Now Gen 3vs A7S III
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
Sony
A7S III (2020)
Starting from £2999 new
Best for Professional video & low-light filmmaking
View A7S III
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.
Professional Video & Low-Light Filmmaking — A7S III (2020): If video is your primary discipline, the A7S III is the camera. 4K/120p at 10-bit in a weather-sealed body with a 9.44M dot EVF is an extraordinary package. The 12MP sensor isn't limiting for video — and it's usable at ISO 409,600 in a pinch.
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 III (2020)
- Filmmakers and videographers who need 4K/120p at 10-bit
- Event videographers who shoot in dark venues regularly
- Documentary filmmakers who need reliable AF and weather sealing
- Hybrid shooters where video is primary and stills are secondary
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the a7s iii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | A7S III (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £2,999 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS (12-bit, back-illuminated) |
| Resolution | — | 12.1MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | N/A | 5.5-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording |
| Weight | ~445g | 699g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | OLED EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification — best EVF Sony has made |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots |
| Mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II (both slots) |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | A7S III |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — | |
| Video | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Street | — |
More comparisons with Now Gen 3
Camera family history