I love instant cameras because they help me slow down and be creative without being distracted by my phone. Holding an actual print in your hands also feels down-to-earth in an age dominated by screens, which is why I think they're appealing to a lot of people these days—and why models with an old-school vibe like polaroid flip make such wonderful gifts. It's usually pricey, but today you can buy the Flip for $184.99 ($35 off). straight from Polaroidwhich is its best price to date. Amazon is also selling the camera with two packs of film for $212.49 ($37 off), also a new low.
Polaroid cameras offer the most charming, old-fashioned instant movie I've testedand Flip is no exception. It features a classic retro flip-top design and prints vintage-style square I-Type photos in the iconic white Polaroid frame. But it also has the perfect amount of modern conveniences built into it, like Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a beginner-friendly companion app that lets you adjust saturation and exposure.
But what really makes it stand out is its image quality, which is superior to other Polaroid models in this price range. The Flip has the most powerful flash of any Polaroid camera, and combined with its unique hydroacoustic autofocus and four-element hyperfocal system, it produces sharper, more consistently focused images than any Polaroid model offered at this price. You can also manually adjust exposure, and the camera even sends you warnings when a photo may be over- or underexposed. All of these features go a long way toward reducing wasted exposure, which is helpful considering the cost of I-Type film. a whopping $18.99 for just eight prints.
However, an instant camera is not for everyone. Cheaper Instax Mini 12 from Fujifilm develops prints much faster and looks more realistic, with fewer low-light issues. However, the Flip's dreamy vintage aesthetic has its appeal, especially if you prefer a more artistic, old-fashioned look.
