The Polaroid Flip Is the Only Instant Camera You Need
Written by: Audrey Ember
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Time to read 5 min
Polaroid does it again with a refined version of their vintage classic. Modern controls, self-timer, double exposure, and perfect prints every time... I don't see why this wouldn't be the go-to.
The kind of Polaroid camera I can take anywhere.
Instant cameras have always been a staple in the camera bag; they’re fun, nearly foolproof, and a perfect marriage of vintage charm with modern buttons.
Lo and behold the “ Flip.” Its adorable name deserves praise all on its own, so I was really excited to test this baby out in the real world. Thanks to its sturdy plastic shell body, it’ll be the perfect pull for upcoming summer roadtrips to toss in the trunk. The best part is that it’s not as high-end (or pricey) as something like the Polaroid I-2, nor is it as manual or challenging to use as the classic SX-70 models. So for everyday shooters and beginners who want well-exposed instant prints every time, the Flip is practically perfect.
I braved cold weather for its initial test and was really stoked on the results, then saddled it with me to the arcade with friends. I plan on bringing it everywhere.
If you haven’t already, check out my YouTube video on the Moment channel and consider subscribing if you’d like to see more fun field tests of me with camera gear!
First Test
I took the camera outside after an ice storm. It was cold and wet, and the trees looked freshly trimmed by nature, but I still wanted to brave the brisk weather for some fun shots.
Setup was super easy — the camera takes both i-Type and 600 film, so I just popped in a pack and it was ready to go. You click it into the bottom of the camera and voilà. The design feels intuitive and encourages you to start shooting right away. No need to fiddle with settings or troubleshooting; you can literally just point and shoot.
Self-Timer & Double Exposure
The camera comes packed with two modes: self-timer and double exposure. Easy enough.
The self-timer is perfect for solo creators (like me) or anyone wanting to get more creative with their framing. You just thread it onto any tripod, aim it roughly where you’ll be, press the button, and you’ve got 10 seconds to get into place. Super straightforward. I set the Flip on a few stable rocks by the riverbank and it captured the shot really easily. I think it came out pretty cute!
The double exposure mode was a little trickier, though. You activate it by clicking the back button twice, allowing you to layer two different compositions. It’s a bit of a guessing game since there’s no viewfinder, and you’re not always sure if the photo was taken in the first place. But when it works, you get giddy (film generally has a special way of making you feel this way).
The leaves in the first exposure were a little hard to make out, but the final image was still really lovely. I’d love to really experiment and get better with double exposure moving forward.
Autofocus
The Polaroid Flip uses sonar autofocus to automatically select from four built-in lenses based on how far your subject is. The lenses works in virtually any lighting, and offers helpful warning lights to let you know if you're too close or if your exposure’s off. And thank goodness for that; no more wasting film on blurry or blown-out shots.
Flash
I love a good flash photo and will probably always use it when it fits. Even in bright daylight, the flash helps even out light exposure on the skin and ensures your subject doesn’t get lost in shadows or come out as a weird silhouette.
You can also fine-tune the flash based on how close your subject is, which is great for avoiding that blown-out look in selfies or close-ups with groups. It’s subtle but super effective, and honestly, I think it's the secret to that iconic Polaroid aesthetic.
Flash just makes photos look more like memories.
Extra Lens Protection
The fold-over design protects the lens, which is great for someone like me who tends to toss gear into a backpack without much thought (oops). This design was inspired by the 1989 OneStep Flash, while even older cameras, like the 1965 Polaroid Swinger, sparked ideas for the scene analysis system. That system also flashes a warning if your subject is too close or your image is over/underexposed.
So not only does the fold protect the lens from damage, but it also helps seal the camera against dust and light moisture, making it more rugged-friendly to bring on outdoor trails without worrying if it'll hold up.
Reviewing Photos
Some photos turned out better than I expected (like one my friend took by accident), while others — like mirror selfies without flash — kind of missed the mark. But the trial-and-error process is part of the charm! The Flip makes it easy to keep experimenting, even if film isn’t cheap.
And even when a shot doesn’t work, it still feels worth it. The quirks and imperfections are kind of the point with Polaroid — it’s part of that magic.
If you want more control, you can use the Polaroid App to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and lens selection. It gives you just enough manual input when you're aiming for something more precise. That said, needing an app can take away a bit of the analog fun. I like having the option, but sometimes I just want to be in the moment, with nothing between me and the shot.
Pros
LOVe the flash.
Autofocus is a no-brainer for these types or cameras, and the Flip delivers.
Lovely colors on the I-Type and 600 film.
Cons
The double exposure was pretty tricky, and some of my attempts looked like garbage (lol).
$200 is a bit of a reach for most Instant cameras, but given it's Polaroid-standard quality, I'd say it's a good investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of film does the Polaroid Flip take?
The Flip is compatible with Polaroid's i-Type and 600 film.
How does it charge?
It's juiced by a lithium battery pack that can be recharged by any USB-C charger lying around.
Why are Polaroid cameras so expensive?
Loaded question, but one I see often.
Due to the high cost of Polaroid's complex engineering, the niche market for instant-sized film, and brand premiums — Polaroid's cameras are often more pricey. But, worth it!
How do I develop Polaroid Film?
No developing needed. Instant cameras print every image on the spot.Just let each frame dry for roughly ~10 minutes in a cool, dark place before exposing it to a ton of sunlight.
Audrey Ember
Audrey Ember is a video creator exploring the creative process through storytelling and community, founding CreateHER to support women in the creative industry.
