When it comes to instant photography, Polaroid offers some of the best cameras in the market. Two popular choices in their lineup are the Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now.
Choosing between these two cameras can be quite a challenge, as both offer unique features and cater to different preferences.
The Polaroid Go is known for its compact size and portability, making it perfect for those who love capturing memories on the go. On the contrary, the Polaroid Now uses the more familiar I-Type film and optical viewfinder to capture larger and sharper images.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to consider the differences between the two cameras, including their film compatibility, creative features, and overall user experience.
By understanding these aspects and assessing your personal photography needs, you can make an informed choice between the Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now.
Polaroid Go vs Now (Key Differences)
Size and Portability
When it comes to size and portability, the Polaroid Go is the smallest analog instant camera available, making it an easy choice for those who value having a camera they can take anywhere.
In contrast, the Polaroid Now is larger and might not fit in a small bag or pocket. Despite its larger size, it remains a portable instant film camera option.
Design and Build
The Polaroid Go and Now share a similar design language with the iconic Polaroid look.
However, the Polaroid Go sports a more minimalistic design, with fewer buttons and dials, while the Polaroid Now has slightly more complex controls.
Both cameras feature a sturdy build quality that complements their aesthetics.
Camera Features
When if you comparing features, the Polaroid Now has a more advanced autofocus system compared to the Polaroid Go.
The Polaroid Now’s autofocus ensures better clarity and sharpness, whereas the Polaroid Go’s fixed focus might not provide the same level of output.
Nonetheless, both cameras are capable of capturing beautiful instant photos.
Another important factor to consider is that the Polaroid Now+ version offers more creative options, such as manual exposure control and remote shooting capabilities using a mobile app.
Film Compatibility
In terms of film compatibility, the Polaroid Go uses a mini version of the instant film, while the Polaroid Now uses the more familiar I-Type film.
The I-Type film provides better flexibility and a wider variety of options, including colored frames and special edition film packs.
However, the convenience of the smaller film format in the Polaroid Go should not be overlooked when deciding between these two cameras.
Polaroid Go vs Now (Performance and Image Quality)
Viewfinder and Focus
When you comparing the Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now, it’s important to consider the viewfinder and focus.
The Polaroid Now has an integrated optical viewfinder that allows you to easily compose and frame your shots. This means you can achieve better accuracy when taking your instant photos.
On the other hand, the Polaroid Go is more compact, which could make framing a little more challenging. Both cameras feature an autofocus system for sharp images.
Flash and Lens
Both the Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now have built-in flash systems for capturing photos in low-light situations.
Also, the Polaroid Now boasts a double exposure flash function that allows you to take more creative photos.
When consider of lens quality, both cameras offer a fixed lens with a minimum focus distance, ensuring that your subjects are always in focus. However, the actual lens specifications may differ between the two cameras.
Shooting Modes and Aperture
Shooting modes are very important for photography, the Polaroid Now offers more versatility. It has a self-timer for capturing selfies, as well as the aforementioned double exposure flash function.
The Polaroid Go, on the other hand, is more focused on its compact size and portability.
As for aperture, both cameras have a fixed aperture, leading to similar depth-of-field in their images.
Also, the image quality of both cameras is quite comparable, with square aspect ratio images developing in about 10-15 minutes.
They share the same chemical development process for their film, which results in similar color reproduction.
However, this doesn’t mean that image quality is identical between the two models, as factors like viewfinder, focus, and shooting modes can influence the overall result.
Polaroid Go vs Now (Comparing Photos and Print Sizes)
When choosing between the Polaroid Go and the Polaroid Now instant cameras, it’s essential to consider the differences in photo quality and print sizes they offer.
Polaroid Go Image Characteristics
The Polaroid Go is known for its compact size and portability. This camera uses its own bespoke film type, which results in smaller photo prints compared to the Polaroid Now.
Polaroid Go photos measure 6.7×5.4cm (2.6×2.1in), making them a convenient option if you’re looking for a more pocket-sized memento.
However, due to their small size, the images might not have as much detail as the ones taken by the Polaroid Now.
Polaroid Now Image Features
The Polaroid Now, on the other hand, uses larger I-Type film, producing classic, more sizable photos that are reminiscent of traditional Polaroid pictures.
These photos are more substantial, offering better detail and a larger canvas for capturing your memories. Additionally, the Polaroid Now features autofocus, which helps improve image sharpness and overall quality.
While both cameras produce instant photos with their unique charm, the choice between the Polaroid Go and the Polaroid Now ultimately depends on your preferences.
If you prioritize portability and small prints, the Polaroid Go might be the better option for you. However, if you prefer classic, larger prints with greater detail, the Polaroid Now could be your ideal choice.
What’s The Price and Photography Values of Polaroid Go & Polaroid Now?
Cost of Cameras and Film
While decide for purchasing cameras budget is the considering facts, Polaroid Go is slightly more affordable compared to Polaroid Now.
However, the primary cost savings for photographers is observed in the film rather than the cameras themselves.
Polaroid Go film packs contain eight shots and are currently only available in double-packs, costing around $20/£19.
On the other hand, i-Type film, which is compatible with Polaroid Now, is sold in both color and monochrome versions.
When considering the cost of instant film, it’s important to remember that it is a significant ongoing expense for photographers using instant cameras.
Comparing the price of film for Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now can help you decide which camera is more suitable for your budget and needs.
Comparing to Fujifilm Instax Cameras
Fujifilm Instax cameras, such as the Instax Mini, are popular alternatives to Polaroid cameras in the instant photography market.
While comparing Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now to Fujifilm’s offerings, a few factors can help you make an informed decision:
- Film Compatibility: Instax Mini film is widely available and compatible with several Fujifilm instant cameras, offering a side-by-side comparison with Polaroid’s film options.
- Film Price: Fujifilm Instax Mini film tends to be more affordable than both Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now films. This may influence your decision if you’re a photographer concerned about the ongoing cost of instant film.
- Camera Features: When comparing camera specifications, consider the features and shooting modes offered by each model. The Instax Mini has fewer advanced options compared to the Polaroid Now, which comes with autofocus and manual exposure modes through the Polaroid app. Polaroid Go, being the smallest analogue instant camera, offers a more compact design for photographers prioritizing portability.
By taking into account the cost of cameras and film, along with comparing the features of Polaroid Go and Now to Fujifilm Instax cameras, you can make a better decision regarding the best instant camera for your photography needs.
User Experience and Additional Features
Battery Life and Charging
When it comes to battery life, both the Polaroid Go and the Polaroid Now offer an impressive performance.
You can expect a long-lasting battery that allows you to take many photos before needing a recharge. The good news is that both cameras support USB charging, making it easy for you to power up your device when on the go.
Self-Timer and Tripod Options
For those moments when you want to be in the shot, both the Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now come equipped with a self-timer feature.
This helps you capture the perfect group photo or selfie without needing someone else to take the picture for you.
Additionally, these cameras have tripod sockets, enabling you to stabilize your shots and avoid camera shake when taking photos in low-light conditions or experimenting with double exposure photography.
Double exposure is a fun feature that allows you to layer two images on the same photo, creating a unique and artistic effect.
Remember to get the most out of your instant camera experience by exploring the variety of features and options available to you.
From battery life and charging options to self-timers and tripod mounts, the Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now have plenty to offer in enhancing your photography journey.
FAQ
Which camera has a better battery life: Polaroid Go or Polaroid Now?
The battery life of both Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now varies, but generally, you can expect to get at least 15 packs of film from a full charge.
While specific battery life might differ slightly between the two cameras, both should provide you with enough power for casual photography sessions.
How do the picture sizes compare for Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now?
Polaroid Go uses a bespoke film type, resulting in smaller photos measuring 6.7×5.4cm (2.6×2.1in). On the other hand, Polaroid Now uses I-Type film, which produces larger pictures.
Keep in mind that the picture size difference is a significant factor when choosing between these two cameras.
Which camera is more portable and lightweight: Polaroid Go or Polaroid Now?
The Polaroid Go is considered the world’s smallest analog instant camera, making it more portable and lightweight compared to the Polaroid Now.
If portability is a critical factor for you, the Polaroid Go would likely be the better option. However, it’s important to consider other factors like picture size and additional features before making a final decision.
What is the price difference between Polaroid Go and Polaroid Now?
While prices may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions, the Polaroid Go is typically less expensive than the Polaroid Now.
At the time of writing this article, the official Polaroid website lists the Polaroid Go at $99.99 while the Polaroid Now is priced at $129.99.
Don’t forget to take into account the cost of film, which can also vary between the two cameras due to the differences in picture size and film types.