In an age where our camera rolls are bottomless pits of pixels and our memories live behind a screen, there’s a growing yearning for something real, something we can hold. I remember spending an entire afternoon scrolling through thousands of photos on my phone, trying to find a single image of a family holiday from last year. The search felt sterile, and the photos themselves, once found, lacked the warmth and permanence of the albums my parents kept. This is the modern photographer’s paradox: we document everything but feel connected to very little. The problem is the fleeting nature of digital media. The solution is the magic of instant photography—the whir of the mechanism, the anticipation of development, and the final, tangible print that becomes a unique artifact. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle promises to bridge this gap, blending old-school charm with modern creative control. But does it deliver on that promise?
- POLAROID NOW+ FILM BUNDLE: 16 Color Photos included in the box. It's the Polaroid camera you love PLUS so much more. Our Bluetooth-connected app features full manual control - double exposure - light...
- DUAL LENS AUTOFOCUS: Get the perfect shot, automatically. The Polaroid Now+ feature a dual zone (Close-Up & Standard) auto-switching hyperfocal optical lens system.
What to Consider Before Buying an Instant Camera
An Instant Camera is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for capturing moments with a sense of occasion and permanence. Unlike a smartphone, it forces you to be present and deliberate with your shots, as each press of the shutter results in a physical, one-of-a-kind photograph. The main benefit is the immediate gratification and the creation of a tangible keepsake that can be shared, displayed, or gifted. This process fosters a deeper connection to the act of photography and the memories themselves, turning a simple snapshot into a cherished object. It’s a rebellion against the disposable nature of digital photography, offering a unique, often beautifully imperfect, aesthetic that filters and apps struggle to replicate authentically.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who embraces creativity, nostalgia, and the artistic process. This includes hobbyist photographers eager to experiment with manual controls, event organizers wanting to create a fun photo guestbook, or families looking to start a new tradition of physical photo albums. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritize digital perfection, need high-resolution images for professional use, or are on a very tight budget, as the cost of film can be substantial. For users who want the security of a perfect shot every time, a hybrid digital-instant camera, which allows you to review and select images before printing, might be a more fitting alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Instant cameras are not typically pocket-sized. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle has a classic, somewhat bulky design measuring 15 x 11.2 x 9.4 cm. While this adds to its retro authenticity, consider if you need something more compact for travel or daily carry, as smaller formats from competitors exist. The trade-off is often the size of the final print; Polaroid’s iconic square format is significantly larger than many alternatives.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance isn’t about megapixels here, but about creative potential and usability. Key features to look for are autofocus, flash quality, and creative modes. The Now+ excels with its app-connectivity, offering modes like Light Painting and full Manual Control. Battery life is also crucial; this model features a modern USB-C rechargeable battery, a significant upgrade from older, disposable-battery models.
- Materials & Durability: The build quality dictates the camera’s longevity. The Generation 2 model makes a welcome nod to sustainability by being constructed from 40% recycled plastics. We found the camera feels solid and substantial in the hand, not like a cheap toy. This robust build suggests it can handle the bumps and knocks of being passed around at parties or carried on adventures.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: There’s a spectrum of complexity in instant cameras. Some are pure point-and-shoot, while the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle introduces a learning curve with its advanced app features. While you can use it for basic shots out of the box, mastering its full potential requires patience and a willingness to experiment—and potentially waste a few expensive shots in the process. Long-term care involves keeping the rollers clean to avoid streaks on your photos.
While the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle is an excellent choice for the creative photographer, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: Unboxing a Modern Classic
Opening the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle felt like unwrapping a piece of history redesigned for the future. The box contains everything you need to start immediately: the iconic white camera, a USB-C charging cable, a neck strap, and, crucially for this bundle, a double pack of Color i-Type film for 16 photos. The most delightful surprise was a small, zippered pouch containing five creative lens filters—Starburst, Red Vignette, and three color filters (Orange, Yellow, and Blue). This immediately sets the Now+ apart from more basic models. The camera itself has a satisfying heft, its 0.99 kg weight feeling reassuringly solid. The use of 40% recycled plastics doesn’t detract from its quality feel; it’s a robust device that honors the classic Polaroid silhouette while incorporating modern, smoother lines. Compared to the standard Now model, the “+” button on the front, which cycles through app-connected modes, is a subtle hint at the powerful creative engine hiding inside. Getting started was as simple as charging the camera and loading the film, a process that will be instantly familiar to anyone who used a Polaroid in the 80s or 90s. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of the unboxing experience.
What We Like
- Extensive creative control via the Bluetooth-connected Polaroid App
- Includes a versatile kit of 5 physical lens filters for artistic effects
- Dual-lens autofocus system helps improve sharpness for both standard and close-up shots
- Modern conveniences like a rechargeable USB-C battery and a tripod mount
Potential Drawbacks
- A significant learning curve to achieve consistently good photos
- High ongoing cost due to the price of i-Type and 600 film
Deep Dive: Performance and Creative Potential of the Polaroid Now+
An instant camera lives and dies by the quality and character of its photos, and its ability to inspire creativity. We spent considerable time with the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle, putting its point-and-shoot simplicity and advanced app features to the test. This is where the camera truly reveals its dual personality: a simple, fun party camera on the surface, and a surprisingly deep creative tool for those willing to dig in. It’s a device that rewards patience and experimentation, and understanding its quirks is key to unlocking its full, brilliant potential.
Bridging the Analog-Digital Gap: The Polaroid App Experience
The single biggest reason to choose the “Plus” model over the standard Polaroid Now is its Bluetooth connectivity and dedicated app. This feature transforms the camera from a simple nostalgic device into a powerful creative instrument. After a seamless pairing process with our smartphone, the app unlocked a suite of modes that are unheard of in most instant cameras. The star of the show is the Full Manual Mode. Here, we could take complete control over aperture (from f/11 to f/64) and shutter speed, with an in-app light meter providing a guide. This was a game-changer. It allowed us to intentionally underexpose a landscape for a moody effect or use a wide aperture for a portrait with a softer background. As one experienced user noted after taking over 800 photos with their first Now+, this mode is “unbeatable for long exposures,” yielding “noteworthy results.” While there’s a definite learning curve—our first few manual shots were either blown out or too dark—we found, as another user mentioned, that “after the first two photos, you understand how to use it.” This level of control is precisely what’s missing from simpler instant cameras and is a feature that really sets it apart.
Beyond full manual, the app offers other brilliant modes. Aperture Priority lets you set the depth of field and have the camera automatically calculate the shutter speed, perfect for portraiture. We used Light Painting mode with a tripod on a dark evening, waving a torch to draw shapes in the air during a long exposure, creating a truly magical and unique image. Double Exposure mode, which can also be accessed on-camera, allowed us to superimpose two different images onto a single frame, leading to some beautifully surreal and artistic compositions. The Self-Timer and Noise Trigger (which fires the shutter upon hearing a clap) are fantastic for group shots and experimental photography. The app isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the core of the camera’s identity, offering a creative suite that justifies the investment in both the hardware and the film.
The Heart of the Image: Autofocus, Lenses, and Film Chemistry
Beneath the app’s modern veneer lies a classic analog heart. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle features a dual-lens autofocus system. The camera intelligently switches between a standard lens (for distances from 0.9m to infinity) and a close-up lens (0.4m to 1.3m), which helps produce sharper images across different scenarios. In our testing, this worked reasonably well, especially compared to fixed-focus instant cameras. Portraits were noticeably sharper than distant landscapes, which is where this system shines. However, it’s crucial to understand the nature of Polaroid film. This isn’t digital photography; you won’t get razor-sharp clarity. The beauty is in its softness, its dreamlike color saturation, and its iconic square frame. It’s an aesthetic choice.
This is where we must address the most common criticism found in user feedback. Many users reported photos coming out “very very dark” or with a “green hue,” leading to immense frustration and wasted film. We also experienced this in our initial shots. However, we quickly learned that Polaroid film chemistry is incredibly sensitive, especially to light and temperature. The key to avoiding dark, muddy photos is simple: light, and lots of it. This camera thrives in bright, evenly lit conditions—think sunny days or well-lit rooms. The built-in flash is powerful but can be harsh, so natural light is your best friend. The second, and most critical, rule is to **shield the photo from light the instant it ejects**. The camera’s “frog tongue” film shield does part of the job, but we found the best results came from immediately placing the photo face down on a flat surface or in a pocket for the full 10-15 minute development time. Following these two rules dramatically improved our results, turning potential disappointments into the beautifully saturated, charmingly imperfect photos that Polaroid is famous for. The journey to master this can be costly, but the entire bundle including 16 photos gives you a head start on this learning process.
Creative Freedom in Your Pocket: The 5-Filter Lens Kit
The included filter kit is a fantastic value-add and a huge draw for the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle. These are not digital filters applied after the fact; they are physical lenses that screw onto the front of the camera’s main lens, altering the light before it ever hits the film. This hands-on approach is incredibly satisfying. The kit includes a Starburst filter, which turns point light sources into dramatic, multi-pointed stars—we had a blast using this for night-time cityscapes. The Red Vignette filter darkens the edges of the frame with a reddish tint, creating a powerful, focused, and moody effect perfect for dramatic portraits. The three solid color filters—Yellow, Orange, and Blue—allow you to completely shift the color palette of your scene. We used the yellow filter on a cloudy day to add a warm, sunny glow to an otherwise drab scene, and the blue filter to create a cool, cinematic feel. These filters encourage experimentation and elevate your photos from simple snapshots to deliberate artistic statements. Storing them in the included zippered pouch makes it easy to bring this creative toolkit with you wherever you go, and for many, this feature alone will make it worth upgrading to the Now+ model.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking at wider user feedback, it becomes clear that the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle is a polarizing product. The opinions are split largely between those who embrace its analog nature and those who are frustrated by it. On the positive side, many users, particularly those with some photography experience, echo our sentiment about the app’s creative power. One user stated they “would highly recommend going for the ‘Now+’ as you get much more for your money (filters & smart features).” Another who was new to Polaroids but willing to learn praised it as a “super fun camera” and urged others to “be prepared to learn.”
Conversely, the negative feedback is almost entirely focused on inconsistent image quality and the resulting cost of wasted film. One disappointed buyer said, “All my photos, no matter how many different techniques I try, come out very very dark and all have a green hue over them.” Another expressed similar frustration, calling the results a “shambolic mess” and noting that “you never know what to expect from a print out.” This feedback is valid and highlights the crucial point: this camera demands a learning period. If you expect digital predictability from an analog process, you will be disappointed. If, however, you view the learning process as part of the fun, the rewards are immense.
How Does the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Compare to the Alternatives?
While the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle carves out a unique niche for the creative analog purist, it’s important to see how it stands against its main competitors, especially in the hybrid digital-instant space.
1. INSTAX SQUARE SQ20 Digital Hybrid Camera Black
- 6 shooting modes, plus new FRAME GRAB, TIMESHIFT COLLAGE and SEQUENCE functions
- Dedicated filters for, Still picture and and Movie Shooting including new partial colour filter mode
The INSTAX SQUARE SQ20 is for the user who loves the instant print format but fears wasting expensive film. As a “hybrid” camera, it captures images digitally first. This allows you to view the photo on an LCD screen, apply filters, and make edits *before* deciding to print. This feature completely eliminates the risk of a bad shot resulting in a wasted print. It also allows you to save images to a memory card and print them later. The main trade-offs are the smaller Instax Square film format and a less authentic, less “in-the-moment” analog experience. If predictability and zero waste are your top priorities, the SQ20 is a formidable alternative.
2. Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera
- The most creative Polaroid camera yet. Polaroid Now+ is the connected camera with even more creative tools. Get more control, more lens filters, and more creative possibilities in one revamped analog...
- Connect to create more. Unlock extra creative tools inside the Polaroid mobile app. Find focus easily with aperture priority and create cinematic photos with tripod mode. Get these two new tools, plus...
This alternative is essentially the same camera as the one under review, but sold without the film bundle. The primary difference is the initial value proposition. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle we’ve reviewed here gives you 16 photos right out of the box, making it a more complete and gift-ready package for a beginner. Functionally, the Generation 2 camera has the added benefit of being made with 40% recycled materials. If you already have a stash of i-Type film or find the standalone camera at a significant discount, it’s a viable option, but for most new buyers, the convenience and value of the bundle is hard to beat.
3. INSTAX mini EVO 2-in-1 Camera Printer
- Produce instant credit card sized photos, with the added ability to review and edit images before printing, 10 Lens and 10 film effects
- Built-in selfie mirror, dual shutter buttons for portrait and Landscape shots, macro mode, self timer
The INSTAX mini EVO is another hybrid powerhouse that pushes creative control to the forefront, but in a digital-first way. It boasts 10 lens effects and 10 film effects that can be combined in 100 different ways, all previewed on its LCD screen before printing. It has a sleek, premium design and prints on the small, wallet-sized Instax Mini film. It even functions as a portable printer for photos on your smartphone. The mini EVO is for the user who wants maximum creative flexibility, digital convenience, and a smaller print format. It’s less about the unpredictable magic of analog chemistry and more about crafting the perfect, stylized miniature print.
Final Verdict: Is the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle is an incredibly rewarding, but demanding, camera. It is not for the casual user seeking the simple, predictable results of an Instax. This is a camera for the creative, the patient tinkerer, and the nostalgic photographer who loves the *process* as much as the result. Its true strength lies in the powerful Polaroid app, which unlocks a level of manual control and artistic possibility that is rare in the world of instant photography. The included filters and film make this bundle a fantastic starting point for that creative journey.
You must be willing to embrace a learning curve and accept the beautifully imperfect nature of analog film. There will be happy accidents and frustrating failures along the way. But for those who persevere, the ability to craft double exposures, paint with light, and control every aspect of your shot on real, iconic Polaroid film is an unparalleled experience. If you are ready to slow down and create truly unique photographic artifacts, this is the camera for you. For those who value creative freedom over flawless predictability, the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 Instant Camera Bundle is a brilliant tool that perfectly marries retro charm with modern power. You can check the latest price and availability to start your creative journey.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API