Why you should NOT buy the Polaroid Go (in 2024). Watch this first (review and experience)!!!

In this video I share my experience with the new Polaroid Go instant camera. I really wanted to love this mini instant camera and the design is fantastic, but I show you my results with image quality and share my honest opinion about buying the Polaroid Go. I also compare the Polaroid Go vs Instax Mini cameras to show you what your options are for the best instant camera out right now.

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[Musicwack]

Never considered this camera but one of my favorite photographers has been posting shots he’s taken with the Go and I was liking the aesthetic. Came across your review since I wanted a deeper look.

So let me get this straight, you explain that a camera with auto exposure, that has a f/12 lens and complain about indoor and darkly lit situations? 😂

First picture which is the selfie, not the best but really not the worst. Almost has the same vibe shown in that official Polaroid sample.

Second photo, you take a mirror selfie with the flash on. You just shot a huge light source right into the camera/meter, what were you expecting?

3rd photo, you shot a white dog laying on white sheets, which is basically a reflector, so again you are just bouncing light back at you. What were you expecting?

4th photo, looks fine.

Lastly the useable shots to you were the ones taken in bright daylight. Uhhh. Yeah cause it’s a f/12 lens…. 🤦‍♂️
And where are those samples? Would have been good for your review.

I appreciate the other parts of the review though, but you sort of dropped the ball with the sample size there.

[coachtomas]

Honestly, I think people are missing the point by a long mile with the Go. How does one person take amazing shots with the Go and the other not ? You have to learn every camera's strengths and weaknesses. Every camera has them. Another point is that I just think you are not familiar with the instant film format and using it. I noticed your only other reviews are of Instax instant cameras which are the polar opposite of the Polaroid aesthetic.

[kfxxx]

I’m only commenting here in case anyone from the future decides to dive into the comments for a second opinion. THIS is the opinion you were looking for. I’ve owned this camera basically since it came out. I’ve shot it in very dark places and I’ve shot it outside. I’ve mostly shot portraits of friends or landscapes. I feel like this review is just based off the opinion of someone who didn’t really know how to approach the type of film, respectfully. Polaroid is known for its quality but also, is more for the people who are passionate about film. I say this because it takes up to 15 min to develop, in this case, for the Polaroid Go. Something to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t shoot from a long distance nor a short one but more so of a arm-length distance. Lighting is very important too. If you’re in a dark space you might want to switch the flash on. This camera is so fun, has a built in timer and can even shoot double exposure! When it comes to Polaroid, you HAVE to be patient. But honestly, if what you’re looking for is a camera to point and shoot and for it to develop super fast, and all you want is a cute instant film picture, then you should consider Fujifilm instead. :)

[ofoosy]

I have this camera, and you hit the nail on the head. I love the format and the design. As I don't like the portrait orientation of Instax mini.
It underexposes anything. Add to that abysmal dynamic range. I love the good ones I get, but that only happens in the middle of the day outside.
Polaroid really needs to get some experienced chemical engineers to redo their formulation overall. But they need to completely relaunch this product.
As it is I've disassembled it to see how it functions and if I can improve anything.

[BeansIgnacio]

At first, I don't like this camera and how the photos turn out. I bought a mini 90 for more accurate photos but later on, I like how the photos are more on polaroid go it gives me a vibe of magic. Unpredictable yet amazing.

[zebare]

I see this model as nothing more than opening the market to people who have never owned an instax or polaroid camera before.
That is, people see this camera and buy it because it stands out so much. Of which they buy a better model after a while.
However i would never view this one as an main polaroid/Instax to bring with.

[katyuha]

You compare a polaroid to instax. What did you expect lol. It's a whole different mechanic
You can't expose the pic to light to make the best results. Plus it's not camera that is designed for flash or indoors. It's supposed to give the nostalgic, beautiful feeling of old polaroid, and it does that. If you want a camera that just prints selfies at home, that ain't the one, and you can't compare it to one.

[jend]

I agree with everything… but, it’s very nostalgic back in the 80’s/90’s they were like this and taking 5-10 min for the pic to show is normal if going for old school. Gotta either love it or hate it, there is no in between

[harrybiscoe]

I'm going snowboarding mid February and wanted to get a Polaroid. Is the Polaroid Go a good choice for this. Stationery photos and indoor photos. Not while I'm snowboarding

Thanks

[waynekinder]

I wish Fujifilm would make a super mini version as this Polaroid is so cute but the film chemistry is nowhere near as good as Instax. I really love the look of this camera though. Such a shame it's basically unusable for its purpose.

[areallyrealisticguyd]

Polaroid clearly didn't test this enough before putting this out in the market. Such a massive middle finger to those who enjoyed spectra and saw it get axed for this. spectra was already a niche in the community but I don't see anyone using this anytime soon unless they made a better camera for the format

[mystdragon]

I have both Polaroid Go and an Fuji Instimax. The Fuji is good and overall I think it is more versatile for taking pictures. The pictures are
Pretty clear and you can pretty mush just start shooting. The Polaroid Go does have a bit of a learning curve, but once you understand when an and wear you can take pictures it is pretty fun and online the old style effect. A lot of my pictures are not sharp if taken from too far away. Up close they are very clear. I think this guys review is mostly right, but he needs to spend more time with the camera to actually point out how good it is when you know what your doing.

[Sabundy]

And Polaroid has still not improved their chemical mix with their instant film while it's still expensive. Whereas Instax film is just more stable, has better colours, and it's cheaper.

[DominicPhillip]

I really want to love this camera but just can't do it.

[sandrinojohnsun]

I love the small size but the photos are so dark. I'll stick with my 600 supercolor

[voldemorthasrisen]

my boyfriend got me this camera for Christmas and I've taken around 10 pictures with it and only 2 of them actually developed well. I made sure to put the pics in a dark place after I took them as well... Most of the pictures came out just dark or dark with brown splotches and it was just really disappointing and not worth the money at all.

[White_Recluse]

Got it at a pawn shop for $40, indoors it sucks unless you’re close to white walls for the light to bounce around they come out dark even in well lit areas.

[finnallen]

Im looking to get one do you think i should get one

[fridawer]

Hi, I wanted to know something: is it normal that the little light on the side, where the USB charging port is, is always on?
I mean even when it should be off.

It turns off by touching the little black button, but then as soon as it moves I hear like a "clack" and it turns on again, without having clicked the button.

I ask, because if not I have to return it 😂

[knoptop]

Great overview! I'd be curious to hear your thoughts if you get a chance to try out the new '2nd gen' Go camera that has just been released!