Now Gen 3vs A7S II
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
Sony
A7S II (2015)
Starting from £799 new
Best for Low-light video, documentary & available-light filmmaking
View A7S II
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.
Low-Light Video, Documentary & Available-Light Filmmaking — A7S II (2015): A landmark in mirrorless history — the first Sony with IBIS and internal 4K, its low-light video capability still impresses today at a used-market price.
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
A7S II (2015)
- Filmmakers and videographers who want legendary low-light performance at a used-price discount
- Documentary shooters working in unpredictable available light conditions
- A7S III shooters who want a second Sony FE body for backup or B-camera use
- Budget-conscious video producers who want full-frame 4K with S-Log at an accessible price
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the a7s ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | A7S II (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £799 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | — | 12.1MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | 169 phase-detect + 25 contrast AF — limited by modern standards |
| Stabilisation | N/A | 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 5fps continuous |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | ~445g | 584g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Dual SD UHS-I slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth (via app), Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic jack |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | A7S II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Low Light | ||
| Creative | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Wedding | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Sports | — |
More comparisons with Now Gen 3
Camera family history