Best Polaroid camera: find the perfect instant camera for your photography style.
Choosing the best Polaroid camera depends on how you like to shoot. Whether you're looking for a beginner-friendly instant camera, a professional creative tool with manual controls, a compact travel camera, or simply a more analog way to make and share memories, there's a Polaroid camera for you.
In this guide, we compare the latest Polaroid cameras to help you decide which camera best fits your needs.
| Camera | Best For | Difficulty | Film Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaroid I-2 | Professionals & Creators | Advanced | i-Type, 600, SX-70 |
| Polaroid Flip | Creative everyday | Intermediate | i-Type, 600 |
| Polaroid Now+ | Creative beginners | Easy | i-Type, 600 |
| Polaroid Mod | Creators engaged | Easy | i-Type, 600 |
| Polaroid Now | First-time Polaroid users | Very Easy | i-Type, 600 |
| Polaroid Go | Travel & portability | Very Easy |
Go Film
|
| Polaroid SX-70 | Vintage enthusiasts | Advanced | SX-70 |
| Polaroid 600 | Retro collectors | Easy | 600 |
- Polaroid I-2 Camera
- Polaroid Flip Camera
- Polaroid Now+ Camera
- Polaroid Mod
- Polaroid Now Camera
- Polaroid Go Camera
- Polaroid SX-70 Cameras
- Polaroid 600 Cameras
No matter which camera you choose, every Polaroid camera delivers the unique analog instant photography experience that has inspired generations of creators and reminds us that
the best of life is analog.
Polaroid I-2 Camera
Polaroid I-2 is our first analog instant camera with built-in manual controls. It has the sharpest-ever Polaroid lens and together with the unique chemistry of Polaroid film, you can have in your hands an analog instant camera made for creative pursuit.
- More depth of field for stunning portraits (use at f/8 at any distance)
- The ability to choose manually any aperture at any distance
- Distance to the object
- Shutter speed value- so you can control the exact amount of light you need.
- Aperture (up to f/8)= biggest aperture in our portfolio for a beautiful ‘Bokeh’ effect
- Light meter indicator (under or overexposed)
- Flash (on/off)
- Compatible with Polaroid i-Type film, Polaroid 600 film and Polaroid SX-70 film
- Camera modes: auto, aperture, manual, self-timer, multi exposure.
Perfect for: Professional and creators photographers alike. The Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera offer limitless photographic possibilities using the built in modes: Automatic, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual mode, Self-Timer, Multiple Exposure, and more within the app.
Learn more about the Polaroid I-2 Camera
Polaroid Flip Camera
The Polaroid Flip camera brings back the amazing sonar autofocus that was first pioneered by Polaroid in the 1970s, along with a similar form factor as the vintage 600 cameras. Sleek and ready-to-use, the Flip has a brighter flash, an auto alert to let you know of over/underexposure, and connectivity to the Polaroid app, which opens extra controls. Plus, with the sonar autofocus, your images are always in perfect focus.
- 4-lens system for beautifully sharp shots
- Alerts you of over/underexposure
- Sonar autofocus to keep your subject in focus
- Bluetooth connectivity, allowing access to additional creative shooting modes
- Powerful built-in flash (with override function)
- 60-day battery life (USB rechargeable)
- Compatible with Polaroid i-Type film or Polaroid 600 film
Perfect for: Advance and professional instant photographers alike. With a simple and intuitive design, the camera retains its ease of use as a point-and-shoot camera, while also offering more photographic possibilities using the shooting modes (when paired using the Polaroid app).
Learn more about the Polaroid Flip Camera
Polaroid Now+ Camera
It keeps the same ease of use, reliability, long lasting battery life and powerful flash of the Now but adds a whole bunch of new features and creative possibilities. You can do more with analog instant photography than ever before with the 5 new lens filters (included with Generation 1 and Generation 2 cameras) plus additional creative shooting modes in the Polaroid app, like tripod mode, aperture priority, and a full manual mode (when connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone).
- Intuitive point-and-shoot design
- 5 lens filters (starburst, red vignette, orange, blue, and yellow) (Included with Generation 1 and Generation 2 cameras only)
- Bluetooth connectivity, allowing access to additional creative shooting modes
- Powerful built-in flash (with override function)
- 60-day battery life (USB rechargeable)
- Compatible with all i-Type film and 600 film packs
- Available in different colors
Perfect for: Beginners instant photographers alike. With a simple and intuitive design, the camera retains its ease of use as a point-and-shoot camera, while also offering more photographic possibilities using the shooting modes (when paired using the Polaroid app).
Learn more about the Polaroid Now+ Camera
Polaroid Mod Camera
The Polaroid Mod is designed for people who want to explore analog creativity without needing professional photography experience. Unlike traditional point-and-shoot instant cameras, the MOD puts creative tools directly on the camera through a dedicated mode dial, making it easy to experiment with artistic effects and unique compositions. Inspired by the idea that the best of life is analog, the Polaroid Mod invites you to explore real moments and creative photography in a hands-on, rewarding way.
- Dedicated Creative Mode Dial
-
Four built-in creative shooting modes:
- Split Shot
- Motion Freeze
- Double Exposure
- Light Painting
- Brightness Dial for adjusting mood and exposure
- Two-lens autofocus system
- Easy-to-use fully analog design
- Built-in flash
- USB-C rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Compatible with Polaroid i-Type film and Polaroid 600 film
- Includes Split Shot accessory for creating two-image compositions on a single frame
Perfect for: Creative photographers, artists, content creators, and anyone who wants to go beyond point-and-shoot photography. The Polaroid Mod makes creative analog techniques accessible through dedicated on-camera controls, allowing you to experiment with Double Exposure, Light Painting, Motion Freeze, and Split Shot effects.
Learn more about the Polaroid Mod Camera
Polaroid Now Camera
This Polaroid camera combine ease of use and creativity. A cleaner and friendlier design, while staying true to the iconic character and personality of the original OneStep (1977)
- Intuitive point-and-shoot design
- Autofocus with automatic lens selection (standard and portrait)
- Built in Double exposure mode
- Brighter photos in low light conditions with finer environement control
- Powerful built-in flash (with override function)
- Improved flash algorithm to help with evening out background and foreground
- More accurate distance measurement
- Lighten/darken exposure control
- 90-day battery life from a 100% charge or 15 packs of film (USB rechargeable)
- Built-in self-timer function
- Compatible with all i-Type film and 600 film packs
- Available in different colors
- Compatible with the Now and Now+ Filter Set, sold separately (Compatible with Generation 3 cameras only)
Perfect for: Beginners and aspiring instant photographers alike. With only a few buttons and a simple, intuitive design, it’s got everything you need and nothing that you don’t.
Learn more about the Polaroid Now Cameras
Polaroid Go Camera
The newest and tiniest Polaroid camera. It’s easy to use (and cute). It’s portable, wearable, and yes you can take it anywhere. It’s the perfect camera if you want to create memories with your friends. The design is modern but it’s always in line with our iconic Polaroid One Step from 1977.
- Intuitive point-and-shoot design
- Fixed lens
- Built in Double exposure mode
- Built-in flash (with override function)
- A battery life from a 100% charge enough to shoot 15 packs of film (USB rechargeable)
- Built-in self-timer function with a selfie mirror (on the viewfinder) to help framing
- Compatible exclusively with Polaroid Go film
- Wrist-strap included
- Available in different colors
Perfect for: Beginners and everyone who’s looking for a small camera to be used everywhere. Your creativity is the limit.
Learn more about the Polaroid Go cameras
Polaroid SX-70 Cameras
Released in 1972, the SX-70 was the world’s first folding SLR instant camera, and shoots at a lower ISO than other Polaroid cameras. This means they need more light to shoot, allowing for greater depth and detail. It’s this which has made them the favored model for artists and professionals.
- Folds flat to carry
- Does not contain a battery (battery is integrated into each SX-70 film pack)
- Available in both manual-focus and auto-focus models
- No built-in flash (sold separately)
- Shutter speed ranging from 1/175 (for action shots) to 10 seconds (for long exposures at night)
- Works with SX-70 type film, but also compatible with 600 film when using a Neutral Density filter
Perfect for: Polaroid enthusiasts who want to shoot with a more technical camera, and professional photographers looking to experiment with instant photography. If you’ve got a little technical know-how about analog photography, the SX-70 is a great camera for you.
Learn more about Polaroid SX-70 cameras
Polaroid 600 Box-Type Cameras
First released in 1981, the 600-series is the camera most people think of when they hear the word “Polaroid”, with a boxy design that made them a pop culture icon.
- Simple, point-and-shoot design that's fun, quick, and easy-to-use
- Comes with a built-in automatic flash and (usually) a fixed-focus lens
- Flash override capability and lighten/darken slider
- Does not contain a battery (battery is integrated into each 600 film pack)
- Fitted with a Polaroid film shield to protect new photos from light as they exit the camera
- Works with a wide selection of 600 type film, from classic color and black & white to special edition packs
Perfect for: Beginners, casual shooters, and fans of special edition film packs. More serious users could consider a step up to the high-end SLR 680/690 models.
Learn more about Polaroid 600 cameras
Which Polaroid Camera Is Best?
The best Polaroid camera depends on your photography goals.
- Choose the Polaroid Now if you're getting started with instant photography.
- Choose The Polaroid Mod if you love vintage creativity.
- Choose the Polaroid Flip if you want advanced features and creative flexibility.
- Choose the Polaroid I-2 if you want professional-level control and image quality.
- Choose the Polaroid Go if portability is your priority.