Polaroid I-2: One-minute review
Polaroid has a long and winding history.
Quite the tumultuous journey.
Its also well connected, working with the Polaroid smartphone app via Bluetooth to enable remote shooting.
(Image credit: Future)
But that doesn’t mean it’s lost its retro charm.
And I have to say that I agree.
That said, the I-2 hasn’t been designed for mass-market, Instagram-generation appeal.
The main selling point of the I-2 is its manual exposure controls.
The aperture ranges from f/8 to f/64, while the shutter speed range is 1/250 sec to 30 seconds.
Autofocus is another standout feature of the I-2.
It’s a three-lens autofocus system, and the focal length is fixed at 98mm.
The app is also useful for remote operation with the camera on a tripod.
Theres nothing too complicated about the body itself.
The large viewfinder is also at the back, while underneath there’s a tripod mount.
On the lens itself, you get the exposure compensation switch, plus the selection dial for tweaks.
So how is the image quality?
What of the manual exposure controls?
It’s a slightly mixed bag, in my opinion.
The autofocus is pretty much spot-on, as I’ve already alluded to.
It helps that when focus is achieved, the distance is shown in both the viewfinder and the display.
In any instances where my photo wasn’t sharp, it was due to a too-slow exposure.
The self-timer option also went without a hitch, which makes it easy to shoot selfies and group shots.
(Image credit: Future)
I also tested the Polaroid I-2 with B&W i-jot down and Blue 600 film.
Should I buy the Polaroid I-2?
Detail is good in instant camera terms, anyway.
(Image credit: Future)
At more than $2 / 2 a shot, it’s more expensive than Fuji’s Instax series.
For something smaller and more travel-friendly, check out the tiny Polaroid Go.
First tested October 2023.
(Image credit: Future)
The Polaroid app lets you see and change settings on a larger screen, plus scan in your photos. The connectivity over Bluetooth was pretty seamless
Polaroid has created a clear and well-designed paper pullout, with a diagram listing all the buttons
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
(Image credit: Lauren Scott)
