A really stupid question showing me to be total technophobe - instax cameras

[Deminism]

Are these just modern polaroids? Do they print the pic out for you there and then? What are the downsides? Do I want one? I thought it might be fun with the kids.

They are exactly the same idea as polaroids yes, but the photos are smaller. You have to pay for the film which is an ongoing cost and you can't just keep snapping away like you can with a digital (film has 10 exposures only). We have one and the kids love watching the photos develop.

The film is very expensive but it’s really fun. I bet kids would love it.

Thank you - I think I will get it as 'my' present and then let the kids use it, which solves the snapping away issue as I can ration it a bit more easily then.

I really recommend these if you have kids.

My sister bought my DD one and I thought it would just be a gimmick but it’s came in so handy.

For example if they have homework it’s came in handy for them to add photos to it (eg there was a home work where they had to buy ingredients and cook a meal and make a booklet about it so we added photos using the camera)

Also used it in thank you cards for presents by taking a pic of kid with the present

Etc

There are loads of different kinds. There are some that you can choose which pictures to print (so you don’t have to print the ones that are just a bit floor if your kids have it!)
There a really good video on YouTube which goes through them all (except the newest).