It truly is interesting to note how, especially in this age of digital technology, instant cameras are a hit—among the younger, “smartphone” generation, no less.
Instant cameras are those equipped with a photographic film that allows the developing process right after a photo has been taken.
If sales reports of camera and film brands are any indication, photo printing is indeed getting a new lease on life. Fujifilm’s Instax brand of instant cameras, for instance, has sold 7.7 million units globally in FY 2017, 10 years since its launch, according to Fujifilm India managing director Haruto Iwata.
“Right not we are living in a digital age, and Instax, in a way, is old technology. But it is actually thriving right now. A lot of millennials, who are surrounded by everything digital, are clamoring for something real, something tangible,” Fujifilm Philippines marketing leader Geremy Faye So told Manila Standard.
She added, “The Instax camera is for amateur photographers, hobbyists, and people who are into retro vibe—people who like to reminisce the good things in their lives.”
So said the growing trend of instant cameras, fueled by the millennials’ love for all things vintage, is expected to continue in the years to come “as proven by the popularity of Instax cameras and prints they produce.”
Taking advantage of this trend, Fujifilm continually brings in instant cameras to the Philippines, the latest of which is the Instax Square SQ6, launched on June 29.
The SQ6 is the brand’s first square format analog camera. Fujifilm previously released SQ10, a hybrid camera with digital components that prints on square films as well.
The new release is packed with features made for millennials’ #feedgoals. It has Automatic Exposure Control that instantly brightens the photo’s subject and background and Double Exposure Mode that captures two images in the same print by simply pressing the shutter twice.
The Instax SQ6 also has Selfie Mode that automatically adjusts brightness and focal length to the ideal level, Macro Mode that captures subjects from a close range of 30cm-50cm, and Landscape Mode that instantly amps up the ante of subjects taken two meters away and beyond.
It also comes with flash color filters in orange, purple, and green.
The Instax SQ6 is available in three stylish colors, namely Blush Gold, Graphite Gray, and Pearl White. It is now available at Fujifilm authorized dealers nationwide for P7,999.