Fujifilm's Instax Pal 2 adds screen and viewfinder to tiny camera
Fujifilm has announced the Instax Pal 2, a $169.95 palm-sized digital camera with a 10-megapixel sensor, LCD screen, optical viewfinder, autofocus and face detection. It is set to launch in the US later this month.
The new camera is a follow-up to the original Instax Pal, which debuted three years ago bundled with an instant printer. The original was a palm-sized camera with a round design and no screen or viewfinder. The Instax Pal 2 keeps the small form but adopts a design that looks like a miniaturized analog film camera, The Verge reported. The Verge described it as reminiscent of trendy pocket-friendly cameras like the Kodak Charmera, but with specifications that may produce decent shots.
The Pal 2, priced at $169.95, includes a 10-megapixel sensor, autofocus, and face detection, according to The Verge. It uses a 1/3.06-inch sensor paired with an f/2.2 28mm lens to capture images up to 10 megapixels. That is a large increase over the 1.6-megapixel sensor in the Kodak Charmera.
For framing, the Pal 2 has an optical viewfinder and a 1.3-inch LCD screen on top. It offers autofocus with optional face detection, plus adjustable ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. On top of the camera are a shutter button, a joystick, and a functional lever similar to what old film cameras used to advance to the next exposure.
The camera pairs with Fujifilm's mobile app, where users can select and download image effects to the Pal 2 or upload images to a phone for printing. It connects wirelessly over Bluetooth or through a slide-out USB-C port. The camera also features a flash, a tripod mount, and a self-timer, and Fujifilm claims the rechargeable battery is good for up to three hours of use.
Editor's Summary
Fujifilm's Instax Pal 2 updates its palm-sized digital camera with a 10-megapixel sensor, LCD screen, optical viewfinder, autofocus, and face detection, addressing the original model's lack of framing tools. The camera is priced at $169.95 and is scheduled to launch in the US later this month, with app connectivity for effects and instant printing. Its specifications put it above novelty pocket cameras such as the Kodak Charmera, which has a 1.6-megapixel sensor.