The Polaroid I-2 Instant Film Camera Is Expensive, But Worth It

Way More Creative

The Polaroid I-2 is for the imperfectionists — the people who know that sometimes the best shots aren’t planned, they just happen. It’s a camera that embraces spontaneity, but still gives you the tools to be intentional. Unlike most instant cameras that lean into chaos or gimmicks, the I-2 feels like it actually respects both the photographer and the process.

There’s something special about that middle ground. You can take full control if you want — tweak your aperture, adjust the shutter, dial in the focus — or you can let go and let the quirks of instant film do their thing. Either way, the camera meets you where you are. And that’s what makes it so fun to use. It’s not trying to be perfect. It’s trying to be real.

This is where Polaroid shines. The I-2 isn’t just another plastic point-and-shoot. It’s built for people who love the craft, who find joy in experimenting, and who see beauty in the unpredictable. Shooting with it feels like a conversation between you and the scene — a little give, a little take. And when those unexpected moments come together just right, the results are pure magic.

If you're used to the cleaner, more clinical feel of Fujifilm or Kodak's instant offerings, the I-2 feels like a breath of fresh air. Gritty, intentional, and made for people who want to slow down and actually make something. It’s a reminder that photography isn’t always about sharpness or perfection. Sometimes it’s about feeling, and the I-2 gets that.

Lens, Quality, and Performance

Regarding performance, — the I-2 is a clear winner in the Polaroid lineup.

At the heart of it is Polaroid’s sharpest lens yet: a three-element design that uses LiDAR autofocus to lock onto your subject, fast and accurately, even in low light. And while the camera itself isn't glass — it’s a blend of acrylic and polycarbonate — but it performs like a champ and helps keep the price from getting in the near thousands.

Shooting with the I-2 feels really dialed in. The 98mm f/8 lens (roughly equivalent to a 50mm f/2.8 in 35mm terms) opens wider than any recent Polaroid camera — giving you softer backgrounds and that dreamy bokeh you’d never expect from instant film. It makes portraits pop and adds a layer of depth that’s rare in this format. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see this kind of shallow focus in my Polaroid work, and now I want it on everything.

The I-2 is packed with new touches and vibes well with popular film stocks like the i-Type, 600, and the nostalgic SX-70 — which means more room to experiment with different looks. Toss in modern touches like Bluetooth and app support, and you’ve got a camera that bridges analog and digital without losing its soul.

Simply put, this is the most advanced instant camera Polaroid has ever made. It's fast, flexible, and feels like a real tool for creators. If you’ve been waiting for a Polaroid that can actually keep up with your vision, this is it.

Intentional

Shooting with the Polaroid I-2 feels like slowing down in all the right ways. It’s not about snapping quick pics — it’s about being present. Dialing in your settings, framing with care, hitting the shutter with intention. Every shot feels like it matters.

There’s something meditative about it. The click. The whirr. Watching the image slowly appear. It brings back the magic of photography, the kind you feel in your gut. For the first time in a long time, I’m fully back in love with instant film.

What makes the I-2 special is control. Manual everything. You get to shape the photo, not just take it. Whether it’s a foggy morning landscape or your friend’s candid smile, you’re more tuned in, and the photos feel more personal because of it. It’s a camera that asks more of you, but gives more back. Which is kind of the whole point.

Worth The Price?

This camera isn't for folks looking for a simple point-and-shoot experience for parties or wedding receptions. It comes packed with a suite of features beyond just the basics. Its lens and sophisticated internals aren't built for fast, mindless snaps.

However, if you have a taste for top-notch mechanics similar to what you'd see in iconic cameras like the SX-70, the price tag of the I-2 makes sense. It offers the most advanced features yet for an instant-film camera. While Polaroid might release even better products in the future with more attractive pricing, the I-2 is currently unparalleled. For die-hard Polaroid fans or analog lovers wanting something beautifully crafted and reliable, it's a worthy addition to the collection.