The Polaroid Go is a cute and compact instant camera that lets you snap and print photos in a matter of seconds. It’s also one of the cheapest models on the market, making it a great choice for beginners and casual users. But does it have everything you need in an instant camera? Or are there other models that can give you more bang for your buck? In this article, I’ll show you three alternatives to the Polaroid Go that might suit your needs better.
1. FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12
As an avid photographer with a penchant for the charm of instant photography, I’ve recently been exploring the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12 as a strong contender against the Polaroid Go Instant Camera. In my hands-on experience, I’ve found that while both cameras are undeniably compact and travel-friendly, there are distinctions worth noting for anyone caught in the decision-making process. Let’s see if the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12 is a good alternative to the Polaroid Go Instant Camera.
1. Film Format
The Polaroid Go’s film packs offer eight photos with dimensions of 66.6 x 53.9 mm, and the image area itself measures 47 x 46 mm. In contrast, the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12 uses Instax Mini film with each pack providing ten photos, each measuring 54 x 86 mm, and an image area of 46 x 62 mm. The widespread availability and affordability of Instax Mini film give it an edge for those who prioritize economy and convenience.
2. Image Quality
Polaroid Go’s photos mature to their full charm in about 15 minutes, exuding a soft, warm tone that gives a nod to the classic Polaroid heritage. The INSTAX MINI 12, however, produces photos in approximately 90 seconds, rendering images with a crisper and more vivid profile, often achieving higher resolution and contrast, making it the go-to for enthusiasts seeking clarity and color accuracy.
3. Camera Size and Style
The diminutive stature of the Polaroid Go is remarkable, measuring just 105 x 83.9 x 61.5 mm and weighing a mere 242 grams without its film pack. The INSTAX MINI 12 is marginally bulkier, at 104 x 66.6 x 122 mm and 306 grams without batteries, strap, or film. However, its playful design with five pastel color options and user-friendly features like the selfie mirror provides a balance of style and function.
4. Lens and Focus
With the Polaroid Go, you get a fixed-focus lens with a 34 mm full-frame equivalent focal length and a choice of f/12 or f/52 apertures. The shooting range starts at 0.3 m to infinity, complemented by a close-up mode. The INSTAX MINI 12’s lens is a two-element lens with a 60 mm full-frame equivalent focal length and an aperture of f/12.7. It too offers a shooting range of 0.3 m to infinity, and includes a close-up attachment. The addition of a parallax correction function on the INSTAX MINI 12 ensures precise focusing.
5. Battery Type and Life
The Polaroid Go is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to 120 shots per charge. Conversely, the INSTAX MINI 12 relies on two AA-size alkaline batteries, good for up to 100 exposures. Both cameras feature an auto power-off function after five minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life.
6. Additional Features
The Polaroid Go comes with creative perks such as a double exposure mode, a self-timer mode, and a manual flash toggle. On the flip side, the INSTAX MINI 12 might lack these features but offers an automatic exposure function that adjusts to ambient light and a high-key mode for a different artistic flavor.
7. Price
Pricing is where the INSTAX MINI 12 asserts its value proposition. The camera alone is priced at $69.95, while a bundle is available at $79.95. The Polaroid Go retails for $99.99 on its own, or $119.99 with a starter set. Film costs are also lower for the INSTAX MINI 12, with a twin pack (20 photos) priced at $14.99, and a single pack (10 photos) at $9.99. In comparison, the Polaroid Go film is $19.99 for a double pack and $14.99 for a single pack.
2. FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 40
I’d love to share my insights on why the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 40 could be an excellent alternative to the Polaroid Go Instant Camera. Here’s a deep dive into the particulars:
1. Film Format
The Polaroid Go uses its proprietary Polaroid Go film with a square image area of 47 x 46 mm and a white border, rated at ISO 640 and available in packs of 16 exposures. On the flip side, the INSTAX MINI 40 employs Instax Mini film which provides a rectangular image area of 62 x 46 mm, also with a white border, rated at ISO 800, and sold in packs of 10 exposures. While the Polaroid Go film leans into the classic square format, the Instax Mini film offers a larger image size and a more cost-effective solution.
2. Image Quality
The Polaroid Go tends to deliver photos with a soft, vintage aesthetic which some might find alluring, though these can exhibit lower contrast and are prone to overexposure in well-lit environments. It also takes around 15 minutes for the full image to develop. The INSTAX MINI 40, however, is known for producing images with vibrant colors, crisp details, and robust exposure control. Plus, its images develop significantly quicker than those of the Polaroid Go.
3. Camera Size and Style
Size-wise, the Polaroid Go is more compact and lightweight, measuring 105 x 83.9 x 61.5 mm and weighing 242 grams without the film pack. The INSTAX MINI 40 is heftier at 330 grams and measures 104 x 121 x 65 mm without batteries and film. The Polaroid Go boasts a modern design with a white plastic body and rainbow detailing, while the INSTAX MINI 40 offers a classic aesthetic with its black textured surface and silver accents.
4. Lens and Focus
The Polaroid Go features a fixed-focus lens with a 34 mm focal length (35 mm equivalent) and f/12 or f/52 aperture settings. The INSTAX MINI 40 comes with a two-position lens with a 60 mm focal length (35 mm equivalent) and an f/12.7 aperture. Both have a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 m, but the INSTAX MINI 40 includes a selfie mode which is engaged by pulling out the lens barrel, aiding in closer shots from 0.3 m to 0.5 m.
5. Battery Type and Life
The Polaroid Go is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to 120 shots per charge, with a USB cable provided for charging. The INSTAX MINI 40 operates on two AA-size alkaline batteries, capable of taking up to 100 shots per set, with the convenience of easily replaceable batteries.
6. Additional Features
Polaroid Go offers several additional functionalities including double exposure mode, self-timer mode, a flash on/off switch, and an LED screen that indicates the number of remaining shots. The INSTAX MINI 40 maintains a simpler interface with an automatic flash that adapts to the lighting conditions and a manual exposure counter.
7. Price
The pricing is quite close, with the Polaroid Go retailing at $99.99 for the camera alone, or $119.99 with a film pack. The INSTAX MINI 40 is priced at $99.95 for the camera, or $109.95 bundled with a film pack. Although the initial cost is similar, the ongoing cost of the film makes the INSTAX MINI 40 a more economical option in the long run.
3. Lomography Lomo’Instant Camera
Lomography Lomo’Instant As An Alternative For Polaroid Go:
1. Film Format
When it comes to film format, the Polaroid Go stands out with its unique Polaroid Go film size of 66.6 x 53.9 mm, and an image area of 47 x 46 mm. This new film size means you get that instantly recognizable glossy-finished square photo with the classic white border, which is nostalgic of the original Polaroid experience. You can choose between color or black and white film to suit your artistic preferences. On the other hand, the Lomography Lomo’Instant uses the Fujifilm Instax Mini film, which is not only widely available but also economical. The film size for the Lomo’Instant is 86 x 54 mm, with a slightly larger image area of 62 x 46 mm compared to the Polaroid Go, giving you a bit more room to capture your memories.
2. Image Quality
In the realm of image quality, the Polaroid Go camera, with an ASA of 640, is adept at capturing images in various lighting situations. However, it might overexpose in bright conditions due to its higher sensitivity to light. It doesn’t offer manual exposure settings but does feature an automatic flash to help balance exposure. In contrast, the Lomography Lomo’Instant camera boasts an ASA of 800, allowing for a bit more light sensitivity. It shines with its exposure compensation dial that lets you manually adjust your photo’s brightness within a range of +2/-2 exposure values. Moreover, the Lomo’Instant provides greater creative control with its manual aperture settings ranging from f/8 to f/32, letting you influence the depth of field and focus on your pictures more precisely than the Polaroid Go.
3. Camera Size and Style
The Polaroid Go claims the title of the world’s smallest analog instant camera, with dimensions of 105 x 83.9 x 61.5 mm and a weight of 242 grams without the film pack. Its sleek, compact design is perfect for minimalists and is available in both white and black, making it a stylish and portable choice. Conversely, the Lomography Lomo’Instant is a tad larger and heavier, with measurements of 140 x 99 x 58 mm and a weight of 381 grams without batteries or film pack. It boasts a vintage-inspired design that echoes the look of a classic camera, available in an array of colors and patterns, adding a dash of personality and style to your photography gear.
4. Lens and Focus
The Polaroid Go features a fixed-focus lens with a 34 mm focal length equivalent, allowing for easy capturing of images from 0.5 m to infinity, without the need for manual focus adjustments. However, it doesn’t support close-up or macro photography. The Lomography Lomo’Instant, equipped with a 27 mm standard lens, provides similar ease in focusing from 0.4 m to infinity. Notably, it comes with two additional lenses: a wide-angle lens with a 21 mm focal length for expansive shots starting at 0.1 m and a close-up lens for 10 cm macro shots. These extra lenses offer greater versatility and creative possibilities compared to the fixed capabilities of the Polaroid Go.
5. Battery Type and Life
For power, the Polaroid Go uses a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is capable of delivering up to 120 exposures on a single charge, and it can be conveniently recharged using a USB cable. This makes it an environmentally friendly option. On the flip side, the Lomography Lomo’Instant operates on four AAA batteries and promises a capacity of up to 100 exposures. While this may mean carrying spare batteries, it also allows for easy replacement, especially if you find yourself far from power sources.
6. Additional Features
Both cameras boast a suite of additional features to enhance your photography experience. The Polaroid Go includes a double exposure mode for creative overlays, a self-timer mode that allows for a 9-second delay before taking a picture, and a selfie mirror to help frame self-portraits. In comparison, the Lomography Lomo’Instant not only offers double exposure and a bulb mode for extended exposure times in low light conditions but also a unique feature: a color gel filter slot. With this, you can slide in different colored gels (blue, red, purple, and yellow) to alter the flash color for various artistic effects.
7. Price
Price is often a deciding factor, and here the Polaroid Go is priced at $99.99 for the camera alone, or $119.99 for a starter set with color film and a neck strap. The film comes at a premium too, with a double pack costing $19.99 for 16 photos. The Lomography Lomo’Instant, however, offers a more budget-friendly alternative at $79 for just the camera or $99 for a combo pack that includes three additional lenses and other accessories. The Fujifilm Instax Mini film is also cheaper, at $14.99 for a twin pack with 20 photos.
