Traditional Aesthetics, Timeless Photography, Traditional Weight: Polaroid Flip Evaluation
Strap on the Polaroid Flip - A Nostalgic, Yet Heavy, Instant Camera
The Polaroid Flip is a camera that screams fun in theory but feels like a hefty burden in practice. This $200 full-size instant camera harks back to an era when photography was more tangible - reminiscent of your grandma's sun-faded, vintage photos taken with her 50-year-old Polaroid. For some, that vintage feel might be alluring, especially if you're yearning for a glimpse into your grandma's photo albums.
But don't be fooled by its retro charm, the Polaroid Flip boasts some enticing upgrades over lower-cost alternatives like the Polaroid Go or Polaroid Now. These enhancements give the Flip a competitive edge in the market, luring you with its promise of an enriching photographic experience.
The Rotating Lens System - A Game Changer
The marquee feature of the Polaroid Flip is its "hyperfocal" lens system. This system consists of four lenses on a rotating gear, intelligently swapping between various focal lengths based on your distance from the subject. The furthest focal length's sweet spot extends to around eight feet - further than most instant cameras. In my testing, I captured images with impeccable focus. As long as the flash didn't extra-illuminate your subjects like the sun, your friends and co-workers will be thrilled to take home the prints.
Polaroid Flip
A camera that delivers sharp focus and nostalgic charm, but its heft might make you wish it stayed at home.
Pros
- Exceptional focus capabilities
- Easy to use
- Produces Polaroid-size prints
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Exposure without flash can be problematic, even in strong daylight
- Film packs are costly
More Than Just a Lens - The Viewfinder's Vital Role
The Flip's unique lens system isn't the only selling point. The device sports a viewfinder with a special red light that beams when the photo's exposure is off. The device uses sonar autofocus, so you'll rarely be shooting in less-than-optimal light situations. However, the viewfinder can be overly sensitive to light, often blaring red even in bright, direct sunlight.
The Polaroid Flip may not entirely solve the challenges associated with instant flash photography, but the traditional Polaroid blemishes - white spots, sun flare - are the memories' charm that you wouldn't trade for anything.
While the photos turned out clear, handling the Polaroid Flip was a daunting task. The camera weighs 1.4 pounds, making it a cumbersome device to lug around. The weight noticeably weighed down my backpack and added bulk to any other bag or pocketbook. Taking photos without getting your fingers in front of the photo eject port proved challenging due to the camera's awkward design.
The Polaroid Sun 660 - A Historical Predecessor
The Polaroid Flip's design bears resemblance to the Polaroid Sun 660 from 1981. This camera introduced sonar autofocus and a similar rotating lens system to the Flip. As a result, the Flip is not as sophisticated as the expensive Polaroid I-2 and lacks its capacity for creating depth of field. Instead, the Flip is a camera designed for creating memories during family gatherings or on adventures with friends. There's no better feeling than sharing printed memories after an evening out, though waiting several minutes for the film to develop might be a downside.
Polaroids are worth their price if you're after creating cherished memories. I appreciate the shots I took with the Flip, but a compact, wallet-sized Instax camera could be a more practical choice for transportability while still allowing you to create souvenirs for friends after a night out.
For the review, Polaroid provided me with two packages of eight photos each. I burned through the majority of the photos in a single evening and even had to reload during my time with my co-workers. The Flip works with the company's Color and B&W i-Type film, which costs $18 per pack individually or slightly less when purchased in bulk. Depending on how frequently you use the Polaroid, the costs could add up, far surpassing the $200 asking price.
Opting for the Polaroid Flip - Weighing Your Choices
The Polaroid Flip's advanced lens system offers superior focus capabilities, making it practical for capturing sharp images while reducing the need for manual lens adjustments. However, it does come at the cost of increased weight and reduced portability compared to cameras like the Polaroid Go and Now, which prioritize ease of use and compactness.
The choice between these cameras boils down to whether you value advanced focusing capabilities or ease of carrying. The Polaroid Flip is the camera for you if you're after superior focus capabilities but are willing to sacrifice portability. If you prefer a more compact device that's easy to carry, the Polaroid Go and Now could be your best bet.
Gizmodo reviews recently highlighted the Polaroid Flip, a technology gadget that combines modern upgrades with a nostalgic design reminiscent of vintage Polaroid cameras. One unique feature of the Flip is its rotating lens system, which intelligently adjusts focal lengths, providing exceptional focus capabilities. However, the camera's weight and costly film packs might deter some potential buyers, making lightweight alternatives like the Polaroid Go or Now more attractive for those prioritizing portability over advanced focusing capabilities.
