The Polaroid camera, first introduced in 1948 by Edwin Land, revolutionized photography by allowing instant development of photographs. This invention eliminated the need for waiting for film to be processed, giving people the ability to immediately see and share their captured moments. The Polaroid camera quickly gained popularity for its convenience and ability to capture memories in real-time. Its impact on photography and the way people documented their lives cannot be overstated, making it a significant invention of the 20th century.