Funky Retro Fun with the Polaroid Socialmatic Instagram Camera and Accessories

Everyone seems to be obsessed with Instagram because it’s an easy way to share your life in pictures without all the drama of Facebook. Most people don’t realize it, but Instagram was originally modeled after the old Polaroid instant cameras of the '60's and '70's. It pays homage to the old school cameras by squaring the photos off and giving users the ability to add different filters to make their pictures appear vintage and retro.

In 2015, Polaroid merged the instant camera and Instagram and created the Polaroid Socialmatic camera. It allows users to snap a picture, share it on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social network they're addicted to with built-in Android technology.

But this is the 21st Century. And in this day and age we like to think we invent stuff the likes of which nobody has seen. Well, if you're under 35, it's likely you haven't seen one of these. Through the power of modern technology (with a little inspiration from the olden days) users can snap a selfie and then print it out right there in their hand.

A camera that can print out pictures instantly. Who knew?

The Polaroid Socialmatic is a camera that combines the old school look of yesteryear with the cutting edge technology of today.

At 1.2 x 5.2 x 5.2 inches, it’s an odd shape for a camera, square and thick, and not very ergonomic. It weighs in at 14.1 ounces, just slightly lighter than an iPad Air. But while it’s not as compact as a traditional digital camera, it’s extremely fun and addicting.

The front facing 14 megapixel camera rivals most smartphones in terms of quality. And if you’re a selfie hog, the 2 megapixel rear facing camera will let you spread yourself, not only across social media, but get you into as many friends’ hands as you want. Literally.

Pictures can be edited on the 4 ½ inch touchscreen that’s really more Android tablet-like. Instagram filters can still be applied to your photos, and the cool twist is it will print out your edited pictures just as they appear on the LCD screen.

The Instamatic is not just a novelty camera that prints out paper pictures. It will save your photos like any standard digital camera.  The camera has 4GB of on board storage that can be expanded to 32GB. What’s more, you can share your photos the modern way by posting them to your preferred form of social media right there from the touchscreen.

Admittedly, this camera is a bit unwieldy. It's not easy to grab and go like compact cameras, but we don't care. It's just so darn fun.

Luckily, Polaroid has made beautiful genuine leather cases to make carrying the Socialmatic easy and fashionable. 

The cases are form fitted to the camera, which eliminates any slips or bumps while you're carrying it with you. It also protects it from dust, so it's a good idea to store your camera in its case.

Each case comes with an adjustable but detachable strap. Wear it over your shoulder, across your body, or carry it like a clutch.

They do say if you wait long enough, everything old will be new again.  Retro and vintage are hot now. People flock to thrift shops and yard sales to find what was hot and cool 30, 40 or more years ago. And while you might be lucky and find yourself an original Polaroid camera, it’s more than likely you won’t. Why not get the next best thing by buying an Socialmatic camera?