This camera is so darn cute. I’ve always been obsessed with Polaroid cameras, and honestly, they just keep getting better. The Polaroid Now Generation 2 camera comes in tons of different colors, takes beautiful photos, and gives you that retro, classic instant film vibe that everyone loves. Polaroid makes a few different modern versions of Polaroid cameras like the Polaroid Go (takes mini polaroids), the Polaroid I-2 (higher end, pricey Polaroid camera with more control), the Polaroid Flip (a bit more advanced, heavier, and more expensive than the Polaroid Now), and the Polaroid Now and Now+. The Polaroid Now is a great, affordable way for beginners to get started with instant film photography. There’s truly nothing more magical than watching a Polaroid come to life. And these days, it’s so important to take photos that actually mean something. The photo is printed right there in front of you and gives you something tangible to hold on to from that exact moment in time. It’s so easy for our memories to slip into the depths of the photo albums on our phones, sadly. I bring a Polaroid camera with me to every photo shoot, and on every trip I take. If I didn’t take a Polaroid, it didn’t happen. That’s my motto!
HISTORY BEHIND THE POLAROID BRAND
I’m sure you’ve heard of the Polaroid brand, but you might not know the long story behind it and how the brand is still able to exist today. The original company was started in 1937 and produced the first instant camera in 1947. Throughout the years they created the iconic Land Camera, the folding SX-70 camera, the 600 series, Spectra series, and so many more. In 2001 though, the company filed for bankruptcy, the assets were eventually sold off and the Polaroid brand pretty much ceased to exist for a while. Then, along comes a small instant film company called The Impossible Project who made it their mission to bring Polaroid back. Later down the line, they changed their name to Polaroid Originals before officially acquiring the Polaroid name and being able to market themselves as such. I’ve been there with them every step of the way, trying out the different film iterations and watching them grow into a reliable, successful company. It’s been a long road for them, but it’s so fun seeing their products labeled with the official Polaroid name.
THE MAKING OF THE POLAROID NOW CAMERA
The Polaroid Now camera is one of their original products, meant to mimic the older 600 series cameras, but with more modern features. The camera is cute and colorful, with a similar shape and size to cameras like the vintage Polaroid One-Step and Polaroid Sun600 cameras. I think my favorite part about these cameras, and the company itself, is that the photos still look exactly like they did back in the 80s. They haven’t tried to greatly enhance, change, or modernize the overall aesthetic of the photographs. I still have Polaroids my parents took of me as a kid and the color tones of Polaroids are so specific. While those have aged over the years and taken on a new color tone of their own, there is a special quality to Polaroids that simply can’t be replaced. The photos aren’t super sharp, but they have a magic candidness to them that truly captures of the essence of the moment. It can be a little frustrating to learn the quirks of Polaroid film, but that’s also part of the fun of it all.
MODERN FEATURES OF THE POLAROID NOW CAMERA
The vintage Polaroid 600 cameras were incredibly user-friendly, simple, and easy to use for the average consumer. You didn’t need to be a photographer to pick one up and take a photo. That’s why Polaroid cameras were in nearly every household back in the 80s and 90s. It’s really as simple as turning it on and snapping a photo. The Polaroid Now cameras aren’t that much different than the older 600 cameras, but there a few modern updates. For example, with the older versions of Polaroid cameras, the battery was actually inside each pack of film so you didn’t need to charge the camera. Today, the newer cameras need to be charged to be used and most of the film does not have a battery. While this sounds frustrating, it reduces environmental waste. However, the good news is, you can still buy an old 600 camera and use the new Polaroid 600 film which does have a battery built into the film. I love that they still offer the 600 film and continue to support the use of the vintage cameras. The newer cameras typically take i-Type film, which does not have a battery, and so the camera needs to be charged to work. It’s a little confusing, so just make sure to use the recommended film depending on which camera you purchase.
And my absolute favorite feature of the Polaroid Now camera is that is has a double exposure mode! I absolutely love double exposures, so this a huge plus for me. It always bummed me out that I couldn’t do double exposures with the old 600 cameras, but now I can! I can’t wait to experiment more with this and get some really interesting photos. To turn the double exposure mode on, you simply double tap the white self-timer button on the front of the camera and you’ll see a “1” pop up on the digital counter. After your first image, it will turn to “2” before ejecting the photo after your second shot. You can also purchase a colorful filter set to use with the Polaroid Now so you can really get creative. I just got a set the other day and I can’t wait to try it out!
There is also a self-timer mode (a 9 second timer perfect for self-portraits or group portraits) and an option for turning the flash off. With the older 600 cameras, the flash would go off automatically every time. I actually love the way the Polaroid flash looks so, personally, I hardly ever turn it off. The Polaroid film typically requires a lot of light for decent images, especially if you’re shooting indoors or in the shade. The only time you might not need the flash is in bright, direct sunlight. You can also control the exposure by holding down the flash button until you see a line on the digital screen, and then pressing again for either + or -. The plus will make your photo brighter (+1/2 stop), and the minus (-1/2 stop) will make your photo a bit darker. I recommend using the darker setting if you’re in a really bright environment like the beach. The brighter setting is great if you’re in dark shade or shooting indoors.
And one of the most convenient features of the newer Polaroid cameras is that there is an app you can use alongside it. You can scan your polaroids right away and upload them to social media to share with your friends and family! You can even enter contests! With the newer model of the Polaroid Now, the Polaroid Now+, you can even control various aspects of your camera like aperture and remote shooting. Essentially, the Now+ is a bit more advanced if you prefer to have more control over your images. The Polaroid Now is easier to use and better for quick shooting or someone who just wants to pop their camera out, take a photo, and not have to worry about fiddling with settings or apps. The Polaroid Now is also a little more affordable! They’ve recently released a Polaroid Now Generation 3 model with slightly enhanced features like an updated light meter and range sensor if you’re able to spend a little more.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m just so thrilled that Polaroid is still around producing film, creating cameras, and supporting the legacy of film photography. I take a Polaroid camera with me to every photo shoot and (not even joking) I have dozens of boxes and photo albums filled with Polaroids from my shoots over the years. They are such a great way to remember the moments and people I’ve met throughout my career. The Polaroid Now camera fits right into the overall nostalgia and spot-on aesthetic of the Polaroid brand. Plus, it’s nice that I can put my vintage 600 cameras up on the shelf and keep them safe while still getting that classic Polaroid vibe in my photos that I need at each photo shoot. The Polaroid Now is an affordable, basic Polaroid camera that anyone can use. I love that it has more features than the vintage 600 cameras though so I actually prefer to use it over the vintage ones. By no means is it a low-end camera though. You still get the full experience of Polaroid photography but without complication. If you’re ready for an upgrade though, the Polaroid Now+, Polaroid Flip or I-2 are for those who want a challenge. If you want a pocket-sized camera to snap cute, tiny polaroids with your friends, the Polaroid Go is a unique, fun option.
I also highly recommend these Polaroid photo albums to protect and store your photos. I have quite a few of them and they look great on a shelf! :) If you’re on the hunt for more gift ideas for a photographer, there is also a Polaroid printer that allows you to turn any photo from your phone into a Polaroid. I actually use mine all the time!
I’m still waiting for the day that the Polaroid brand brings back film for Polaroid Land Cameras. Those cameras are incredible and produce the most gorgeous Polaroids I’ve ever seen. They stopped making the film in 2008 and it’s extremely expensive if you’re able to find film on eBay. I have a full review and YouTube video about Polaroid Land Cameras if you want to find out more! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Land camera film is on the horizon…. we’ll see!
WHERE TO BUY THE POLAROID NOW GEN 2 CAMERA
Amazon
Polaroid
B&H Photo
WHERE TO BUY THE POLAROID NOW GEN 3 CAMERA
Amazon
Polaroid
B&H Photo
WHERE TO BUY THE POLAROID NOW+ CAMERA
Amazon
Polaroid
B&H Photo
WHERE TO BUY I-TYPE FILM
Amazon
Polaroid
B&H Photo
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If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!
<3 Myles Katherine
