Customer Ratings & Reviews

Great Polaroid Camera! Easy to use. Love the vintage look! Definitely worth buying and recommending it to family and friends.

I'm of the age group that remembers the 80s Polaroid and having photos taped in my locker. The Polaroid Now Gen 2 camera brings back all of that fun, with some modern upgrades. In the box is the Polaroid camera, USB-C charging cord, quick start paperwork, and wrist strap. Unfortunately, when you purchase this camera, you'll want to buy the I-type film at the same time, as no samples are included. I charged the camera out of the box for an hour prior to using, and have used up two photo cartridges with flash without needing a recharge. As for build, the Polaroid is light weight, with two attachment points for the wrist strap or for better portability go buy a neck strap, which I highly recommend. While the camera is lightweight, it is pure 80s vibe in the boxy build. One note for the 10% of the population that is left handed, this camera is very much for right handers. The view port can be used with your left eye if you don't mind squishing your nose into the back of the camera of holding it a few inches away from your face, otherwise it works fine using your right eye. The photo button is on the right front, power and flash on the right back (facing you), making it impossible to take photos with your left hand, unless you hold the camera upside down and are ok with the print being upside down to the traditional look. The film comes in cartridges of 8, with a protective paper cover. To use, remove the film cartridge from the wrapper, leave the protective paper on, and insert the cartridge. Make sure the camera is powered on, close the film door, and the camera will automatically eject the protective paper. The display will then flash "8" showing you how many photos you have left. To take photos, its literally point and shoot, the camera then will eject the photo under a black cover. The photo will stay in place until you pull it out and flip it over (photo side down) to finish developing. One thing that should be obvious, but I continue to forget is that this is not high res photography. The images are comparable to what you took with the 80s Polaroid camera. A few upgrades from the 80s are that this camera has an internal battery, charged through the included USB-C cable, comes with an autofocus leveraging two different lenses based on conditions, flash, double exposure, and timer. The camera does best outdoors in full sun, but the flash gives enough ambient light that you can still take quality photos from up to ~4' away. The timer allows for group photos, to do so, press the timer button, then hit the photo button, the timer light on the left front will start a count down, and start rapidly blinking just prior to the photo being taken ~9 seconds total time. The double exposure feature was an interesting idea, to turn it on, you press the timer button twice. You will then take a photo as normal, the display will show a 1, then reposition (no time limit that I found) and take a second photo. The camera will superimpose the images, and while it sounds really neat, so far all I've managed to do is turn two cat photos into a frankencat (see photos for example). Although, I'm sure there is all kinds of fun face mixing that can be done with this feature. Overall, enjoy this camera for what it is, a fun experience to be shared with friends. Have instant gratification in getting your photos on demand (after the few minutes of exposure time), have a fun conversation piece, and take it anywhere. This won't be a high res camera that captures all of your important memories, but it will be the fun camera that catches the good times.

This camera is a really fun way to capture memories in physical form! The camera's design is super retro and iconic, something that Polaroid does best, and with a few different color options to choose from, you can make the design uniquely fit your vibe! It is admittedly a bit bulky of a camera compared to several other similar types on the market (due to that iconic retro Polaroid design, thankfully a wrist strap is included in the box though!), but it’s extremely worth it to bring around because it’s a great conversation piece, and you instantly get physical pictures to keep! The camera uses square-shaped i-Type Polaroid film (not included unfortunately), and with it you can take awesome vintage-looking shots and fit plenty of subjects in the photos; the photos won’t be the clearest photos you've ever seen, but they definitely give a special sense of nostalgia that can’t be replicated in any way but through film! Definitely go for i-Type Film over the 600 Film type, because while both are supported by this camera, 600 Film has a battery in the film pack that this camera does not require. Also be prepared to drop some money on the film if you purchase this camera; it’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitely worth it if you value having instantly printed photos and all of the accompanying aesthetics! Other features this camera includes are a shockingly clear viewfinder, autofocus and flash so you can get pictures in any lighting, timer functionality, a dual-exposure mode to merge two shots together on one photo, as well as a built-in USB-C rechargeable battery and an indicator for your remaining photos in your current film pack. If you’re looking for a hip, vintage yet modernized large-film camera, this camera is perfect for you!

We love it! Reat throwback with updated features!

It is great! I love it, the only thing I don’t love is that it is automatically a flash Polaroid so it’s not the best during daytime, besides that I love it

Great vintage camera. Straight up polaroid with some modern touches

This is a fun camera for those who want an instant print camera. The design really takes from the classic Polaroid camera, which my family had one long long time ago when I was a kid. It’s probably as large as the classic one so this camera is surely not a compact one. It takes i-Type film or 600 film. This camera is solidly built. There’s a strap that you can attach so that you won’t easily drop the camera when using it. The camera is charged through its USB-C port so that is really convenient for me because these days I use USB-C cables and ports almost exclusively. The camera’s main highlight is the classic Polaroid instant film magic. Just snap a shot, let it settle for about 15 minutes then enjoy the instant result. It works well with the 600 film and the color profile seems typical to this kind of film. Everything is pretty much automated, which is convenient. However, for those who likes to get more control such as fiddling with exposure setting, this camera doesn’t provide you with the option. There is a double exposure feature in which you can combine two images in one photo. There’s also a self-timer button, which is really useful for taking picture in the group. Now onto the camera’s performance. This camera features autofocus 2-lens system, which I don’t find problems with. Picture looks okay and we should know what to expect when we buy this kind of camera anyway. Image quality doesn’t feel so much different than what I had seen some decades ago with Polaroid instant camera, which I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. But picture looks sharp enough. However, print results had a bit of over exposure, which I don’t have any control of when taking the picture. I still like the camera for its unique capability, nevertheless. It’s a fun camera to bring when out and about with the family and taking a quick snap of memory, which can last for decades.

We got this Polaroid camera because it is fun for the entire family, recently in Halloween we gave pictures away to everyone who wanted them and it was everyone. When the camera arrived, it is a fun looking box, I like the presentation and the camera looks simple yet elegant. It is retro looking with the benefits of the new features. The box comes with a strap, USB-C cable and instructions. The camera has autofocus, it uses two lenses and chooses one to take awesome pictures, so there is no need to do anything but just point and shoot. The double exposure makes the pictures look great. We like the self-timer, just place it somewhere to take the picture, set the timer and done. I like that the camera is made with 40 percent of recycled materials and it also comes with an internal battery so no more batteries or cartridges with batteries are thrown away. The flash is soft yet it brings plenty of light so the pictures look great. The camera uses the Polaroid 600 film so have plenty on hand because we used it right away. Overall it is a lot of fun for everyone, it is not our first Polaroid and I am certain it will not be our last.

I recently got my hands on the Polaroid Now Instant Film Camera Generation 2 in the classic Black & White and I must say, it’s like going back to my childhood before digital cameras and phone cameras. As someone who enjoys photography and who appreciates the charm of analog photography, this camera is a blast from the past for that vintage look in photographs. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 has a timeless elegant look of the disposable cameras of Polaroids from the past. Its sleek black body gives it that old school look, and the build quality is excellent. It feels sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy to carry around for impromptu photo sessions, the capture button is kind of in an awkward position, as someone with big fingers it was hard to get a good grip and pressing the capture button. What sets the Polaroid Now apart is its instant film capability. The anticipation of waiting for the film to develop adds a sense of excitement and charm to the entire process. There’s something incredibly special and nostalgic about holding a physical photograph moments after capturing it, and the Polaroid Now brings that feeling back. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 is incredibly user-friendly. The camera features autofocus, ensuring that every shot is sharp and clear. The built-in flash adjusts automatically based on the lighting conditions, guaranteeing well-lit photos in various environments. That being said I definitely recommend taking pictures in well lit environments to get the best out of the camera photos, because even with the flash if there's not enough light photos can come out very dark, and with the price of the film you don't want to waste it with bad lighting. Overall the Polaroid Now Instant Film Camera Generation 2 in Black & White is a delightful blend of vintage charm and modern convenience. Its old school design, instant gratification, monochrome magic, ease of use, and the joy of tangible results make it a must-have for anyone passionate about photography and preserving memories in a timeless form. Using this camera is not just about capturing moments; it’s about creating timeless mementos that will be cherished for years to come. I absolutely love the Polaroid Now 2 and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a nostalgic photography experience.

I haven’t used a Polaroid in over 25 years. I remember using one when I was a kid. It was great since the photo was developed as you take the photo. You can give it friends immediately. You can write on the tab part of the photo with a marker. The Instant Film Camera is fun. I brought it to work for Halloween. It brought back memories from my co-workers. We took some pictures during lunch. This camera is just like the older Polaroid except you can charge it with the included USB-C cable. It can be used with two types of film. The 600 or the I-Type. From what I read the 600 film has a battery and is compatible with older models. A bit of a warning. The film can be expensive. You’re looking at about $1.60 - $2.00 per photo. There are no edits to the photos. As soon as you take it, it will start to develop the shot. There is no zooming in and out either. You, as the photo taker will have to move towards or away from your subject(s). I tried to look for third party brands but cannot find any. You can save by buying in bulk. Each pack will do 8 photos. This is ideal to use at gatherings and parties in a house. I wouldn’t take it on trips or outdoor events. You will have to carry the film(s) and the photos themselves after they develop. Aside from the cost per photo, these are fun to have. The look of the photos is great. I’m still learning to shoot with good light. There’s no preview. There is a flash though. Fun camera.

Great throwback Polaroid! When this offer came up, I was quick to grab it. I thought it would be fun to have a throw-back experience to my childhood when this was state-of-the-art technology... When I got it, I opened it and left it on the table in our entry. As soon as my teen daughter, she grabbed and headed upstairs. My eighteeen-year-old daughter is a vibrant artist in almost all media from pencil, to watercolor, to oil, to music and of course to photography. We desided to test it togeher. Needles to say, her pictyres made this review, my artless pics were pale in comparison to hers. First off, set up was as expected, easy. Open it up, charge it, load film, aim, snap pic and wait a bit for it to develop. It was indeed a memory tugger! After going through a couple "rolls" of film, it was nice to see the classic richness and depth that Polaroid instant film presents. I can for sure see taking a couple "rolls" of film this coming Thanksgiving and Christmas. My plan is to take the pics and then digitally stare them for perpetuity. The one slight drawback (and the only thing keeping ot from a 5 star rating) is that the film is not inexpensive. That is known by most people prior to purchasing this, but I found it important enough to note. End of the day, fun little camera to bring you back to the 70's and 80's!

What is it that makes Polaroid unique? The ability to blend classic with modern styles. The classic look of an instant camera, but with a modern touch. Although this instant camera looks and feels like a retro instant camera, you're able to turn your flash on or off, and charge it by plugging it in instead of replacing its batteries. Polaroid added nifty features to the Now camera. A self-timer, double exposure, and flash, help add to the unique shots that can be taken by it. Per my experience, flash is always necessary while shooting indoors for best photos. The Now also is compatible with two Polaroid films: the i-Type and 600. The difference between the two? The 600 film contains a battery pack inside that powered older Polaroid Instant camera models while the i-Type does not contain a battery. This does not affect the Now model and I would prefer using the i-Type since it technically uses less material. Both film types are in 600 iso, which helps to create those unique, vintage style photos. For the best film quality photos, Polaroid recommends putting the film in the refrigerator and letting it sit out before using the film to take pictures. They also recommend after taking photos, to set the film in a dark place or flipping it around with the photo side down. The quality of the photos themselves makes me reminisce some of my old family photos. However, working with this i-type film seems different to me. It took me a couple of tries, but I finally got the film to not be speckled once it cures. After trying with the refrigerated and non-refeigerated films (I bought a double-pack to test them out), I did find the refrigerated pack worked better at not having the ink move around. Now for the downsides. The Now's battery only lasts for about 15 shots before needing to be charged again (the light near the charging port will indicate the battery level (green/yellow/red). Second, although the camera is meant to create grainy photos with a soft, creamy pastel like feel, I would also like to have the option to take sharp photos. All the photos I took seemed a bit out of focus, even with the grainy effect, with the farther ones looking sharper than close-up shots, which was a disappointment for me when it came to portraits. Overall, I was not too impressed by this Polaroid Instant camera. Maybe, I could learn to use it better. Regardless, I have used other brand instant cameras that have given me sharper and brighter photos. However, if you're looking for the vintage, creamy look, this one is perfect for that.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the new Polaroid Now Instant Film Camera Generation 2, and I must say, it was a delightful trip down memory lane. As soon as I held this camera in my hands, I was transported back to my childhood, a time when Polaroid instant cameras were all the rage, and capturing moments was an exciting and tangible experience. One of the standout features of this camera is its ease of use. It's incredibly user-friendly (as Polaroids tend to be), making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned photographers. Just point, shoot, and within moments, you have a physical photograph in your hand. There's something truly magical about watching the image slowly develop before your eyes, just like it did back in the day. You can even try your hand at double exposures if you want to experiment. The quality of the pictures produced by the Polaroid Now Generation 2 is impressive. The colors are vibrant, and the details are sharp (for a Poloroid). It's astonishing to see how far instant film technology has come while still retaining that distinctive retro aesthetic. Each photo has a unique, timeless quality that digital photography often lacks. There really is something special about shaking a Polaroid picture. Another feature I appreciated is the USB-C charging capability. It's so convenient to be able to charge the camera using the same cable as my other devices. It’s a little touch but it goes a long way in helping its case for being a premium product. Note: this is not a toy – Give this to your child and say goodby to your money. One of the most significant advantages of this camera is the speed at which the film develops. It's astonishing how quickly the image appears and fully develops before your eyes. This instant gratification adds to the joy of using the camera and allows you to share memories with friends and family instantly. My children currently see this as the future of taking photos. They would rather take a photo and receive the physical picture in minutes vs taking a picture with my phone and probably never seeing that image again. There are a couple of drawbacks to consider. First, the cost of film can be a bit steep. Each exposure will set you back between $1.70 and $2.00, depending on where you purchase it. While the experience is undoubtedly unique and nostalgic, it can add up quickly if you're a frequent user. Like I said above, this is not something you will want to hand over to your kids. It will only take them moments to burn though $28 (16 exposures) worth of film. Another minor downside is that the flash could be a bit stronger for low-light situations. It's perfectly adequate for most scenarios, but in really dim environments, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more illumination. This camera is best used for well lit moments. My time with the Polaroid Now Instant Film Camera Generation 2 was a fantastic journey back to the past, filled with nostalgia and delightful surprises. This camera is definitely meant to be used with intent and foresight for composition. I’m looking forward to breaking this out during the holidays and blowing the minds of my time machine passengers.

When talking about instant cameras, Polaroid is a brand that always comes to mind. You have to have a creative eye to really take advantage of this particular camera. I say this because the film used is made to capture colors based on your subject and lighting. In dark environments, your subject has to be close enough to take advantage of the built in flash. Anything past 3 feet will be pretty dark. In good natural lighting, photos come out looking the best. It's kind of big to carry as a street camera but it's somewhat manageable and it even comes with a wrist strap. You have to make every shot count. Each picture will cost you around $2.12 since an 8 pack currently costs $16.99. It also took me a few Best Buy's to locate 1 of the I-type films and even then the one box they had looked like it was opened. Overall, this gets looks when I use it on the streets and gets the conversation started with random a talking about the "good ol' days". It comes with USB-C charging which is a plus now a days. While I may not take it everywhere, I know it will get used to stay creative.

The Polaroid Now Gen 2 camera is, well, polarizing. It is at the same time cool, retro, stylish and at the same time cumbersome, inconvenient and difficult. In essence, this is not a photography tool,rather it’s an experience; it sits in a world of its own. After playing around with it for the last couple of weeks, here’s some aspects that I like and don’t like. Likes: The overall experience is unique, and at least to me very fun. It makes taking each and every photo an event, and a memorable one. It’s never dull, and creates opportunities to be creative Everything works like a charm. I’ve yet to get any jammed paper, or other weird issue. Less buttons and options = less chance of things getting wrong Camera is well built and does not need “babying” like other cameras. Lens seems well protected, the body is made out of durable plastic Different types of paper/films are available, ranging from normal color or black-and-white, to fancy framed and special edition ones Supports both Polaroid i-type and the old-school 600 films Flash gives off an old school vibe which I like There’s a timer in the front with an indicator light that helps to take selfies - again in the old-school way! An overall fun plaything especially at events and gatherings Dislikes: Some of the pros can be taken as cons for a lot of people - especially if the only camera you’ve ever used is a smartphone Needs some thinking to “frame” and “setup” the photo No autofocus, so distance needs to be optimum to reduce blurriness Almost unusable without the flash and decent light Flash is old-school i.e. has the red–eye effect As you should already be aware - no post processing or saving of the image. This is a purely “print-once” camera. What you captures is what you get printed As above, no memory, so no way to duplicate or retrieve a photo Films are proprietary and quite expensive Needs some experimentation with different types of film, so it becomes a more expensive venture Film development takes some time, and needs to be handled properly (lied on it’s back in a dark place) - can be bothersome if you’ve not planned and are out and about In essence, the Polaroid Now instant camera is a mixed bag. Unless you’re committed to put up with the chore or taking a once in a lifetime photo, and agree to spend some dough on the film, it may turn into a useless piece of toy. On the other hand, if you’re an aficionado and appreciate the art of taking good photos with not-so-fancy gear and don’t like digital wizardry, this may be something of a passion project. I personally love it, and have been using it to capture memorable moments of my family and my dogs. But most possibly, I’d give it a lot of thought before recommending it to anybody.

I remember using these types of cameras when I was a kid. Since beginning to use this camera again, I have had a huge burst of nostalgia, this camera is exactly what I have been looking for to bring back all of those old, fun memories. First of all, this camera is built in a very durable manner, the buttons do not get stuck, the lens is very rigid and the outer shell can take a beating. With that said, please keep in mind that this camera is not one that is meant to be used in active settings. You can now charge the camera which is nice as it removes the need to worry about carrying batteries around to keep it working, a charging cable is even provided. The viewfinder is very comfortable to the outer eye too. Outside of the camera and charging cable, there is also a small lanyard/wrist strap that can be added to make carrying easy... although it is mainly for looks. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure you purchase the right film when you area ready to refill as there are several versions out there to purchase! All in all, if you are looking for a great holiday gift or to get back into the 90's via photography then this is a great item to add to your collection!

I grew up in a world of Polaroid (and Fotomats) and still have some Polaroid instant prints laying around in shoe boxes and taped inside photo albums. I remember those days fondly so when the new Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 2 came onto the scene promising pictures with all the “charming flaws and imperfections you remember” but with a modern and updated twist, my nostalgia muscles contracted and I just HAD to try it out. To my surprise, my oldest daughter said she’d also been DYING to get one of these because so many of her friends had been talking about them–she was over the moon when I brought one home. Well, after spending some time on a recent family trip with the Polaroid Now, I quickly realized that the reason we used these cameras when I was a kid wasn’t because they took great pictures, or even that they were necessarily convenient to haul around so that you'd never miss one of those once-in-a-lifetime photo ops (you could still do that with a regular camera)…it’s because we simply didn’t have anything else. There was no way to take a photo and see the results instantly like you can with a cell phone, or admittedly, with an instant photo printed from a Polaroid or other ultra-portable instant camera. At best, you had to drive to a one-hour photo shop with your roll of film and hope they could squeeze you in and get your pictures back before you had to drive home. So in that sense, the Polaroid Now delivers a nostalgic bit of photographic instant gratification–you DO get to see your photos AND hold them in your hands just a scant few minutes after you take them. Sadly, the cost, trouble, and abysmally low-quality results associated with all that effort makes the Polaroid Now a very poor investment for anything more than a prop at an 80s costume party. To be fair, this is every bit the Polaroid you remember and more. The colorway is precisely as I remember and the shape is just as weirdly trapezoidal, with jutting, angular shapes and protrusions that make it anything but a joy to tote around…again, sporting the same clunky ergonomics as the Polaroid cameras of my youth. There are two wrist-strap slots on the back that, in my time, would have accommodated a neck strap so that you’d at least have your hands free when walking about while the camera bumped and bounced around at chest level. Here, you only get one wrist strap, and at ~1.2 lbs with a loaded film pack, it’s not heavy per se, but you definitely feel the weight and hard shapes, edges, and angles bouncing around awkwardly at the end of your hand. The fact that there’s no neck-strap option included makes the new Polaroid Now more troublesome to carry than it should be. There is a bit of modern flair thrown in for good measure. The little paper picture counter at the back of the camera that indicated remaining shots in the film cartridge has been replaced with an easy-to-read LCD display. The camera is USB-C chargeable, which not only makes it easier to find a charging cable these days, but that built-in battery means you can use the slightly chapter i-Type film packs that don’t have a battery in them necessary to otherwise power the flash, electronics, or picture roller/motor. There’s a power button on the back, and a big ol’ red button up front for taking a picture. There’s also a handy flash control button at the back next to the power button that lets you cancel the flash per exposure; the button itself blinks with a glowing lightning bolt in the middle when the flash is ready to use, and is not illuminated at all if you turn the flash off–that’s some nice usability/design work that helps make the camera pretty much self-explanatory. I loved the addition of the small self-timer button on the front; but in use, it was a bit of a mixed bag. The Polaroid design makes it really easy to simply “point-and-shoot,” so long as you are generally facing the direction/object you want to capture. But if you are really looking to frame your subject properly, there’s a telescope-like viewfinder jutting out of the back you can peer through to get a better sense of how the image will be composed on the print. Unfortunately, there is no threaded tripod mount on the bottom of the camera so you generally have to find other objects–a tree branch, park bench, shelf, table, etc. to set the camera on and hope it’s at roughly the proper height/angle if you want to use the timer to get into the action yourself. Of course, the rub here is that most objects we needed to use in the moment as a camera prop didn’t easily accommodate someone walking behind the camera to make sure everything/everyone was in frame. This is not a knock on THIS Polaroid camera…the same was true in my youth, back when they were all the rage, but the general inability to properly frame most shots when each exposure is relatively expensive quickly drained some of the nostalgic fun from the prospect of repeated re-shoots and one more-for-luck or one-more-for-mom photo ops. That brings me to the heart of our misgivings with the Polaroid Now, especially in today’s day and age. After a LOT of searching at several different big-box stores, we were finally able to track down some Polaroid film. But short of buying a bulk package of film online that started to close in on the price of the camera itself (!!!), the cheapest we could find Color i-Type film (which, again, is slightly cheaper than 600 film) was about $16 per pack–for 8 exposures! At roughly $2 per photo, that struck me as more than a little pricey because there’s a good chance that not every one of those 8 photos was going to come out in focus, in frame, or lit well enough to make out the subject…aaaaaaaaand, sadly, I was right. I picked several colorful compositions to start things off…my dog next to a colorful plaid doggie bed, my wife next to a bouquet of flowers bursting with color, my daughter posing in her newest outfit purchased solely for going on job interviews, etc. Each photo was taken during the day, in a brightly lit kitchen or dining room, or outside in the daylight. With each photo, I experienced a healthy dose of that quaint, old-fashioned Polaroid magic when you see (and hear) a picture slowly spill out of the front of the camera and start developing right before your eyes. Only this time, you’re not supposed to take the picture out and either shake it or stare at it while it develops. Instead, you’re supposed to keep it in a dark place or face-down while it fully develops. You can even leave it perched at the front lip of the camera under the dark protective cover screen–which was actually a cool design feature and I give Polaroid major props for thinking of it when you don’t have a dark, flat surface ready at hand to allow the photos to safely develop on their own. But once the photos did develop, the disappointment set in. Yes, the prints came out often as soft and “charmingly flawed” as they used to, while many others were simply unusable due to being so washed out or so dark and underexposed that it was hard to believe I was looking at a picture of the same scene I had just photographed. My wife and I compared notes and frankly neither of us remember the Polaroids of our youth coming out looking quite as badly as these did. I grant you, perhaps our “Polaroiding” skills were a bit rusty, but I don’t remember photos taken 2-3 feet away under the cast of bright overhead lights (and with assistance of the onboard “accurate flash” to boot) coming out quite so dark and soft-focused. Worse still, after just a few test shots, I had already burned through $12 of photos with only two decent but absurdly dark prints for my trouble. Then the next realization sunk in–with so few prints in each film cartridge, I was going to have to tote around a LOT more film packages in addition to the rather bulky camera itself if I was going to get any legitimate use out of the camera on our family trip. I did relent and bring it along, but the novelty quickly wore off as fatigue set in from carrying the bulky camera and multiple packs of instant film around with me, as did my misgivings at throwing away at least 70-80% of the photos we took. Honestly, I don’t remember what the economics of a Polaroid camera were in the late 70s and 80s…maybe the marginal cost of each photo is still about the same now as it was back then relative to the price of the film packs, but I just can’t abide throwing so much money away on film with so little return on my investment, especially when digital photography has changed the landscape of photography and photo-sharing in such dramatic and fundamental ways. YES, the Polaroid Now delivered every bit of the unique “photo-taking experience” I remember when using similar cameras in my youth–and it was a nice, albeit brief, sashay into those familiar feelings when we couldn’t wait to produce an instant photo we could hold in our hands. And I freely admit that Polaroid photography probably takes some practice and getting used to, and we might not have given it enough time to shake off the cobwebs. But the ergonomics and economics of the Polaroid solution just doesn’t make the kind of sense today as it did back when we were burning through several photo packs a week, especially when there are so many other options for picture-taking and picture-sharing available these days. I can certainly see the appeal at parties and for recapturing the retro-spirit of DIY photography; but I think we’ve sadly outgrown the Polaroid mindset and I’d have a hard time convincing anyone to come back into the fold based on our experience. In fact, when I told my oldest daughter she was free to keep the camera for herself but would have to buy the film packs on her own from now on, she looked up the price of an 8-pack of film, did the math for even a brief outing with her boyfriend, and told me, “That’s okay, dad, I don’t really need it.” For all her exuberance and excitement, that told me all I really needed to know.

Certainly! Writing a review that highlights the positive aspects of the Polaroid camera you gifted can be helpful for others considering a similar purchase. Here's a sample review:I purchased this Polaroid camera as a Christmas gift, and it turned out to be an absolute hit! The recipient was thrilled, and we had a blast capturing instant memories throughout the holiday season. One of the standout features is the simplicity of use. Even for someone new to instant photography, the camera's intuitive controls and straightforward operation made it a breeze to start snapping photos right away. The film packs are easy to load, and the results are consistently impressive. The camera also has a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of classic Polaroid models, which adds an extra layer of appeal.Battery life has been excellent, lasting through extended photo sessions without any issues..

I am old enough to remember the original Polaroid cameras and this reboot is pretty accurate to the original, but it needs a lot of learning how to correctly use it. For one, just like the original, the film is entirely too expensive and you only get one crack at it. So incredibly frustrating to take a snap only to realize five minutes later that it was too blurry, too bright, too dark, and that film that costed a pretty penny is now wasted. You really do need to learn what is proper lighting for the device, and you really can't let your kids use it as they will likely produce blurry photos if the camera isn't held completely still. One difference is this one charges via USB-C as opposed to the battery film that the original one did. Just check and make sure it works because while mine did, a friend of mine who purchased one, her charging port was damaged on arrival. I do wish the camera held more film, but I'm sure it would still be all the more expensive anyway. My only two complaints are the cost of the film (8 photos for $17.99) and the capture of lighting --- REALLY make sure you have sufficient lighting before snapping photos. It's a great product especially for that retro look we can't really get nowadays.

I love my Polaroid Insta camera! It's so much fun to use - I can take a picture and have a physical print in my hand in just a few seconds. The camera is compact and easy to carry around, so I can take it with me wherever I go. The picture quality is great, and I love the retro look of the prints. It's also really easy to use - I just point and shoot, and the camera does the rest. Overall, I highly recommend the Polaroid Insta camera to anyone who wants to capture and print their memories in a fun and unique way.