Review on Impossible Project Analog Instant Camera by Mardrequs Dorsey

Over the last three years I've spent about $3,000 looking for the perfect instant camera. I'm not proud of it, even a little embarrassed, but it makes me a reluctant expert on instant photography and modern instant cameras. I have three cameras from MiNT, one from a small production company Mercury Cameras, several Lomography cameras and this Impossible I-1. I love my MiNT RF70 (uses Instax Wide, about $900) and I love my Mercury camera (also a little over $900). I also like my MiNT SLR670 (modified sx-70, price around $800). All three cameras take great snaps and give you a wide range of manual controls. However, for less than $100 you can buy the Impossible I-1. Out of the box, it doesn't appear to be comparable to the cameras listed above. However, as soon as you connect it to your smartphone via the Bluetooth function, the camera unlocks full manual control (including aperture, shutter speed, focal length, double/single exposure). The lens is no worse than the MiNT RF70 lens, but about 10 times cheaper. And if you like using manual controls, the image quality is exceptional and compares very well to that of a MiNT SLR670 or any other refurbished SX-70. Since the Impossible has a rigid body, the pics are probably better than any rehabilitated SX-70 as they tend to seep through the mechs. In any case, I know this is a more technical report written for users who are serious about analog and instant photography. But the bottom line is that the Impossible I-1 is by far the best instant camera for the money. Get one while you can. I'm not sure, but I'm afraid the Impossible (now Polaroid) has been discontinued.