Now Gen 3vs FX3
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
VS
Sony
FX3 (2021)
Starting from £3799 new
Best for Professional video, documentary & cinematic filmmaking
View FX3
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, Documentary & Cinematic Filmmaking — FX3 (2021): The definitive run-and-gun cinema camera — A7S III sensor quality in a body built specifically for video professionals.
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
FX3 (2021)
- Professional videographers and filmmakers who need cinema-quality colour science in a compact body
- Documentary and run-and-gun shooters who need 4K/120p and built-in XLR audio
- Sony A7S III owners who want a purpose-built video body alongside their stills camera
- Gimbal and drone operators who need a compact full-frame cinema camera
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the fx3 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | FX3 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £3,799 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) |
| Resolution | — | 12.1MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) |
| Stabilisation | N/A | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~640 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | ~445g | 715g body only (with XLR handle) |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 129.7 × 78.0 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | None — monitor/external EVF use only |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating |
| 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 CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | USB-C (10Gbps), full-size HDMI, XLR via handle, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | FX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Low Light | ||
| Creative | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Wedding | — |
More comparisons with Now Gen 3
Camera family history