Now Gen 3vs Sony FX30
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.
Video Creators & Filmmakers — Sony FX30 (2022): The Cinema Line entry point — S-Cinetone colour science, 4K/120p, and XLR audio in a compact, affordable body that punches far above its 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
Sony FX30 (2022)
- Filmmakers and video creators who want a dedicated cinema-style APS-C body
- Content creators who need S-Cinetone and S-Log3 in a compact form factor
- A6700 owners who want cinema-style ergonomics and a full-size HDMI port
- Video professionals who want Sony's colour science without full-frame pricing
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the sony fx30 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | Sony FX30 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £1,799 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 26.1MP APS-C BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | — | 26.1MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 4K/120p, 4K/60p S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | Real-time tracking AF, 759-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | N/A | 5-axis Active IBIS |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 20fps electronic |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | ~445g | 579g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 129.7 × 77.8 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | None (EVF optional via XLR handle) |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) | Sony FE (E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | USB-C 3.2, HDMI A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | Sony FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Documentary | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with Now Gen 3
Camera family history