Instant cameras, or also known as Polaroid cameras, are shooting apparatus that will self-develop and print photos right after you click them. Before the invention of DSLRs, high-end smartphone cameras, and point-and-shoot cameras, instant cameras were considered the most advanced type of cameras. However, the rise of digital photography has rendered them quite obsolete.
In recent years, there was a surge in the popularity of vintage items, which opened the doors for a comeback of the gadget. This special camera has captured the hearts of young and enthusiastic shutterbugs because it offers instant gratification. Plus, who would not want a camera that offers instant photo printing.
Now, there are a lot of Polaroid cameras in the market today. While you can choose any, based on your preferences, there are two that have managed to capture the attention of people – the Polaroid Pop and the Snap Touch. These cameras are considered some of the top models in the market today and still growing in popularity.
Before we dive into the comparison between these two instant cameras, let us know some basic information about them individually.
Polaroid Pop
The Polaroid Pop is a Zink (Zero Ink) printing camera that is fitted with modernized functionality and specs. However, it does not mean that the camera has cut down on the nostalgia factor. This camera is considered a powerhouse of photographic technology.
The camera will provide you with a positive experience. The small size allows you to carry it conveniently and fitted with a 20MP sensor. The square-shaped body is very lightweight. The selling point of this camera is the instant printing feature, which is much better than other types of Polaroid cameras. The print quality has improved significantly, thanks to the next-gen instant print cartridge. The colors are accurate and the lighting and exposure adjustment are automatic.
The touch screen display measures 3.97-inches and has the ability to mark up and edit the photos quickly. The Pop is also fitted with modern features like a digital zoom and image stabilization. Additionally, there are also various onboard effects and filters, which are some cool features.
The camera can be synced to your phone via the dedicated app, which will allow you to print any photo on your smartphone on the camera within a few seconds. This app does not crash and connects to the camera just as easily.
Polaroid Snap Touch
The Polaroid Snap Touch can be considered as a type of digital camera that can either print your pictures right away, or you can save them later for editing if you are not happy with the first attempt. The camera can be connected to your smartphone with ease and also has an oozing retro charm.
The Snap Touch is an updated version of the Original Snap, which costs about $97; the latest Snap Touch costs $243. This price difference can only be explained as the number of added features in the latest version.
The look of the Snap Touch is almost the same as its predecessor – smooth curves and the iconic Polaroid strop out of the lens. The specs are very nice as well – 3.4mm, f/2.8 lens, 13MP 1:2/3-inch CMOS sensor. The physical shutter button is available, and the rest of the controls can be accessed via the 3.5-inch touch screen. Inside, you will see the ZeroInk paper tray, which can hold roughly about ten ZSInk sheets.
The Snap Touch also has its dedicated app that can be downloaded for your Android device. The app will allow you to save the photos for later viewing or print pictures in your smartphone out of the camera.
Comparison: Polaroid Pop VS Snap Touch
Now that you know some basic information about both instant cameras, let us compare them in details:
Basic parameters
The Polaroid Pop and Snap Touch cameras are compact Polaroid cameras. The resolution of the Snap Touch is 13-megapixel whereas the Pop has a rating of 20-megapixel. This means that the Pop has a 54% higher resolution than the Snap Touch, which makes it better in comparison.
Video
Both instant cameras are capable of recording HD and full-HD video. Recording videos is a very new feature that is not fitted in most Polaroid cameras. Thankfully, these two cameras have this feature, which makes them stand out from their peers.
Display
The display size of the Polaroid Pop is 3.97-inches, which is 13% larger than the Snap Touch with 3.5-inch display size. Additionally, both cameras have touch control support as well. This means you can control the aspects of the camera via the touch screen.
Lens and sensor
Both cameras have the CMOS sensor type. However, only the Polaroid Pop is fitted with an optical stabilizer, which reduces the blurring associated with the motion of the camera during the exposure.
Connectors
The Snap Touch and the Polaroid Pop both have a USB connector. This means you can the cameras can be linked to your computer or laptop device for transferring the photos and/or videos.
Additional features
Both cameras have in-built GPS support, which will pinpoint the location where the photo has been clicked. Out of the two, only the Polaroid Pop has Wi-Fi support that will allow you to connect the device to your smartphone to transfer photos from the camera for editing purposes or later viewing. As for Bluetooth, both cameras are fitted with support.
Dimensions and weight
Both cameras weigh approximately 500g. The height of the Snap Touch is 45mm while the Pop measures 147mm. The Snap Touch is 69% lower than the Pop. The width of the Pop is 119.5mm, which is 0.5% narrower than the Snap Touch (120mm).
Approximate price
The Pop is priced at $317, which is 23% more expensive than the price of the Snap Touch ($243).
Final thoughts
If you are looking for a camera that provides better overall performance, the Polaroid Pop is the clear winner. However, if you are looking for something that provides something more advantageous in terms of price/performance, then it is recommended that you opt for the Polaroid Snap Touch.
