Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid vs Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.1). Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 is best for: nostalgic beginners. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

4.1

3 sources$169.99as of Oct 28

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid of instant film and digital: it saves shots to internal memory or a microSD card so you choose which to print, and it doubles as a printer for photos sent from a smartphone. Reviewers liked its compact body and its many filters and frames, and it can record sound and print it as a QR code on the photo, though Tom's Guide found that feature a hassle and low-light performance subpar. Ease of use is the priority, with creative photo modes and audio built around it.

Strengths

— Selfie mirror on the front for framing self-portraits
— Records sound and prints it as a QR code that plays back from the photo
— Supports printing images from smartphone via Bluetooth and QR code audio clips

Watch-outs

— Subpar low-light performance
— Filters can't be added after shooting

$169.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

4.8

1 source$139.99as of Oct 17

The Polaroid Now Generation 2 hands you a nostalgic instant camera with a few modern conveniences. It has a built-in battery, charges over USB, and ships with a picture frame and lanyard. The build reads plasticky and heavy to some. Beginners looking for an accessible way in will do well; serious photographers who want advanced controls won't.

Strengths

— Built-in battery with USB charging capability
— Retro aesthetic with colorful design and vintage-inspired look
— Includes picture frame and lanyard for easy handling

Watch-outs

— Requires charging unlike older models with battery-pack film, per Myles Katherine Photography

$139.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid and the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo are both hybrids that capture digitally and print on Instax Mini film. The LiPlay records sound and prints it as a QR code on the photo, while the Mini Evo offers 10 lens effects and 10 film effects. The LiPlay weighs about 255 g against the Mini Evo's 285g and costs less.

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 shoots i-Type film and has a double exposure mode, where the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid that captures digitally and prints on Instax Mini film. It costs less than the Mini Evo.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid	Polaroid Now+ Generation 2
Film Format	Instax Mini Film	i-Type film
Lens	28mm equivalent f/2	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Shutter Speed	1/4 to 1/8000 second	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Battery Type	Rechargeable li-ion battery	Built-in rechargeable
Flash	Auto, forced and suppressed flash	Built-in automatic flash
Dimensions	82.5 mm × 122.9 mm × 36.7 mm	150.2mm x 112.2mm x 94mm
Weight	Approximately 255 g	451.5 g (without film)
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Image Sensor	1/5-inch CMOS, 2560 x 1920	—
Screen	2.7-inch LCD	—

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