Let’s be real for a second: buying a Polaroid isn't like buying a digital camera where you pay once and you're done. It’s a commitment. You’re basically entering into a long-term relationship with a plastic box that demands constant, expensive snacks in the form of film packs.
If you’re looking at your screen wondering how much is a polaroid instant camera right now, the answer is a bit of a moving target. It depends on whether you want something that fits in your pocket, something that looks like it belongs on a 1970s film set, or a high-end beast that costs as much as a new iPad.
The barrier to entry is lower than it used to be, but the "hidden" costs are where things get spicy. Honestly, the camera is the cheap part.
The Entry Level: Tiny Cameras for Tiny Budgets
If you just want to take some blurry, vibe-heavy photos at a party without carrying a brick around your neck, you’re looking at the Polaroid Go Generation 2. This thing is essentially the "baby" of the lineup.
You can usually find the Go Gen 2 for about $80 to $90. Target and Best Buy often have them for $89.99. If you’re lucky, some museum shops or specialty boutiques might even run sales that drop them closer to $60, but that’s rare.
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Just remember that the Go uses its own specific, tiny film. It’s cute, but it’s small. Like, "fits in your palm" small.
The Standard: That Iconic Square Look
Most people asking how much is a polaroid instant camera are actually thinking of the Polaroid Now or the Polaroid Now+. These are the full-sized ones that spit out the big square photos we all know from Instagram aesthetics.
- Polaroid Now (Generation 2 or 3): This is your standard point-and-shoot. It’s got autofocus (sort of) and a decent flash. You’ll pay between $110 and $130 for the camera alone.
- Polaroid Now+: This version has Bluetooth. Why? So you can use an app on your phone to control the shutter or do fancy light painting. Expect to shell out $140 to $150 for this one.
- The "Everything Box": You’ll see this a lot on Amazon or Walmart. It usually includes the camera and two packs of film. These bundles typically sit around $160 to $170. It’s basically the "starter kit" for people who don't want to buy things separately.
The High-End: For the Professionals (or the Very Rich)
Then there’s the Polaroid I-2.
I’m not joking when I say this camera costs $599.
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Why is it so expensive? Well, it has a real LiDAR ranging system for focus and a lens that is actually sharp. Most Polaroids have plastic lenses that make everything look like a dream sequence; the I-2 has glass. It’s for the folks who want total manual control over aperture and shutter speed. It’s a serious tool, but yeah, six hundred bucks is a lot of money for a camera that still uses film that can be "temperamental."
Don't Forget the Vintage Market
You can still buy original Polaroid 600 cameras from the 80s and 90s.
If you find one at a garage sale, it might be $10. If you buy a refurbished one from a reputable place like Brooklyn Film Camera or Retrospekt, you’re looking at **$150 to $180**.
The SX-70, which is the folding one that looks like a piece of mid-century art, is the holy grail. A working, refurbished SX-70 will easily run you $400 to $500. It’s beautiful, but it’s a diva—it needs a lot of light and very specific film.
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The Real Cost: The "Film Tax"
This is the part that hurts. When you ask how much is a polaroid instant camera, you have to factor in the film. Unlike Fujifilm’s Instax, which is relatively cheap, Polaroid film is pricey.
- i-Type Film: This is what the Now and Now+ use. It’s about $17 to $19 for 8 photos. That’s more than $2 per click.
- 600 Film: This has a battery built into the pack for old cameras. It’s usually $20 to $22 for 8 photos.
- Go Film: The tiny stuff is about $20 for a double pack (16 photos).
Basically, every time you press that red button, you’re spending the equivalent of a cheap taco. It makes you really think about whether that photo of your sleeping cat is actually worth two dollars. (Usually, it is, but still.)
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to jump in, here is how you should actually spend your money:
- For the casual user: Buy the Polaroid Now Generation 2. It’s the sweet spot of price and performance. Stick to the "Everything Box" bundles to save a few bucks on your first few packs of film.
- For the traveler: Grab the Polaroid Go Gen 2. It’s the only one that doesn't feel like a literal brick in your backpack.
- For the artist: Skip the new stuff and save up for a refurbished SX-70. The manual focus and the way it handles colors is something the modern plastic cameras just can't replicate.
- The Pro Tip: Always buy your film in bulk. Polaroid’s official website often does "5-pack" or "10-pack" discounts that bring the price per photo down significantly compared to buying single packs at a big-box store.
Always store your film in the fridge (but don't freeze it). Cold film lasts longer and keeps the colors from shifting toward a weird "expired orange" tint. Just let it warm up for an hour before you actually start shooting.