I tested Polaroid's smallest instant camera and went through a pack of film in no time
Its compact design makes it a fun travel companion, even if film costs can add up fast.
The Polaroid Go Gen 3 is the company's smallest analog camera yet. It feels unbelievably tiny to hold, weighing just 12 ounces. Its compact size isn't just a novelty either. It makes it easy to travel with, from vacations to adventure days.
Like other Polaroid instant cameras, the Go Gen 3 is primarily focused on producing tangible memories. It still has a few tricks up its sleeve to make the most of a moment. It has a built-in selfie mirror, a self-timer so everyone gets in the shot, and a dual exposure mode for some extra creativity.
The Go Gen 3 is fun to use. I went through the first pack of film in no time. Being so small, it does have some drawbacks for adults with fat fingers. Still, I was able to turn the flash on and off and toggle the dual exposure with minimal effort.
The ins and outs of the Polaroid Go Gen 3 camera
I wouldn't call the Polaroid Go Gen 3 a toy since it retails for $90 and takes real photos, but it also isn't a professional camera in any way. There are no manual controls, unless you count the built-in flash.
To that end, you probably don't need to know that it has a 63.75mm focal length. Or that it has a horizontal and vertical field of view of 38 degrees.
What you do know is that it charges via USB-C and that it uses Polaroid's Go film. That's important because without a few ounces of self-control, you'll be going through the roughly $20 double packs of film, which will get you 16 pictures, very quickly.
Fujifilm's Instax Mini Film is similarly priced but comes with 10 shots per cartridge, getting you four more pictures per pack. There are several Instax cameras, but in general they're bigger and more expensive than the Go 3.
The Go Gen 3 comes in five different colors. The traditional white is straightforward and classy, while the black feels more modern. If you're looking for more fun, there's green and purple, both of which look bold. I tested the blue one and found it to be an ideal mix of business and pleasure. It probably won't unnecessarily draw attention, but it has a pop of personality.
Should you buy the Polaroid Go Gen 3 camera?
It's hard to beat the feeling of snapping a photo and then instantly having something to hold, or give away. It's not for everyday use, but for trips and special events, it can be a game-changer. That's one of the reasons the Polaroid Go Gen 3 is so compelling. Its petite size makes it easy to travel with.
Compared to some of Fuji's Instax cameras, the Go Gen 3 doesn't have as good of optics. But I also don't think that matters much. The point of an instant camera is the memory and the moment, not the finer details of the image quality.
The dual exposure setting is another outlet for creativity, but I wouldn't buy this camera for that reason. A lot of times it’s a guessing game for how two shots layered on top of each other will come out.
Instead, I would pick this camera exclusively for its size and design. It'll be nostalgic for some and just cute for others. It should be fun for everyone.