Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass vs Polaroid I-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.

The short answer

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.8 vs 3.6). The gap is mostly about creative photographers wanting wide-angle glass lens — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

3.8

$129as of Jul 9

The Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass is praised as the world's first instant camera with a wide-angle glass lens, featuring a 38mm (21mm equivalent) f/4.5 lens with 6 elements in 4 groups. Reviewers noted its fully automated operation with manual controls for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures, along with included creative accessories like colored filters and a Bluetooth shutter release. However, critics pointed out its large, non-pocketable design and the use of uncommon CR2 batteries. The camera is designed for creative photography and works with Instax Mini film, offering a unique blend of automation and manual control for artistic expression.

Strengths

— Features a wide-angle 38mm glass lens (21mm equivalent in 35mm terms) with 6 elements in 4 groups
— Fully automated operation with manual controls for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures
— Includes creative accessories like colored filters, Bluetooth shutter release, and close-up lens

Watch-outs

— Large, non-pocketable design with square form factor
— Uses uncommon CR2 (3V) batteries that are hard to find
— Limited LCD display - relies on LED indicators for settings

$129 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid I-2

3.6

$64.99as of Jul 9

The Polaroid I-2 is a high-end instant camera featuring LiDAR autofocus, full manual controls, and compatibility with multiple Polaroid film types. Reviewed by Dan Bracaglia of DPReview, it combines modern camera technology with traditional design, offering a solid build quality and advanced features. However, YouTube reviewer experiences highlight issues with film counter malfunctions and jamming after extended use. This camera is ideal for advanced users seeking premium instant photography capabilities but may not suit those wanting a more basic or affordable option.

Strengths

— LiDAR autofocus system that works well in all lighting conditions including dim settings
— Full manual controls with aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes
— Compatible with all Polaroid film types including i-Type, 600, and SX-70 film

Watch-outs

— Internal battery is not removable and rechargeable only via USB-C
— Shutter speed range limited to 30 sec to 1/250 sec with no bulb option
— Camera has reported issues with film counter malfunctioning and jamming

$64.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

The Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass's wide-angle glass lens distinguishes it from the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400's basic design and manual focus. Unlike the Polaroid I-2, it lacks advanced manual controls but offers creative accessories like colored filters. Compared to the Lomo Instant Square, it provides fully automated operation with manual controls for flash and exposure compensation, making it more accessible for creative users.

Polaroid I-2

The Polaroid I-2's LiDAR autofocus and full manual controls make it superior to the Polaroid OneStep 2 and Snap 2, which lack advanced focusing capabilities. Unlike the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40, it doesn't produce square prints but offers more professional features. Compared to the Lomo Instant Square, it lacks creative exposure modes but provides better image quality and more reliable operation.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass	Polaroid I-2
Film Format	Instax Mini	i-Type, 600, SX-70
Lens	38mm (21mm equivalent)	98mm f/8
Flash	Built In Flash	Built-in, with effective range 0 8.2 feet (0 2.5 meters)
Battery	2x CR2 (3V)	Internal, USB-C rechargeable
Focusing	0.3m to infinity	LiDAR
Weight	—	1.2 lb (563 grams)

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