AMSTERDAM, Sept. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The new Polaroid I-2 combines traditional analog experience with modern camera technology to establish a new benchmark in instant photography. 

Armed with the sharpest-ever Polaroid lens and built-in manual controls, the I-2 produces exceptional image quality and empowers photographers with the tools to master their craft. 

“For a long time, it was our dream to make a high-end Polaroid camera and give people more choice in the world of analog photography – a choice that many passionate photographers told us they were craving,” said Polaroid CEO Oskar Smolokowski. “To develop the I-2, we expanded our engineering team and spent more than four years designing and finessing every element. It is the most capable camera we’ve ever made and a true milestone in our journey.”

At the heart of the I-2 is the continuous autofocus three-lens system capable of making the sharpest shots of any Polaroid instant camera for integral film, while a wide aperture delivers a gorgeous depth of field. The lens has been designed in partnership with Japanese optical engineers with decades of experience developing marquee analog products.

The autofocus takes full advantage of the lens with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, which precisely detects the distance to the subject and auto-adjusts the lens, ensuring accurate focus. LiDAR enables longer focusing distance and is reliable even in difficult scenes with high or low light conditions.

The I-2 is the first Polaroid camera for integral film with built-in manual controls allowing more creative freedom. A large, bright viewfinder offers a traditional optical experience and communicates camera settings via an integrated display. Shutter speed, aperture size and six different shooting modes are directly selectable on the camera.

Further extending creative choices for photographers, the Polaroid I-2 is the first instant camera compatible with i-Type, 600 and SX-70 film and has a built-in lens thread mount compatible with 49mm filters.

The design of the I-2 is a celebration of its functionality. The exterior is built around the lens and the camera’s manual controls. It is made with high-quality materials and has a modern look while remaining uniquely and unmistakably Polaroid. 

Made for the digital age, Polaroid I-2 features Bluetooth connectivity, and the accompanying app allows firmware upgrades over the air as well as complete remote control of the camera.

Coco Capitán, Kotori Kawashima, and Max Siedentopf became the first artists to try the new I-2 camera. Polaroid commissioned their work for the “Imperfectionists” campaign designed to mark the launch and celebrate instant photography as a creative medium that is beautifully unpredictable and imperfect.

“I am not interested in perfection. Chaos. Spontaneity. Randomness. That’s where reality exists,” remarks Coco Capitán, the celebrated Spanish artist. “Working with the I-2 and the Polaroid film is remarkable. As a creative tool, it has a lot of capabilities, while you cannot always predict what the photo will look like. Every shot is unique, and the process is as meaningful as the result.” 

Polaroid I-2 key features:

• Lens: 3-element lens with continuous autofocus system. Capable of ƒ/8 aperture across 0.4m (1.3′) – ∞ range controlled via a stepper motor. Material: optical grade polycarbonate and acrylic with anti-reflective coating.
• LiDAR: high-accuracy ranging system
• Built-in manual controls: camera modes, flash mode, distance to the object, shutter speed, aperture, and light meter indicator value are selectable on the camera and communicated through an integrated viewfinder display and external OLED display.
• Camera modes: auto, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, self-timer, multi-exposure
• Flash: vacuum discharge tube strobe, 2.5m (8′) range. Accurate, human-friendly flash system
• Design: modern design that echoes past iconic Polaroid machines. The technical requirements and the lens dictate the camera’s shape. The exterior is made of high-quality ABS and PMMA plastic that is more impact-resistant and finished with a special coating giving it a premium look and feel.
• UX design: working with I-2 is engaging, I-2 technical performance is on the surface – complexity is highly accessible
• Premium materials: ABS, PC, PMMA, Aluminum Alloy
• Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via USB-C – 15-pack battery life
• Compatible with Polaroid i-Type, 600, and SX-70 film
• App-enabled: download iOS or Android Polaroid App to enable full remote control and firmware updates via OTA Bluetooth
• Tripod mount: standard 1/4-20 UNC thread
• Built-in lens filter thread mount: Compatible with 49mm filters
• Compatible with external flashes: 2.5mm audio mono-jack flash sync interface

The Polaroid I-2 instant camera is available for purchase on polaroid.com and through select retailers worldwide from September 7.

@Polaroid #PolaroidI2
Polaroid I-2 Camera MSRP: $599.99, £599,99, €699,99

For more information, please contact:
[email protected]

SOURCE Polaroid

A photographer who attended this year’s Burning Man says that despite the rain and the mud having a huge effect on the festival, it was still “amazing” and he came back with a unique set of images.

Perry Julien has been going to Burning Man for eight years, but this year the site in the Nevada desert got three months’ worth of rain last Friday, turning it into impassable sludge which made for an altogether different experience — and different photos.

“Once it started raining on Friday you couldn’t move about,” Julien tells PetaPixel. “After two steps, your shoes gain 10 pounds, walking was difficult — driving was impossible.”

Despite the muddy conditions, it gave Julien the chance to capture a set of photos different from the usual Burning Man imagery. But, he had to stay close to the camp as moving around was very difficult.

“Given that our camp is ‘beachfront property’ looking out to the playa, I was able to capture wide images and photos of people walking past our camp,” he says.

“It would have been nice to get out and explore a little and capture more photos around the city but that would have placed more stress on the infrastructure so I kept primarily to our camp.”

Most of the photos he took were all taken within a few feet of where he was staying. But, Julien was able to get some amusing photos, such as a boot stuck in the mud that had been abandoned by its owner.

“This person was walking and the boot slipped out. They looked at the boot, they looked at their foot, and they said ‘It’s not worth it.’ It wasn’t a posed shot,” he says.

“There weren’t many people sliding in the mud because it isn’t proper mud. We were on the outskirts of the city in the ‘beachfront property’ so for the most part it was just people slogging through. Someone described [the mud] as like ceramics on the wheel.”

Burning Man is on a lake bed so when it rains, the ground becomes mucky and muddy. Julien tells Fox 5 Atlanta that every year he and his wife go to the festival they pack a raincoat and boots but hoped never to use them.

Festival organizers asked attendees to conserve water and food while also closing the gates so no other people could arrive as the people there struggled to leave.

However, despite the bad conditions, Julien says that he was heartened to see people working together and helping each other out.

“It was truly inspiring to see how well most people adapted to the circumstances and made the very best of what was an insane circumstance,” he says.

“You know, there were stories of people digging out other people’s cars with their hands. Or bringing people out, or going out of their way to help people who had to get out. It is a great testament to human-kind of what can really happen in these bad situations.”

More of Julien’s work can be found on his Instagram, Facebook, and website.

Image credits: All photos by Perry Julien.

• Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96.
• Photographers Chris Jackson, Tim Rooke, and Samir Hussein shared their final photos of the Queen.
• Jackson took one of her last official portraits, and Hussein took a spontaneous image.

One year ago, Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign came to a close when she died on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.

Two royal photographers — Chris Jackson of Getty Images and Tim Rooke of Shutterstock — shared some of the last photos they took of the monarch.

Here are seven photos that provide a glimpse into the final months of her historic life.

Social media foodies, this is your time to shine. Yelp is hiring its first-ever official chief food photographer.

The platform is awarding one winning job candidate $10,000 to hop on a US tour and snap pics of the most delicious dishes from local restaurants across the country while sharing their favorite ones along their journey.

Before you ask, the answer is no—you won’t need to be a professional photographer to do the job! Yelp is looking for someone whose skills really shine through phone photography, which makes for the best social media posts. The chosen candidate will have to visit two restaurants a month and create two blog posts in addition to taking great pics and videos to post on Yelp’s social media account.

If you’re worried about not having the right skills, Yelp Trend Expert Tara Lewis shared some tips you might need to practice before applying with Thrillist. As Lewis points out, the lighting plays a huge deal in a pic, and you always want to choose natural light over artificial light when possible.

However, that doesn’t really matter unless your lenses are clean! “Before you get started, make sure to clean your camera lens for sharp, high quality photos,” she advises. “You don’t need any special tools for the job and a clean, lint-free cloth should do the trick.”

Before you head over to the next restaurant and start snapping pics, it’s important to take other people into consideration, too. “Always be mindful of your server and other customers before taking photos,” Lewis pointed out. “While your server would never want you to miss the most memorable moments in food presentation, first ensure that you’ve given them the attention, space and courtesy to serve without disruption.”

The requirements for the gig are simple. Applicants will be judged based on their love for local restaurants, their social media prowess, and the quality of their photography. If you wish to apply, you’ll have to submit one entry of up to 10 unique photos of food or restaurants that you have added to Yelp pages. Additionally, you’ll be required to submit a 30-60 second video where you explain why you’re the ideal qualified candidate for the role.

You have until October 7, 2023 to apply for the job, and you can do so right here. The winning candidate will be selected on or about October 31.

Ron Shuller’s Cincinnati Drone Services Offers Aerial Drone Photography

Ron Shuller

In the ever-evolving world of drone technology, aerial photography has become an integral part of both recreational and professional pursuits. While most consumer drones come equipped with integrated cameras, professionals often require specialized equipment to capture stunning, high-quality imagery. Sony recognized this need and answered the call with the remarkable Sony ILX-LR1 camera, designed to elevate drone photography to unprecedented heights.

Sony ILX-LR1 Camera: A Revolution in Drone Photography

At first glance, the Sony ILX-LR1 sets itself apart from conventional cameras. Unlike traditional models, it boasts a compact, lightweight body that eschews familiar features like a viewfinder, screen, or battery. This intentional design choice allows the camera to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of professional drones, giving photographers unparalleled creative freedom.

The Power of 61 Megapixels

The true star of the ILX-LR1 is its 61-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor. This sensor is a technological marvel that guarantees exceptional image quality. Its back-illuminated design ensures outstanding low-light performance, while the vast pixel count delivers stunning detail and resolution. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or intricate details, this camera excels in every scenario.

Unmatched Versatility with E-Mount Lenses

One of the standout features of the Sony ILX-LR1 is its compatibility with a wide array of E-mount lenses. This compatibility opens up a world of creative opportunities for photographers. Whether you need a versatile zoom lens for capturing distant subjects or a prime lens for breathtaking portraits, the ILX-LR1 can accommodate your vision. This flexibility is essential for professionals who demand precision and adaptability in their work.

Streamlined Control and Connectivity

The ILX-LR1 camera features a single terminal capable of accepting power, exposure output, focus, and trigger commands. This streamlined connectivity ensures a hassle-free integration process with your drone. It simplifies the setup, allowing photographers to focus on capturing remarkable shots without the distraction of complex controls.

Elevate Your Drone Photography with Sony ILX-LR1

In conclusion, the Sony ILX-LR1 camera is a game-changer for professional drone photography. Its 61-megapixel sensor, compatibility with a wide range of E-mount lenses, and simplified connectivity make it an invaluable tool for photographers seeking to push the boundaries of their craft. With the ILX-LR1, Sony has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation, ensuring that drone photography reaches new heights of quality and creativity.

Invest in the Sony ILX-LR1, and take your drone photography to the next level. Elevate your art, capture breathtaking moments, and stand out in a world where every frame counts. Sony’s ILX-LR1 is the camera you need to soar above the rest.

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