Polaroid is an icon name in instant shots. It was a common item in many American homes in the late 1900s. Polaroid cameras are still popular, especially around the holidays. Today, we’ll cover the Now+ second-generation model. First, let’s look at a bit of history.

To understand that we should delve into the origin. Social media is now a big part of daily life. If you want to share a moment, you take a photo and post it online. But a few decades ago, this wasn’t possible. Sharing photos meant showing a physical photo album to visitors at home or sending them to your loved ones by mail. The invention of instant photography changed this. Polaroid made it easy for people to take and keep photos right away, making it a major step forward in photography during the 20th century.

Instant photography has changed a lot, moving from Polaroid cameras to modern social digital platforms. Did you know, that Instagram took inspiration from Polaroid films, creating a space to capture, edit, and share moments in a square format like Polaroid prints? These square images became popular and are still tied to the idea of spontaneity. Instagram’s early logo even reflected this connection, as it was based on the Polaroid SX-70 camera. Both Polaroid and social media have influenced how we capture and share life.

I’m glad there’s a device today that connects the past and the present—the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2. This camera keeps the simple joy of classic photography while adding app-based features.

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 is an instant camera that combines analog photography with simple digital features. It has a retro design made from 40% recycled materials, showing a focus on sustainability. The camera is small, lightweight, and comes in classic colors like black, white, and forest green. It uses Polaroid i-Type and 600 films, producing the square prints Polaroid is known for. With a dual-lens autofocus system, it takes clear photos whether you’re shooting close-ups or regular scenes. A rechargeable battery with USB-C charging makes it easy to use and maintain.

The camera connects to the Polaroid app through Bluetooth, adding creative features. These include modes like aperture priority, double exposure, light painting, and manual mode for more control over your shots. It also comes with five lens filters—Starburst, Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Red Vignette—that let you change the look of your photos. Other features include a reliable flash with an override option, a self-timer, and a tripod mount for steady pictures. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 offers a simple and creative way to capture moments while staying true to its classic roots.

Polaroid cameras made photography simple, letting photographers capture memories instantly. The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 combines analog features with modern tools. It’s an easy way to take pictures and enjoy the moment, whether during the holidays or any time.