KODAK Printomatic Camera Review: Fun but Flawed Verdict 6.8/10
Digging into real owner experiences with the KODAK Printomatic Instant Print Digital Camera - Blue reveals an enthusiastic but cautious verdict: 6.8/10. While marketed as a pocket-sized all‑in‑one instant camera delivering “lifelike images” with vibrant color, across multiple platforms the community consistently praised its ease of use—especially for kids—yet flagged recurring concerns about inconsistent print quality and design quirks that make it best suited for casual, fun use rather than serious photography.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple point‑and‑shoot operation suitable for children | Print quality varies, with issues in exposure and color accuracy |
| Instant 2x3" adhesive‑back prints for creative projects | Design flaws like overly sensitive shutter and closely placed power button |
| No ink or toner required thanks to Zink paper | Missing promised paper in some bundles; film cost adds up |
| Saves images to microSD for later sharing | Slow print speed; awkward charging orientation |
| Compact and portable for travel and parties | Poor low‑light performance despite automatic flash |
| Fun color options and vintage instant‑photo feel | Short battery life compared to expectations |
| Cheaper film than Fujifilm Instax | Can't choose when to print; auto‑print only |
Claims vs Reality
One of Kodak's headline claims is “stunningly lifelike instant prints” from a 5MP sensor and wide-angle f/2 lens using Zink Zero Ink technology. On paper, this combination promises sharp, colorful shots without the mess of cartridges or toner. In practice, while some users celebrate the convenience, others report “only about 3 out of 10 prints were keepers” with images described as over‑exposed or with flat colors. A Best Buy reviewer noted: "The paper and printing process is very unreliable… rest came out over exposed, under exposed or the colors just look flat out terrible."
Another marketing point is effortless usability—“point, shoot, print!”—with automatic flash and continued shooting during print. That simplicity is real: Reddit users shared stories of children as young as eight enjoying the camera instantly. However, the auto‑print limitation is polarizing; you can’t choose whether to print or not, which has led to wasted paper when the sensitive shutter is triggered accidentally. Quora users highlight the inconvenience when “you have to be careful not to put your finger near the button unless absolutely ready… wound up wasting like 3 pictures.”
Kodak also claims 25 prints per charge, yet several reviewers found battery life shorter than hoped, with one owner noting only “enough charge for about 3 prints” straight out of the box, suggesting variance in charging state or usage patterns.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Ease of use earns near‑universal approval. A verified Best Buy buyer said, “My 9‑year‑old was able to figure it out quickly… loves that she can instantly print or use a memory card when paper runs out.” This plug‑and‑play appeal makes it ideal for kids, casual parties, and scrapbooking. Portability is another strong point—community members on multiple platforms refer to it as “great on‑the‑go” and perfect for travel. Sticky‑back prints also inspire creativity; Reddit user elvis*** explained how the adhesive lets you “stick it somewhere… battery lasts a decent amount of time & the film is cheaper & has more sheets than Fujifilm packs.”
The compact form factor consistently gets mentioned. At under five inches long, it slips into a pocket for quick access. Families report using it at gatherings to hand out keepsakes; one Quora user recalled bringing it to a wedding reception and enjoying the immediate physical mementos.
Common Complaints
Image clarity and consistent printing top the negative list. Multiple sources, including BestViewsReviews analysis, indicate about 59% of sentiments lean negative—often citing “photo quality is not at all what it should be.” Variability in exposure and color saturation leaves some prints disappointing. Speed is another gripe; print times can feel slow, breaking the flow of shooting, especially when “pictures come out kinda slow” as one Best Buy reviewer put it.
Design quirks frustrate owners. The proximity of the power and shutter buttons causes accidental presses during printing, as reported by Quora users: “start the entire process over before the print made it out, losing the original mid‑process.” Charging requires holding the camera upright, an unintuitive orientation that led to incomplete charges if mishandled. Additionally, some bundles miss promised paper packs on delivery, disappointing buyers expecting instant use.
Divisive Features
The auto‑print feature splits opinion. Some appreciate the immediate satisfaction of a photo ejecting seconds after capture, reinforcing the instant‑camera charm. Others lament wasted sheets when an unintended shot is printed. Low‑light capability via automatic flash also divides users—helpful in theory, but some say the slow flash sync blurs fast‑moving subjects, especially kids. Color modes (switching between black & white and color) get praise from enthusiasts who like on‑camera effects without buying specialized paper; others find them gimmicky.
Trust & Reliability
No major scam patterns emerge, but reliability concerns do. Trustpilot‑sourced sentiments echo minor assembly flaws like loose internal components out of the box—“pressure plate… fell out… could be reattached but kept falling apart,” undermining confidence. Long‑term owners note durability for light casual use; one Reddit user kept theirs more than two years and valued it over trendier models for sturdier build and cheaper film. However, the product’s consistency over time hinges on careful handling—drops, moisture, or misaligned paper can quickly affect output.
It’s clear the Printomatic is not positioned for professional reliability. For events, it thrills guests but is risky if record‑quality photos are required. Device Discoveries advises calibration with the blue sheet and careful paper storage to avoid degradation—tips from seasoned owners reduce issues but require attention that casual buyers may overlook.
Alternatives
The Fujifilm Instax series arises often in comparisons. One Reddit commenter explicitly chose Printomatic over Instax for cheaper film and adhesive‑back prints. While Instax generally delivers better print sharpness, it lacks digital storage—a plus for Kodak’s SD‑card save option. Polaroid models also compete, but with higher film costs and varying sizes. For buyers prioritizing low ongoing cost and immediacy, Printomatic holds ground; for those valuing print fidelity above all, alternatives outperform.
Price & Value
Current listings range $39.99 for basic units on eBay to $99.99–$121.99 for bundles with paper and cases, well below some instant‑camera competitors. Resale prices drop sharply; parts‑only or untested units dip below $10, showing limited collector appeal. Community buying tips warn to stock up on Zink paper in advance—running out mid‑event kills the instant fun. Bundles can offer good initial value if paper is actually included; missing packs, a recurring complaint, erode that benefit.
FAQ
Q: Can I choose when to print with the Kodak Printomatic?
A: No. It prints automatically seconds after taking a photo, so avoid shooting until the previous print finishes to prevent jams or wasted sheets.
Q: Does it come with photo paper?
A: Some bundles include paper, but multiple buyers received none despite listing claims. Confirm seller details before purchase.
Q: Can I save photos digitally?
A: Yes, if you insert a microSD card (not included). Images are stored even when printing.
Q: How is the low‑light performance?
A: An automatic flash engages in dim settings, but slow sync can blur motion. Best for still subjects.
Q: How many prints per charge?
A: Officially about 25, but usage patterns and battery condition can reduce this; keep a charger handy.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re seeking a fun, kid‑friendly, low‑cost instant camera for casual events or scrapbooking. Avoid if print quality is your top priority or if you want control over when photos print. Pro tip from the community: Always calibrate with the blue sheet, keep Zink paper cool and dry, and hold the camera correctly when charging to avoid power issues.
