All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (2024)

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (1)

Ah, the '80s. I wasn't alive for much of it, but there's a good chance a lot of you reading this were, so no doubt you remember the rise of Polaroid. We own some of the best digital cameras out there, but still have a soft spot for film. Instant print camera technology defined childhood for quite a lot of folks, and many will be happy to know that they're still alive and kicking in the 21st century. They have an impressive array of cameras that expertly combine the nostalgia and fun of old with the new technology of today.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (2)

OneStep+

The new hotness

Announced at CES 2019, the new OneStep+ camera is one of Polaroid's latest instant cameras. It's a step up from the OneStep 2 and the biggest improvement is the Bluetooth connectivity. With this device, you can download the Polaroid Originals app, connect it to your smartphone, and open up a whole new world of Polaroid photography. It uses either 600 or i-Type film.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (3)

OneStep 2 Viewfinder

The new original

This is inspired by the original OneStep camera from Polaroid but designed to work straight out of the box. All you need is some 600 or i-Type instant film, and you're good to go. It's got a better lens, a strong flash, and a 60-day battery life, so you're always ready to capture the moment. It also comes in either white or black.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (4)

SX-70

The old original

This is the camera that put Polaroid on the map and made them a household name. It was the first instant SLR camera ever made, and it pioneered the instant film that Polaroid is now known for. It also keeps the iconic folding design that made it so portable. Just keep in mind that it does not have a built-in flash, so you'll need your own. It's also pricey, but it's still a pretty fantastic camera. Be sure to pick up some SX-70 film for it.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (5)

Mint Camera & Printer

A new angle

The Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer is one of our favorite instant cameras. Polaroid is no stranger to coming up with inventive new ways to take pictures, and the Mint camera and printer is a great example of that. It's a pocket-sized camera that is oriented vertically to mimic the way a smartphone takes pictures. As expected of a Polaroid, it's got a printer integrated into it to print out your best shots instantly. It's a pretty neat little camera for the price.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (6)

POP Instant Digital Camera

The compact original

The POP camera from Polaroid allows you to take those same 3.5 by 4.25-inch Polaroid prints you know and love but in a much smaller package. There's a large 20MP lens upfront and a large 4-inch touchscreen display on the back. Polaroid has incorporated a lot of cool features into this camera like 1080p video recording, 15 second GIF's, photo editing, and digital zoom. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity for even more features.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (7)

Polaroid Snap Touch Instant Digital Camera

Photos in a snap

The Snap Touch camera shrinks down to a more traditional sized digital camera. It has a 3.5-inch touchscreen but laid out in landscape orientation. It has a smaller 13mp lens but keeps the same 1080p video recording. It adds the option to print photos in three color modes, black and white, color, and sepia, as well as Bluetooth capability. It also comes in six different colors to match your personality.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (8)

Snap Instant Digital Camera

The first Snap

The original Snap camera has a 10-megapixel lens on it and allows you to print in the same three color modes as the newer version - black & white, color, and sepia. It prints 2-by-3-inch images and will also save them to a MicroSD card if you desire. The Snap also comes in the same six color options as the Snap Touch, black, white, blue, pink, purple, and red.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (9)

Polaroid Cube Act II

The action camera

Polaroid has an action camera because of course it does. It's actually pretty impressive too. For next to nothing, you get a 6MP camera with a wide-angle lens. This model is splash-resistant, so you're free to take it out in the rain or shoot lakeside footage. The HD 1080p video footage is crisp and clean and downright impressive for a camera of this size.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (10)

Polaroidi20x29 Digital Camera

The digital camera

The i20x29 is a true digital camera without the instant printing capabilities that Polaroid is known for. That doesn't mean this isn't a solid camera. It's got a 20-megapixel lens with 10 times the optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. It also records 1080p video and saves everything to a MicroSD card, which, unfortunately, is not included.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (11)

The waterproof one

This digital camera is similar to the i20x29 but has a few notable differences. The biggest one is that it's completely adventure proof meaning it's waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof, so if you're a high adventure type, this should be your choice. It has a 20MP lens and a 4x digital zoom. It even has a front-facing preview screen, so all your selfies are on point.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (12)

Polaroid Now

Streamlined excellence

It's sleek and streamlined and available in eight colors. The Polaroid Now is a new point-and-shoot analog instant camera. With a new autofocus motor, it's easier than ever to capture crisp shots and print out all the fun in seconds.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (13)

iS048 Waterproof Digital Camera

Just the basics

Sometimes all you need is something just to get the job done. In that case, the iS048 is the guy for you. The 16MP lens with the 2.4-inch LCD screen and MicroSD slot to store your stuff offer all you need for the basic shots. It's also waterproof and comes in three different colors: Teal, Red, and Blue.

All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (14)

Polaroid Originals 600

Your dad's camera

If it looks familiar, that's because your father probably had this camera or carried something like it. With a fixed focus 28mm lens, this bad boy is a classic. It takes Polaroid 600 film and produces vintage photos that every hipster will love. Get it in one of eight colors and styles and step back in time.

Our final thoughts

Polaroid has become a household name thanks to its fun, innovative, instant printing camera technology. The idea that you could take a picture and instantly have it print out for you to share and enjoy cemented Polaroid forever in the hearts and minds of '80s and '90s kids alike and kicked off a whole industry of instant cameras. If you're looking for a great mix of the old and new, I'd recommend the OneStep+ as you get the best of both worlds.

When you want to capture action, reach for the Polaroid Cube Act II. It's ultra-tiny, has a wide-angle lens, and does HD video. For instant prints and wireless photo transfers, you can't go wrong with the Polaroid Pop 2.0. Perfect for kids and adults, you get a touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi, and 1080p HD video.

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All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (15)

Jodi Owan

Jodi Owan works behind a keyboard and a camera. She's a freelance writer for iMore, Android Central, and Windows Central.

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All the Polaroid cameras and their differences (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference in Polaroid cameras? ›

Choose the compact Polaroid Go model. The Polaroid Now takes larger photos and has autofocus, which means your photos will be sharper. With the Polaroid Now+, you can take the most creative photos because you can control the camera manually via the Polaroid app. That way, you'll be in full control of your photos.

What are the different types of Polaroid photos? ›

These are Polaroid 600 film, Polaroid i-type film, Polaroid SX-70 film, Polaroid Go film, and Polaroid 8×10 film.

What is the difference between Polaroid 600 and SX-70? ›

SX-70 film has higher contrast, richer saturation, and finer grain than 600 film, but it is only compatible with select cameras like the Polaroid SX-70 folding camera line and SX-70 box cameras. 600 film is compatible with all other integral Polaroid cameras as well as the SLR 680.

What is the difference between Itype and 600 film? ›

A: i-Type film contains no battery in the cartridge so it will only work with Polaroid Originals i-Type cameras like the OneStep 2. 600 film cartridges have a battery built in, as the vintage Polaroid 600 cameras did not have a built in battery in the camera.

What is the most iconic Polaroid? ›

Polaroid 600 SLR 690 Folding Instant Film Camera

This legendary vintage Polaroid camera is regarded as one of the best if not the best vintage Polaroid camera ever created.

How old is the Polaroid 600? ›

The Polaroid 600 Square analog instant camera is as simple as point-and-shoot. The boxy, pop-up shape made it an icon when it was first released in 1981.

What is the difference between Polaroid 600 and 600 SE? ›

The difference between the 600 and the 600 SE is that the 600 has a fixed 127mm Mamiya lens, while the 600 SE has interchangeable lenses. It is fully manual, very solidly constructed and rather large, so a sturdy tripod certainly comes in handy.

What is the difference between Polaroid 180 and 195? ›

There are two main differences between the 180 and 195 models: the 180 features the same superb Zeiss rangefinder as the 250, 350 and 450 automatic models described above, while the 195 features a cheaper viewfinder with separate rangefinder and viewfinder windows.

What does Polaroid 600 film mean? ›

600 is the most common film type for vintage cameras, and works with Polaroid's popular 600 series of cameras. The majority of cameras will have a number in the 600-series in their name (e.g. Sun 660, LM630, SLR 680, Impulse, Impulse AF and so on). You can always spot 600 film from its blue packaging.

Do Polaroids expire? ›

Expiration dates

All Polaroid film should be used within 12 months of production date for best results (you can find the production date stamped on the bottom of each film package). Chemical changes occur as our film ages, and this will eventually affect how well your film performs.

How do I know what Polaroid camera I have? ›

Besides examining the camera, or reading the model name, the easiest way to know which model of camera you have is to open the film door and read the serial number.

What is the best Polaroid film now? ›

Choose between i-Type and 600 Polaroid film for the perfect combination of film and frame for your Polaroid photographs. The Polaroid Now works best with i-Type film, but it can also be used with 600.

Do different Polaroids take different film? ›

Among the same brand, some films are interchangeable. For example, a Polaroid SX-70 can use both Polaroid 600 and 100 film, as long as the camera is modernized or modded. Most of the time though, it's just one film type for one camera.

What's the difference between Instax Polaroids? ›

The key difference between Instax and Polaroid films is in their photochemistry; Instax shots take around 90 seconds to develop, while Polaroids take up to 15 minutes. The qualities and characteristics of each film is also very different, which we'll cover in the Performance section below.

Are Polaroids better in dark or light? ›

Don't worry, you don't need a dark room to develop your Polaroid photos. But you will get a more beautiful photo if you develop it in the dark. After you take the photo, put the photo facing down so the light doesn't get to it. That way, the light doesn't affect the photo, which results in a more powerful contrast.

Is it better to shoot a Polaroid with or without flash? ›

It's important to only turn the flash off if there is enough natural light in the scene or the images will be blurry and underexposed, not good. For most indoor scenes we recommend keeping the flash turned on for best results.

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