The design of the Kodak Printomatic instant camera is impressive, but what about the rest? Can the inexpensive hybrid camera as a mixture of instant camera and digital camera keep up with the strong competition? We check the details!
In short:
- Hybrid Camera
- Pictures: Zink Photo Paper
- MicroSD slot
- Integrated lithium ion battery
- Black and white or color mode
- Image format: 2 x 3
- Price per picture: approx. 70 Cent
Fast, fun and easy to use
At least this is the promise of the manufacturer Kodak. And it has a turbulent past in the field of instant cameras. As early as the 1970s, Kodak was very successful in selling instant cameras. Only a patent dispute with the top dog Polaroid marked the end of the Kodak instant camera. Now Printomatic is taking over this legacy.
Digital instant camera – the hybrid camera
The Kodak Printomatic belongs to the family of so-called hybrid cameras. This means that not only can the camera be used to shoot analogue one-off prints, but the images are also preserved in digital form. This is basically an advantage, because successful shots can be passed on as desired and can be retrieved “forever”. However, this also means that the charm of a classic instant camera such as the Polaroid Onestep 2, where the instant image is truly unique, is lost a little. Thus, the Printomatic is actually a digital camera with image printing.
The technique of the Kodak Printomatic
The Kodak Printomatic has a 10-megapixel sensor with which digital photos are made. At the same time, the image is printed out when the picture is taken. This is not done in the usual Polaroid image format. This is because so-called Zink photo paper is used. In contrast to the classic instant pictures, the paper has no white frame, has an adhesive surface on the back, and has the unusual 2×3 format. Thus, sweeping landscape shots are rather difficult, but instead, the format consolidates the camera’s reputation as a “point-and-shoot” snapshot camera. This is not about great art, but about quick and easy fun shots. The Printomatic completely dispenses with a display. This way, you take pictures, very old school, through an optical viewfinder.
Picture quality
This is also reflected in the image quality. Sometimes details appear a little bit blurred, also the colors of the printed photo can differ a little compared to the digital image. Also moving objects are not exactly the Printomatic’s strong point, the shutter speed is simply too slow for this type of photography. Due to the missing macro mode a distance of at least one meter to the subject should always be kept. Discerning professional photographers should think twice before buying. If, on the other hand, you are looking for an easy-to-use hybrid camera for snapshots, the image quality is always sufficient. In addition, Zink photo paper images are extremely robust, waterproof and are well suited as giveaways. Note: the first image of each Zink film is blue, and is used for calibration.
Shooting Modes
To emphasize the simple character of the camera, the Kodak Printomatic has only two shooting modes. Colour and black and white. Especially the latter mode is a cool feature, as the black and white images have their own touch. However, some testers criticize a lack of contrast between the modes. Switching between the modes is done with a slider next to the shutter button. Those who value a sizeable number of shooting modes must resort to more expensive alternatives such as the Leica Sofort.
Automatic is king
With the exception of the two recording modes, almost everything on the Printomatic instant camera is automatic. This may frustrate technically experienced users, but for laymen looking for a snapshot camera this is an advantage. The camera adjusts the focus automatically. The flash also switches itself on as soon as the sensor deems it necessary. There is no way to deactivate it. In contrast to competing models like the Instax Mini Liplay, it’s also not possible to edit the images before printing. And you won’t find any fancy filters or frames for the printed images here.
Important: the printing of the photos is also automatic. That means: as long as there is film in the instant camera, printing is done when the shutter is released. There is no possibility to prevent the printing. By the way, it takes about 45 seconds from release to the finished picture. During this time there is the possibility to take more digital pictures which are not printed during this time.
Miscellaneous
In addition to the internal memory, the Kodak Printomatic has a MicroSD card slot on the bottom side (up to 32GB). Accordingly, there is no need to worry about memory space, assuming a large SD card. The camera can be loaded and/or connected to the PC for photo transfer via USB. The built-in lithium-ion battery is sufficient for the printing of approximately 20 pictures, whereby a maximum of 10 sheets of photo paper can be stored in the camera at once. When the battery power reaches 10%, printing is no longer possible, at 2%, the camera is automatically switched off.
Three LEDs on the back of the camera provide information on the battery charge level, current printing process and memory space. Unfortunately, one looks in vain for a self-timer. Also here, the minimalism of this instant camera becomes clear. A tripod thread was also omitted. In contrast to the Liplay, the Printomatic cannot be used as a mobile photo printer. Only directly taken pictures can be printed.
The design
As always, the design is to a large extent a matter of taste. However, the reduced exterior fits the character of the camera pretty well. The two-tone look is reminiscent of the sixties, and the soft edges make the camera feel good in the hand. Due to its compact dimensions and comparatively low weight, the Printomatic is also suitable as a constant companion, unlike larger models such as the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9. Available colors are black, yellow, grey, blue or pink.
Technical data
- Hybrid camera
- Image sensor: 10 megapixels
- Lens: wide angle 8 mm
- Aperture: f/2
- MicroSD slot up to 32 GB
- Built-in Lithium Ion battery (up to 20 prints)
- Load/transfer via USB
- Weight: approx. 300g
- Dimensions: 0.9 x 4.8 x 3.1 inches
- Film: Zink photo paper
- Picture modes: black and white and color
Source: https://www.kodakphotoplus.com/products/printomatic
Click here for the operating instructions for the Kodak Printomatic.
Kodak Printomatic tips & tricks
As an accessory the Printomatic can be equipped with a lens cover. The clou: when the camera is switched on, the cover prevents an accidentally taken photo (tip: the shutter release of the camera is very sensitive). This is because the camera interprets the cover as too dark light conditions for a photo. In addition, the ring of the cover offers the possibility to attach (color) filters above the lens.
Double exposure
Although not provided by the manufacturer, the Kodak Printomatic instant camera also offers the possibility of double exposure. In this case, an image is exposed twice, so two different motifs can be fused together. In practice, this works by inserting an already printed photo into the camera again as the top sheet. The image is then actually exposed twice. There are no limits to creativity!
CONCLUSION
In terms of price, the Kodak Printomatic is an instant camera for beginners. As a hybrid camera it also offers the advantage that captured images are not “lost”. So it is clear which buyer the camera should appeal to. If you are looking for an extremely easy to use point-and-shoot camera, you will find it here. No confusing modes, no flash settings, no photo printer functionality. Everything about the camera is designed for simple, everyday use. The fact that a little bit of (image) quality falls by the wayside is understandable at this low price. Of course, competing models like the Canon Zoemini S or the Instax Mini Liplay from Fujis Instax series offer more functions, but you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pocket for that.
VIDEO: Detailed hands-on of the Kodak Printomatic instant camera with double exposure!
