November 2024 Update: I’ve completely overhauled this guide with new recommendations.
Looking to get a Polaroid camera and don’t know where to start? Want to know the best vintage Polaroid camera for your instant photography project? Wondering how these newfangled Polaroid cameras stack up to the old ones? Never fear! I’ve drawn up this guide to help you in your quest to find the perfect Polaroid camera for you (or whoever you’re buying it for).
Some of Polaroid’s many forms over the past few decades.
First, Some Background Information…
If you’re unfamiliar with the state of Polaroid cameras these days, here’s a quick rundown. In 2008 Polaroid discontinued producing new instant film. Millions of cameras started collecting dust in attics all across the country. Unhappy with this sad state of affairs, a group calling themselves the Impossible Project purchased a Polaroid factory and began development on new films that could be used in those cameras. Eventually, the Impossible Project rebranded itself as ‘Polaroid Originals,’ then, finally, just ‘Polaroid’ as everyone merged into one company. The new Polaroid film is different from original Polaroid of yore, but it’s still fantastic. For our purposes here, when I say ‘Polaroid’ I mean the modern, new company. I’ll say ‘vintage Polaroid’ when referring to Polaroid’s pre-Impossible years.
With all the new films (and cameras!) being released, it’s never been a better time to hop into the world of instant film. Polaroid cameras that were once considered worthless are an increasingly hot commodity. So it’s good to know what you’re looking for before you spend your cash on a used, new, or refurbished camera.
It’s worth noting that Fujifilm makes their own line of Fuji Instax instant film cameras, and you’ve probably seen them out there if you’re interested in instant photography. Fuji’s cameras use a different kind of film than Polaroid. You can’t use Instax film in Polaroid cameras and you can’t use Polaroid film in Instax bodies. While I love Polaroid cameras and film for artistic purposes, Fuji Instax’s cheap and plentiful film is often a perfect fit for events like parties and weddings. If you’re interested in checking them out, I have a guide for those cameras as well.
The Main Types of Polaroid Cameras
The primary three types of vintage Polaroid cameras out in the wild are SX-70, 600, and 1200/Image/Spectra.
Both SX-70 and 600 are pretty similar formats, and the ones you’re probably most familiar with. They feature the classic square frame that we know and love, but SX-70 cameras tend to be older and use a lower ISO film, while 600 cameras are newer and are more sensitive to light. In my experience, 600 type cameras are much more dependable since they’ve had less time to age and get damaged.
Vintage Polaroid also made a line of cameras directed at professional industries. It’s been called Image, Spectra, and type 1200, but it’s all the same thing. The film in image cameras is slightly wider and has the same sensitivity as 600. Due to problems with these cameras, Polaroid has officially stopped making film for Spectra, so I’ve removed those cameras from this guide.
When in doubt, cheap box-type Polaroid 600 cameras are usually the way to go for most people. SX-70 cameras tend to be far more finicky and difficult to use, and don’t react well to anything but bright sunlight. While there are older Polaroid cameras that use peel apart-film and even large format Polaroid backs, we’re going to keep this simple and focus on SX-70 and 600.
Finally, modern Polaroid has a new line of film called ‘I-Type’. This is essentially the same film as Polaroid 600, except it can only be used in new Polaroid cameras and is a bit cheaper. It won’t work in any vintage cameras.
(Side note, there are Polaroid cameras floating out there that use peel-apart and other older film types from before the 1970s. That film is mostly not made anymore, so I would avoid those. The people who know how to shoot them already know who they are.)
What to Look for When Buying a Used Camera
Buying vintage Polaroid cameras can be tricky, because it’s often difficult for the seller to be able to tell if the camera works or not. Polaroid cameras themselves do not have batteries; the film cartridge itself powers the whole unit. So without a relatively expensive pack of film, it’s impossible to tell if the camera works or not. Often a seller will think a perfectly good camera doesn’t work because an expired film cartridge doesn’t have a charge anymore.
I bring an empty cartridge with a good battery to test cameras if I’m buying from somebody in person, but on the internet you’re just going to have to trust your instincts. I’ve had fairly good luck on eBay, but you never know for sure until you get it in your hands. Generally, you’re going to have a lot more luck with newer cameras than older ones. Once you get your camera, it’s a good idea to test it out using this guide.
The exception are new ‘I-Type’ cameras that Polaroid sells. These are cameras that have batteries in them, so they can use ‘I-Type’ film, which is the same film as Polaroid 600, but doesn’t have a built-in battery in the pack itself. The only camera on this list is the Polaroid Now+.
Polaroid film needs to be stored in a fridge to stay fresh, so I generally only buy my film directly from the company. However, you can find cameras everywhere these days, but make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for wherever you find it.
Where to Buy Polaroid Cameras
eBay is one of the most popular places to find used vintage Polaroid cameras. Since you can buy them directly from other people, you can often find deals and rare models on eBay you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Even better than eBay, but requiring legwork, are flea markets, used stores, and basements.
eBay and in-person flea markets can be risky though. If you want peace of mind, you can also buy vintage Polaroid cameras from trusted resellers like KEH and Brooklyn Film Camera that back their cameras with return policies and limited warranties.
If you want to purchase a new Polaroid camera like the Now+, I recommend getting it directly from Polaroid.
Specific Camera Recommendations
Here are a few simple recommendations organized by price and the type of photographer its intended for. Don’t stress too much though, almost any Polaroid camera will do the job (as long as it works). Keep in mind that Polaroid liked to make countless variants of their cameras with only the slightest differences in color and features, so you’ll see all sorts of different names, colors, and branding in the wild.
Clicking on any of the eBay, Amazon, Polaroid, or KEH links below will take you directly to a search for that specific kind of camera. These affiliate links cost you nothing and helps me keep this site online, so it’s always much appreciated if you use any of them!
If you have a camera in hand and you’re wondering what to do next, never fear, I have a new guide for those who are just starting from the beginning in the world of instant film!
The Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is a great camera for those who want something new rather than vintage. It’s also very handsome.
Best New Polaroid Camera for the Beginner Photographer – Polaroid Now+ Gen 2
For those just starting out and who want something new, the Polaroid Now+ is a great option. Unlike many of the vintage Polaroid cameras on this list, these cameras are manufactured new with modern tech, which means it’ll have fewer issues with reliability. Also, Polaroid’s Now+ cameras are beautifully designed and look great on a shelf when not in use. Fuji has some awesome instant film cameras, but none of their designs (in my opinion) look nearly as cool as what Polaroid is offering these days.
Polaroid makes a cheaper Polaroid Now (non plus) camera, but I’ve found that even though it sports the same lens it struggles with focus and exposure. I think the bit of extra money to get the Now+ is money well spent. Also avoid the Polaroid I-2, as it is way, way too expensive for what you get. Also, if you’re looking at the smaller Polaroid Go, I’d recommend skipping it and picking up a Fuji Instax Mini 12 camera instead and save yourself the heartache.
If you find a deal on a ‘gen 1’ Polaroid Now+ it’s still a perfectly good camera – the only major difference I’ve found is that it charges via micro USB instead of USB-C.
The Now+ can be connected to a phone app for more control, so it’s a camera that has a lot more room to grow with a photographer than the simpler Now. Also, the remote shutter feature enabled by the app is essential for selfie takers, so if self-portraits are important to you that’s the one to get. Otherwise the cheaper Polaroid Now is the best bang for the buck.
Read my Polaroid Now+ Review. Find the Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 at Polaroid or Amazon.
Best Budget Vintage Camera for the Photographer – Polaroid OneStep Close-Up 600 (or any Fixed Focus Box-Type 600 Polaroid)
The Polaroid OneStep Closeup is a mouthful of a name for a workhorse camera that just keeps going. It’s also quite cheap and readily available. Despite its fixed focus lens and slightly bulky size, this is an old, reliable standby. While I’m singling out the OneStep Closeup, there are tons of other similar variants of this kind of fixed-focus 600 type camera that are often referred to as ‘box cameras’ due to their shape and plastic-y design. These cameras are all pretty much equally good as the OneStep Closeup and you can’t go wrong.
If you want a second recommendation for the budget photographer, the fixed focus Impulse can also be found for cheap.
My full review. Find the OneStep Closeup at KEH. Find the Polaroid OneStep Closeup Camera on eBay.
Best Mid-Range Vintage Camera for Photographers – Polaroid Impulse AF
The Polaroid Impulse AF is one of the best plastic box-type 600 cameras Polaroid ever made. Despite the relatively cheap body (I think it’s handsome but it definitely has 90s VCR vibes), the camera is sturdy and features a fantastic sonar autofocus system that ensures your images are always sharp.
The best part of the Impulse AF is that it has one of the brightest viewfinders of any 600 type camera. The Impulse AF is a great camera to start out on (it was my first camera) and grows with the photographer if they decide to get serious about instant film photography. I can’t recommend it enough.
My full review. Find the Polaroid Impulse AF at KEH. Find the Polaroid Impulse AF on eBay.
Best Camera for the Collector – Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Plastic Box-Type Classic Land Camera
If you have somebody who just wants something cool for their vintage collection, you can’t beat the iconic rainbow-striped SX-70 Polaroid OneStep. They’re incredibly fragile (most you find will be broken), but they’re instantly recognizable. Chances are, you’re going to run into a lot of duds when it comes to old SX-70 plastic cameras no matter the model, but the low price tends to make up for that. If it works, the controls are ultra simple, and even a non-photographer will be able to use the camera with ease. Just make sure they shoot outside because SX-70 film needs a ton of light and this camera doesn’t have a flash built into it. But even if you never shoot it, this is a great camera to put on a shelf (mine is full of them).
My full review. Find the Polaroid OneStep at KEH. Find the Polaroid OneStep on eBay.
Best Option for the Luxury Camera Collector – SX-70 Land Camera
The silver SX-70 Land Camera is quite possibly one of the most beautiful cameras ever made. The SLR series was Edwin Land’s signature design, and made no compromises. If somebody wants an amazing camera to put on the shelf and admire, this is the one. Cheaper than the SLR 680 I recommend for serious shooters, this camera is pure eye candy.
As a camera, it can be slightly temperamental and prone to break, but it responds well to some TLC. Since it’s an SLR, this camera makes it easy to frame your shot and ensure your focus. It’s a blast to use. The picture above is the sonar variant, and I reviewed a plastic version, but the metal non-autofocus models are the true beauties. The SX-70 SLR line has seen a surge in popularity and there are many camera stores restoring these.
My full review of a similar model. Find the SX-70 Land Camera at KEH. Find the Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera on eBay.
The box is full of all kinds of goodies, making it perfect for a gift.
Best Camera for the Selfie Photographer – Polaroid Now+
Shopping for a selfie fanatic? The Now+ gives you the ability to control the camera remotely with a smartphone. It can’t quite shoot from arm’s length, but then again, no camera on this list can really focus that close other than the premium SLR models. The smartphone companion app allows for remote shutter, manual controls, and more, making it also great for putting it on a tripod and pointing it at yourself.
Check out my full review. Purchase directly from Polaroid.
Best Camera for the Serious Photographer at Any Price – Polaroid SLR 680/690
The Polaroid SLR 680 or 690 is the big daddy of Polaroid cameras and the tool of choice for professional analog photographers working today. A robust design perfected from Edwin Land’s original folding camera, it features a fantastic sonar autofocus system and built-in flashbar. Best of all, since it’s an SLR you can accurately compose your image and even manually focus. You just get can’t better than this in the instant film world.
My full review of the Polaroid 680. Find the Polaroid SLR 680 at KEH. Find the Polaroid SLR 680 Camera on eBay.
If you’re interested in working with SX-70 film instead of 600, the Polaroid SX-70 OneStep Sonar Land Camera is the precursor to the 680 and still an excellent SLR camera with autofocus capabilities – just no built-in flash. I recommend going with the 680/690 if money is no object simply because 600 film works far, far works in most lighting conditions. However with a MINT flashbar, you’ll be in business.
My full review of the SX-70 OneStep Sonar Land Camera. Find the Polaroid OneStep Sonar Camera on eBay.
The round frame version of Polaroid 600 and I-Type is a great variant and makes for a perfect gift for the Polaroid photographer in your life who already has a camera.
Purchasing Film for Used and New Polaroid Cameras
You can buy all the Polaroid cameras in the world, but without film they’re nothing more than pretty paperweights. These days real vintage Polaroid film is all but nonexistent, and even if you can find it, it costs a fortune and has a high rate of failure. That’s where modern Polaroid comes in to save the day.
Polaroid makes new color and monochrome films for I-type, 600, and SX-70 cameras. As long as you know what kind of camera you have, you’ll be able to find some film for it. Have a camera and don’t know what kind of film you need? I have a whole article to help you figure that out. I recommend getting a pack of the newest generation color film to test out a new camera, as expired Polaroid film can often spaz out and fail.
As mentioned above, I recommend getting your film directly from Polaroid for the best results. Film needs to be stored properly in a cool environment, so that pack that’s been sitting on your local Best Buy’s shelf for two years is going to be in rough shape.
Good luck and happy shooting (and gifting)!
If you’re wondering what to do next, check out my beginner’s guide to using Polaroid cameras. I also have a guide on how to scan your pictures so you can edit and share them!
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