Now Gen 3vs ZV-1 II
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.
Pocket Vlogging — ZV-1 II (2023): The best pocket vlogging camera — 1-inch sensor, ultrawide zoom, flip screen, and real-time Eye AF in a shirt pocket.
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
ZV-1 II (2023)
- Vloggers and content creators who want a pocketable fixed-lens camera
- Travellers who want 4K video and a flip screen in a jacket-pocket size
- ZV-1 owners who want a wider lens and improved subject tracking
- Beginners who want a simple, capable vlogging camera without changing lenses
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Now Gen 3 (2024) | ZV-1 II (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £649 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS |
| Resolution | — | 20.1MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | Phase-detect + contrast, 315 points, Real-time Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | N/A | Optical SteadyShot (OIS) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 15fps |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~260 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | ~445g | 292g |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 105.5 × 60.0 × 43.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | None |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" fully tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) | Fixed zoom — 18–50mm f/1.8–4.0 equiv |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | ZV-1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Landscape | — |
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