EOS M5vs Now Gen 3
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Travel & Portrait — EOS M5 (2016): The EOS M5 was the first EF-M camera with a built-in EVF — and it made the system feel complete. Fast Dual Pixel AF, a 9fps burst, and a high-resolution articulating screen deliver a confident shooting experience. No IBIS and 1080p video only limit its appeal for hybrid work, but for stills photographers it remains one of the most well-rounded EF-M bodies available.
Classic Polaroid Fans & Square-Print Lovers — Now Gen 3 (2024): The definitive modern Polaroid. Autofocus, USB-C, and full-sized square prints — classic Polaroid experience, updated for today.
Who should buy what
EOS M5 (2016)
- Enthusiast photographers who want an EVF in a compact EF-M body
- Photographers switching from DSLR who want familiar handling
- Portrait and travel photographers who value fast AF and good ergonomics
- Used-market buyers wanting a capable EF-M stills camera
Now Gen 3 (2024)
- Anyone who wants the classic full-sized square Polaroid print experience
- Instax users who prefer Polaroid's dreamy colour palette and white border
- Party hosts and event photographers who want iconic-looking keepsakes
- Previous Polaroid Now owners upgrading to the Gen 3's improved autofocus
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | EOS M5 (2016) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Dual Pixel) | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | — |
| Video | 1080p/60p | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face detection | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | — | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~295 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 427g (body only) | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 116.2 × 88.1 × 60.6mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.39" type | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | N/A |
| Mount | Canon EF-M mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | EOS M5 | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Street | — | |
| Casual | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history