Socialmatic/Promo image

I’m a huge fan of Instagram. I use it every day (@ChrisTackett) and think it is one of the most entertaining and addictive social networks, so it was no surprise my jaw dropped a bit last year when I first saw this design concept for an Instagram camera. Well, today I learned that Polaroid has joined forces with Socialmatic to turn it into a reality!

I should be thrilled, but to be honest, I’m conflicted. On one hand, I’m remembering what Jaymi previously noted, about how Instagram can lead to more consumerism due to the many accessories and photo products one can purchase and this is a perfect example. But on the other hand, INSTAGRAM CAMERA!

via Why I love, but won’t buy, the Instagram camera

On Monday, January 16th, Nikon Inc. sent a letter to independent camera repair technicians in the US to say that “it will no longer make repair parts available for purchase by repair facilities that have not been authorized by Nikon Inc. to perform camera repairs.” So after July 13, 2012, all Nikon repairs will be pushed through Nikon’s own repair service or one of 22 “Nikon authorized repair stations.” Local, independent camera repair shops will no longer be able to repair Nikon cameras with manufacturer-approved parts.

This is unnerving news.

Here’s why: How Nikon is Killing Camera Repair