One Step Polaroid Camera

Carolyn Blackburn
12 min readMar 17, 2024
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For those who have grown up with Polaroid cameras and cherished the nostalgia of seeing their photos come to life instantly, we have the perfect roundup article for you!

In this article, we’ll be diving into the world of One Step Polaroid cameras, where you’ll discover the best models available and all you need to know about these iconic cameras. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just someone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your photos, this roundup is a must-read!

The Top 6 Best One Step Polaroid Camera

  1. Polaroid Now 2 Instant Camera: Sustainable, Creative, and Fully-Loaded (Black) — Bullseye Target Camera — Polaroid Now 2 Everything Box Black — a sustainable, high-quality instant camera featuring an autofocus 2-lens system and classic design, perfect for capturing memories with 40% recycled materials.
  2. Polaroid One-Step 600 Instant Camera for Kids — Easy-to-Use Point-and-Shoot Fun — Experience the joy of instant photography with the Polaroid OneStep 600 Instant Camera: its focus-free simplicity and built-in automatic flash ensure crisp, vibrant photos at the touch of a button. Perfect for children and photography enthusiasts alike!
  3. Polaroid One-Step Close Up 600 Film Instant Camera — Compact and High-Definition Photography — Capture crisp, vibrant instant memories with the Polaroid One Step Close Up 600 Film Instant Camera!
  4. Effortless, Analogue Instant Photography with Polaroid Now i-Type Camera — Capture memorable moments with the Polaroid Now i-Type Black & White camera, featuring autofocus, built-in flash, self-timer, and double exposure mode for creative effects.
  5. Polaroid OneStep Talking Camera for Instant Film Photos — Capturing memories instantly with the Polaroid OneStep Talking Camera, featuring an autofocus lens, built-in flash, and automatic light control for crystal-clear images.
  6. Polaroid OneStep 2 Instant Film Camera — Mint Edition — Capture timeless memories with the classic, updated Polaroid OneStep 2 Viewfinder Instant Film Camera — featuring a high-quality lens, powerful built-in flash, and a user-friendly design perfect for instant photography on the go.

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Reviews

🔗Polaroid Now 2 Instant Camera: Sustainable, Creative, and Fully-Loaded (Black) — Bullseye Target Camera

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Hey there! I recently had the chance to try out the Polaroid Now 2 Everything Box — Black, and I have to say, I’m impressed. This instant film camera bundle is perfect for those looking to capture memories on paper in a classic, analog way.

The camera comes with a black Polaroid Now 2 instant camera, 16 photo paper sheets, and even a built-in flash for clear photos at night. My favorite feature has to be the 2-lens autofocus system, which lets me take sharp photos from both up close and far away. And if you’re feeling creative, the double exposure function allows you to capture two photos over each other for a unique and artsy look.

One downside? The charging lead that comes with the camera doesn’t include a plug, which can be a pain if you’re on the go. But overall, I think this retro-chic camera is a great choice for those looking to step away from digital photography and embrace the joy of instant memories. I’d definitely recommend giving it a try!

🔗Polaroid One-Step 600 Instant Camera for Kids — Easy-to-Use Point-and-Shoot Fun

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Using the Polaroid OneStep Express was like taking a step back in time, and not just because of its cool-classic design. I bought this instant camera expecting some basic features, but was pleasantly surprised by its focus-free simplicity and light/dark control with exposure compensation. Shooting both indoors and outdoors, I was impressed with how it handled the flash mode — very handy indeed!

However, I couldn’t help but notice a few drawbacks. The close-up feature sometimes struggled a bit with the focus, and occasionally the flash would be trickier to handle in a bright setting. But overall, the camera was a joy to use, and I had lots of fun experimenting with different pictures.

What stood out was its vintage charm and the high-quality snapshots I could take. This camera is like having a piece of history right in your hands, plus the pleasure of being able to print out your favorite moments instantly. It’s a perfect tool for preserving memories in an appealingly old-school way.

🔗Polaroid One-Step Close Up 600 Film Instant Camera — Compact and High-Definition Photography

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I recently tried out the Polaroid One Step Close Up 600 Film Instant Camera, and let me tell you — it was a delightful trip down memory lane! I remember using Polaroid cameras as a kid, but this one had a few interesting updates.

One of the first things that stood out to me was the camera’s compatibility with the Polaroid One Step 600 Film, which is perfect for high-definition instant color prints. The film itself has superior color performance, allowing me to capture vibrant, sharper images.

The camera is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to get started with instant photography. The automatic exposure control ensures that my shots always looked great, whether I was taking them in daylight or under electronic flash.

On the downside, the film can be quite pricey compared to other options on the market. However, the nostalgia and fun factor of using a Polaroid camera definitely make it worth it for some. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at parties!

🔗Effortless, Analogue Instant Photography with Polaroid Now i-Type Camera

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Imagine capturing life’s precious moments in an instant, just like the good old days. With the Polaroid Now, you can do just that with its vintage vibes and classic feels. This instant camera might be made of plastic, but it feels sturdy and durable. It comes with a wrist strap and has mounting loops, making it suitable for both left and right-handed users.

The camera’s design is a mix of the past and present, complete with modern day conveniences like a built-in rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C. You can capture up to 15 film packs on a full charge and enjoy Polaroid’s iconic instant film format. The Now Gen 2 Instant Camera works with both i-Type and 600 Film, and the Everything Box includes 16 sheets of the former for you to start with.

Taking photos with the Polaroid Now is effortless, thanks to its autofocus system, which automatically decides which lens to use for the perfect shot. The built-in flash is bright, but you’ll need to be close to your subjects for optimal results. The front-mounted self-timer is great for group portraits and selfies, giving you a 9-second window to set the scene before the photo is taken.

With the double-exposure mode, you can create dreamy, artistic photos with a unique blend of two images. The camera also has a built-in rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C, making it more than just a moment maker — it’s a life accessory. So, grab the Polaroid Now and start creating memories that will last a lifetime.

🔗Polaroid OneStep Talking Camera for Instant Film Photos

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I recently had the chance to try out the Polaroid One-Step Talking Camera, and I must say, it has been quite the enjoyable experience. This instant film camera, with its sleek and compact design, makes it perfect for capturing those special moments on the go.

One of the standout features I noticed was the frame indicator, which cleverly lets you know exactly how many pictures you have left in the film. This is a helpful tool for ensuring you make the most of your film and avoid any unexpected surprises.

The built-in flash also performed exceptionally well, automatically shutting off to provide the perfect exposure for each photo. This feature guarantees high-quality images every time, without any need for manual adjustments.

Another highlight of this Polaroid camera is its autofocus lens, which captures stunningly detailed and clear pictures. Whether you’re taking a close-up of a flower or a candid shot of your friends, the One-Step Talking Camera delivers consistent, vibrant results.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The camera’s light/dark exposure control occasionally struggled in challenging lighting conditions, sometimes resulting in slightly over or underexposed images. Nonetheless, these occasional hiccups didn’t detract from the overall enjoyable, retro experience of using the Polaroid One-Step Talking Camera.

🔗Polaroid OneStep 2 Instant Film Camera — Mint Edition

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Experiencing the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 Viewfinder Instant Film Camera is a nostalgic journey back to a simpler time. This mint-colored instant camera captures the essence of a simpler life with its simple design and intuitive interface. The fixed focus lens, with a field of view of 41 degrees, ensures you’ll never miss a moment, while the powerful built-in flash, using a vacuum discharge tube strobe, enhances the overall image quality.

The shutter system is designed with precision, using a step motor, making it easy to use and capture the perfect shot. The USB charging cable allows you to keep your camera powered, ready for that perfect shot when you least expect it. However, there might be occasional issues with photo adjustments and overexposure, which can be frustrating.

The one drawback is the high film prices, but once you’re used to it, the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 Viewfinder Instant Film Camera provides an incredible experience for capturing life’s beautiful moments. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, nostalgic device that produces high-quality photos and offers a unique approach to film photography. For those who are after a more modern experience, the Polaroid Originals offers an array of film options to choose from.

Buyer’s Guide

Get ready to capture stunning, analogue memories with a One Step Polaroid Camera. This classic instant camera has been around for decades and continues to be a beloved choice for those who appreciate the nostalgic charm of photo prints. Discover important features, tips, and considerations to make the most informed purchase for your One Step Polaroid Camera.

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Important Features to Consider

Design and Build Quality: Choose a One Step Polaroid Camera with a sturdy, well-built design to ensure a long-lasting and reliable experience. Many modern versions come with ergonomic touches and improved handling, providing a more enjoyable shooting experience. Opt for a camera with an easy to use, intuitive interface for a smoother learning curve.

Considerations for Your Needs

Image Quality: Look for a One Step Polaroid Camera with a high-quality lens that produces clear, sharp images. A higher f-stop rating indicates a greater depth of field, while a larger aperture allows for more light to be captured. Consider the ISO range of the camera, as this will determine how sensitive the camera is to light.

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General Advice for Using Your One Step Polaroid Camera

Practice Proper Exposure: One of the most important aspects of taking great instant photos is proper exposure. Experiment with the available shutter speeds, focusing distances, and apertures to find the best settings for your scene. Remember, instant cameras often use a “sunny” or “cloudy” setting which can greatly affect the image.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Your Photos

Experiment with Different Film: Whether you opt for color or black and white, or even choose a specialized film like sepia, the choice can greatly affect the final outcome. Always ensure to store your film at the recommended temperature and humidity levels to prevent damage or inconsistencies in the final print. Lastly, never forget that instant photography is a rewarding but imperfect art, so have fun and embrace those minor mistakes.

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FAQ

What is the One Step Polaroid Camera?

The One Step Polaroid Camera is an instant photograph camera developed by Polaroid Corporation in the early 1980s. This camera is quite popular due to its simple design and user-friendly features. It allows photographers to take and print instant photographs using Polaroid’s classic film technology. The product has undergone minor changes over the years, but for the most part, it remains the same as when it was first introduced.

This camera comes with a built-in flash and multiple exposure control, making it ideal for capturing candid moments and preserving memories instantly. Its distinctive shape and easy-to-use interface make it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced photographers alike. However, keep in mind that the camera requires Polaroid film, which should be purchased separately and can be quite expensive.

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What are the features of the One Step Polaroid Camera?

The One Step Polaroid Camera has a variety of features that make it an excellent option for both casual and professional photography enthusiasts. Some of its most notable features include a built-in flash and multiple exposure control. The camera can also take color or black and white instant photographs using Polaroid film.

One of the camera’s most loved features is its vintage design. The round, chunky shape of the camera, paired with its classic white exterior, makes it an eye-catching piece. The camera is also quite lightweight, weighing just over 8 ounces, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. The camera’s easy-to-useinterface makes it perfect for children as well.

How does the One Step Polaroid Camera work?

The One Step Polaroid Camera is quite simple to operate, even for those with no prior photography experience. To use the camera, first, take a look at the various settings along the top of the camera. Depending on your desired result, you can choose to take a photo with or without the built-in flash.

Next, insert a Polaroid film into the camera by opening the back and placing the film in the film holder. Once the film is in place, close the back and the camera will automatically set the focus and aperture for the best exposure. Press the shutter button, which is located on the side of the camera, to take your instant photograph. The color or black and white picture will start developing quickly, usually taking around 5 to 10 minutes.

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What type of film is compatible with the One Step Polaroid Camera?

The One Step Polaroid Camera is compatible with a variety of Polaroid films from different eras. Some of the most popular films used with this camera include the Polaroid 600, Polaroid 55, and Polaroid 3000. However, keep in mind that the camera may be compatible with some types of film from other brands, such as Fujifilm and Ilford. Before purchasing any film, make sure to consult the camera’s user manual or do some researchto ensure the film you are buying is compatible with the camera.

Another important note is that the Polaroid film can be quite expensive, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best prices. You can often find discounted film online or at camera shops. Additionally, it’s important to store the film in a cool, dry place when not in use, as extreme temperatures can affect the quality of the film.

Is the One Step Polaroid Camera durable?

The One Step Polaroid Camera is a robust and durable device, designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. The camera’s plastic body may be prone to scratches if dropped, but it’s built to last. It can also withstand a fair amount of water if accidentally splashed. However, like any camera, it should be treated with care and not subjected to extreme temperatures or conditions.

Regular maintenance and cleaning will help to prolong the life of your One Step Polaroid Camera. Keep an eye on the lens and other external parts of the camera, and make sure to clean them regularly to avoid any dust or debris buildup. Additionally, you can purchase a protective case or pouch to further protect your camera from any accidental mishaps.

What are the pros and cons of the One Step Polaroid Camera compared to other digital cameras?

One of the biggest advantages of the One Step Polaroid Camera compared to digital cameras is its instant photograph feature. The camera allows you to capture and print instant pictures on the spot, without the need for a computer or printer. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to create tangible memories instantly, such as special events, birthdays, or while traveling.

Another advantage of the One Step Polaroid Camera is its vintage, retro design. The round shape and classic white exterior make it a unique and distinctive camera, which may appeal to those who enjoy vintage or retro items. Additionally, the camera is quite easy to use, making it a good choice for those who are new to photography or who simply want a user-friendly camera.

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