Lumix S9vs Now Gen 3
Lumix
Lumix S9 (2024)
Starting from £1299 new
Best for Travel photographers, content creators & L-mount entry buyers
View Lumix S9
VS
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 Photographers, Content Creators & L-Mount Entry Buyers — Lumix S9 (2024): The most compact full-frame camera available — a perfect travel and content creation companion with brilliant colour science.
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 S9 (2024)
- Travel photographers who want full-frame quality in the most compact package
- Content creators attracted to Real-time LUT and 10-bit video
- Photographers already in the L-mount ecosystem wanting a lightweight second body
- Lumix S5 II users who want something smaller for travel and casual shooting
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 | Lumix S9 (2024) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | — |
| Video | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with subject recognition | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~310 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 413g (with battery) | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 124.6 × 73.9 × 52.8mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen (touch drag AF) | N/A |
| Mount | Leica L mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S9 | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Lumix S9
Camera family history