Polaroid Introduces Retro-Inspired 'Polaroid Flip' Instant Camera

The new camera incorporates a four-lens system, autofocus, a built-in flash, and is compatible with both i-Type and 600 film.

Polaroid

Polaroid unveiled its latest camera today, presenting the new Polaroid Flip, which it describes as “the ultimate point-and-shoot instant camera.”The Polaroid Flip, available in two colors, leverages the brand's eight decades of instant photography knowledge and showcases a design reminiscent of historical models, such as the Polaroid OneStep 600, the inaugural camera designed for 600 film, characterized by its distinctive open-close flip front cover.

It integrates both contemporary and traditional technologies to provide customers with optimal performance, using its Hyperfocal 4-Lens System that incorporates four distinct focal lengths into a single camera body. These "sweet spots," as designated by Polaroid, enable users to obtain a precisely focused and sharp image of their subjects at varying distances (0.65m, 0.85m, 1.2m, 2.5m). The Polaroid Flip incorporates a sonar autofocus system, a technology first employed by Polaroid in 1978 with the SX-70 Sonar One Step camera, which utilizes sound waves to ascertain the distance between the camera lens and the photographic subject, akin to bat navigation. The enhanced Sonar Autofocus of the Polaroid Flip autonomously determines the appropriate lens for photography and, akin to bats, functions effectively in low-light conditions, enabling users to obtain sharp, in-focus photographs throughout the day.

The Polaroid Flip includes a built-in adaptive flash in its lid, which the firm claims is the "most powerful flash for any lighting condition." Polaroid asserts that the flash autonomously "modulates power according to subject distance" and claims it can illuminate subjects up to 4.5 meters (about 15 feet) away.

The new camera encompasses features such as Scene Analysis, which assists users in achieving precise exposure and alerts them to potential overexposure or underexposure, in addition to self-timer and double exposure settings. It can link to the Polaroid app via Bluetooth, providing users with enhanced features, including remote camera operation. It is compatible with both Polaroid i-Type and Polaroid 600 film, and includes a rechargeable battery that can be charged via USB-C.

The Polaroid Flip is currently accessible to Polaroid's early access members and will be released globally on April 29. The pricing is £199.99 GBP, $199.99 USD, or €219 EUR.