Best Polaroid Camera — Models, Specs, Prices and Features (2024)

Video Gear

By Chris Heckmann on May 2, 2021

What is the best Polaroid camera? Once upon a time, Polaroid reigned king in the world of instant cameras, but it struggled to retain market share due to growing competition and a cultural shift to video. Today, Polaroid is back – and amateur and professional photographers have begun to take notice. We’re going to rank the best Polaroid cameras to buy in 2021 by looking at price, quality, and ease of use. By the end, you’ll know which camera makes the most sense for you.

Types of Polaroid Cameras Explained by Marques Brownlee • Polaroid Retro Tech

What is the Best Polaroid Instant Camera to Buy?

Polaroid Now i-Type Instant Camera

Best Polaroid Cameras • Cheap Polaroid Camera i-Type

TECH SPECS:

Dimensions: 3.7 × 4.4 × 5.9 in (94 x 112.2 x 150.2 mm)
Weight: 0.95 lbs (434 grams) (without film pack)
Battery: High performance lithium-ion battery (750mAh), rechargeable via USB
Outer shell: Polycarbonate + ABS plastics
Lenses: Optical grade Polycarbonate and Acrylic lenses, coated
Shutter system: Custom design, using precision step motor for shutter
Autofocus system via 2 fixed focus zones 0.55m-1.3m, 0.6m-infinity
Focal length: Close-up (lens 1) 94.96 mm, Distance (lens 2) 102.35 mm
Field of view: 41 degrees vertical, 40 degrees horizontal
Flash system
Vacuum discharge tube storage
Neck Strap and USB charging cable included

Best Polaroid Cameras via Mark J. Draper • Polaroid i Type Cameras

The Polaroid Now i-Type Instant Camera is a retro-lover's aesthetic dream. The body of the camera is well-designed, and colorful enough to turn heads. The i-Type features a dual-lens system that’s capable of intuitive auto adjustment.

Some reviewers argue that the i-Type is overpriced for two reasons: the body of the camera isn’t super-durable and the quality of the photos are outclassed by other instant cameras in its price range.

50%

price

75%

quality

95%

ease of use

73%

OVERALL SCORE

The Good

Retro Aesthetic
Easy to Use
“Film Remaining” Counter

The Bad

Arguably Overpriced
Photo Quality
A Little Bulky

Cheap Polaroid Camera

Conclusion

Price: $99.99

A Good Polaroid Camera Option

Polaroid OneStep Plus Instant Camera

Best Polaroid Cameras • Polaroid OneStep Plus

TECH SPECS

Dimensions: L 5.9 × W 4.3 × H 3.8 in (L 150 × W 111 × H 97 mm)
Weight: 1.08 lbs (493 grams) (without film pack)
Battery: High performance lithium-ion battery (1100mAh), rechargeable via USB
Outer shells: Polycarbonate + ABS plastics
External viewfinder barrel
Lens: Optical grade polycarbonate lens, coated
Shutter system: Custom design using precision step motor
Optical System: Lens: Fixed focus lens
Standard lens focal length: 103 mm
Portrait lens focal length: 89 mm
Field of view: 41° vertical, 40° horizontal
Flash System: Vacuum discharge tube strobe
Bluetooth LE connectivity
Neck Strap and USB charging cable included
Tripod mount on base of camera

Best Polaroid Instant Cameras • Polaroid OneStep Plus Review via Luis Cameraman

The Polaroid OneStep Plus combines the novelty of point-and-shoot cameras with the control capabilities of modern digital cameras. The OneStep Plus is able to connect to smartphones via bluetooth for double exposure control, light painting, noise control, and more.

Personally, I feel as though the process of using two devices – camera and phone – takes away from the fun of instant cameras. If you don’t care about the remote control aspect of the OneStep Plus, then I recommend you go for the cheaper i-Type.

60%

price

75%

quality

80%

ease of use

72%

OVERALL SCORE

The Good

Solid Build Quality
Control Options
Flash Sensor

The Bad

A Bit Cumbersome
Film Cost
Niche Features

How Much is a Polaroid Camera Like the OneStep Plus

Conclusion

Price: $139.99

The Polaroid OneStep Plus Instant Camera is unlikely to attract as many customers as its cheaper companion, the i-Type, but those looking for more features will find a good option here.

SEE IT ON POLAROID

What’s the Best Polaroid Camera in the 600 Series?

Polaroid 600 Camera

Best Polaroid Cameras • Polaroid 600 Camera

TECH SPECS

Automatic flash (with override)
Fixed focus lens
Lighten/darken slider
Fitted with protective film shield
Refurbished by Polaroid – may show small signs of wear
Due to stock availability, the model you receive may differ slightly from product shown
1 year limited warranty

Best Polaroid Cameras • Polaroid 600 Camera Review via Analog Things

The Polaroid 600 camera is a classic analog camera that’s now available for purchase via Polaroid’s refurbish program. It doesn’t get much more simple than the 600 – simply line up your subject/landscape, then shoot!

The 600 hs an optical zoom lens for portrait photography – which is a nice feature, especially for a vintage camera. Again, the film stock is very expensive, so just be mindful that you’ll be paying a premium for the “cool” factor.

65%

price

80%

quality

95%

ease of use

80%

OVERALL SCORE

The Good

Classic Design
Simple and Easy
Optical Zoom

The Bad

Expensive Film
Lacks Some Features
N/A

Which Polaroid Camera is Better: 600 or 600 Impulse?

Conclusion

Price: $119.99

If you’re interested in the Polaroid 600 camera, check out the 600 Impulse Autofocus or 660 Autofocus models too. Both are in the same price range and offer unique benefits over the base model.

SEE IT ON POLAROID

What is the Best Polaroid Instant Camera to Buy?

Polaroid SX-70

Best Polaroid Cameras • Polaroid SX-70

TECH SPECS:

Polaroid SX-70 SLR camera
Manual focus as close as 10.4 in (26.4 cm)
Automatic variable shutter speed/aperture system
Lighten/darken wheel
Flashbar slot
Comes with protective film shield (requires installation)
Refurbished by Polaroid – may show signs of wear
1 year limited warranty
Due to stock availability, the model you receive may differ slightly from product shown.
Please note: This camera does not come with a flashbar fitted. Compatible with the MiNT SX-70 Flashbar.

Best Polaroid Cameras • Polaroid SX-70 Review via Willem Verbeeck

The Polaroid SX-70 changed the course of photography forever when it was released in 1972. Many photographers regard the SX-70 as the first commercial camera that was capable of producing instant film photographs without chemical residue.

The design of the Polaroid SX-70 is beyond iconic. The refurbished model is available in three colors: silver, black, and white – but let’s be honest, you have to go for the classic silver right?!

The SX-70 is the most expensive Polaroid camera on this list – but it’s something most retro enthusiasts covet on their shelves.

75%

price

90%

quality

85%

ease of use

83%

OVERALL SCORE

The Good

Revolutionary History
Compact Design
Manual Focus

The Bad

Expensive Models
Difficulty of Use
N/A

Top Polaroid Camera

Conclusion

Price: $389.99

The Polaroid SX-70 is available in three models: base, autofocus, and autofocus with flashbar. Whichever you choose, you’ll be receiving a legendary piece of photography history.

SEE IT ON POLAROID

UP NEXT

Best Mirrorless Cameras

If you’re thinking about purchasing a digital camera in addition, or instead of a film camera, consider checking out our article on the best mirrorless cameras! In this article, we break down the best mirrorless cameras to buy in various price ranges. By the end, you’ll know which digital cameras make the most sense for you.

Up Next: Mirrorless cameras →

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