Which Polaroid Camera Is Best

The Polaroid Now+ and Polaroid Impulse AF are two splendid options both recommended below.

November 2021 Update: Polaroid has discontinued the OneStep 2 and OneStep+, replacing them with the Polaroid Now and Now+. I recommend steering clear of the cheaper Polaroid At present and going for the At present+, which I recommend below for the best selfie camera. As well, if you're in the market place for a tiny instant film camera, the Fuji Instax Mini 11 is a much ameliorate bet than the new Polaroid Go, which is not recommended beneath.

Looking to get a used Polaroid camera and don't know where to start? Desire to know what the all-time vintage Polaroid photographic camera is out in that location for your instant photography project? Wondering how these newfangled Polaroid cameras stack up to the quondam ones? Never fear! I've drawn up this guide to help y'all in your quest to find the perfect Polaroid camera for you (or whoever you're buying information technology for).

Get-go, Some Groundwork Information…

Starting time, if yous're unfamiliar with the state of Polaroid cameras these days, here's a quick rundown. In 2008 Polaroid discontinued producing new instant film. Millions of cameras started collecting dust in attics all across the state. Unhappy with this lamentable situation, a group calling themselves the Impossible Projection purchased an old Polaroid factory and began evolution on new films that could be used in the older cameras. Eventually, the Impossible Project rebranded itself every bit 'Polaroid Originals,' and so, finally, only 'Polaroid' as old and new merged. The new Polaroid picture show is a fleck different from original Polaroid of yore, but it's however fantastic. For our purposes here, when I say 'Polaroid' I hateful the modern, new company, and I'll say 'vintage Polaroid' when referring to Polaroid'southward pre-Impossible years.

With all the new films (and cameras!) beingness released, it's never been a meliorate time to hop into the world of instant flick! Polaroid cameras that were in one case considered worthless are an increasingly hot commodity. Then it'southward skilful to know what you're looking for earlier you spend your greenbacks on a used new, or refurbished camera.

It's worth noting that Fujifilm makes their own line of Fuji Instax instant film cameras, and you've probably seen them out at that place if you're interested in instant photography. Fuji's cameras apply a dissimilar kind of film than Polaroid. While I honey Polaroid cameras and Polaroid Originals film for artistic purposes, Fuji Instax's cheap and plentiful film is often a perfect fit for events like parties and weddings. If y'all're interested in checking them out, I have a guide for those cameras as well.

The Main Classes of Polaroid Cameras

The primary 3 types of vintage Polaroid cameras out in the wild are SX-70, 600, and 1200/Image/Spectra.

Both SX-70 and 600 are pretty like, and the ones you're probably most familiar with. They feature the classic square frame that nosotros know and honey, but SX-70 cameras tend to exist older and employ a lower ISO film, while 600 cameras are newer and are more than sensitive to light. In my experience, 600 type cameras are much more dependable since they've had less fourth dimension to historic period and get damaged, and benefit from newer technologies.

Vintage Polaroid also made a line of cameras directed at professional industries. It's been called Image, Spectra, and blazon 1200, but it'south all the same thing. The film in image cameras is slightly wider and has the aforementioned sensitivity equally 600. Due to problems with these cameras, Polaroid has officially stopped making moving-picture show for Spectra, and so I've removed those cameras from this guide.

When in doubt, cheap box-blazon Polaroid 600 cameras are usually the manner to go for most people. SX-70 cameras tend to be far more than choosy and difficult to use, and don't react well to annihilation merely vivid sunlight. While there are older Polaroid cameras that utilise skin apart-film and fifty-fifty large format Polaroid backs, we're going to go on this uncomplicated and focus on SX-70 and 600.

Finally, modern Polaroid has a new new line pic called 'I-Type'. This is essentially the aforementioned kind of film equally Polaroid 600, except it can only be used in new Polaroid cameras that have their own bombardment and is a bit cheaper. It won't piece of work in any vintage cameras.

What to Look for When Ownership a Used Camera

Ownership vintage Polaroid cameras can be catchy, because information technology's often difficult for the seller to be able to tell if the camera works or not. Polaroid cameras themselves do non take batteries; the moving-picture show cartridge itself powers the whole unit of measurement. So without a relatively expensive pack of movie, information technology's impossible to tell if the camera works or non. Often a seller will think a perfectly expert camera doesn't piece of work because an expired pic cartridge doesn't take a charge anymore.

I bring an empty cartridge with a good bombardment to test cameras if I'm buying from somebody in person, but on the internet you're just going to have to trust your instincts. I've had adequately proficient luck on eBay, simply you never know for sure until yous get it in your hands. Generally, yous're going to have a lot more luck with newer cameras than older ones. Once yous get your camera, it's a good idea to test information technology out using this guide.

The exception are new 'I-Blazon' cameras that Polaroid sells. These are cameras that accept batteries in them, so they can use 'I-Blazon' film, which is the same flick as Polaroid 600, but doesn't have a congenital-in battery in the pack itself. The simply camera on this list is the Polaroid Now+.

Where to Buy Cameras

eBay is ane of the easiest and cheapest places to find used Polaroid cameras. Since you can buy them directly from other people, you can often notice deals on eBay you won't be able to find elsewhere. Fifty-fifty improve than eBay, but requiring a bit more legwork, are flea markets, used stores, and basements.

If y'all don't desire to mess with the trials and tribulations of seeking out your own used camera and have money to spare, Polaroid sells certified vintage cameras that are guaranteed to piece of work. You will pay a premium, but it tin be worth it to know what you're getting is going to actually spit out a motion picture.

If y'all desire to buy a new Polaroid camera like the Now+, you can purchase it directly from Polaroid.

Specific Camera Recommendations

Now that I got y'all all confused, hither are a few elementary recommendations organized past price indicate and the type of photographer its intended for. Honestly, almost any vintage or new Polaroid photographic camera will do the job (every bit long as it works), but I thought I'd give a few specific suggestions to assistance become you started. Keep in listen that Polaroid liked to make countless variants of their cameras with only the slightest differences in color and features, then you lot'll meet all sorts of different names, colors, and branding in the wild.

Clicking on any of the eBay, Amazon, Polaroid, or B&H links below will take yous directly to a search for that specific kind of photographic camera. These chapter links cost you nothing and helps me go along this site online, then information technology'south always much appreciated if you lot use any of them!

If yous have a camera in mitt and you're wondering what to do adjacent, never fearfulness, I have a new guide for those who are just starting from the beginning in the earth of instant film!

The Polaroid Now+ is the all-time camera for those who want something new rather than vintage. It'southward as well very handsome.

Best New Polaroid Camera for the Beginner Photographer – Polaroid Now+

For those just starting out and who desire something brand new, null beats the Polaroid At present+. Unlike many of the vintage Polaroid cameras on this list, the Now+ is made brand new, which means information technology'll accept fewer issues with reliability. Dissimilar the cheaper Now, the autofocus seems to work properly on the Now+. Even better, it connects to an app via bluetooth, which makes it a cracking camera for selfies (which I discuss more below). One thing I love about the Polaroid Now+ is that it is a very good looking camera. In fact, I'd argue information technology is the best looking plastic box-type camera on the list. Check out my total review. Purchase directly from Polaroid.

All-time Budget Vintage Camera for the Photographer – Polaroid OneStep Shut-Up 600

The Polaroid OneStep Closeup is a workhorse of a camera that just keeps going. It's likewise quite cheap and readily available on both used sites and refurbished. Despite its fixed focus lens and slightly beefy size, I use this camera constantly just because I know I tin can e'er rely on it. This camera also works great with Polaroid Originals films and makes a great addition to a serious photographer's collection. While I'm singling out the OneStep Closeup, at that place are tons of other similar variants of this kind of fixed-focus 600 type camera that are frequently referred to as 'box cameras' due to their shape and plastic-y blueprint. These cameras are all pretty much as good as the OneStep Closeup. My full review. Find the Polaroid OneStep Closeup Camera on eBay. Find used on Amazon. Refurbished from Polaroid.

Best Mid-Range Vintage Camera for Photographers – Polaroid Impulse AF

The Polaroid Impulse AF isn't the prettiest photographic camera on the block, merely it gets the chore done and washed very well. Despite the inexpensive torso, the camera is sturdy and features a fantastic sonar autofocus system that ensures your images are always in focus. Because information technology's not fixed-focus similar the CloseUp, images are slightly sharper. The best part of the Impulse AF is that it has ane of the brightest viewfinders of any 600 type camera. The Impulse AF is a great camera to offset out on (information technology was my starting time camera) and grows with the lensman if they determine to get serious about instant film photography. It also has the brightest viewfinder I've found on any rangefinder type 600 Polaroid camera. My full review. Notice the Polaroid Impulse AF on eBay. Refurbished at Polaroid.

Best Camera for the Collector – Polaroid OneStep Classic Land Camera

If you have somebody who just wants something cool for their vintage collection, you can't beat the iconic rainbow-striped SX-70 Polaroid OneStep. They're not the most robust cameras in the world, just they're plentiful and instantly recognizable. They're also a lot of fun… if they work. Chances are, you're going to see a lot of duds when information technology comes to old SX-70 plastic cameras, but the low price tends to make up for that. If it works, the controls are ultra elementary, and fifty-fifty a non-photographer will exist able to utilise the camera with ease. Just make sure they shoot outside because SX-70 motion-picture show needs a ton of light and this photographic camera doesn't have a flash built into it. My full review. Notice the Polaroid OneStep on eBay.

All-time Pick for the Luxury Camera Collector – SX-70 Country Photographic camera

The silver SX-seventy State Camera is quite possibly one of the most beautiful cameras e'er made. The SLR series was Edwin Land's signature design, and fabricated no compromises. If somebody wants an amazing camera to put on the shelf and adore, this is the i. Cheaper than the SLR 680 I recommend for serious professionals, this camera is pure eye candy. As a photographic camera, information technology tin can exist slightly temperamental and decumbent to break, merely it responds well to some TLC. Since it'southward an SLR, this camera makes it easy to frame your shot and ensure your focus. Quite but, it's a blast to use. The motion-picture show higher up is the sonar variant, and I reviewed a plastic version, simply the metal non-autofocus models are the true beauties. My full review of a similar model. Observe the Polaroid SX-lxx Land Camera on eBay. Observe a refurbished original SX-70 at B&H. Refurbished at Polaroid.

The box is total of all kinds of goodies, making it perfect for a souvenir.

All-time Camera for the Selfie Photographer – Polaroid At present+

Shopping for a selfie fanatic? The Now+ gives you the ability to command the camera remotely with a smartphone. Information technology can't quite shoot from arm's length, only and so again, no camera on this list can focus that close. The smartphone allows for remote shutter, manual controls, and more, making it too cracking for putting information technology on a tripod and pointing it at yourself. Check out my full review. Purchase direct from Polaroid.

Best Camera for the Serious Photographer at Any Cost – Polaroid SLR 680/690

The Polaroid SLR 680 or 690 is the big daddy of Polaroid cameras and the tool of choice for many of the biggest professional analog photographers working today. A robust design perfected from Edwin Land's original folding camera, information technology features a fantastic sonar autofocus system. Best of all, since it's an SLR y'all can accurately compose your prototype and even manually focus. You just get can't meliorate than this in the instant film earth. My full review of the Polaroid 680. Discover the Polaroid SLR 680 Camera on eBay.

If you lot're interested in working with SX-70 film instead of 600, the Polaroid SX-seventy OneStep Sonar State Camera is the precursor to the 680 and is also an excellent SLR photographic camera with autofocus capabilities – just no congenital-in wink. I recommend going with the 680/690 if money is no object simply because 600 movie works far, far works in about lighting conditions. It's wise to invest in a flashbar with any SX-70 camera. My full review of the SX-70 OneStep Sonar Country Camera. Discover the Polaroid OneStep Sonar Camera on eBay.
Find the SX-70 Sonar refurbished at B&H.

Purchasing Film for Used and New Polaroid Cameras

You can buy all the Polaroid cameras in the world, but without motion picture they're zippo more than than pretty paperweights. These days vintage Polaroid picture is all but nonexistent, and fifty-fifty if you lot can detect it, information technology costs a fortune and has a high rate of failure. That's where modern Polaroid comes in to save the twenty-four hour period.

Polaroid makes new color and monochrome films for I-type, 600, and SX-lxx cameras. As long as you lot know what kind of camera you have, you'll be able to find some flick for it. Accept a camera and don't know what kind of film yous need? I have a whole article to aid you figure that out. I recommend getting a pack of the newest generation colour film to exam out a new camera, as expired Polaroid and older Polaroid Originals (or Impossible Project) moving picture can often spaz out and fail.

Good luck and happy shooting (and gifting)!

If you're wondering what to do next, check out my beginner's guide to using Polaroid cameras. I also accept a guide on how to scan your pictures then you tin can edit and share them!

If y'all enjoyed this article and want to stay upward to date with everything happening in the world of instant film photography, bank check out my newsletter! I but put it out four times a year, then you don't need to worry about me bottleneck up your inbox, I hope!