Polaroid Mio Film Camera
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Need an instant wallet-size photo? Here you go!
Pros
Easy to use; Great for instant memories; Lightweight; Auto Focus
Cons
Cost is nearly $1 per wallet-size photo
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Great size, instant satisfaction, great pictures if you take precautions to set the photo up first, and easy enough for kids to get great results.
The bigger brother of the Polaroid I-Zone camera, this one fits just below the standard Polaroid Instant cameras we all grew up with. Each has a uniqueness about them, and each fits a specific need. This one is perfect for businesses that need an instant picture for ID cards—perfectly sized at 2.1 x 3.4 inches (wallet-size prints), or for school teachers for first day of class seating charts.
I bought this as a graduation gift for my niece—it was perfect for the last few days of school, graduation, and all the parties that followed. It was small and lightweight, easy to tuck into her purse (it's a tiny 2.2 d x 5 h x 4.6 w in. and weighs just over 13 ounces with film and batteries), and it allowed her to share photos instantly with friends she may never see again.
EASY TO USE
It looks strange, but it's really quite comfortable to handle. The viewfinder is large and the overall design is easy to grip. A few ridges in the back plastic help you hold it securely. It comes with a wrist strap should you be worried about dropping it.
The MIO has four buttons located at the top of the camera. They are: Power, Focus Near/Far, Lighten/Darken, and Fill Flash On/Off. Also located here is the digital counter—it lets you know how many exposures you have left in the film pack.
Press the red power button and the lens automatically extends. It has a Sleep Mode which comes in handy—it automatically turns itself off when not in use.
The flash recycles in approximately 3 seconds—not bad, and certainly not as bad as a disposable camera. If you find the photos aren't exposed correctly, you can lighten or darken as you wish using the button mentioned above.
The two-zone focus lets you select the correct focus for best results. The close-up setting is for 2ft-10ft. Over 10 feet and you'll need to switch to the distant setting. The auto range finder is located on the front of the camera next to the flash.
Taking a photo couldn't be easier—check the lighting and distance, set the camera appropriately, and click the shutter. The motor pushes the film out of the top of the camera (don't pull it out!).
Unlike the older style instant photos, this film doesn't have a black sheet to be removed. It comes out of the camera and takes about 3 minutes to fully "develop" before your eyes.
LOADING & UNLOADING
Loading film is super simple and we've not experienced any troubles with jamming or film not loading.
To load the film, slide the film door latch to open and insert the film pack. Take care not to touch anything on the film cartridge but the hard plastic edges—the warmth of your fingers and the pressure they cause on the film can cause damage before you've even exposed them. Press the shutter button and the dark slide will eject from the camera. You're ready to start shooting!
To unload, finish the cassette, open the film compartment door, slip two fingers into the now empty cassette, and pop it out. Don't open the film compartment door while you still have film—it will expose it. There's no way to take out a half-finished cartridge.
BATTERIES
The camera uses two CR2 Lithium batteries (included). These are easy to change—slip a fingernail into the battery door and flip it open. It's hinged so you don't have to worry about setting it down and loosing it. Pop out the batteries and replace them with fresh ones. My niece is still on the first set of batteries but her 9th set of film--that's 180 photos and there's no sign of the batteries showing any wear.
PRECAUTIONS
Because it goes to sleep (after 5 minutes), don't set the camera down with the lens extended. If you do, 5 minutes later the lens is going to retract and that may mean that the camera will become unstable and fall.
Film shouldn't be allowed to become too hot or too cold—keep it out of direct sunlight and as close to 70 degrees as possible. Film has a shelf life of 15 months. Check the expiration date before buying and make sure to use it within the specified time for best results. Using old film can result in areas not being developed. This can cause white spots or entire areas where the picture is missing. If this happens and the film is within Use By period, you can get a replacement box of film by calling Polaroid Customer Service at 1-800-343-5000 (in the U.S.) or 1-800-268-6970 (in Canada).
HINTS & TIPS FOR BETTER PICTURES
Take pictures in great light—don't rely on the flash. Those we took outside in sunlight were beautiful. Inside with great lighting were fine, but those taken under florescent lighting made everyone look green. There's no way to correct bad coloring. If your pictures are coming out with a blue tint it can mean that the film is too cold. Try developing the next one in your pocket or warm the camera in your pocket first. If the film is too hot, the tint will more likely be yellow.
FILM
Only Polaroid Mio film (Part # 633064) can be used in this camera. I purchased the camera and film from Amazon.com. The film comes in a 2-pack of 10 exposures each. The current cost is $18.94 (for 20 exposures). I've also found the film at Wal-Mart, Target, and Fred Meyer's Stores—it hasn't been a problem locating it and the prices are within a dollar at each store.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At almost $1 a picture, it's still a bargain. You know you have the shot and that memory is priceless. Shop around; the prices vary widely for the camera itself. My niece loves the camera and is taking it to college with her in the fall. I bought my other niece the I-Zone. I'll be reviewing that one soon.
Specifications: (from the manufacturer)
•
Lens: 3-element plastic
•
Focal zones: Near: 2 - 10 ft. Far: 10 ft. - infinity
•
Max. aperture: f/12
•
Shutter speed: 1/120 sec. (average)
•
Shutter range: 1/400 sec. to 1/30 sec.
•
Flash range: 2 - 13 ft.
•
Flash recycle time: < 5 sec.
•
Viewfinder: Magnification: 35%
•
Field of view: 54.6 x 43.6 degrees
Warranty
General: 1 year
UPDATE
Here's my new camera--it has less features but a larger photo: Polaroid One Camera http://www.epinions.com/content_105240235652
This isn't the old Polaroid One-Step camera!
I bought this as a graduation gift for my niece—it was perfect for the last few days of school, graduation, and all the parties that followed. It was small and lightweight, easy to tuck into her purse (it's a tiny 2.2 d x 5 h x 4.6 w in. and weighs just over 13 ounces with film and batteries), and it allowed her to share photos instantly with friends she may never see again.
EASY TO USE
It looks strange, but it's really quite comfortable to handle. The viewfinder is large and the overall design is easy to grip. A few ridges in the back plastic help you hold it securely. It comes with a wrist strap should you be worried about dropping it.
The MIO has four buttons located at the top of the camera. They are: Power, Focus Near/Far, Lighten/Darken, and Fill Flash On/Off. Also located here is the digital counter—it lets you know how many exposures you have left in the film pack.
Press the red power button and the lens automatically extends. It has a Sleep Mode which comes in handy—it automatically turns itself off when not in use.
The flash recycles in approximately 3 seconds—not bad, and certainly not as bad as a disposable camera. If you find the photos aren't exposed correctly, you can lighten or darken as you wish using the button mentioned above.
The two-zone focus lets you select the correct focus for best results. The close-up setting is for 2ft-10ft. Over 10 feet and you'll need to switch to the distant setting. The auto range finder is located on the front of the camera next to the flash.
Taking a photo couldn't be easier—check the lighting and distance, set the camera appropriately, and click the shutter. The motor pushes the film out of the top of the camera (don't pull it out!).
Unlike the older style instant photos, this film doesn't have a black sheet to be removed. It comes out of the camera and takes about 3 minutes to fully "develop" before your eyes.
LOADING & UNLOADING
Loading film is super simple and we've not experienced any troubles with jamming or film not loading.
To load the film, slide the film door latch to open and insert the film pack. Take care not to touch anything on the film cartridge but the hard plastic edges—the warmth of your fingers and the pressure they cause on the film can cause damage before you've even exposed them. Press the shutter button and the dark slide will eject from the camera. You're ready to start shooting!
To unload, finish the cassette, open the film compartment door, slip two fingers into the now empty cassette, and pop it out. Don't open the film compartment door while you still have film—it will expose it. There's no way to take out a half-finished cartridge.
BATTERIES
The camera uses two CR2 Lithium batteries (included). These are easy to change—slip a fingernail into the battery door and flip it open. It's hinged so you don't have to worry about setting it down and loosing it. Pop out the batteries and replace them with fresh ones. My niece is still on the first set of batteries but her 9th set of film--that's 180 photos and there's no sign of the batteries showing any wear.
PRECAUTIONS
Because it goes to sleep (after 5 minutes), don't set the camera down with the lens extended. If you do, 5 minutes later the lens is going to retract and that may mean that the camera will become unstable and fall.
Film shouldn't be allowed to become too hot or too cold—keep it out of direct sunlight and as close to 70 degrees as possible. Film has a shelf life of 15 months. Check the expiration date before buying and make sure to use it within the specified time for best results. Using old film can result in areas not being developed. This can cause white spots or entire areas where the picture is missing. If this happens and the film is within Use By period, you can get a replacement box of film by calling Polaroid Customer Service at 1-800-343-5000 (in the U.S.) or 1-800-268-6970 (in Canada).
HINTS & TIPS FOR BETTER PICTURES
Take pictures in great light—don't rely on the flash. Those we took outside in sunlight were beautiful. Inside with great lighting were fine, but those taken under florescent lighting made everyone look green. There's no way to correct bad coloring. If your pictures are coming out with a blue tint it can mean that the film is too cold. Try developing the next one in your pocket or warm the camera in your pocket first. If the film is too hot, the tint will more likely be yellow.
FILM
Only Polaroid Mio film (Part # 633064) can be used in this camera. I purchased the camera and film from Amazon.com. The film comes in a 2-pack of 10 exposures each. The current cost is $18.94 (for 20 exposures). I've also found the film at Wal-Mart, Target, and Fred Meyer's Stores—it hasn't been a problem locating it and the prices are within a dollar at each store.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At almost $1 a picture, it's still a bargain. You know you have the shot and that memory is priceless. Shop around; the prices vary widely for the camera itself. My niece loves the camera and is taking it to college with her in the fall. I bought my other niece the I-Zone. I'll be reviewing that one soon.
Specifications: (from the manufacturer)
•
Lens: 3-element plastic
•
Focal zones: Near: 2 - 10 ft. Far: 10 ft. - infinity
•
Max. aperture: f/12
•
Shutter speed: 1/120 sec. (average)
•
Shutter range: 1/400 sec. to 1/30 sec.
•
Flash range: 2 - 13 ft.
•
Flash recycle time: < 5 sec.
•
Viewfinder: Magnification: 35%
•
Field of view: 54.6 x 43.6 degrees
Warranty
General: 1 year
UPDATE
Here's my new camera--it has less features but a larger photo: Polaroid One Camera http://www.epinions.com/content_105240235652
This isn't the old Polaroid One-Step camera!
