Polaroid Flip Examination: Traditional Design, Traditional Photos, Traditional Weight
The Groovy Polaroid Flip: Instant fun, retro charm, and a hair too heavy for its own good. With a price tag of $200, does this full-size camera live up to the hype? Let's find out!
The Polaroid Flip boasts a "hyperfocal" lens system, a fancy name for a gadget that rotates four lenses depending on your shooting distance. This gizmo snaps into focus on various ranges, even going as far as eight feet, which is rather long for an instant camera (but perfect if you're taking group shots with friends). Everyone seemed pleased with the focus, and only a few photos were ruined by the flash giving off an otherworldly glow.
Polaroid Flip
A classic camera with a modern twist. Easy to use but a bit too chunky for everyday carry.
Pros
- Excellent focus capabilities
- Fun to use
- Retro and stylish design
Cons
- Heavier than other instant cameras
- Limited by a fixed image size
- Film packs can be pricey
In sunny New York City, the Polaroid Flip took photos that were often too dark, even with the sun being a mere spectator. This issue could be rectified with a bit more flash, but that's not always ideal for subjects. Don't worry, though; the charming imperfections of traditional Polaroid pictures, like sun flares and white spots, are still very much present.
While the photos came out crisp, the real issue is the camera itself. Weighing in at 1.4 lbs, the Flip feels like a small brick, and carrying it around was more of a chore than a pleasure. It's a beast to lug around, especially considering it doesn't have a designated holding spot like other instant cameras. The lack of a handle made taking quick snaps a challenge.
Design-wise, the Polaroid Flip looks like an older sister of the Polaroid Sun 660, released in 1981. The two share the same sloped body and extended viewfinder. However, the Flip falls short of the more premium $600 Polaroid I-2 and isn't built for creating depth effects in the photos. It's more geared toward family gatherings and adventures with friends.
For our review, Polaroid sent over two packages of eight photos each. We burned through them in no time, and I even needed to reload during a night out with colleagues. The Flip works with Polaroid's Color and B&W i-Type film, which go for $18 apiece, but it's cheaper per pack if you buy in bulk. Depending on how often you plan to use it, the Polaroid could start to become quite costly beyond its asking price.
Smaller instant cameras like the Fujifilm Instax series, which produce wallet-sized photos, could be a more practical choice for those on the go. Despite its flaws, the Polaroid Flip remains user-friendly, nearly idiot-proof, and solid, providing a fun and retro alternative to smaller, cheaper Polaroid models like the Go. However, you might want to keep it at home rather than carrying it around.
See at Best Buy
The Polaroid Flip's unique "hyperfocal" lens system received praise from users, making it suitable for taking group shots, as it focuses on distances up to eight feet. (technology, lens, gizmo)
Gizmodo's review of the Polaroid Flip highlights the camera's retro design and fun factor but criticizes its weight and limited image size. (gadgets, Flip, design)
In comparison to smaller and lighter instant cameras like the Fujifilm Instax series, the Polaroid Flip might be more expensive due to its higher cost per pack of film and heavier build. (technology, Polaroid, Best Buy)
