Now Gen 3vs A7S
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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
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 (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £600 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | — | 12.2MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | N/A | None |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 5fps |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | ~445g | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | Electronic, 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 (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — | |
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | — | |
| 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
Camera family history