There’s something quietly special about a photo you can hold in your hands thirty seconds after pressing the shutter. 600 film cameras have carried that magic across decades, and they’re still going strong because nothing else feels quite the same. The current lineup mixes modern rechargeable models with refreshed classics, so finding the right one comes down to how you actually plan to shoot.
The Main Contenders
Polaroid Gen 2 Now I-Type Instant Film Camera (White Bundle)
Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Film Camera (Black)
Polaroid Cool Cam Instant 600 Film Camera
Polaroid 600 Sun600 LMS Instant Film Camera (Renewed)
Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera (Black)
Polaroid Gen 2 Now I-Type Instant Film Camera (Bundle)
Polaroid Now+ Blue Gray I-Type Instant Film Camera
Polaroid Now 3rd Gen I-Type Instant Film Camera Bundle
A Deeper Look At The Lineup
The white Polaroid Gen 2 Now arrives in a ready-to-shoot bundle, with an eight-pack of color i-Type film and a cleaning cloth tucked in alongside the camera. It works with both i-Type and 600 film, which gives you flexibility if you inherit old cartridges or want to share packs across different bodies. In everyday use, the rechargeable design means you skip the disposable battery step that trips up older Polaroid models.
It handles the basics well for casual party settings and weekend trips, where autofocus takes most of the guesswork out of framing. For someone who wants their first instant camera without reading a manual first, the controls stay simple and forgiving.
Notable Upsides
- Dual-lens autofocus delivers sharper shots without manual focusing
- Built-in double exposure unlocks creative layering in one frame
- 9-second self-timer makes group portraits and self-shots painless
- Rechargeable battery cuts down on disposable cell waste
- Included film pack means you shoot on day one
Worth Noting
- Plastic body can scratch with rough bag travel
- Flash accuracy still varies in very dim rooms
Who It Suits Best
First-time instant photographers who want autofocus and a film pack included so they can start shooting the moment the box opens.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Tinkerers who want app-driven creative modes will get more mileage from the Polaroid Now+ Blue Gray, which adds Bluetooth and lens filters.
The second-generation Polaroid Now leans into a slightly more thoughtful build, using 40% recycled materials in its construction. USB-C charging modernizes the experience, and the dual-lens autofocus system keeps snapshots crisp across different lighting. It accepts both i-Type and 600 film, which keeps the door open for swapping cartridges.
This version feels like a quieter step forward from the model that came before, aimed at shooters who care about how their gear is made. In a sunny kitchen or a shaded park, the human-friendly flash tends to land balanced exposures without much fiddling.
Real Benefits
- USB-C charging fits modern cable setups
- Recycled materials reduce environmental footprint
- Accurate flash keeps skin tones natural in mixed light
- Autofocus reduces missed focus on close subjects
Points To Note
- No double exposure mode on this body, unlike some siblings
- Internal battery cannot be swapped on the road
Built With In Mind
Sustainability-minded casual photographers who charge their gear with the same cable as their phone and shoot in everyday conditions.
Consider Something Else When
Creative shooters chasing in-camera layering effects will prefer the Polaroid Gen 2 Now I-Type bundle, which includes double exposure.
The Polaroid Cool Cam carries the original 600 series DNA with a fold-away flash and a built-in battery that lives inside the film cartridge. Its focus-free lens means you simply point and shoot, which actually suits the analog charm of the format. Owners commonly describe it as a no-fuss body that just gets out of the way.
Where it differs from the Polaroid Now pair above is its simplicity: there’s no autofocus, no rechargeable cell, no app. That stripped-back approach rewards shooters who appreciate unpredictability in their prints.
Real-World Strengths
- Film-powered battery means no separate charging routine
- Compact body fits easily in a jacket pocket
- Fold-away flash keeps the silhouette clean when not in use
Some Limits To Know
- Focus-free optics struggle with subjects closer than a few feet
- No exposure controls limit indoor creative work
- Flash recycling takes longer in cold weather
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Collectors and retro film enthusiasts who want a tactile, mechanical-feeling Polaroid without modern electronics in the way.
Look Elsewhere When
Beginners wanting automatic focusing should step up to the Polaroid Originals Now I-Type, which brings autofocus into a similar simple shell.
This renewed Polaroid 600 Sun600 LMS brings the Light Management System (a built-in exposure helper that adjusts how much light reaches the film) into a silver and black body that feels straight out of the 90s. The automatic flash fires when needed, and the fixed-focus lens keeps operation blissfully minimal. A neck strap ships with it, which makes it easy to sling over a shoulder at events.
The renewed factor matters here: this is a refurbished unit, so you save money while getting the same film format as the rest of the lineup. The trade-off shows up in cosmetic condition, where some units have light wear from previous use.
What Helps Most
- Built-in flash and exposure system handle most lighting conditions
- Film pack powers the camera, so no separate batteries to track
- Refurbished pricing opens the format to tighter budgets
Factors To Consider
- Renewed condition may include minor cosmetic marks
- Fixed focus produces softer close-ups than autofocus models
Best Suited To
Budget shoppers happy to accept light cosmetic wear in exchange for a working Polaroid at a friendlier entry point.
Skip It When
Shooters who prioritize sharper close-range results should consider the Polaroid Now 2nd Generation instead, since its autofocus tightens focus noticeably.
The original Polaroid Originals Now I-Type camera introduced autofocus to the modern Polaroid lineup, and the experience still holds up. It captures sharp, vivid color with a simple point-and-shoot flow, and the self-timer helps with group setups. The accurate flash balances indoor and outdoor light without manual tweaks.
Compared to the Cool Cam earlier in this list, this body feels like a clear step up in image consistency. You trade mechanical simplicity for reliable focus and more predictable exposure across changing scenes.
Practical Pluses
- Autofocus delivers cleaner portraits than fixed-focus predecessors
- Double exposure mode layers two moments into one frame
- Self-timer includes you in group memories
- Accurate flash reduces washed-out faces indoors
- Clean black shell suits any setting
Small Caveats
- Battery life drains faster with heavy flash use
- Lacks Bluetooth connectivity that the Now+ offers
Quick Facts
Right Fit For
Casual weekend shooters who want autofocus and creative modes without stepping up to the app-connected Now+ tier.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Shooters craving Bluetooth app controls and creative extras should look at the Polaroid Now+ Blue Gray, which adds lens filters and app-driven tools.
This Gen 2 Now bundle centers on the same camera body as the white version reviewed earlier, but ships with a lens cleaning cloth instead of a film pack. The cloth keeps smudges off the lens between shots, which matters more than people expect when shooting outdoors. It runs on a rechargeable cell and works with both i-Type and 600 film formats.
Gift-givers tend to appreciate that this bundle includes just enough extras without overshooting the budget. The catch is that you supply your own film to start shooting, so factor a starter pack into your plan.
Benefits That Matter
- Autofocus 2-lens system captures sharper everyday moments
- 9-second self-timer includes everyone in the frame
- Cleaning cloth protects the lens between adventures
- Double exposure unlocks creative in-camera layering
Areas To Watch
- No included film means an extra purchase before first shot
- Plastic shell shows wear faster than metal-bodied options
Who Should Grab It
Gift shoppers looking for a clean Polaroid package to wrap without the higher cost of a full film bundle.
Reach For A Different Pick When
First-time owners who want film in the box should consider the Polaroid Gen 2 Now white bundle, which includes an 8-pack starter set.
The Polaroid Now+ adds Bluetooth connectivity to the lineup, pairing with the Polaroid mobile app to unlock manual mode, aperture priority, and tripod mode. Five bonus lens filters come in the box, expanding how each frame looks without digital trickery. A built-in tripod mount steadies long exposures and self-timer shots alike.
Compared to the standard Now bodies above, this is the most creative tool of the eight, best suited for shooters who want to tinker. It still accepts both i-Type and 600 film and runs on a rechargeable cell, so the basics stay familiar.
What Earns Its Place
- Bluetooth app adds manual and aperture priority shooting
- Five lens filters diversify the look of every shot
- Tripod mount enables stable low-light compositions
- Light painting and double exposure modes fuel experimentation
Honest Caveats
- App-dependent features need a charged phone nearby
- Steeper learning curve for first-time instant users
Perfect Match For
Analog creators who want app-driven controls and lens filter experimentation in a single camera.
Swap It Out When
Someone wanting a simpler shoot-and-share experience should pick the Polaroid Originals Now I-Type, which skips the app entirely.
The third-generation Polaroid Now sharpens what the Gen 2 already did well, with optimized image quality across more lighting conditions. Made with 40% recycled materials, it follows the same sustainability thread as the second-gen Now while pushing exposure performance forward. The included bundle pairs the camera with a double pack of color film, a Signature Series case, a lens cloth, and a power bundle.
This package suits shoppers who want everything in one purchase without tracking down accessories separately. It is the most complete out-of-box experience in this lineup, and the only bundle that includes a protective case.
The Upside
- Optimized exposure handles tricky lighting more reliably
- 40% recycled construction aligns with sustainability goals
- 16 frames of color film ship in the box
- Signature Series case protects the body during travel
- Lens cloth and power bundle round out the kit
Trade Offs
- Higher total cost than body-only options
- Bundled accessories may duplicate what you already own
Feature Snapshot
Who Will Love This
Shoppers who want the complete experience from the first unboxing and prefer not to source accessories individually.
Another Choice May Suit
Budget shoppers who only need the camera body can save by picking the Polaroid Cool Cam, which trades modern features for a friendlier price.
Choosing A 600 Film Camera That Fits Your Routine
What Kind Of Shooter Are You
Start with how you actually plan to use the camera. Casual party shooters and travelers tend to thrive with autofocus models like the Polaroid Now 2nd Generation or the Gen 2 Now bundle, since those handle shifting light without manual intervention. Collectors and analog purists usually prefer the stripped-down feel of the Cool Cam or the renewed Sun600 LMS, where unpredictability becomes part of the charm. Creative experimenters get the most from the Polaroid Now+ Blue Gray, since the app and lens filters open up techniques that other bodies simply cannot reach.
Understanding Film Formats
Every camera on this list accepts 600 film, and most also accept i-Type cartridges. The practical difference is simple: i-Type film lacks the embedded battery that older Polaroid models relied on, which works fine in rechargeable bodies. Stocking both formats keeps you flexible, especially when old film stashes surface at estate sales or family archives.
Battery And Power Choices
Rechargeable bodies use USB-C or built-in cells that you top up between outings. Film-powered models like the Cool Cam and Sun600 LMS pull energy from the film cartridge itself, which means no charging routine but also no flexibility once a pack is empty. For travel-heavy schedules, rechargeable bodies tend to feel more predictable day to day.
Build And Accessory Fit
Plastic-bodied cameras are lighter and friendlier on the wallet, while bundles that include cases and cleaning cloths extend the body’s lifespan. The Polaroid Now 3rd Gen bundle is the most accessory-complete option in this lineup, while body-only purchases reward shoppers happy to source their own accessories.
What To Watch Before You Commit
Common Shopping Slip Ups
Skipping film cost is a common mistake, since instant film is where the real ongoing expense lives. Some shoppers also pick a vintage Cool Cam expecting autofocus and end up frustrated with focus-free optics. Renewed units like the Sun600 LMS can carry light cosmetic wear, so reading the listing carefully matters before committing.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier bundles like the Polaroid Now 3rd Gen package add exposure tuning, recycled construction, and accessories like a case and lens cloth. The upgrade pays off when you shoot frequently and want fewer surprise purchases later, while casual shooters often do fine with a simpler body plus a separate film starter pack.