Z30vs Now Gen 3
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 & Everyday Video — Z30 (2022): Nikon's lightest Z-mount body — no fuss, excellent subject tracking, and a flip screen for creators.
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
Z30 (2022)
- Vloggers and content creators who don't need an EVF
- Beginners entering the Nikon Z system at the lowest price point
- Streamers who want a compact interchangeable-lens camera for desk use
- Travel and lifestyle shooters who want a compact APS-C Z body
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 | Z30 (2022) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £479 | £120 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | — |
| Video | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 11fps | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~300 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 405g body only | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 127.5 × 73.5 × 59.5mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | None | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | N/A |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input, micro HDMI | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z30 | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Z30
Camera family history