras with film
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Polaroid SX-70
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Fujifilm Instax 210 with instant photograph
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Picture of a waterfall taken with an instant camera in Salinas Victoria
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Polaroid Model 95, the company's first instant camera introduced in 1948
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Polaroid Automatic 350, made from 1969 to 1971
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Fujifilm FP-14, a passport camera intended to produce four photo portraits of the same subject simultaneously
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Kodak EK100
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Fujifilm Instax Mini 50S camera
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MiNT Instantflex TL70
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Using an instant camera
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See also
In Spanish: Cámara instantánea para niños
