If you want the classic Polaroid look, my leading pick is the Polaroid Now 3rd Generation: it balances straightforward autofocus, rechargeable power, and broad i-Type and 600 film compatibility. For more control over exposure, the Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation adds Bluetooth app features and manual options. If carrying a larger camera sounds like a chore, the Polaroid Go Generation 2 takes the portable route, at the cost of requiring its own Go film format.
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These cameras all make physical instant prints, but they are not interchangeable in practice. Film compatibility affects what you can load, size matters when you want to carry a camera all day, and creative controls can either expand your options or add complexity. I ranked these picks by how well they fit distinct buyers, weighing ease of use, format flexibility, feature set, and the tradeoffs that matter after the first pack of film.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Polaroid Now 3rd Generation is my best all-around pick because it pairs autofocus and USB-C charging with compatibility for both i-Type and 600 film.
- The Now+ 3rd Generation is the strongest choice for hands-on photographers who want app control, manual mode, and aperture priority rather than a purely point-and-shoot experience.
- The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the easiest camera here to pack, but its smaller Go format ties you to dedicated Polaroid Go film.
- The Polaroid Flip adds a more elaborate autofocus and scene-analysis system, making it a better fit for shoppers who prioritize focusing and exposure features over a simple interface.
- The renewed Polaroid Now is a capable way into full-size Polaroid photography, but its refurbished condition makes it less straightforward than buying a current-generation model.
| Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle – Black |  | Best Overall | Film formats: Polaroid i-Type and 600 | Viewfinder: Optical | Maximum shutter speed: 1/60 second | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle |  | Best for Creative Control | Film formats: Polaroid i-Type and 600 | Exposure controls: Manual mode and aperture priority | Connectivity: Bluetooth and app controlled | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Polaroid Flip Instant Camera + Color Film Bundle (16 Photos Included) – Black |  | Best for Focusing Features | Film formats: Polaroid 600 and i-Type | Autofocus: Sonar autofocus with hyperfocal four-lens system | Exposure: Automatic with scene analysis | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Polaroid Go Generation 2 – Mini Instant Camera + Film Bundle (16 Photos Included) – Black |  | Best Compact Polaroid | Film format: Polaroid Go | Viewfinder: Optical | Maximum shutter speed: 1/300 second | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera – White (Renewed Premium) |  | Best Renewed Entry Point | Condition: Factory refurbished, Renewed Premium | Film formats: Polaroid i-Type and 600 | Exposure: Automatic | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Polaroid instant camera | Viewfinder | Film formats | Maximum shutter speed | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I- | Optical | Polaroid i-Type and 600 | 1/60 second | 15.9 ounces |
| Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I | Optical | Polaroid i-Type and 600 | 1/1000 second | 15.9 ounces |
| Polaroid Flip Instant Camera + | Optical | Polaroid 600 and i-Type | 1/100 second | — |
| Polaroid Go Generation 2 | Optical | — | 1/300 second | — |
| Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Ca | Optical | Polaroid i-Type and 600 | — | 596 g |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle – Black
The Polaroid Now 3rd Generation is my best overall choice because it keeps the central Polaroid experience approachable without locking buyers into one unusual film size. Its autofocus and upgraded light meter are aimed at helping everyday shots land more reliably, while an optical viewfinder keeps framing direct and familiar. It accepts both i-Type and 600 film, which gives it a broader practical fit than the Go and makes it a sensible pick for someone building a camera-and-film setup around the classic Polaroid format.
It also adds double exposure and a self-timer, so the simple point-and-shoot approach does not rule out group portraits or layered creative shots. The USB-C rechargeable battery is listed as lasting for more than 15 film packs, reducing the need to think about replacing camera batteries during ordinary use. Against the Now+ 3rd Generation, though, this is the more straightforward camera: it does not offer the same manual mode, aperture priority, or Bluetooth app control. That is an advantage for buyers who want fewer settings, and a limitation for photographers who like to shape exposure themselves.
The tradeoffs are typical of analog instant photography but still worth weighing. The camera is not water resistant, so rain and wet environments call for caution, and prints depend on continued access to compatible film. The bundle listing includes film, but a buyer should check the listing details for the exact included contents. I rank it ahead of the more specialized options because its mix of easy operation, rechargeable power, and format flexibility suits the widest range of Polaroid buyers without relying on app features or a refurbished unit.
Pros:- Autofocus and an upgraded light meter support everyday point-and-shoot use.
- Works with both Polaroid i-Type and 600 film.
- USB-C rechargeable battery is listed to last for more than 15 film packs.
- Includes double-exposure and self-timer modes for more than basic snapshots.
Cons:- No Bluetooth app control or manual exposure options like the Now+.
- Not water resistant, so wet-weather use is a poor fit.
- Film is an ongoing requirement, and bundle contents should be checked before purchase.
Best for: Buyers who want an easy-to-use, current-generation Polaroid camera with autofocus, creative basics, USB-C charging, and access to both i-Type and 600 film.
Not ideal for: Photographers who want manual exposure or app-led controls, and buyers seeking a pocket-sized camera or a weather-resistant model.
- Film formats:Polaroid i-Type and 600
- Viewfinder:Optical
- Maximum shutter speed:1/60 second
- Battery:USB-C rechargeable
- Weight:15.9 ounces
- Shooting modes:Double exposure and self-timer
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
- Color:Black
Our verdict“I recommend the Now 3rd Generation as the most balanced Polaroid for buyers who want easy shooting and flexible access to i-Type and 600 film.”
Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle
For buyers who want an instant camera that invites experimentation, the Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation is the most capable choice in this group. Its manual mode, aperture priority, and Bluetooth app control offer more ways to influence a shot than the standard Now 3rd Generation. It keeps the same core flexibility around i-Type and 600 film, so choosing added controls does not require switching to the Go’s dedicated format.
That extra control is meaningful if you enjoy adjusting how an image is made rather than simply accepting automatic exposure. The optical viewfinder preserves an analog shooting experience, while the app connection adds a route to features that the standard Now lacks. USB-C charging and a battery rated for over 15 film packs also match the newer Now model, making this a feature-rich alternative rather than a step backward in everyday convenience. I place it below the standard Now overall because a broader feature list is not a benefit to every buyer: a casual user may prefer the simpler camera and never need the added controls.
The Now+ is also not a digital preview camera. It still makes physical instant film, and the listed optical viewfinder means framing happens through the camera rather than on an LCD. Its lack of water resistance is shared with the other models here. Buyers should also expect a learning curve if they plan to use manual or aperture-priority settings; app control adds possibilities, but it also adds a connected-device step. The Now+ makes the most sense when those choices sound enjoyable, not when the goal is simply to take easy snapshots with the least setup.
Pros:- Manual mode and aperture priority give photographers more influence over exposure.
- Bluetooth app control adds options beyond the standard Now model.
- Compatible with both Polaroid i-Type and 600 film.
- USB-C rechargeable battery is listed for over 15 film packs.
Cons:- Additional controls may feel like unnecessary complexity to casual users.
- No LCD preview; framing uses an optical viewfinder.
- Not water resistant.
Best for: Creative photographers who want app control, manual exposure options, and aperture priority while keeping compatibility with i-Type and 600 film.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want a minimal point-and-shoot workflow, do not want to use a companion app, or need a camera suitable for wet conditions.
- Film formats:Polaroid i-Type and 600
- Exposure controls:Manual mode and aperture priority
- Connectivity:Bluetooth and app controlled
- Maximum shutter speed:1/1000 second
- Viewfinder:Optical
- Battery:USB-C rechargeable
- Weight:15.9 ounces
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“I would choose the Now+ over the standard Now when creative controls matter more than the simplest possible point-and-shoot experience.”
Polaroid Flip Instant Camera + Color Film Bundle (16 Photos Included) – Black
The Polaroid Flip stands out for the way it handles focusing and scene evaluation. Its hyperfocal four-lens system is paired with sonar autofocus and scene analysis, while automatic exposure and a powerful flash are intended to help the camera adapt across different shooting situations. For someone who values these built-in aids, the Flip offers a more elaborate approach than the standard Now 3rd Generation, whose appeal is a simpler blend of autofocus and everyday controls.
It is not a different film ecosystem: the Flip accepts Polaroid i-Type and 600 film, just like the Now models. That makes it more convenient to compare with those cameras than with the Go, which requires dedicated Go film. Bluetooth connectivity, a timer, and a tripod mount add flexibility for planned portraits and creative setups. The listing also includes a pack of 16 color photos, giving buyers an initial supply to start shooting, though the listing should be checked for the full bundle contents.
Its feature set does not make it the best default choice for everyone. The Flip still has an optical viewfinder rather than a digital screen, so there is no on-camera LCD preview for composing. It is also not water resistant, and it shares the ongoing film commitment of every analog Polaroid in this lineup. Compared with the Now+, the Flip emphasizes its autofocus and scene-analysis system rather than offering the listed manual and aperture-priority controls. I rank it below both Now models because the extra focusing features are attractive to a specific buyer, while the Now 3rd Generation is easier to recommend as a general-purpose camera.
Pros:- Sonar autofocus and scene analysis distinguish it from simpler Now models.
- Compatible with Polaroid i-Type and 600 film.
- Bluetooth connectivity, timer, and tripod mount support planned shooting.
- Bundle listing includes 16 color photos.
Cons:- Optical viewfinder only, with no LCD preview.
- Not water resistant.
- Its specialized focusing features may be more than a casual point-and-shoot buyer needs.
Best for: Buyers who want a Polaroid camera with multiple autofocus and scene-analysis features, plus Bluetooth, a timer, and tripod-mounting options.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who want a digital preview screen, manual exposure controls, a smaller travel camera, or water resistance.
- Film formats:Polaroid 600 and i-Type
- Autofocus:Sonar autofocus with hyperfocal four-lens system
- Exposure:Automatic with scene analysis
- Maximum shutter speed:1/100 second
- Connectivity:Bluetooth; compatible with smartphone and tablet
- Viewfinder:Optical
- Bundle film:16 color photos
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“I recommend the Flip to buyers who want advanced focusing and scene tools but do not need the Now+’s manual exposure approach.”
Polaroid Go Generation 2 – Mini Instant Camera + Film Bundle (16 Photos Included) – Black
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the portability pick. Its compact, lightweight design is easier to carry than the larger Now and Now+ cameras, making it the natural choice for trips, everyday outings, and casual photos when a full-size camera feels cumbersome. The built-in selfie mirror, timer, and double-exposure mode give it useful options for self-portraits and playful shots, while automatic exposure keeps the basic operation approachable.
That portability comes with a firm format tradeoff: the Go uses Polaroid Go film only. The Now 3rd Generation, Now+, Flip, and renewed Now all support i-Type and 600, so those models are more flexible if sharing film or using those established formats is a priority. Go film also produces the smaller format associated with this camera, which may suit a pocketable, informal camera but is less appealing if a buyer specifically wants the larger classic Polaroid print experience. The bundle includes 16 photos, giving the camera an initial pack for getting started.
Generation 2 adds USB-C rechargeable power and uses 30% recycled materials, alongside the built-in flash and optical viewfinder. The camera is not water resistant, so its small size should not be mistaken for outdoor protection. Its effective still resolution is listed as 20 MP, but this is an analog instant camera, not a substitute for a digital camera with a screen or file workflow. I rank it below the larger-format picks because its best feature—being easy to carry—will not compensate for dedicated film and smaller prints for every buyer. Choose it when compactness is the main need.
Pros:- Compact design is the easiest to carry in this lineup.
- Selfie mirror, timer, and double exposure support flexible casual shooting.
- USB-C rechargeable and made with 30% recycled materials.
- Bundle includes 16 Polaroid Go photos.
Cons:- Uses Polaroid Go film rather than i-Type or 600.
- The smaller film format may not suit buyers seeking classic larger prints.
- Not water resistant.
Best for: Travelers, casual photographers, and anyone who wants a small instant camera with a selfie mirror and a bundle of Go film.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want larger Polaroid prints, access to i-Type or 600 film, or a camera for use around rain and water.
- Film format:Polaroid Go
- Viewfinder:Optical
- Maximum shutter speed:1/300 second
- Built-in flash:Yes
- Power:USB-C rechargeable
- Special features:Selfie mirror, timer, and double exposure
- Materials:30% recycled materials
- Bundle film:16 Polaroid Go photos
Our verdict“I would pick the Go Generation 2 when portability outweighs the narrower film choice and smaller print format.”
Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera – White (Renewed Premium)
The renewed Polaroid Now offers the familiar full-size Polaroid approach in a white, point-and-shoot body. Autofocus and automatic exposure aim to keep everyday shooting simple, while double exposure and a self-timer provide the same kind of creative starting points found on newer options. It supports both i-Type and 600 film, so its format compatibility is more flexible than the compact Go’s and comparable to the current Now 3rd Generation.
Its most important difference is not a shooting feature: this is a factory-refurbished Renewed Premium camera. The listing includes a one-year warranty, but refurbished condition is still a different ownership proposition from buying a new current-generation model. Compared with the Now 3rd Generation, this version does not list USB-C charging or an upgraded light meter. Buyers who value the newest listed features and a new-camera purchase should favor the newer model; buyers open to refurbished equipment may find this an appealing route to a straightforward Polaroid camera.
The listed body weighs 596 g and measures 4.4 by 3.7 by 5.9 inches, so it is not the pocketable alternative in this roundup. Like the newer models, it is not water resistant, and it remains tied to instant-film shooting rather than digital previews or file capture. The listing describes vivid, sharp photos, but instant results depend on the film and shooting conditions as well as the camera. I place it fifth because its core format compatibility is solid, yet refurbishment and the older feature set make the newer Now 3rd Generation a clearer choice for most buyers.
Pros:- Point-and-shoot operation with autofocus and automatic exposure.
- Compatible with both Polaroid i-Type and 600 film.
- Double exposure and self-timer add creative options.
- Listed with a one-year warranty.
Cons:- Renewed condition may not suit buyers who prefer a new camera.
- Does not list the USB-C rechargeable battery found on newer Now models.
- Not water resistant and limited to instant film.
Best for: Buyers comfortable purchasing a factory-refurbished camera who want autofocus, creative basics, and compatibility with i-Type and 600 film.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who require a new current-generation model, want listed USB-C charging, or prefer compact dimensions and water resistance.
- Condition:Factory refurbished, Renewed Premium
- Film formats:Polaroid i-Type and 600
- Exposure:Automatic
- Viewfinder:Optical
- Weight:596 g
- Dimensions:4.4 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches
- Creative modes:Double exposure and self-timer
- Warranty:1 year
Our verdict“I would consider this renewed Now only if refurbished condition is acceptable and its classic feature set suits the buyer better than the newer Now 3rd Generation.”
How We Picked
I compared these five cameras as choices for someone specifically seeking a Polaroid instant camera, not a digital camera that prints photos or an instant camera using a different film system. I put film compatibility near the top of the list because the format determines which packs a camera accepts and whether a buyer can share supplies across models. The Now, Now+, Flip, and renewed Now support i-Type and 600 film; the Go uses its own smaller Polaroid Go format. That difference can outweigh a feature such as a selfie mirror if a buyer already has film or wants a larger print.
I then looked at the experience each camera offers before and after pressing the shutter. Autofocus, automatic exposure, and a familiar optical viewfinder help keep casual shooting uncomplicated. Manual settings, app control, double exposure, and self-timer modes can make photography more flexible, but they are useful only when the buyer wants to use them. I treated the Now 3rd Generation as the general-purpose reference point, then ranked alternatives by the specific advantage they bring: creative control, portability, upgraded focusing features, or a lower-commitment refurbished route.
Bundle contents and condition also matter. The Go and Flip listings include a pack of 16 photos, while the Now 3rd Generation and Now+ listings are bundles described as including film; the renewed Now listing describes the camera itself. I have not assumed that every listing includes the same accessories or film quantity. The Now is identified as Renewed Premium, so its refurbished status remains part of the buying decision even though the listed warranty is one year. Finally, none of these models is described as water resistant. I did not treat them as weatherproof cameras, and I factored that shared limitation into the guidance for outdoor use.
My ranking favors a strong match between camera, film, and buyer over a simple feature count. A model with more controls does not automatically outrank an easier everyday camera, and the smallest camera is not best for someone who wants the broader i-Type and 600 ecosystem. The recommendations below are organized by role so readers can choose the tradeoff they actually want.
| Polaroid instant camera | Film formats |
|---|---|
| Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I- | Polaroid i-Type and 600 |
| Polaroid Now+ 3rd Generation I | Polaroid i-Type and 600 |
| Polaroid Flip Instant Camera + | Polaroid 600 and i-Type |
| Polaroid Go Generation 2 | — |
| Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Ca | Polaroid i-Type and 600 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Polaroid Instant Cameras
I would make this decision in a few steps: settle the film format first, then decide how much control and portability you need. A camera’s extra modes matter less if its film is the wrong fit for your print preferences or existing supplies.
Start with the film format and print size
The format is the biggest distinction across these picks. The Now, Now+, Flip, and renewed Now all accept Polaroid i-Type and 600 film. That shared compatibility makes those models the more flexible group if you want to stay with those formats. The Polaroid Go requires Polaroid Go film, so it is not the right choice if you already have i-Type or 600 packs you want to use.
Think about the physical print, not only whether the camera fits in a bag. Go is the compact option and uses its own smaller format. The larger-camera group better matches buyers seeking the familiar larger Polaroid style. Film is central to the ongoing experience, so check that the format you choose is one you expect to keep buying. A bundle can provide an initial supply, but it does not remove the need to plan for compatible film later.
Choose simple shooting or hands-on controls
If the aim is to turn the camera on and make snapshots, I would start with the Now 3rd Generation. Autofocus, automatic exposure, and an optical viewfinder provide a direct shooting process, with a self-timer and double exposure available when you want them. The renewed Now has a similar basic appeal, though buyers must decide whether the refurbished condition and listed feature set work for them.
The Now+ 3rd Generation suits a different approach. Manual mode, aperture priority, and Bluetooth app control give more room to shape a photograph, but those options can add steps to an otherwise spontaneous activity. The Flip has its own more feature-oriented focus, using sonar autofocus and scene analysis rather than the Now+’s listed manual controls. Pick the type of complexity you want: exposure adjustments, focusing aids, or neither.
Match portability to how you will carry it
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the clearest choice when carrying the camera is the deciding factor. Its compact design, rechargeable power, and selfie mirror suit travel and casual use. The price of that convenience is not monetary here but practical: Go film is a dedicated format, and the camera makes smaller prints than the full-size options.
The other four models are better treated as cameras to bring along intentionally rather than the smallest camera in a bag. If you are comfortable with a larger body for the broader i-Type and 600 choice, the Now 3rd Generation is a stronger everyday balance. None of the five is water resistant, so portability should not be confused with suitability for rain, beach spray, or wet-weather activities.
Consider bundle contents and refurbished condition
Bundle descriptions differ. The Go and Flip listings specify 16 photos included; the Now 3rd Generation and Now+ are described as film bundles without a quantity given in the provided details. The renewed Now listing is for the camera and does not describe an included film pack. I would check the current product listing to confirm exactly what comes in the box before treating any model as ready to shoot.
Condition is the other practical question. The renewed Now is described as factory refurbished and includes a one-year warranty, but it is still not the same purchase as a new current-generation Now. If a newer listed light meter and USB-C rechargeable power matter to you, the Now 3rd Generation is the clearer fit. If you are comfortable buying renewed and want the basic Now approach, the older model remains a distinct option.
Set expectations for an analog instant camera
These are cameras for making physical instant-film photographs. The listed models use an optical viewfinder; do not choose one expecting an LCD screen that previews a digital file before printing. Film is part of each shot, which makes the process different from taking a large number of digital frames and choosing later. That physical, immediate result is the main appeal, but it also means a buyer should be deliberate about film format and shooting habits.
Shared limitations matter too. None of these cameras is water resistant, so protection is needed in wet conditions. The Go is the clear small-camera pick, the Now and Now+ divide ease from creative control, and the Flip emphasizes autofocus features. Reading the lineup by those roles is a better route to a good match than treating the longest feature list as the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Polaroid camera in this roundup is best for most people?
I recommend the Polaroid Now 3rd Generation for most buyers because it combines autofocus, an upgraded light meter, USB-C charging, and compatibility with both i-Type and 600 film. It is easier to approach than the Now+ when manual controls are not needed, and it avoids the Go’s dedicated film format. Choose another model if your top priority is compact size, extra exposure control, or a renewed purchase.
Do all five cameras use the same film?
No. The Polaroid Go Generation 2 uses Polaroid Go film, while the Now 3rd Generation, Now+, Flip, and renewed Now are compatible with Polaroid i-Type and 600 film. Confirm the format before buying, especially if you already own film or want to keep supplies shared between cameras. The dedicated Go format is part of the compact model’s tradeoff.
Should I get the Polaroid Now or the Now+?
I would choose the Now 3rd Generation for straightforward point-and-shoot use and the Now+ 3rd Generation for hands-on control. Both accept i-Type and 600 film and have USB-C rechargeable batteries, but the Now+ adds manual mode, aperture priority, and Bluetooth app control. If you do not plan to use those features, the standard Now is the simpler match.
Is the Polaroid Go better for travel?
The Go Generation 2 is the strongest travel choice when compact size is the priority. Its selfie mirror, timer, and rechargeable power suit casual outings, and its bundle listing includes 16 Go photos. It is less suitable if you want the larger-format Polaroid experience or need compatibility with i-Type and 600 film. It is also not water resistant, so it still needs protection in wet conditions.
Are these Polaroid cameras water resistant or digital cameras?
None of the five models is described as water resistant, so I would keep them protected around rain and water. They are analog instant-film cameras, not cameras built around an LCD preview and digital file workflow. Their optical viewfinders let you compose before taking a physical print; buyers seeking a screen-based preview should look for a different kind of camera.
Conclusion
For the broadest balance of simple operation and film flexibility, I would choose the Polaroid Now 3rd Generation. If you want manual exposure and app control, the Now+ 3rd Generation is the better creative tool; if you want the easiest camera to carry, pick the Polaroid Go Generation 2 and accept its dedicated film format. The Flip fits buyers drawn to its sonar autofocus and scene analysis, while the renewed Now is for shoppers who specifically accept refurbished condition. Decide first which film you want to use, then choose the camera whose controls and size fit the way you plan to shoot.
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