Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass 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 #8 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

3.8

4 sources1 derived$129as of Jul 31

Reviewers call the Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass the world's first instant camera with a wide-angle glass lens, a 38mm (21mm equivalent) f/4.5 design using 6 elements in 4 groups. Operation is fully automated with manual overrides for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures, and the box includes creative accessories like colored filters and a Bluetooth shutter release. Critics flagged the large, non-pocketable body and the uncommon CR2 batteries. It shoots Instax Mini film and aims squarely at creative photography, mixing automation with manual control for artistic work.

Strengths

— Features a wide-angle 38mm glass lens (21mm equivalent in 35mm terms) with 6 elements in 4 groups
— Fully automated operation with manual controls for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures
— Includes creative accessories like colored filters, Bluetooth shutter release, and close-up lens

Watch-outs

— Large, non-pocketable design with square form factor
— Uses uncommon CR2 (3V) batteries that are hard to find
— Limited LCD display - relies on LED indicators for settings

$129 · 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

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

The Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass's wide-angle glass lens distinguishes it from the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400's basic design and manual focus. Unlike the Polaroid I-2, it lacks advanced manual controls but offers creative accessories like colored filters. Compared to the Lomo Instant Square, it provides fully automated operation with manual controls for flash and exposure compensation, making it more accessible for creative users.

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	Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass	Polaroid Now+ Generation 2
Film Format	Instax Mini	i-Type film
Lens	38mm (21mm equivalent)	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Flash	Built In Flash	Built-in automatic flash
Battery	2x CR2 (3V)	—
Focusing	0.3m to infinity	—
Color	black with orange detailing	—
Battery Type	—	Built-in rechargeable
Weight	—	0.78 kg
Shutter Speed	—	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Dimensions	—	150.2mm x 112.2mm x 94mm
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth

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