Lumix S1vs Now Gen 3
Lumix
Lumix S1 (2019)
Starting from £1499 new
Best for Landscape, studio & professional stills on L-mount
View Lumix S1
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?
Landscape, Studio & Professional Stills On L-Mount — Lumix S1 (2019): Built like a tank with one of the finest viewfinders ever made — the S1 is the choice for photographers who prioritise build quality and IBIS over AF speed.
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
Lumix S1 (2019)
- L-mount system photographers who want a rugged, weather-sealed full-frame body for demanding conditions
- Landscape and studio photographers who value exceptional IBIS and an outstanding EVF
- Video professionals who need V-Log and 4K/60p in a robust, weather-sealed body
- Leica SL users who want a more affordable second body on the same L-mount system
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 lumix s1 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S1 (2019) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,499 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP full-frame CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | — |
| Video | 4K/60p (crop), 4K/30p (full-frame), 1080p/180p, V-Log (upgrade) | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | DFD contrast-detect AF — reliable but slower than phase-detect rivals | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS — 6 stops | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 9fps continuous with AF/AE | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~380 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 898g body only | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 148.9 × 110.0 × 96.7mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | OLED EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.78× — one of the finest EVFs available | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.2" touchscreen, tilting | N/A |
| Mount | L-mount (Leica/Panasonic/Sigma) | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S1 | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Lumix S1
Camera family history