According to a study by Rise Above Research, "2021 Worldwide Image Capture Forecast," 1.4 trillion photos were taken worldwide in 2021. This figure is expected to reach 1.6 trillion in 2023. Unsurprisingly, over 90% of these photos were captured using smartphones . You probably have thousands of photos stored on your mobile phone and don't know what to do with them.
Unfortunately, conservation experts are quite pessimistic about their digital lifespan. It would seem, then, that copies are the alternative so that your children and grandchildren can also enjoy them.
For this, you have two very simple solutions: a portable printer or the good old Polaroid camera . We'll explain everything below.
The portable printer
The portable printer is the worthy successor to Polaroids and other instant cameras. connected to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth , and battery-powered, it allows you to print your photos wirelessly wherever and whenever you want.
Benefits
- One of the real advantages of a portable printer compared to a Polaroid camera is clearly the print quality. Although this is heavily dependent on the underlying technology, which is relatively new and evolving rapidly, consequently, so is the quality. Several printing methods exist: inkless printing , dye-sublimation, or traditional silver halide printing.
- Taking a photo first with your mobile phone allows you to choose which one will be printed. You can crop and slightly edit it before printing. No unpleasant surprises, then.
- Some portable printers connect to your social media accounts like Instagram, Facebook, etc., allowing you to print directly from them. This is a detail worth considering.
Disadvantages
- Beyond the initial purchase price, which may sometimes seem advantageous, the real expense lies in the cost of consumables. It is therefore important to research the price of photo paper and ink before investing in a portable printer. Indeed, the final cost can prove to be much less attractive in the long run.
- Some portable printers can still be difficult to transport. It all depends, of course, on the size and price you're willing to pay. Keep in mind that size isn't automatically linked to print quality.
Price ranges
There's a wide range of prices on the market. From under €100 for a Kodak Mini or an HP Sprocket, to over €170 for a Brother portable printer , for example, which are more professional and high-end models. Prices vary depending on size, technology, features, print speed, and battery life. It's up to you to choose what suits you best!
The Polaroid
Polaroid was originally the name of a brand (and the inventor of this technology), but it is now used as a common noun to refer to an instant printing camera .
Benefits
- The charm of Polaroid lies in its retro , authentic, and unique quality. It's generally this vintage and nostalgic aspect that people seek in instant photographs. And perhaps also the spontaneity that comes with it. Here, no retouching is possible. No filters either.
- Another advantage of the Polaroid is its ease of use, as it's a "2-in-1" device. Everything is included: one click and the photo is taken and then printed on paper. A few seconds are all it takes to capture the beauty of the moment.
- They are generally cheaper and more affordable than portable printers. But again, be aware that the cost of consumables can quickly increase the overall price of your purchase. It's important to carefully consider all the factors before making a purchase.
Disadvantages
- The first disadvantage of Polaroid is certainly the print quality. As you might expect, the photos are less sharp than those from a portable printer. But it all depends on your priorities.
- As we mentioned earlier, you only get one shot. So you can't afford to mess it up. Spontaneity can certainly be a charming asset, but you could also end up with some terrible photos.
- It does not allow printing pre-existing photos.
Price ranges
Polaroid remains the inventor of the instant photo camera, but it now faces competition from other brands like Lomo and Fujifilm. Again, you'll find a wide range of prices. Expect to pay around €70 for a Fujifilm Instax Mini and over €150 for a Lomography Lomo'Instant Wide, for example, which offers more advanced features.
As you've probably gathered, both portable printers and Polaroid cameras have their advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on what you're looking for and how you intend to use them. In both cases, they're an excellent way to preserve your precious memories. And as a bonus, they can even make a nice decoration for your fridge.
We'd love to hear your opinions, which one do you prefer? Feel free to leave a comment below!
