The Impossible I-1 is a brand new Polaroid 600 Instant Film camera

It's 2016, and there's a brand new instant camera coming to the market that uses the exact same film that Polaroid stopped manufacturing in 2008.

I previously wrote about the wonders of instant photography in the modern times of digital shooting. The reward for enduring the trials and tribulations of this ancient technology of expired film and disposable flash bulbs is a fun, nostalgic, and expensive hobby. After being spoiled by the immense palette of options and control given to us by modern DSLRs and cell phone cameras, the limiting nature of instant photography is a exciting challenge. However, if you've grown tired of dealing with those restraints, but just can't let go of that charming old instant film, The Impossible Project has a new camera for you.

In an incredible (and perhaps superfluous) confluence of old and new technology, the Impossible I-1 camera is basically a new instant camera built in the same vein as those old Polaroid ones. The camera features limited physical controls, the standard functions of a classic Polaroid camera: a square viewfinder, an exposure dial, a focus selector, auto-focus, and the oh-so-important shutter button. The one new fancy feature built into the camera body is an LED Ring flash that automatically adjusts its intensity based on ambient light and focus distance.

What makes this camera interesting isn't on the camera itself. When you pair the I-1 with Impossible's companion iOS app via Bluetooth, you get full manual control of the camera through your iOS device. The app allows you to adjust the shutter speed, aperture size, and flash strength, as well as the ability to take pictures remotely. With the app, it's essentially a Polaroid instant camera with modern features.

The camera works with both classic Polaroid 600 film, as well as Impossible's own reverse engineered film, which is readily available via their online store.

Another neat thing about the I-1 is that its battery can be recharged via USB. Traditionally, Polaroid instant cameras were powered by batteries built into the film packs themselves. Since the I-1 doesn't need this external battery, this potentially saves on waste.

The Impossible I-1 releases May 10th at the price of $300. Instant photography continues to be an expensive, but rewarding hobby!

By Alfredo Dizon, eParisExtra

Source: The Impossible I-1 is a brand new Polaroid 600 Instant Film camera