To Hybrid or Not to Hybrid...

Here's my thoughts....
                                                    

So there's a debate among Instant Photography folks about the hybrid cameras from Fujifilm.

Some feel that it's not genuine because the image is captured digitally and then printed onto instant film just like the Instax Link printers.

Because the image isn't captured onto film straight from the lens, it's no longer an instant shot.

The advantage of the hybrid is that you can apply effects and do things that our loved analog instant cameras either have a really hard time or can't do.  The hybrid (EVO's) can get really close.  About 4" away.  The i2 can get only 27" close to a subject and you have to fight the parallax issue with the viewfinder to compose the shot.

The SX70 natively can get about 7" away and with the close up filter about 4" - damn.

With my TLR - Mint TL70+ with close up filter - about 7"

The Rangefinder - Mint RF70 - only 3'

Advantage EVO.

THE INSTANT THANG...

Among photographers these phrases, "the best camera is the one on you", "get close", "f8 and be there" and what Dr. Edwin Land said decades ago.... "it will be become part of the human being, press the button and have the picture"

At present, I work with a bunch of great people from all walks of life.  So while I was in our breakroom, one of my peers loves unique bags.  So she had this one on the table...

I thought.... so cool and took the EVO out and snaped the photo.

Several "tick boxes" have been checked...

1.  The EVO is light and small so I had it on me.

2.  It is a point and shoot so there was nothing to set up

3.  I was able to take the picture and print it and gave it to her.

The Magic of Polaroid has been several things.

1.  You get a 1:1 copy (which the EVO falls short being a digital image, so it can be edited)

2.  You have a physical copy to share or keep.  It is this physical copy that makes it special - it reminds you each time to touch the print of the time you took the shot.  The print what there when the image was taken.  (EVO falls short because you can print it later - but that too is an advantage since instant film hates extreme temperatures - thus, print it later)

3.  Seeing it appear - still super cool.

4.  The smiles and instant gift - can't be beat.

So yes, if I am being 100% analog, this EVO is not it.  However, if I am being an instant shooter and need something that an analog instant camera can't do OR this EVO is on me.... it wins.

The big win is this..... it's FUN!