Now Gen 3vs ZV-E1
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, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
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-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
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-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £120 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | — | 12.1MP |
| Video | N/A — instant film camera | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | N/A | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 10fps |
| Battery Life | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | ~445g | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | None — screen only |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A — instant film only | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C (charging) | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Now Gen 3 | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Low Light | ||
| Creative | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Landscape | — |
More comparisons with Now Gen 3
Camera family history