Polaroid Black & White Review
The Polaroid Now Gen 2 keeps the classic instant photo vibe alive with USB-C and recycled materials. Just be ready to pay for the film.
The 30-Second Version
The Polaroid Now Gen 2 is a fun, updated instant camera. It's not about technical specs—it scored a 19.7/100 overall. It's about the simple joy of physical photos. Worth buying if you're into the Polaroid film vibe and ready for the cost.
Overview
The Polaroid Now Gen 2 is a fun, simple instant camera that gets you back to the physical joy of photography. It's not trying to be a high-tech mirrorless beast; it's a straightforward tool for making tangible memories right now. The updates, like USB-C charging and recycled materials, are nice, but the core appeal is the same classic Polaroid experience.
Performance
Performance is exactly what you'd expect from an instant camera. The new autofocus system helps a bit, but our data shows it's still in the 44th percentile—so don't expect razor-sharp precision. It's fine for casual snaps. The flash works as advertised, and features like double exposure and a self-timer add some creative play. Just know it scored a brutal 7.6 for vlogging, which, honestly, who's vlogging with a Polaroid?
Pros & Cons
Pros
- USB-C charging is a huge, modern convenience.
- Double exposure and self-timer add fun creative options.
- Made with 40% recycled materials, which is a nice touch.
- It's a simple, tactile experience that's just fun.
Cons
- Autofocus is still basic and can be hit-or-miss. 29th
- It's chunky at over 770 grams. 30th
- Instant film is expensive and a commitment. 33th
- No weather sealing means keep it dry.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Build
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.7 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At around $120 for the camera body, it's a fair entry point. The real cost is the film, which runs about $2 per shot. So the value question isn't about the hardware; it's about whether you value the physical, imperfect photos enough to pay for them. If you do, this is a solid, modernized version of the classic.
vs Competition
Comparing this to a Nikon Z9 or Sony A7 IV is like comparing a skateboard to a sports car—they're for completely different things. For instant cameras, it's really about the film ecosystem. It's better than a cheap, plastic toy camera, but it's not competing with Fujifilm's Instax models on compact size or price. It's for the person who wants the original Polaroid format and look, with a few more features than the most basic model.
| Spec | Polaroid | Fujifilm X-T Fujifilm - X-T30 III Mirrorless Camera (Body Only) | Olympus E-M Olympus - OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Mirrorless Digital | Panasonic Lumix Panasonic - LUMIX FZ80D 18.1 Megapixels 4K Photo | Gavonde 8K Digital Camera for Photography, WiFi & | OM System E-M10 OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | - | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Compact | - | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | - | 26.1MP APS-C | 21.8MP Four Thirds | 18.1MP 1/2.5” (5.76 x 4.29 mm) | 64MP | 16MP Micro Four Thirds |
| AF Points | - | 425 | 121 | - | - | 81 |
| Burst FPS | - | 20 | 15 | 10 | - | 8.5 |
| Video | - | 6K @60fps | 4K | 4K | 8K | 4K |
| IBIS | false | false | true | true | false | false |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 771 | 329 | 1456 | 617 | 848 | 499 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | Connectivity | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaroid | 42.5 | 42.8 | 61.4 | 36.3 | 28.7 | 29.9 | 48.1 | 35.2 | 33.4 | 40.9 |
| Fujifilm X-T 30 III Compare | 96.6 | 87.9 | 7.2 | 87 | 97.6 | 88.3 | 95.9 | 87 | 90.4 | 40.9 |
| Olympus E-M OM-D 10 Mark IV Mirrorless Compare | 92.1 | 91.9 | 68.8 | 85.2 | 66.1 | 70.9 | 48.1 | 87 | 82 | 90 |
| Panasonic Lumix FZ80D 18.1 Megapixels Compare | 88.9 | 90.2 | 59.1 | 76.7 | 66.1 | 6.6 | 48.1 | 81.1 | 75.3 | 90 |
| Gavonde W05 Compare | 42.5 | 42.8 | 62.1 | 36.3 | 95 | 75.8 | 48.1 | 75.8 | 79.8 | 40.9 |
| OM System E-M10 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Compare | 91.5 | 42.8 | 83.1 | 74.3 | 66.1 | 66.7 | 48.1 | 75.8 | 33.4 | 40.9 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the picture quality good?
It's classic Polaroid quality—soft, dreamy, and imperfect. Don't expect the sharpness of a digital camera; that's part of the charm.
Q: How long does the battery last?
Battery life is average (50th percentile), but since it charges via USB-C, you can easily top it up from a power bank.
Q: Can I use it in low light?
You can, but you'll need the flash. The autofocus isn't great in the dark, so results can be unpredictable.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you want clean, sharp, digital photos or you're on a tight budget. The cost of film adds up fast. Also, if you need a pocketable camera, this brick isn't it. Look at a Fujifilm Instax Mini instead.
Verdict
Buy this if you want the classic Polaroid experience with a few modern tweaks and you're okay with the cost of film. It's perfect for parties, gifts, or just as a creative break from your phone. It's not a 'camera' in the traditional sense; it's a photo-making souvenir machine.