Skip to content
Full journal

Published on October 14, 2026

Polaroid Now: a practical guide to the instant camera

How the Polaroid Now works, which film it uses, how long the battery lasts and what changes across its three generations. Facts taken from Polaroid's official manuals.

polaroid · photography · guide · cameras

In an age of endless photos on our phones, a printed photo you can hold has something special. The Polaroid Now is the simplest instant camera in Polaroid's current line-up: you point, you shoot, and a few minutes later the photo is developed.

This guide sums up what's worth knowing before buying one or when you start using it. All facts come from Polaroid's official manuals and pages; the links are at the end.

Three generations, the same idea

There are three versions of the Polaroid Now. They look very similar and most features are the same:

  • First generation (2020): charges over Micro-USB.
  • Second generation: moves to USB-C charging.
  • Third generation (announced in March 2025): improves the two-lens autofocus system, the distance sensor and the light meter position, performs better with flash in bright light, supports filters and uses 40% recycled materials.

If you're buying one, check the box or the description to see which generation it is.

Two-lens autofocus

The Polaroid Now has two lenses, a standard one and a portrait one, and automatically picks which to use based on the distance to the subject. There's nothing to focus or turn.

For the third generation, Polaroid lists two focus zones: 0.40 m to 1.3 m for portraits and 1.0 m to infinity for everything else. Even so, its manual recommends staying at least 55 cm from the subject for good results.

Double exposure

To layer two images in one photo, press the self-timer button twice. The display shows "1"; you take the first image, then "2" appears and you take the second. It works the same on all three generations.

Self-timer

Press the self-timer button once and you get 9 seconds to get into the shot.

Battery

Every generation uses an internal 750 mAh lithium-ion battery. According to Polaroid:

  • A full charge is enough for about 15 packs of film.
  • A full charge takes around 2 hours.
  • The first generation charges over Micro-USB; the second and third over USB-C. The third-generation manual recommends a 5 V, 1 A USB-C charger.

Which film it uses

The Polaroid Now takes i-Type and 600 film, in colour and black and white. Each pack holds 8 photos. Polaroid recommends i-Type for the third generation, because the camera is optimised for that film.

Tips for your first photos

  • Look for good light. Instant film loves natural light; indoors, move close to a window or keep the flash on.
  • Shield the photo as it comes out. Polaroid recommends leaving it under the film shield for about 10 seconds, then letting it develop face down or in a pocket, away from light. Don't shake it.
  • Respect the minimum distance for portraits, especially selfies.
  • Keep film somewhere cool and use it before its expiry date.

Who it's for

For anyone who wants physical photos without fuss: trips, gatherings, parties, an album or a gift. The photos aren't as sharp as a phone's, but each one is unique and you can hold it and give it away.

Where to get it

At Kitusoft we have the Polaroid Now in our shop. If you have questions about the generation, film or accessories, write to us and we'll advise you.

Sources

Full journal