By Will Goodbody, Science & Technology Correspondent
I can still remember when as a child I first saw a Polaroid instant camera in the 1980s.
I recall being amazed that a camera could instantly produce a photo, rather than having to wait several days or a week for a roll of film to be developed.
The arrival of digital photography made it much easier for people to print their own snaps on their home printer, or dedicated photo printing device.
But still it seems there is demand for cameras that do the whole job in one go.
FujiFilm’s latest offering is the Instax mini 9 instant camera.
Out of the box it looks like a fun playful device – bright colours, plasticy, like a Fisher Price toy.
The device uses cartridges of credit card sized paper with ten sheets in each that cost around a fiver to buy.
It is simple to use. Point, shoot and the picture is printed instantly.
It has a 60mm lens and while the camera detects the light conditions and sets the exposure accordingly, you can also manual adjust it to four different levels if you want to let more light in.
One annoying feature is that the shutter button is placed on the front next to the viewfinder, not on top like most cameras.
As a result, you are likely to either place your fingers over the viewfinder or the flash or both when taking a snap of someone or something else.
Not ideal.
This is probably because the manufacturers expect the camera will more often than not be used for selfies and having the shutter button on the front should in theory make taking these easier.
There’s even a selfie mirror on the rim of the lens, to help you ensure you get framed up ok and a detachable close up lens.
The prints expose pretty quickly, usually within 90 seconds the picture is ready.
And the quality?
Well, very average to be honest. The ones I took generally came up either under and over exposed.
That’s not really very surprising given that this is an instant camera designed to be used for quick fun snaps, maybe at events like parties, hen nights and weddings.
It is fun and gimmicky. But don't expect too much.
Comments welcome via Twitter to @willgoodbody
