Fujifilm Instax 100

For as long as I have known, I have always wanted an instant camera and I thought I would end up buying a Polaroid.

However, on a visit to the Argos catalogue shop I noticed another instant camera, the Instax 100 - made by Fujifilm. Despite Polaroid's dominance in this niché market, it looks like Fujifilm may have beaten them at their own game.

I bought the "Big Party" pack, which comprises of the camera, a black carry case, four "AA" (Pen width) batteries, a shoulder strap and two packs of 10 picture film.

The camera is large and seems too bulky at first, but you soon get used to it. The instructions are easy to follow and you will find you are ready in no time at all.

The features were the first things which drew me to this camera. It has a small LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) to show how many pictures you have left, a two zone focus lens (for close-up and distance shots), a lowlight automatic flash (which you can alter the brightness of, depending on the light conditions), a wide picture format and an ergonomic, comfortable grip design.

Although this camera can only use Fujifilm Instax film packs (which can be hard to find in camera shops, unless you live in a city or go to Argos), the quality of the print is excellent and the film is cheaper than the Polaroid film!

Unlike the Polaroid, the pictures come out of the top, although unfortunately it doesn't have a timer, which would have been a useful addition. The greatest thing for me though, is that the lens extends from the body, when switched on and retracts when you turn it off!!

Despite being more expensive than the Polaroid cameras, I still think it is worth it! Its a very snazzy, well designed camera, with some cool features and well worth paying extra for.

10 out of 10

Argos price: £29 (at: www.argos.co.uk)