Is Polaroid's New Instant Camera Worth It Compared to Your Phone?

Blending retro chic with some modern tech touches, Polaroid’s latest instant camera, the $400 Polaroid Flip, offers a charming and tactile way to capture moments directly onto shiny squares of white paper. However, some key limitations and extra costs compared to using your phone for photos may not appeal to everyone.

Physically, the Polaroid Flip evokes classic design elements with a simple viewfinder, sloped plastic body, and a sturdy front flap for protection. While using it, you'll feel like you're operating a vintage device, although it functions differently from cameras of the past.

The Flip features a hyperfocal system for autofocus, with four fixed lenses on a rotating wheel. A sonar projector measures the subject distance and selects the appropriate lens when you half-press the shutter button. Once you take a photo, it prints out under a black plastic shroud. The photo develops in about 10 minutes, adding an element of anticipation to the process.

With multiple lenses offering different sweet spot distances and a powerful flash that adjusts based on distance, the Flip provides some versatility. While there are no manual controls for focus or white balance, you can access features like a timer, double exposure, and light exposure levels through a mode button and LED display.

While more direct control would be appreciated by some users, the element of surprise in the results can also be appealing.