Fujifilm Launches intax Square SQ10 Camera Hybrid
Fujifilm has just announced the SQ10 intax which is the first hybrid instant camera with a square format film. This means that pictures you take with this new camera can be uploaded to instagram the exact same way they print out on the camera.
“The enhanced image-capture functions of the SQ10 give this latest addition to the instax range unrivalled levels of control and ease of use. The SQ10 will allow photographers to effortlessly capture a wealth of different scenes with perfect control. The SQ10 uses the newly developed square format film which is popular among people around the world – from the young generation to seasoned photo enthusiasts. The whole experience from shooting with the composition suitable for the “1 to 1” aspect ratio to creating tangible prints using the editing/processing function constitutes the uniqueness of the SQ10 as a hybrid instant camera”
I have been in the market for an instant camera for some time now and while this camera has its perks, it looks really bulky. Their previous intax cameras and Leica’s Sofort look far better but, of course, those are not hybrids. The intax Square SQ10 will launch in May for upwards of $200. This is basically an Instagram camera come to life. Below is all of the information on what the camera does.
“[1] High photographic image quality driven by a mix of digital imaging technology and the existing instax system
The SQ10 is the first camera in the instax series to be equipped with the newly developed “hybrid instax system” — a digital image sensor and image processing technology integrated with the existing instax system. These technologies enhance the ability of the SQ10 to take brighter photos in low-light conditions (e.g. indoor and night scenes) and close-up shots from a distance of up to 10 cm with new functions such as automatic exposure control, human detection, and auto-focus.
[Photo]Night scene / Close-up shot
[2] Simple operation with LCD monitor, operation dial and buttons on the back of the camera
Three buttons arranged at the top of the operation dial correspond to the main functions — ten different filters, vignette control and brightness adjustment. The results of all operations throughout shooting, editing/processing and printing are displayed on the LCD monitor. This new interface enables photographers to edit and process photos with a simple and intuitive operation. Photographers may also choose to select and edit (e.g. zooming and cropping) the image before printing. This is particularly useful when sharing multiple prints with several people.
[Photo]Back of the camera / Selecting the image / Printing
[3] Various shooting modes and creative image processing functions to fully express the attraction of square format photos
Ten different color filters and saturation, dramatic vignette effects that can adjust the light intensity of the peripheral portion of the image and brightness adjustment enable users to incorporate an artistic aspect into their photography. Filters are an excellent tool that allow users to enhance the saturation or add a vintage feel to the photograph.
The vignette effect is especially suitable for portraits or still life images as it highlights photographic subjects at the center of the photo. The SQ10 also features special shooting modes such as double exposure that can combine two images onto one film by pushing the shutter twice, while the bulb exposure* function is useful for night scenes and light marks.
*With the bulb exposure function, the shutter is kept open while the shutter button is pressed. This allows weak light to be captured on film in dark places.
[Photo]Filter (10 effects) / Vignette control (19 steps) / Brightness adjustment (19 steps)
[4] A symmetrical design with dual shutter button
The SQ10 has an iconic design and a thin, round, symmetrical shape for easy holding. It has a dual shutter system with two shutter buttons – one on the right and one on the left. Not only does this offer left-handed people the opportunity to press the shutter with their dominant hand but also work as a function button to switch the shooting mode for right handed people. The lens ring is made with metallic finish and the solid black body has a sense of depth and variety throughout the solid black body.
[Photo]A symmetrical design with dual shutter button
[5] Other features
With the rechargeable battery used in SQ10, you can shoot up to 160 images with one charge. Images taken and edited/processed can be saved in the internal memory (up to about 50) or microSD card slot**.
[Photo]Other features
**Please note that microSD card is sold separately.
Thumbnail images can also be printed as displayed (up to nine thumbnail images can be displayed at any one time).
[Photo]Thumbnail images can also be printed as displayed (up to nine thumbnail images can be displayed at any one time).
2. “instax SQUARE Film”
[1] 1:1 aspect ratio
The square format has been popular with photo enthusiasts for almost a century as an effective format for artistic photographic expression. “instax SQUARE Film” has a “1 to 1” viewing angle with a screen size of 62x62mm, creating every scene artistically regardless of people or landscape.
[2] Excellent color reproduction
The instax series film features excellent color reproducibility, taking full advantage of FUJIFILM’s long-standing research on photographic film manufacturing and image design technology.”
