Z5vs 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?
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible 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 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
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 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £120 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | — |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | N/A |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | ||
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history