S1 IIvs 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?
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
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
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
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; only the s1 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | S1 II (2025) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | — |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | N/A |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with S1 II
Camera family history