The world of instant photography has witnessed a significant resurgence in recent years, and Polaroid is one of the pioneers leading the charge. With its iconic cameras and instant film, Polaroid has managed to captivate a new generation of photographers and nostalgia-seekers alike. Two of the most popular models in Polaroid’s current lineup are the Now and Now Plus. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between these two cameras that set them apart. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, and capabilities of both models to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
The Polaroid Now: A Revival of Classic Instant Photography
The Polaroid Now is a modern take on the classic instant cameras that made Polaroid a household name. Released in 2020, the Now is designed to be a more affordable and accessible entry point into the world of instant photography. This camera is a direct successor to the Polaroid OneStep 2, which was introduced in 2017.
Design and Build
The Polaroid Now boasts a sleek and minimalist design that pays homage to the original Polaroid cameras. The body is made of plastic, but it feels sturdy and durable in the hands. The camera weighs around 440 grams, making it easy to carry around. The Now is available in several colors, including black, white, blue, yellow, and coral.
Features and Specifications
The Polaroid Now uses Fujifilm’s i-Type film, which is widely available and relatively affordable. The camera has a fixed-focus lens with a 0.5m to infinity focusing range, making it suitable for capturing portraits, landscapes, and everything in between. The Now also features a built-in flash, self-timer, and automatic exposure control.
In terms of image quality, the Polaroid Now produces 3.1 x 3.1-inch instant prints with a resolution of 600 dpi. The camera’s optical viewfinder allows for precise framing, and the results are surprisingly detailed and vibrant.
Self-Timer and Flash Modes
One of the notable features of the Polaroid Now is its self-timer mode, which enables you to take group photos or selfies with a 9-second delay. Additionally, the camera has two flash modes: a standard flash mode and a “double exposure” mode that allows you to take two photos in a single frame.
Battery Life and Storage
The Polaroid Now is powered by four AA batteries, which provide up to 20 packs of film (approximately 120 shots). The camera does not have internal storage, but it does come with a USB charging cable for recharging the batteries.
The Polaroid Now Plus: A Feature-Rich Upgrade
The Polaroid Now Plus is an upgraded version of the Now, offering additional features and capabilities that appeal to more advanced photographers. Released in 2022, the Now Plus is designed to cater to those who want more creative control and flexibility from their instant camera.
Design and Build
The Polaroid Now Plus shares a similar design language with the Now, but with a few key differences. The Plus model has a slightly larger body, weighing around 470 grams, and is available in black, white, and blue.
Features and Specifications
The Polaroid Now Plus uses the same Fujifilm i-Type film as the Now, but it offers a range of advanced features that set it apart. One of the most significant upgrades is the addition of manual focus, which allows for more precise control over the depth of field. The Plus model also features a built-in zoom lens, which enables you to capture closer or wider shots with ease.
In addition to the standard flash mode, the Now Plus has a red-eye reduction mode and a “party mode” that automatically adjusts the flash and exposure settings for better low-light performance.
Zone Focusing and Aperture Priority Mode
The Polaroid Now Plus introduces zone focusing, which allows you to set the focus distance to 0.5m, 1m, 2m, or infinity. This feature is particularly useful for capturing portraits, landscapes, or street photography. Furthermore, the Plus model has an aperture priority mode, which enables you to adjust the aperture setting to control the depth of field.
Battery Life and Storage
The Polaroid Now Plus has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 15 packs of film (approximately 90 shots) on a single charge. The camera also has internal storage for up to 12 photos, allowing you to review and delete your shots.
Key Differences Between Polaroid Now and Now Plus
So, what are the key differences between the Polaroid Now and Now Plus? Here’s a summary:
Manual Focus vs. Fixed Focus
The Polaroid Now Plus has manual focus, which provides more creative control and flexibility, whereas the Now has a fixed-focus lens.
Zoom Lens and Aperture Priority Mode
The Now Plus features a built-in zoom lens and aperture priority mode, whereas the Now has a fixed lens and no aperture control.
Flash Modes and Red-Eye Reduction
The Polaroid Now Plus has additional flash modes, including party mode and red-eye reduction, whereas the Now has only a standard flash mode.
Internal Storage and Battery Life
The Now Plus has internal storage for up to 12 photos and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, whereas the Now has no internal storage and uses four AA batteries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Polaroid Now and Now Plus are both excellent instant cameras that cater to different needs and preferences. The Now is an excellent entry-point into the world of instant photography, offering a more affordable and accessible option for those who want to experience the joy of analog photography.
On the other hand, the Polaroid Now Plus is a more advanced camera that offers additional features and creative control. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated instant camera that provides manual focus, zoom lens, and aperture priority mode, the Now Plus is the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Polaroid Now and Now Plus depends on your photography goals, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, both cameras are sure to provide hours of fun and creative expression.
| Feature | Polaroid Now | Polaroid Now Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Focus | Yes | No (Manual Focus) |
| Zoom Lens | No | Yes |
| Aperture Priority Mode | No | Yes |
| Flash Modes | Standard Flash | Standard Flash, Party Mode, Red-Eye Reduction |
| Internal Storage | No | Up to 12 Photos |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 Packs of Film (AA Batteries) | Up to 15 Packs of Film (Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery) |
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the Polaroid Now and Now Plus, helping you make an informed decision about which camera is right for you.
What is the main difference between Polaroid Now and Now Plus?
The primary difference between the Polaroid Now and Now Plus is the additional features and improvements offered by the Now Plus. The Now Plus has a more advanced autofocus system, better flash performance, and increased storage capacity compared to the standard Now model. Additionally, the Now Plus also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect their camera to their smartphone and access additional features through the Polaroid app.
In contrast, the standard Now model is a more basic, entry-level instant camera that still produces high-quality instant photos but lacks some of the advanced features of the Now Plus. Despite this, the Now is still a great option for those who want a simple, easy-to-use instant camera without breaking the bank.
Do both cameras use the same type of film?
Yes, both the Polaroid Now and Now Plus use the same type of film, which is Polaroid’s proprietary i-Type film. This film is specifically designed for use with the Now series of cameras and produces high-quality, credit-card-sized instant photos. The film is available in a variety of colors and styles, including black and white, color, and special edition formats.
It’s worth noting that while the film is the same, the cameras themselves have different features and capabilities that can affect the final results. For example, the Now Plus’s improved autofocus system can result in sharper, more in-focus photos, while the standard Now model may require more manual adjustments to achieve the same effect.
Can I use my Polaroid OneStep film with the Now or Now Plus?
No, the Polaroid Now and Now Plus cameras are not compatible with the older OneStep film format. The Now series uses the i-Type film format, which is specifically designed for use with these cameras. Attempting to use OneStep film with a Now or Now Plus camera will not work and may even damage the camera.
If you’re looking to use older OneStep film, you’ll need to use a compatible camera, such as the original OneStep or other vintage Polaroid cameras that accept this film format.
Are there any differences in the camera’s design or build quality?
Visually, the Polaroid Now and Now Plus cameras are nearly identical, with the same retro-inspired design and durable plastic construction. However, the Now Plus has a slightly heavier and more premium feel due to its improved internal components and added features.
In terms of build quality, both cameras are well-built and designed to withstand regular use. However, the Now Plus’s more advanced features and improved performance may make it a better option for heavy users or those who want a more reliable and consistent instant camera experience.
Do both cameras have the same battery life?
No, the battery life of the Polaroid Now and Now Plus cameras differ slightly. The standard Now model has a rechargeable battery that can take up to 15 packs of film on a single charge, while the Now Plus has a more efficient battery that can take up to 20 packs of film on a single charge.
Keep in mind that battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, temperature, and other factors. However, in general, the Now Plus’s improved battery life makes it a better option for those who plan to use their camera frequently or for extended periods.
Can I connect my Polaroid Now to my smartphone?
No, the standard Polaroid Now camera does not have Bluetooth connectivity and cannot be connected to a smartphone. This means you won’t be able to access features like mobile printing, digital copies of your photos, or editing and sharing through the Polaroid app.
If you want to connect your camera to your smartphone, you’ll need to upgrade to the Now Plus, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and access to these additional features through the Polaroid app.
Is the Polaroid Now Plus worth the extra cost?
Whether or not the Polaroid Now Plus is worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re an instant camera enthusiast or want advanced features like improved autofocus, Bluetooth connectivity, and increased storage capacity, the Now Plus may be worth the investment.
However, if you’re on a budget or just want a simple, easy-to-use instant camera for casual use, the standard Now model may be a better option. Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and features of each camera against your budget and needs before making a decision.