Polaroids are in this year, and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is the perfect camera for the trend.

“Polaroids just add a special feel to the pictures” said Graci Leineberg, a freshman.

It is a basic point and shoot camera that develops just like old school Polaroids.

Weighing about 307g and being 10% thinner than previous models, it is easy to throw into a bag with anything else. The Instax Mini comes in five colors (Blue,White, Pink, Yellow and Black) and has a toy-like design racking up the “hipster” factor. Because of the matte finish, chunky lens, and big buttons, it resembles a 90’s kid toy.

To turn on the camera, there is a button beside the lens and a brightness adjustment located on the base. The camera also makes suggestions on which brightness to use when taking the picture. It has constant flash, so no cute mirror selfies, but it does efficiently take two AA batteries.

On the downside, there is absolutely no room for error. It is a point and shoot camera, meaning the picture will print instantly and will waste one of the super expensive film strips. There is also no auto-focus, so unlike fancy smart phones, the pictures tend to turn out a bit blurry in the beginning. Positively, if the focus is correct, the images turnout unbelievable. The image does come out small, but it leaves plenty of space to write a cute message or date on the bottom.  

Even though the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is expensive, it is easy use and tons of fun. When it comes to Throwback Thursday, isn’t it worth a little extra IT factor?