The Polaroid Pic 300 instant camera resembles the classic Polaroid camera, which most people are familiar with. Significant improvements have been made to the device, and it is now one of the best instant cameras on the market. Although the camera is easy to use, it is ideal for those who appreciate its novelty value. This Polaroid Pic 300 review is meant to give you a detailed overview of the device and its key features plus some useful recommendations.
General Specifications
Type: Instant camera
Resolution: 13 MP
ISO: 800
Shutter Speed: 1/60 seconds
Continuous Shouting Rate: N/A
Size: 7 x 4.8 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 3 oz (320 g)
Media Storage: No memory card slot
Pricing Options:
It uses 4 AA batteries and a Polaroid film. Each film costs $11.99 and can take 10 pictures. In physical stores, the films cost about $16. Most vendors sell two films for a generous discount. 8 AA batteries will cost you $3.60 and will last for months on end. The shelf life of these batteries is about 10 years.
Key Features
The Polaroid Pic 300 instant camera has gained popularity because of the nostalgia it gives users as it is quite similar to the old Polaroid camera people used years ago. The product features four scene settings that allow you to capture images in any lighting environment. Its settings range from indoors to the bright sunlight, so you will always get one that suits your scene. The device has an in-built flash that works automatically in poorly lit scenes. The camera produces instant photos of commendable quality which are then printed on business card-size papers. You will also love the portability of this device.
Image Quality and Performance
The Polaroid camera is meant to take analog images that can be printed instantly on business card-size papers. Because of its desirable size, the camera is popularly used at parties, events, and places that are away from home. The images produced are lower in quality compared to most digital cameras. That said, it gives you the option of printing the images without having to connect to an external printer.
The device can be used to take pictures in any form of lighting. It has four scene settings that range from very dimly lit environments to very bright places. The camera automatically detects the lighting in a scene and turns on the flash if necessary.
The camera uses four AA batteries, and these typically last for a long period. Each cartridge can produce 10 pictures. The pictures are developed in about a minute, right after you take them. Some main differences between this product and the old Polaroid instant cameras include the fact that the images are now much clearer and smaller in size.
It is important to note that the camera is only used to take pictures. It cannot be used to shoot videos. In addition, it cannot zoom images. All pictures are produced in a small playing card-sized paper.
Design and Controls
This camera is quite easy to use. You just need to snap the photo and click on print. Then, you can share your pictures with your friends and family. The settings for the lighting have to be adjusted manually. When going out, it is best to set it to match the level of lighting in the said environment. Otherwise, the pictures will not be as clear as you would prefer.
You can turn on the camera by pushing the shutter release button. Alternatively, you can push and pull the lens section to turn it on. In case you leave the camera idle for five minutes, it will automatically shut down. This is meant to save energy.
If you like compact devices, this camera is sure to impress you. It is small enough to be carried around with ease, has a 60 mm lens, and the flash can cover a range of 0.6 to 2.7 meters.
Pros:
The Polaroid Pic 300 camera is sure to suit many events and outdoor parties. Here are some of its benefits:
- Small and, therefore, portable;
- Cheaply priced;
- Easy to use;
- Can take very clear images with much better image quality and livelier colors than the classic Polaroid instant camera;
- Can save your battery by automatically shutting down when not in use;
- Has several lighting settings and can be used to take pictures in differently-lit scenes;
- Pictures are developed quite fast – in less than a minute;
- The flash turns on automatically when you take pictures in poorly lit environments;
- It counts down the number of pictures remaining for every cartridge, so you can always plan accordingly;
Cons:
No device or product comes without flaws. That is true even for the Polaroid Pic 300 instant camera. That said, the pros of this product will outweigh the cons in many different situations. Here are the disadvantages of the camera:
- Can only take 10 pictures with each cartridge and the film is also quite expensive;
- You cannot pre-view the pictures before printing; this is meant to follow the design of the classic Polaroid cameras but is a disadvantage since you simply have to print the image and choose whether you will keep it or dispose of it;
- It might take you some time to understand how the scene settings are supposed to be used. Many users get lots of poor pictures because they don’t use the correct scene setting.
- Lacks a memory card slot, so you cannot save your pictures on the device.
Recommendations
As you have already learned in this Polaroid Pic 300 review, this product is definitely not suited for everyone. Of course, it has to be used by people who are enthusiastic about photography. It is best for people who like to snap quick pictures at events such as weddings, clubbing sessions, and parties as the images are developed fast. They can be printed in under a minute and be shared accordingly. When using it for such purposes, it is advisable to carry extra cartridges as they can only take 10 pictures. Also, you cannot store your pictures in the device as it does not support memory cards. If you don’t have the cartridge, the device will generally be useless at your event.
Verdict
The Polaroid Pic 300 instant camera is a modern version of the classic device most people used years ago. It has now been developed to produce high-quality images. Its design, controls, and features have been perfected to make it ideal as a camera for events. It will snap pictures and print them out in less than a minute, providing great convenience. We would strongly recommend the Polaroid Pic 300 if you are melancholic about the old Polaroid models. If you have used it before, please tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
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