Polaroid Now is a Vintage-Inspired Camera with Modern Features

‘Polaroid Now’ Is a Vintage-Inspired Instant Camera With Modern Features

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Instant photography is taking another step forward with the Polaroid Now. This analog instant camera has the look and feel that Polaroid is known for, but with a few extra touches that make it easier than ever to capture your favorite memories. Polaroid Now retains some of the features introduced with the 2018 OneStep+ model, but has a few design and functionality tweaks that are sure to make it a hit.

With rounded edges that give is a less clunky appearance, Polaroid Now is available in black and white, as well as limited edition colors (green, blue, yellow, red, and orange). The instant camera retains a self-timer and double exposure mode, which continues to open up new creative possibilities. One significant improvement is the new model's flash. It's designed for accuracy thanks to an ambient light sensor, which ensures that the right amount of light will hit the subjects of any image.

The Now has kept the dual-lens system that was introduced with the OneStep+, but with a slight change. Instead of having to physically press a lever to toggle between the lenses, the Now will detect which works best for the occasion and make that selection for you. This autofocus functionality should help ensure sharper imaging.

One drawback of the Polaroid Now is that it lacks Bluetooth connectivity. This means that there's no ability to pair it with your smartphone or tablet for remote selfies or to toggle different modes, a feature that is available with the OneStep+. Still, at a lower price point ($99), the Polaroid Now offers a wide range of creative possibilities for less.

In conjunction with the release of Polaroid Now, the company has also introduced two new varieties of its i-Type film. Color Wave and Black Frame are the latest editions of instant film to hit the market. Black Frame is just as you'd think. Coming in either black and white or color, it simply replaces the classic Polaroid frame color. Color Wave is where things get a bit funkier. Described by Polaroid as “inspired by our famous logo,” it provides “a host of hues, from moody blues to warming orange and red frames.”

The Polaroid Now is available on its own for $99 or as part of a starter kit that includes 3 packs of i-Type film for $144.99. Individual packs of i-Type film cost $15.99 for the original color and black & white editions. Color Wave and Black Frame editions cost $16.99 per pack. Each pack shoots 8 Polaroids.