Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 13, 2008 10:15:27 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Polaroid Out of Instant-Photo Biz

Posted Feb 8, 08 7:40 PM CST in Technology,  Arts & Living,  Business 

(Newser) – The Polaroid photo company, whose familiar white-bordered snapshot has become an "icon," is leaving film behind to zoom in on digital equipment, Bloomberg reports. The Massachusetts company was founded in 1937 and in 1948 released the first instant camera, pulling in huge profits—but with the popularity of digital cameras, Polaroid has faced “a technologically driven decline,” said COO Tom Beaudoin. 

Though plants will close in several countries, Polaroid hasn’t forgotten its faithful customers. “We’re trying to help what have been extremely loyal Polaroid customers to make our film categories last as long as we can,” Beaudoin said. The company will make enough film to last until 2009, and will license its technology to third-party companies for serious shooters. 

Sources Bloomberg, New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • 10 Businesses Not Long for This World

    Oct 6, 07 2:32 PM CDT
    10 Businesses Not Long for This World New technology is changing the business landscape as once-profitable ventures like record stores and used book shops close their doors forever. Entrepreneur.com bets against 10 businesses that it says will be extinct by 2017:

    1. Record stores
    2. Camera film manufacturing
    3. Crop dusters
    More »

  • Kodak Sets Sights on Flashless Future

    Jun 14, 07 3:55 PM CDT
    Kodak showed off a new technology today that enables digital cameras to capture clearer pictures in low light—without a flash. Kodak revealed the innovation just as the enduring photography company finishes up its long and costly transformation to digital and begins to tap into its valuable portfolio of patents. More »

A Polaroid Corp. facility is seen in Waltham, Mass. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. The company that pioneered instant photography is getting out of the film business to focus on digital imaging. Polaroid says...   (Associated Press)
Polaroid's Distal Instant Mobile Photo Printer is shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Monday, Jan. 7, 2008. Once connected to a phone or camera by Bluetooth wireless or the USB...   (Associated Press)
Classic format Polaroids like these may become rarities as Polaroid Corp. leaves the film business.   ((c) Mr.Thomas)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

consumer electronics  • digital camera  • camera


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Business Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »