Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 vs Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.8 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about nostalgic beginners — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

3.8

6 sources$109.95as of Jul 31

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 looks good and does little new, which reviewers summed up as familiar features in an attractive package. They liked the ease of use and automatic exposure control but criticized the absence of any real advancement and the cheap plastic construction. It works fine for basic instant photography, though reviewers point buyers toward competitors like Lomography and MiNT for better value or features. Aesthetics over innovation is the trade being made here.

Strengths

— Very nice looking design with a leatherette finish
— Easy to use with simple film loading and operation
— Automatic exposure control that produces well-exposed images

Watch-outs

— No significant innovations compared to previous Instax models
— Plastic build quality that feels cheap and fragile

$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

4.0

3 sources2 derived$139.99as of Jul 31

The Polaroid Now Generation 2 hands you a nostalgic instant camera with a few modern conveniences. Reviewers praised the double exposure mode and retro styling, calling it a good starting point for anyone new to instant film. It has a built-in battery, charges over USB, and ships with a picture frame and lanyard. The build reads plasticky and heavy to some, but reviewers agree the Polaroid character comes through with better functionality behind it. Beginners looking for an accessible way in will do well; serious photographers who want advanced controls won't.

Strengths

— Double exposure mode feature for creative photography
— Built-in battery with USB charging capability
— Retro aesthetic with colorful design and vintage-inspired look

Watch-outs

— Plastic feel and heavy build may not appeal to all users
— Requires charging unlike older models with battery-pack film

$139.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 offers a more stylish design than the Mini 12 but lacks innovation, making it less compelling than the Evo which provides digital features and smartphone connectivity. While it's more visually appealing than the SQ6, it doesn't match the SQ6's analog simplicity and better build quality. Compared to the SQ1, it's more expensive and less practical despite its attractive finish.

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 offers a retro aesthetic and double exposure mode that the Mini 12 lacks, but it's more expensive and less reliable than the SQ6. Compared to the Evo, it's more analog and lacks digital connectivity, though it's more affordable than the LiPlay Hybrid. Unlike the SQ1, it's less compact and more expensive for similar functionality.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini 40	Polaroid Now+ Generation 2
Film Format	Instax Mini	i-Type film
Lens	60mm f/12	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Shutter Speed	1/250th max	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Battery Type	2 AA	Built-in rechargeable
Flash	Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment)	Built-in automatic flash
Dimensions	104 mm × 121 mm × 65 mm	150.2mm x 112.2mm x 94mm
Weight	330 g	0.78 kg
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth

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