Cheap and cheerful versus artsy and ambitious. Pick your kind of fun.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
8.3
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is the more capable camera: bigger prints, manual controls via app, and that dreamy Polaroid look. But it costs nearly twice as much and film runs about two dollars a shot versus under a dollar for Instax. For most people, the Mini 12 delivers more fun per dollar.
What We Like
- Half the price of the Polaroid
- Film costs under a dollar per shot
- Dead simple automatic operation
- Smaller prints are easy to share and carry
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller credit card sized prints
- No manual controls or app features
- Polaroid look has more artistic character
- Now+ double exposure mode is genuinely fun
Product Details
Full Review
Quality
How they compare: the Mini 12 is a simple fixed focus camera with auto exposure; the Now+ Gen 2 adds autofocus, manual controls through its app, and lens filters. Polaroid prints are bigger and moodier; Instax prints are sharper and more consistent. Build quality is good on both, with the Polaroid feeling more substantial.
Value
Price comparison: at $79.95 versus $149, plus cheaper film, the Instax system costs dramatically less to own and shoot. The Polaroid charges a premium for its aesthetic and creative controls. Casual shooters should save their money.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Mini 12 if you want maximum fun with minimum fuss and cost.
Who Should Skip It
Skip the Mini 12 if you crave creative control and the classic Polaroid look.
FINAL VERDICT
The Now+ Gen 2 is the photographer’s pick, but the Mini 12 is the people’s pick: cheaper, simpler, and cheaper to feed. Winner: Instax Mini 12.
8.3 / 10
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