Polaroid SportCam

The Polaroid SportCam is an instant camera. The range of functions of the model is congruent with the Polaroid One Step Flash Closeup. The housing of the camera is black and a bright yellow.

The Polaroid SportCam is characterized by its user-friendliness. Many of the setting options found on other types of cameras are not present. Thanks to this low entry threshold, the camera can be used by anyone and is therefore suitable for many occasions. If you are hosting a wedding or a lavish party, the camera is an excellent choice for taking photos. Even on vacation, the camera makes a good figure.

The most important settings are preset. An arbitrary choice or free choice of shutter speed and aperture is not possible. The optics have a fixed focal length. Changing the lens is not provided for. The model does not have a zoom function. A minimum distance of 60 cm to the subject should be maintained for sharp images. For this, the close-up lens must be pushed in front of the normal optics. Otherwise, the closest focusing distance is 120 cm.

Of course, the camera also has a built-in flash. The flash is triggered automatically. Especially in low light conditions, one is often grateful for the flash.

Films for the Polaroid SportCam

One needs of course also films for the use of the instant camera. The production of the original consumable material has ended in the meantime. In a factory in the Netherlands, films for the 600 format are produced again since 2010.

There is a film for color photos, but also a suitable film for monochrome images. For color photos with the instant camera, you can reach for the Polaroid Color Film for 600*. For classic black-and-white pictures, the Polaroid B&W Film for 600* is suitable. How do the films perform in tests? Both films perform convincingly in many test situations.

One pack is enough for eight pictures. Under no circumstances should the light-sensitive material come into contact with light. The unexposed film material should be stored in a cool and dry place.

As defined during development, an image is 10.8 x 8.8 cm in size. The actual image is square and 7.7 by 7.7 cm. The rest is filled by a white frame. Special edition Polaroid films with colorful frames are also offered.

Fujifilm films cannot be used with this model.

Batteries

What batteries do you need for the Polaroid SportCam? The camera is powered by a battery inside the film cassette. The disposable battery holds the necessary energy to power the camera technology, such as the motor, camera shutter and flash. Changing the film therefore also means changing the battery. There is no need to buy an additional battery for the camera.

The film cassette with the battery must not be disposed of in the household waste. It is best to take the plastic cassette or just the battery to a suitable local drop-off point.

Tutorial for Polaroid SportCam

How to take photos with the instant camera? A quick tutorial on how to use the Polaroid instant camera.

The first step is to insert the film. To do this, push the slider on the side forward. The camera should open. Now the cassette with the film material can be inserted. Then the flap can be closed again. The light-proof film over the film cassette is now automatically removed from the camera.

In the next step, you can take pictures with the camera. Hold the camera on the subject and press the shutter button. The electric motor inside the camera transports the exposed image from the film cassette through two rollers. This distributes the developing chemicals over the image. After a short waiting period, the process of development is complete. Then you can view the final result.

Alternative Models

If you can’t find a camera, you can turn to alternatives. Here, for example, the Polaroid Spirit 600 CL* and Polaroid OneStep Close Up* come to mind. These models are similar in the range of features offered. They are also suitable for the 600 format.

There is also a conceivable alternative to Polaroid cameras. Two instant cameras are the Instax Mini 9* and Instax Mini 40*. Suitable film stock will continue to be produced for both cameras.