Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the two primary instant film formats, Polaroid and Instax, highlighting their resurgence in popularity. The host explains that the goal is to help first-time users decide which format is best for their artistic vision by breaking down film quality, usability, and available cameras. The comparison will cover technical quality, cameras, dynamic range, color, and cost for Instax Mini, Square, Wide, and Polaroid's 600 emulsion (I-Type, 600, Go, 8x10), including black and white versions.
Polaroid film produces a larger image than all Instax film sizes, making images more impactful to hold. Instax, developed from Kodak technology, offers high consistency, clean image fidelity, and great stability, with consistent colors and rapid development (90 seconds). Instax film is 800 ASA, slightly more sensitive to light than Polaroid's 640 ASA. Modern Polaroid film, produced by a smaller European company after the original's bankruptcy, is an evolving product and is still sensitive to light during development, requiring shielding for 10 minutes, unlike Instax. Polaroid is also more sensitive to temperature extremes.
The video conducts side-by-side tests of Polaroid and Instax film in color and black and white, joined by artist Holly Saro. The first tests focus on dynamic range using a large window light source and controlled indoor lighting. The results show distinct color palettes: Polaroid has cyan to green shadows, while Instax has reddish blacks. Both films struggle with significantly overexposed highlights. Polaroid exhibits weaker latitude in shadows in this test, going to creamier whites, while Instax shows purely clipped whites. Polaroids also blocked up shadows faster in underexposed frames during another test.
A color chart test reveals significant differences in color rendition. Polaroid shows much slower contrast and a subjective pastel palette with a softer tonal curve. Instax exhibits almost uncanny realism. While both options are valuable, the host expresses a personal preference for Polaroid's aesthetic. The discussion also touches upon camera controls, noting that Polaroid cameras generally offer more control than standard Instax cameras.
The black and white films are introduced, with Instax appearing bluer and Polaroid showing less dynamic range in certain conditions. Polaroid's black and white film is noted for being sharper, clearer, having more dynamic range than its color counterpart, and developing faster. Instax monochrome uses dyes to simulate black and white, often resulting in a bluish tint. In terms of cameras, Instax cameras are generally basic, automatic, and designed for casual use with limited controls. Polaroid, especially models like the I-2 and SX-70, offers advanced lenses, manual controls, and premium designs, catering more to photography enthusiasts. While Instax has third-party premium options, they often don't match the control of Polaroid's higher-end cameras.
Instax film has a limited dynamic range, meaning it struggles with highlights and shadows, often leading to blown-out highlights or crushed shadows. This is why Instax cameras typically rely on automatic flash. Polaroid also has narrow latitude but renders highlights with a creamy, bright tone instead of clipping, and typically offers slightly more latitude in underexposed areas. Both films perform best in evenly lit scenes. Regarding cost, Instax film is significantly cheaper per shot ($1 for wide and square, $0.75 for mini) compared to Polaroid I-Type film ($1.60 per shot). However, the price gap has decreased, and Polaroid's larger image size makes the cost difference less substantial than it once was.
The host concludes that both formats are excellent choices, and the availability of both options is a positive for instant photography enthusiasts. He personally favors Polaroid due to its compatible cameras and unique visual quality, while acknowledging Instax's place for its portability and user-friendliness. The video encourages viewers to share their own preferences and experiences in the comments section.