There’s a certain magic that we’ve lost in the age of the smartphone. We are meticulous curators of our digital lives, taking hundreds of photos to get that one perfect shot, applying filters, and endlessly tweaking until reality is polished to a flawless sheen. But what about the messy, candid, and beautifully imperfect moments in between? I remember rummaging through old family albums, the photos faded to a warm, dreamy sepia. Each one was a singular, tangible object—a moment captured in a chemical bloom, complete with light leaks and soft focus. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about the feeling. This is the promise of instant photography, a promise to pull us out of the digital stream and give us a real, one-of-a-kind memory to hold. The Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera aims to resurrect that magic, but in a world accustomed to high-definition clarity, does this blast from the past still have a place?
- NEW & IMPROVED: Our new analogue instant camera Now Generation 2 is now made from 40% recycled materials and the internal lithium-ion battery is charged via USB-C
- FILM INCLUDED: The Now Everything Box includes the Now i-Type Instant Camera (Black) plus a twin pack of i-Type colour film (16 photos) so you can take photos right out of the box.
Before You Buy: A Modern Guide to the Analog Charm of Instant Cameras
An instant camera is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for those seeking to create tangible, shareable memories in the moment. It bridges the gap between the fleeting nature of a digital photo and the permanence of a physical print. The primary benefit is its immediacy—the ability to capture a moment and have a physical photograph developing in your hand seconds later. This encourages a different kind of photography, one that is more deliberate and less forgiving. You only get one shot, which makes each press of the shutter feel significant and special, perfect for parties, weddings, travel journals, and creative projects.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who embraces imperfection and values the unique aesthetic of analog film. They are patient, creative, and understand that the joy comes from the process as much as the result. This includes artists, scrapbookers, families wanting to create a physical photo album, and anyone feeling nostalgic for a pre-digital era. However, it might not be suitable for those who demand pixel-perfect sharpness, consistent colour accuracy, and the ability to take hundreds of shots at no cost. If you’re a sports photographer, a professional portrait artist requiring minute control, or someone on a very tight budget, the high cost per photo and the unpredictable nature of instant film might lead to frustration. For those users, a high-quality smartphone or a traditional DSLR would be a more practical choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Instant cameras are not typically pocket-sized. The Polaroid Now Gen 2, for example, is quite bulky at 15 x 11.2 x 9.4 cm. Consider how you plan to carry it. Will it be a centrepiece at a party, or do you need something you can easily sling over your shoulder for a day out? Its size and weight (800g) contribute to its retro feel but detract from its portability compared to smaller formats like Instax Mini.
- Performance & Film Format: Performance isn’t just about speed; it’s about the entire ecosystem. The Polaroid format produces large, iconic square prints that are distinct from the smaller, credit-card-sized Instax prints. You must also consider the cost per photo, which is significantly higher for Polaroid film. The camera’s features, like the Now Gen 2’s autofocus and double exposure mode, also play a huge role in its creative potential.
- Materials & Durability: The build quality affects both the camera’s longevity and its feel. The Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera makes a statement with its body made from 40% recycled materials, giving it a modern, sustainable edge. While it feels like solid plastic, it lacks the ruggedness of some other cameras, so it’s not designed for rough-and-tumble adventures without a proper case.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Most instant cameras are designed for simplicity. The Now Gen 2 is a point-and-shoot at its core, with automatic exposure and flash. Maintenance is minimal beyond keeping the rollers clean and charging the battery via its convenient USB-C port. The biggest learning curve isn’t the camera itself, but learning the quirks of its film to get the best results.
While the Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera is an excellent choice, 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 Icon
Opening the Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera feels like an event. The “Everything Box” designation is key here; unlike many of its rivals, this bundle hits the ground running. Inside, alongside the handsome, retro-styled camera, we found a neck strap, a modern USB-C charging cable, and—most importantly—a twin pack of colour i-Type film, good for 16 photos. This inclusion is a massive plus, sidestepping the common frustration of receiving a new camera only to realise you can’t use it. The camera itself, finished in black, has a substantial, reassuring heft. The commitment to using 40% recycled plastics is a commendable touch that doesn’t compromise the solid feel. The design is an unmistakable evolution of the classic Polaroid OneStep from the 70s, from its boxy silhouette to the rainbow stripe. It’s simple, with a power button, shutter button, flash control, and a self-timer/double exposure button. There’s no complex menu system, just the raw, tactile experience of an analog device. It immediately feels fun, accessible, and ready for action. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its out-of-the-box appeal.
What We Like
- Iconic, nostalgic design that feels both retro and modern
- “Everything Box” includes two packs of film (16 shots) to start immediately
- Sustainable construction with 40% recycled materials
- Modern conveniences like a rechargeable battery and USB-C charging
- Simple point-and-shoot operation with creative double exposure mode
Drawbacks
- Image quality can be inconsistent, with photos often appearing dark or with colour casts
- High ongoing cost of film makes each shot a pricey investment
- Lacks features found on the Now+ model, like a tripod mount and lens cap
Performance Deep Dive: Capturing Moments with the Polaroid Now Gen 2
An instant camera isn’t judged on megapixels or zoom range. It’s judged on the experience, the feel, and the unique quality of the photos it produces. We spent considerable time with the Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera, taking it to parties, on quiet afternoon walks, and using it for indoor portraits to understand its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a journey of discovery, filled with delightful surprises and the occasional frustrating dud—and that, we found, is the whole point.
Handling and Design: A Modern Take on a Classic
From the moment you pick it up, the camera makes its presence known. It’s not a slim, featherlight device you’ll forget is in your bag. Its 800-gram weight and chunky dimensions are a throwback to a time when cameras were substantial objects. We found this to be a positive; it feels sturdy and encourages a more deliberate, two-handed grip when shooting. The recycled plastic body has a pleasant matte texture that resists fingerprints and feels durable enough for everyday use. The layout is brilliantly simple. The power button on the back doubles as the charging indicator, and the large red shutter button on the front is impossible to miss. A small button next to it toggles the flash, and holding it down lets you override it, which is crucial for backlit subjects or creative shots. The self-timer and double-exposure modes are accessed via a single button near the viewfinder, with a small LED display on the back clearly showing the shots remaining. Loading the film is a satisfyingly mechanical process: press a button, the front door clicks open, you slide the cartridge in, and close it. The camera then ejects the “darkslide” automatically, readying the first shot. This tactile, straightforward interaction is a refreshing departure from tapping through digital menus and is a core part of the camera’s charm.
The Shooting Experience: Embracing the Learning Curve
Actually taking photos with the Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera is a lesson in letting go of control. The camera’s standout feature is its dual-lens autofocus system. It automatically switches between a standard lens and a close-up lens, which theoretically should result in sharper photos across a wider range of distances. In our testing, we found it worked reasonably well for subjects more than two feet away. For portraits and group shots in good light, the focus was generally soft but pleasingly so, contributing to the vintage vibe. The “human-friendly flash,” as Polaroid calls it, is designed to produce more natural-looking skin tones. It’s powerful and essential for indoor shooting. In fact, we discovered the camera performs best with the flash on, even in daylight, to fill in shadows on faces. This is where the learning curve begins, and it’s a sentiment echoed by many users who initially struggled with dark photos. One user noted their pictures came out “very brownish or very dark” despite following instructions. We experienced this too. The key, we found, is light. This camera craves light. Shooting indoors in a dimly lit room without the flash is a recipe for a murky, undefined image. Shooting directly into the sun will blow out your highlights. The sweet spot is bright, indirect light, with the flash on to ensure your subject is properly exposed. The creative modes are a fantastic addition. The self-timer is a simple but welcome feature for group shots, but the double exposure mode is where the real fun lies. With a double press of the button, you can overlay two different images onto a single piece of film, opening up a world of artistic possibilities that feel truly special to create in-camera rather than in an app. This a feature that really sets it apart for creative photographers.
Image Quality and the Polaroid “Look”
This is the most critical—and most subjective—aspect of the camera. Do not buy a Polaroid expecting the clinical sharpness of your smartphone. The magic of a Polaroid picture lies in its imperfections. The modern i-Type film is a completely different chemical formula from the original, reverse-engineered after the old recipe was lost. As one insightful user pointed out, this new film makes the camera “awkward, demanding… which gives inconsistent results.” We wholeheartedly agree, and we also agree that this quirkiness is “rather endearing.” Our photos had a dreamy, soft-focus quality with saturated colours that felt deeply nostalgic. Sometimes, there was a subtle colour cast—a slight green or magenta tinge, particularly in the shadows—which adds to the vintage character. The biggest challenge, as noted in numerous user reviews, is exposure. You must learn to work with the film’s limitations. As soon as the photo ejects, it must be shielded from light immediately. The camera has an extended “tongue” that helps cover the photo as it comes out, but we found the best practice was to immediately place it face down on a flat surface or in a pocket for the full 15-minute development time. Do not shake it! That’s a myth from a bygone era that can actually harm the developing image. When you respect the process, the results can be stunning. When you rush it or shoot in poor light, you get a muddy, disappointing print. This gamble is part of the experience, turning each photo into a small event.
The Economics of Instant Film: The True Cost of Nostalgia
We cannot review this camera without addressing the elephant in the room: the cost of film. At roughly £15-18 for a pack of eight i-Type photos, you are paying over £2 per picture. This is a significant ongoing investment and the single biggest factor to consider before you check the latest price and availability of the camera itself. This price point fundamentally changes how you approach photography. There’s no “spray and pray,” no taking ten photos to get one good one. Every press of the shutter is a financial decision. This can be seen as a negative, as one user lamented, “the cost of film meaning I cant be as creative as I like.” However, we also found it to be a powerful creative constraint. It forces you to slow down, to compose your shot carefully, to wait for the perfect moment. It makes each successful photo feel earned and precious. The “Everything Box” is a great value because it includes 16 shots, but new owners must be prepared for the recurring expense. If the thought of spending £2 on a potentially blurry or dark photo is upsetting, then this system is not for you, and the more affordable Instax ecosystem would be a far better choice.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback paints a picture of a product that is deeply loved for its charm but often frustrating in its execution. Many users, like one who bought it for their daughter, celebrate its ease of use and the sheer joy it brings, calling it “like going back in time.” The nostalgic appeal is a powerful and frequently mentioned positive, with many appreciating the “stunning vintage feel to the pics.”
However, the most common thread of criticism revolves around the film’s inconsistent results. Numerous reviews report photos coming out “very dark,” “brownish,” or with a “green tinge.” One user summed up the frustration perfectly: “This camera is a complete waste of money! Terrible picture quality… grey and blurry.” While our experience suggests this can be mitigated with practice and good lighting, it is clearly a significant hurdle for new users. Other complaints mention mechanical failures, such as one user’s camera that would “eject two films,” which at over £2 a shot, is a costly malfunction. Another valid critique points out that for a little more money, the “Now+” model includes valuable features like a tripod thread and lens filters, making this base model feel slightly feature-stripped in comparison.
How Does It Compare? The Polaroid Now Gen 2 vs. The Competition
The Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera exists in a competitive market, dominated largely by Fujifilm’s Instax line. While Polaroid trades on its iconic square format and dreamy aesthetic, its rivals often compete on cost, consistency, and features.
1. INSTAX mini 90 NEO CLASSIC Camera
- Produce instant credit card sized photos
- Uses instax mini film, print size 54 (w) x 86 (H), image size 46 (w) x 62 (H) mm, sold separately
The Instax mini 90 NEO CLASSIC is aimed at the enthusiast who wants more creative control. It sports a handsome, retro camera design that rivals the Polaroid’s aesthetic but in a much more compact body. Its key advantages are its advanced features, including a bulb exposure mode for long exposures, a double exposure mode, a macro mode for close-ups, and brightness control. It uses the widely available and more affordable Instax Mini film, which produces smaller, credit-card-sized prints but with greater consistency and sharpness than Polaroid film. If you love the vintage look but want more manual control and lower running costs, the Mini 90 is a superior choice.
2. INSTAX mini 40 Instant Camera
- Produce instant credit card sized sized photos
- Built-in selfie lens and selfie mirror
The Instax mini 40 is the direct competitor to the Polaroid Now Gen 2 in terms of simplicity. It’s a pure point-and-shoot camera with a classic look, featuring automatic exposure and a simple one-touch selfie mode. It’s lighter, more portable, and significantly cheaper to run thanks to the Instax Mini film. While it lacks the large, iconic square format of the Polaroid, its photos are consistently bright and sharp right out of the camera with minimal effort. For casual users, party-goers, or anyone looking for a reliable and affordable entry into instant photography, the Instax mini 40 is arguably the more practical option.
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 represents the pinnacle of hybrid technology, blending the best of digital and analog. It’s a digital camera that allows you to see your photo on an LCD screen before you decide to print it. This completely eliminates wasted film from bad shots. You can apply various lens and film effects, save images to a memory card, and even use it as a smartphone printer. While it loses the “one-shot” magic of a true analog camera like the Polaroid, it offers unparalleled versatility, control, and cost-effectiveness. For those who are risk-averse or want the creative freedom of digital with the charm of an instant print, the EVO is in a class of its own.
The Final Verdict: A Flawed, Expensive, and Utterly Wonderful Camera
So, is the Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera worth it? The answer is a resounding “yes,” but with a major caveat. This is not a camera for everyone. If you seek technical perfection, consistency, or affordability, you should look elsewhere—the Instax ecosystem offers better value and more reliable results. However, if you are buying into an experience, a process, and a specific, dreamy aesthetic, then this camera delivers something its competitors cannot. It forces you to be mindful, to appreciate the happy accidents, and to cherish the tangible, one-of-a-kind object it produces. The high cost of film acts as a creative filter, making each successful shot feel like a triumph.
We recommend it for the artist, the nostalgist, the journal-keeper, and anyone looking to inject a dose of deliberate, analog magic into their digital lives. It’s a wonderful, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding device that captures feelings better than it captures details. If you’re ready to embrace the beautiful imperfections of instant photography and create memories with a character all their own, then we encourage you to bring home the Polaroid Everything Box Now Gen 2 Instant Camera and start your analog journey.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API