Instant cameras are a welcome accessory at weddings. We explain what to look out for when buying or renting, what disposable Polaroid cameras are, and how to avoid unpleasant surprises. At the end of the article we also present our Top 3 wedding cameras.
Instant camera at the wedding: a guide
If you plan to use instant cameras at your own wedding, you should ask yourself a few basic questions in advance. We try to clarify the most important ones:
- Should I buy or rent?
- What costs will I have to pay?
- What format should the images have?
- How much does the corresponding film cost?
- Which models are actually suitable?
Buying or renting?
An instant camera at the wedding is particularly one thing: another cost factor. But in fact the purchase costs for this are kept within limits. The popular Instax Mini 11 is now available for as little as 65,- €. Depending on the size of the wedding, one or two cameras are sufficient. Alternatively, it is also possible to rent the cameras. Films are of course another factor to consider. Tip: Instant cameras are popular second-hand goods. A resale after the wedding should not be a problem with popular models.
Why the format is important!
Whoever believes that all instant cameras use the square format known from movies is mistaken. In fact, many cameras use a narrow portrait format. These pictures in 3:2 format are only conditionally suitable for shots of larger groups. However, a camera that uses larger dimensions like Polaroid’s 1:1 format or Instax Wide is usually more expensive to buy. The corresponding films also cause higher costs. Also to consider: Cameras that use Zink photo paper belong to the family of instant cameras. However, the pictures do not have a white border. The typical instant-picture look is thus lost. Instead, Zink pictures have an optionally removable adhesive foil on the back. You can find an overview of the most common instant cameras by image size and format here.
Not all cameras are the same
Another important factor besides the image format is the ease of use the individual camera models. At a wedding the rule is: the simpler the better. Expensive models often come with a range of functions and modes. That may be of advantage for professionals, for laymen those possibly put for the first time with the wedding hand to an instant picture camera, rather less optimally. Point-and-Shoot is King. Photos should be taken spontaneously, ideally only the shutter release should be pressed – the successful photo is finished.
The cost per image
It is the cost per photo that makes up the bill at the end of the (wedding) day. As already mentioned, the costs here are closely tied to the respective format. The popular Instax Mini format, which is used in the Instax Mini 11, for example, is one of the cheapest. In this case you should choose large packages (e.g. 5 x 20 sheets). The costs per image (Note: Prices are subject to fluctuations, the figures are approximate):
- Instax Mini Film (Format 3:2): approx. 70 Cent / Picture
- Instax Wide Film (2:3): approx. 80 Cent / Picture
- Instax Square Film (1:1): approx. 90 Cent / Picture
- Polaroid i-Type film (1:1): approx. 1,70 $ / picture
- Zink photo paper (3:2): approx. 50 cent / picture
Which instant camera is suitable for a wedding?
As already mentioned, an instant camera at a wedding should be as easy as possible for the guests to use. This already narrows down the selection. Point-and-shoot is the order of the day. Also the costs for photos should be kept within limits. Accordingly, Polaroid cameras are only suitable to a limited extent due to the higher costs per picture. Also to consider: usually instant cameras do not have an internal memory – so pictures are unique. This has its charm, but can also become a problem. So-called digital instant cameras provide a remedy. They have an internal memory, so photos can be duplicated at will. We have put together our very personal Top 3 for you.
Top 3 instant cameras for weddings
1st place: Instax Mini 11 from Fujifilm
Our price-performance winner convinces with maximum ease of use, comparatively inexpensive images, and great image quality. The weakness of the previous model, too dark backgrounds in poorly lit rooms, is a thing of the past. A further plus: with colors like “Blush Pink” or “Sky Blue” the cameras are made for weddings. Attention: the Mini 11 photos are in the narrower 3:2 portrait format.
Click here for the Instax Mini 11 review!
2nd place: Instax SQ1 from Fujifilm
The Instax SQ1 has similar strengths as the Mini 11, especially the easy handling is convincing. Its advantage: the square image format.
Click here for the Instax SQ1 test!
3rd place: Canon Zoemini S
A digital instant camera that uses Zink photo paper. The photos are accordingly not in the classic instant image look. And they remain stored, so successful photos can be shared as desired. Plus: Zinc photos are the cheapest instant pictures for a wedding in comparison.
Click here for the Canon Zoemini S Test!
As an alternative to instant cameras, a photo printer can be used. Models such as the Instax Mini Link are extremely handy and serve as instant photo printers on smartphones or laptops. Printing is done in the same format as with the Instax Mini 11.
Wedding games & basic tips
Depending on the budget, Polaroid cameras are used differently at weddings. If the budget is rather tight or the number of guests is high, the cameras should be distributed with a per person limit. The advantage: with a limit of, for example, three photos per person, guests tend to be more creative in their motifs. If the budget of the wedding is rather unimportant, or if sufficient photo supply is provided, wedding games are a good idea. The guests are given tasks like:
- Photograph the sweetest couple (except the bride and groom 😉
- Photograph the most beautiful smile
- Photograph the most talented dance couple
- Photograph the happiest child
However, it is important to avoid putting your foot in it. Tasks like “photograph the untidiest table” can quickly degenerate into an unwanted competition. And guests should not feel disturbed by the use of the camera. Photo boxes are also popular in connection with instant cameras. They offer cool backgrounds and are also particularly suitable for an “orderly” sequence of events.
Disposable cameras at the wedding: addition or alternative
Especially when the budget is tight, instant cameras are only conditionally suitable for many photos. Here the additional employment of genuine disposable cameras on the wedding celebration offers itself. With costs of approx. 35 cent per picture (acquisition & elaboration) they are still significantly cheaper than instant pictures.
And disposable instant cameras?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a single-use or disposable instant camera (anymore). More information here.
Conclusion
Instant cameras are an enrichment for every wedding. As a complement to the professional photographer, they provide further unique memories. Because the charm of an instant photo has lost nothing of its fascination even in times of cell phone cameras. Even if the picture fades slightly over the years, the charm of the picture is only increased by this. Who informs himself in the apron about the most important corner points such as format and price per picture, the wedding with an instant camera will not regret.
VIDEO: Gordon Laings Instax Mini 11 Review
