Though classic Polaroids are a thing of the past, the allure of instant printing and washed out images seems to prevail. The Impossible Project team aims to provide plenty of both with its new I-1 analog camera, which uses classic Polaroid 600-type film for its shots. Like any good piece of modern tech, the I-1 hooks up to your phone via Bluetooth for enhanced functionality and can be recharged with a USB cable.
Impossible Project started in 2008 as an effort to revive classic Polaroid photography by selling film and refurbished original Polaroid cameras online. Its latest venture, the I-1, has a simple black exterior with yellow markings detailing the minimalist manual adjustments on offer. Resembling the old Polaroid Impulse series, the I-1 has a streamlined triangular body, a small viewing window at the top that allows you to size up your photos, and a ring flash and printer sitting at the front.
The I-1 connects to the user's phone via Bluetooth, and through the companion app allows modification of aperture, shutter speed, flash settings and includes a range of pre-set filters for adding some artistic flair to your photos, as well as a remote shutter function. The I-1's companion app is currently available on iOS and Android phones.
This is Impossible Project's first camera, though the company has dabbled in smartphone integration before with its Instant Lab device that printed user's iPhone photos on 600-type film.
The company has built a business around reverse-engineering the scarce and expensive original Polaroid 600 type film and, as CEO Oskar Smolokowski explained in an interview with Bloomberg, the I-1 represents an effort to forge its own path.
The I-1 has a release date of May 10 and will available for purchase at Impossible Project's website with a US$299 price tag. A refurbished Polaroid camera will set you back a similar amount, but keep in mind that 600 type film costs $23.49 for just 8 photos, so capturing your next birthday party could get a bit expensive.
Sources: Impossible Project, Bloomberg.
