Z5 IIvs 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?
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
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
Z5 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
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 z5 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 II (2024) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | — |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 700g body only | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | N/A |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 II | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Z5 II
Camera family history