Now Gen 3vs A5100
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?
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.
Casual & Travel — A5100 (2014): The A5100 is one of the smallest APS-C mirrorless cameras ever made. Its 24MP sensor, phase-detect AF, and selfie-friendly flip screen pack remarkable capability into a shirt-pocket-sized body. No EVF or hot shoe limits it for serious use, but as a compact travel camera or beginner's first mirrorless, it punches well above its price on the used market.
Who should buy what
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
A5100 (2014)
- Beginners stepping up from a smartphone
- Compact travel photographers
- Casual vloggers who want APS-C quality
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | A5100 (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £200 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | — | 24.3MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | Hybrid phase-detect / contrast-detect AF, face detection |
| Stabilisation | N/A | None |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 6fps |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | ~445g | 224g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | None |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" flip-up touchscreen, 921k dots |
| Mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | A5100 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — | |
| Casual | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
More comparisons with Now Gen 3