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Polaroid Now Instant Camera vs Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3

Both are the same Polaroid Now body, so the real choice is the generation. The Gen 3 adds a better-placed light meter, an improved ranging sensor, a built-in tripod mount, filter compatibility, self-timer and double-exposure modes, and it carries a much stronger owner record (4.9 from 114 ratings versus 4.6 from 11). Buy the Gen 3 unless you find the original at a clear value and only want point-and-shoot simplicity.

  • Choose the Polaroid Now if you want the simplest point-and-shoot instant camera and do not need a tripod mount, filters or double exposure.
  • Choose the Polaroid Now Generation 3 if you want sharper shots in mixed light, a tripod mount, filter support and self-timer and double-exposure modes.

Prices

  • Polaroid Now Instant Camera: $149.99 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 10)
  • Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3: $116.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3 is $33.00 cheaper than the Polaroid Now Instant Camera at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Polaroid
Polaroid Now Instant Camera

Polaroid Now Instant Camera

4.6(11 ratings)
$149.99at Best BuyChecked 11 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Simple controls, few settings to learn
  • Takes both i-Type and 600 film
  • Rechargeable USB-C battery lasts about 15 packs
  • Lighter feature set means less to go wrong
Cons
  • No tripod mount
  • No self-timer or double-exposure mode
  • Older metering and ranging than the Gen 3
  • Thin review base
Polaroid
Polaroid Now Instant Camera Generation 3

Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3

Polaroid Now Instant Camera Generation 3

4.9(114 ratings)
$116.99at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Sharper, more reliable exposure in varied light
  • Tripod mount and filter compatibility
  • Self-timer and double-exposure modes
  • Strong owner ratings from a much larger pool
Cons
  • More modes to learn than the original
  • Same 8-shot film packs, so film cost per shot is unchanged
  • Bulkier feature set for a point-and-shoot buyer

What separates them

Polaroid Now Instant CameraPolaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3
Light meteringStandard light meter positionRepositioned light meter for more accurate exposure
AutofocusTwo fixed focus zones (0.55-1.3m and 0.6m-infinity)Upgraded two-lens autofocus with improved ranging sensor
Tripod mountNoneBuilt-in tripod mount
FiltersNot supportedFilter compatible
Shooting modesSingle shot onlySelf-timer (9s) and double-exposure modes
Filmi-Type and 600 filmi-Type and 600 film
BatteryRechargeable lithium-ion, about 15 film packs per charge, USB-CRechargeable lithium-ion, up to 15 film packs per charge, USB-C
Owner feedback4.6 from 11 ratings4.9 from 114 ratings

Price history

$123.85$106.99
Nov 6Nov 11
  • Polaroid Now Instant Camera: lowest $106.99 on Nov 11 at Quill.
  • Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3: lowest $116.99 on Nov 9 at eBay; $119.95 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Polaroid Now Instant Camera

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $149.99Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • QuillNew

    Out of stock

    $106.99Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Quill

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 2 stores and price history →

Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3

  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by department75

    $116.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay
  • AdoramaNew

    In stock

    $119.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Adorama
  • UCLA StoreNew

    In stock

    $119.95+ $8.95 shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit UCLA Store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $119.99Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • Getty Museum StoreCheck price at Getty Museum Store
  • BangOnCheck price at BangOn
  • Focus CameraCheck price at Focus Camera

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All 20 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecPolaroid Now Instant CameraPolaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3
Battery typeLithium-ion batteryLithium-ion battery
Battery life15 film packs before you need to rechargeUp to 15 film packs
Film format107mm x 88mm (4.2" x 3.5")600 film
Dimensions150.2mm x 112.2mm x 94mm (5.91" x 4.42" x 3.7")—
Weight455.8 grams (15.9oz) (without film pack)—
Outer shellABS, PC (40% recycled plastics)—
LensOptical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated—
Autofocus zones2 fixed focus zones (0.55m-1.3m; 0.6m-infinity)—
Field of viewHorizontal 40°, Vertical 41°—
Flash systemVacuum discharge tube storage—
Compatible filmPolaroid i-Type film, Polaroid 600 film—
Charging cableUSB-C Charging Cable (1.2m)—
Show all 36 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPolaroid Now Instant CameraPolaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3
actual_color—Black
film_size—Camera Only
color—Black
configuration—w/ 8 Color Film
ISO Sensitivity—100-6400
Focal Length—95 mm - 103 mm
Lens Highlights—Dual lens
Lens System—Two-lens autofocus system
Lens Type—Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Max Aperture

What reviewers say

Polaroid Now Instant Camera

  • 4.6 / 511 ratings

Owners rate it well and like the autofocus and the classic Polaroid look. Complaints center on film cost and the limited focus system.

What people mention
  • AutofocusPraisedOwners say the two-zone autofocus makes near and far shots sharper than earlier fixed-focus Polaroids.
  • Film costCriticisedReviewers complain that each i-Type or 600 pack works out costly per shot.
  • Ease of usePraisedBuyers call it simple to load and shoot, good for first-time instant camera users.
  • Low lightMixedSome say flash shots indoors are fine, others find focus and exposure hit-or-miss in dim rooms.

Polaroid Now Instant Camera Gen 3

  • 4.9 / 5114 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 114 ratings, buyers are very positive on the Now Generation 3. They like the sharper autofocus, the classic Polaroid look and the easy USB-C charging. The main complaints are film cost and occasional soft or dark shots.

What people mention
  • AutofocusPraisedOwners say the two-lens autofocus gives noticeably sharper prints than older fixed-focus Polaroids.
  • Low lightMixedThe better light meter helps, but indoor shots can still come out dark without flash or good light.
  • BuildPraisedOwners like the sturdy classic body and the recycled-material construction.
  • BatteryPraised

Questions and answers

Which is better for low light?
The Gen 3. Its repositioned light meter and improved ranging sensor give more accurate exposure, and the automatic flash works with both cameras.
Do they use the same film?
Yes. Both take Polaroid i-Type and 600 film in the 107mm x 88mm format, 8 exposures per pack.
Is the Gen 3 worth stepping up to?
For most shoppers, yes. The tripod mount, filters, self-timer and double exposure add real use, and owners rate it higher.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
They are the same. Both use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for about 15 film packs per charge over USB-C.
Can I shoot double exposures on the original?
No. Double exposure and the 9-second self-timer are Gen 3 features only.
Which is easier for a beginner?
The original has fewer controls. The Gen 3 is still point-and-shoot but adds modes you can ignore until you want them.

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More comparisons

  • Polaroid Now+ vs Polaroid Now Instant Camera Generation 3

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best gifts for teens
—
f/11
Max View Angle—Vertical 41°, Horizontal 40°
Max Shutter Speed—1/200 s
Film Speed—ASA: 640
Exposures Per Film—8
With Film—Yes
Black &Amp; White Film—Yes
Exposure Mode—Double-exposure modes
Instant Print—Yes
Shooting Mode—Double-exposure
Self Timer Delay—9 seconds
USB Charging—Yes
Body Only—No
Construction—Made with 40% recycled materials
Focus Adjustment—Autofocus
USB-C charging and up to 15 packs per charge are seen as convenient.