Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass 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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.0). Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 is best for: nostalgic beginners. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

4.0

3 sources$129as of Oct 28

Reviewers call the Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass the world's first instant camera with a wide-angle glass lens, a 38mm (21mm equivalent) f/4.5 design using 6 elements in 4 groups. Operation is fully automated with manual overrides for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures, and the box includes creative accessories like colored filters and a Bluetooth shutter release. Critics flagged the large, non-pocketable body and the uncommon CR2 batteries. It shoots Instax Mini film and aims squarely at creative photography, mixing automation with manual control for artistic work.

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
— Build quality with textured coating and robust design suitable for creative photography

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 →

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

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.

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	Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass	Polaroid Now+ Generation 2
Film Format	Instax Mini	i-Type film
Lens	38mm (21mm equivalent)	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Flash	Built In Flash	Built-in automatic flash
Battery	2x CR2 (3V)	—
Focusing	0.3m to infinity	—
Color	black with orange detailing	—
Battery Type	—	Built-in rechargeable
Weight	—	451.5 g (without film)
Shutter Speed	—	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Dimensions	—	150.2mm x 112.2mm x 94mm
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth

← See the full ranking of best instant cameras