Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass vs Polaroid OneStep 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

Polaroid OneStep 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.8 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about traditional instant camera enthusiasts — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #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 →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid OneStep 2

3.9

The Polaroid OneStep 2 represents a modern revival of the classic instant camera format, featuring a built-in lithium battery that makes film packs cheaper and a bright built-in flash with override capability. Reviewers noted its good light meter performance and comfortable handling, though some found the lack of a viewfinder tube and the need to position the eye very close to the viewfinder to be annoying. The included strap is criticized as poor quality. This camera appeals to those seeking a traditional instant camera experience with modern conveniences, though users wanting a more refined viewfinder experience might look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Built-in lithium battery allows film packs to be cheaper as they no longer contain batteries
— Good built-in flash that is bright and has an override button
— Light meter performs well and rarely gets fooled

Watch-outs

— Missing viewfinder tube that helps guide the eye to the viewfinder
— Viewfinder requires putting eye very close which changes framing and can tilt the camera

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 OneStep 2

The Polaroid OneStep 2 stands out with its built-in lithium battery that makes film packs cheaper, unlike the Polaroid I-2 which requires a removable internal battery. Compared to the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40, it offers more traditional design elements and a better light meter, though it lacks the analog print delay feature. The Polaroid Snap 2's dual functionality and digital capture capabilities make it more versatile for creative users, but the OneStep 2 provides a more authentic instant camera experience.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass	Polaroid OneStep 2
Film Format	Instax Mini	i-Type and 600 type
Lens	38mm (21mm equivalent)	106mm plastic fixed
Flash	Built In Flash	Built-in with override button
Battery	2x CR2 (3V)	Built-in lithium
Focusing	0.3m to infinity	2 feet to infinity
Weight	—	approx 460 grams

← See the full ranking of best instant cameras