Instant Cameras are a wonderful mix of modern and vintage methods. The Polaroid Now+ is a great example of this. There are many instant cameras available, but nothing can match the charm and graininess of a classic, instant Polaroid snap.
The Now+ comes in three colors: white, black, and blue-grey. The Now+ is available in three colors. It's also very affordable at $150 compared to other instant cameras. It's worth the investment if you are a photographer enthusiast who loves to see tangible proof of your work.
A blast from the Past
Photograph by Polaroid
It's a joy to hold the Now+ in your hand. It is heavy and bulky, which makes it a stark contrast to smartphones or smaller alternatives like Instax cameras. The neck strap was attached, which was a tedious process that should be thrown out. However, the Now+ felt great resting against my torso. Although it might not seem like much, the Now+ feels very similar to carrying around a 1-pound piece tech.
The body features Polaroid's classic square shape, including a large viewfinder with a few buttons and a few buttons. The Micro-USB is still holding onto its fingernails despite having a rechargeable battery. A zippered pouch with snap-on colored lenses filters is included in the box, along with a charming quick-start booklet inspired by the 1970s.
The Now+ uses Polaroid’s battery-free, cheaper i-Type film. You can purchase it separately. There is a bundle that includes some film packs which adds approximately $50 to the starting price. The average film pack costs $16 from the manufacturer so this bundle won't save you much.
Shoot to Thrill
The Now+ includes all the features you would expect from an instant camera. The Now+ lets you load your film and press the button. You wait patiently, trying to remember Outkast's bad advice that you shouldn’t shake a developing photograph. You are able to hold a small piece of time for a few seconds and then you can ooh at the final result.
The Now+ is different from other instant cameras because it closely resembles manual photography. Instead of using an app to pick a filter, the Now+ uses a snap-on method. These filters were an experimental touch. I was able to achieve some amazing results by using different colors or the starburst filter to let light through. You can also use the on-camera buttons to create a shortcut, switch between double exposures or a self-timer. The digital indicators onboard the camera show you at a glance which of these modes you are in.
The companion app for the Now+ is optional but essential. There are two new modes in the app that are brand-new to Polaroid: Tripod Mode, which uses the optional mount at bottom of the camera body; and Aperture Priority which allows you to select an f stop to control background focus and moderate amounts of bokeh. The smartphone app was stunning on paper. It was an oversight in my otherwise positive viewfinder.
Best of both Worlds
Photograph by Polaroid
Bad Polaroid Originals app for smartphones. Although you can take great photos even without the companion app, it is difficult to use its best features. I am a mobile app expert. They are my favorite, I use them often, and I am constantly downloading new apps. It's safe to say that interfaces need to be improved if someone like myself can't find it.
