Polaroid is back with the Flip, its new instant camera, aiming to be both versatile and efficient. Retro yet connected, the Polaroid Flip is an intriguing device that stands out with its particularly powerful flash and its sonar autofocus.
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A true evolution
Polaroid may be the historic leader in the instant photography market, but its new cameras have been quite rare—aside from the occasional minor update…
So, after the very ambitious (and expensive) I-2, the brand unveils the Flip. With a design and size reminiscent of the Now / Now+, this more affordable camera also recalls the chubby shape of the compact Polaroid GO.
However, it sets itself apart from its predecessors with a foldable flash system that protects the lens or the viewfinder. A mechanism once common decades ago, it will spark nostalgia while appealing to fans of retro gear.
This flash proves especially powerful for such a compact unit, capable of lighting subjects up to 4.5 meters away—ideal for filling shadows or balancing exposure in low light.
An optimized viewfinder
The shutter button is located on the front, to the right of the lens. For framing, users rely on a tunnel viewfinder positioned to the left of the lens.
While there’s no parallax correction option, a feature does indicate whether the shot is properly exposed. A small LED inside the viewfinder “analyzes” the scene and lights up differently when the image is under- or overexposed. Very handy—especially considering the cost per print…
On the rear of the movable part, there’s a small display showing battery level, flash status, and remaining film count.
Sonar autofocus and rotating lenses
The autofocus system uses sonar, a well-known method among the brand’s aficionados. The camera includes a tiny speaker that emits a sound wave to measure the distance between subject and lens. Since sonar doesn’t rely on light, you can focus even in complete darkness.
Another neat feature is the 4-element rotating lens, covering a focal range of 94 to 109 mm f/9 (35mm equivalent). Depending on subject distance, the lens elements shift automatically, with four focusing zones ranging from 65 cm to 2.5 m.
According to Polaroid, this approach ensures optimal framing based on your subject. Thanks to Bluetooth, the camera connects to the brand’s mobile app, unlocking creative features.
You can manually control exposure, adjust shutter speed from 1/200 s to 30 s, and use Bulb mode for long exposures—all via the app, which also includes remote shutter control for easier composition.
Lastly, note that the camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery via a USB-C port.
Polaroid Flip: Price and availability
The Polaroid Flip is available for $199. It comes in two colors: white and black. Deliveries are expected to start from April 29, 2025.
Our first impressions of the Polaroid Flip
With the Flip, Polaroid introduces a genuinely compelling instant camera. This compact unit includes several smart technologies for its category. The combination of sonar AF and rotating lenses enables accurate focusing—even in complete darkness!
Moreover, the exposure check function should be a real help, especially since getting a well-exposed Polaroid shot hasn’t always been easy. At nearly €2 per print, that could be frustrating.
Though it’s still relatively pricey for an instant camera, the Flip—with its “autofocus” feature—might just stand out from the crowd.
