Now Gen 3vs A7 IV
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
VS
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.
Portrait & Wedding Photography — A7 IV (2021): The full-frame portrait benchmark — 33MP, AI Eye AF, and exceptional skin-tone rendering in a pro-grade hybrid body.
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
A7 IV (2021)
- Working photographers who want a reliable full-frame all-rounder
- Portrait, wedding, and event photographers needing 33MP and fast AF
- A7 III owners ready for a major upgrade in resolution, AF, and video
- Hybrid shooters who want 4K/60p and 33MP stills in one dependable body
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the a7 iv is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | A7 IV (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £2,299 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 33MP Full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | — | 33.0MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 4K/60p oversampled, 10-bit internal, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | N/A | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~580 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | ~445g | 659g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 131.3 × 96.4 × 79.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen |
| Mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Dual slots: CFexpress Type A + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — | |
| Studio Portraits | — | |
| Outdoor Portraits | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with Now Gen 3
Camera family history