TechCamerasPolaroid Go (Gen 2) review: the only Polaroid you should buy in 2024The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is the purest example of instant photography on the market todayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Sam Cross)T3 VerdictAs the smallest instant camera on the market, the Polaroid Go (Gen 2) wholeheartedly embodies the spirit which the segment was founded on. Don’t expect perfection, but you’ll certainly have an unprecedented amount of funReasons to buy+Brilliantly compact+Idiot-proof operation+Simply great fun to useReasons to avoid-Chemistry is temperamental-No manual controlsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechCamerasPolaroid Go (Gen 2) review: the only Polaroid you should buy in 2024The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is the purest example of instant photography on the market todayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Sam Cross)T3 VerdictAs the smallest instant camera on the market, the Polaroid Go (Gen 2) wholeheartedly embodies the spirit which the segment was founded on. Don’t expect perfection, but you’ll certainly have an unprecedented amount of funReasons to buy+Brilliantly compact+Idiot-proof operation+Simply great fun to useReasons to avoid-Chemistry is temperamental-No manual controlsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is the purest example of instant photography on the market today
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)T3 VerdictAs the smallest instant camera on the market, the Polaroid Go (Gen 2) wholeheartedly embodies the spirit which the segment was founded on. Don’t expect perfection, but you’ll certainly have an unprecedented amount of funReasons to buy+Brilliantly compact+Idiot-proof operation+Simply great fun to useReasons to avoid-Chemistry is temperamental-No manual controls
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
T3 VerdictAs the smallest instant camera on the market, the Polaroid Go (Gen 2) wholeheartedly embodies the spirit which the segment was founded on. Don’t expect perfection, but you’ll certainly have an unprecedented amount of funReasons to buy+Brilliantly compact+Idiot-proof operation+Simply great fun to useReasons to avoid-Chemistry is temperamental-No manual controls
T3 VerdictAs the smallest instant camera on the market, the Polaroid Go (Gen 2) wholeheartedly embodies the spirit which the segment was founded on. Don’t expect perfection, but you’ll certainly have an unprecedented amount of fun
T3 Verdict
As the smallest instant camera on the market, the Polaroid Go (Gen 2) wholeheartedly embodies the spirit which the segment was founded on. Don’t expect perfection, but you’ll certainly have an unprecedented amount of fun
Reasons to buy+Brilliantly compact+Idiot-proof operation+Simply great fun to useReasons to avoid-Chemistry is temperamental-No manual controls
Reasons to buy+Brilliantly compact+Idiot-proof operation+Simply great fun to use
Brilliantly compact
Idiot-proof operation
Simply great fun to use
Reasons to avoid-Chemistry is temperamental-No manual controls
Chemistry is temperamental
No manual controls
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
There are a whole range of different models on the market right now. But, it’s fair to say, none of them have the original kudos and cool of Polaroid. The iconiccamerabrand’s popularity spanned multiple decades, capturing some of the most iconic pop culture moments in history.
Today, I have the Polaroid Go (Gen 2). This diminutive bundle of fun is the smallest instant camera on the market today, using the equally miniature Polaroid Go film to produce images. Is it any good? Well, lets take a look.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Polaroid Go (Gen 2) review: Price and Availability
The Polaroid Go (Gen 2) costs £79.99 in the UK and $79.99 in the USA. The device is available from a range of different stores, including thePolaroid websitedirectly.
Polaroid Go (Gen 2) review: Features
There’s really not a lot to say about this camera. That’s not a bad thing, either – simplicity is key with a camera like this, and here there really is nothing more to do than point, shoot, wait for development and enjoy.
There are a grand total of three buttons on the device. Let’s start on the rear panel. There, a small screen denotes the shutter count and the flash setting, with a black power button inside.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Next, we move to the top of the device. There, a big red button sits, which fires the shutter. Sitting beside that is a flash button, complete with the lightning bolt symbol. There’s much more going on here, though, bringing to life the modest feature set in all its glory.
Speaking of the flash – there is one! Polaroid call this a “vacuum discharge tube storage” system, but you don’t need to concern yourself with the semantics of it too much. Simply put, this flash is blindingly bright.
Next to that is the lens. That’s a fixed-focus, plastic lens, with no controls on offer. Apertures range from F9 to F42 depending on the lighting conditions, though. Finally, you’ll find the viewfinder on the opposite side to the flash. The front side of that is coated with a reflective coating, making it usable as a selfie mirror.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Polaroid Go (Gen 2) review: Performance
The Polaroid Go (Gen 2) is an unquestionably good looking camera. Frankly, it’s cuter than a Golden Retriever puppy who hasn’t quite learned how to balance – but none of that matters if it doesn’t work well.
So lets dive in. Starting with the shooting experience, this is really brilliant to use. The small form factor makes it effortlessly easy to grip with one hand. Pair that up with the simple operation and it’s just a breeze to use.
The picture-taking experience is a real mixed bag. With no control over the focus or the exposure, you really are having to simply point and shoot (and hope). I’d say about 75% of the time, that works well. However, there are occasions where the image is overexposed, or focused on the background of an image, rather than the subject.
While we’re talking about the film, it’s worth mentioning the chemistry itself. Polaroid film often gets a bad rap – quite undeservedly so in my experience. It’s not necessarily bad, but it is different to the popular Instax film.
Image1of13(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Image1of13(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)
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(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
No flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Flash(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Double exposure(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Polaroid film is much less saturated overall, with more pastel tones than vibrant hues. In my experience with thePolaroid Go film, there is some variance between packs, too. Some had a magenta cast, while others lent more to blue tones. Some even had a little blue stripe along the top edge. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth expecting a little more variety.
When you do nail it, though, there really is nothing else like it. The handful of properly brilliant images you shoot will spur you on, keeping you shooting in the hopes of replicating that.
In my experience, the best images from this camera come when you rescind any thought of photography and shoot simply to capture. As a test, I gave the camera to a young family member with a few shots left in the chamber. They loved it, and proceeded to capture images of family members which are the essence of what Polaroid is all about.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Polaroid Go (Gen 2) review: Verdict
If you are looking for tack-sharp imagery and stable film stocks, this isn’t the camera for you. In fact, instant photography in general is probably worth a swerve. Go and grab yourself amirrorless camerainstead.
This is all about the experience of shooting quite possibly the most magical format there is. In that market, the Polaroid Go is a worthwhile addition.
Beyond that, though, I think it might just be the best embodiment of the form. It’s compact and cute, with absolutely nothing to get in the way of having fun while taking photos. That makes it worth the cost of admission in my book.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Polaroid Go (Gen 2) review: Also consider
If youarelooking for the sharpest, most controllable instant camera out there, thePolaroid I-2is worth a look. It features full manual control, should you so wish, and is a great – if pricey – option.
If you love the square format and simple operation, but want something a little sharper and more vivid, check out theFujifilm Instax SQ40. That’s a solid camera that takes great pictures – though it’s a stretch more cumbersome than the Polaroid Go.
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