Polaroids’ heyday may have passed, but enthusiasts aren’t ready to let the instant–film cameras die. With a filter that makes Instagram jealous, Polaroid cameras promptly print photos, which develop in minutes.
Pro tip: “Shaking it like a Polaroid picture” may, in fact, ruin your pictures.
Who uses it: That one friend with an Instax Mini.
When to use it: To impress your friends.
Analogue cameras, or film cameras, have fallen into two categories: passe and retro. Most film cameras are now defunct and have been replaced by newer, digital technology. Still, SLRs remain a true testament of photographic skill. From setting the aperture and shutter speed to processing prints in a dark room, using these vintage cameras is a process, albeit an artistically rewarding one.
Who uses/used it: Your parents
When to use it: When you take “Intro to Photography”
Digital cameras are the present and foreseeable future of photography. Whether an affordable point–and–shoot or a thousand–dollar DSLR, they take high–quality pictures, and it’s rare to find one with under 10 megapixels. Snap away on an “auto” setting or learn to manipulate the settings manually. Either way, these cameras can store thousands of pictures and easily download to your computer later.
Who uses it: Your little sister, your cultured friend abroad, the event photographer at your frat formal.
When to use it: To savor any and all memories.
Disposable cameras, with the familiar sound of winding the camera and the satisfying “click!” with each photo taken, will always provide an element of nostalgia. The fun continues when you finally get the film developed (CVS at 43rd and Locust Streets is one of the few places that still develops them) and flip through the photos for the very first time—not having a viewing lens is surprisingly rewarding.
Who uses it: Your camp friend, the “alternative” girl at the party, Kay Lu (C '15)
When to use it: During parties or vacations for a more candid collection of photos.
The iPhone camera may just make point–and–shoot digital cams defunct. Unless you’ve resisted buying the Apple device, this camera is always at your fingertips, so you can instantly text, Tweet, Instagram or mupload your day–to–day life (or meals). With eight megapixels, it also puts other mobile cameras to shame.
Who uses it: Who doesn’t?
When to use it: At a party, in class, at brunch.
Lomography cameras pack an artistic punch. Each model—from the Holga to the fisheye to the Diana—creates unique images with different, colorful effects. Some may be blurry, others grainy, others 360? panoramics. They’re often wind–up film cameras, so you’ll have to decide if the photoshop–esque results are worth the hassle of developing them.
Who uses it: Hipsters.
When to use it: On a cross–country road trip, on a rooftop during the summer, on a camping trip.
