Polaroid’s Analogue ‘Flip’ Point-and-Shoot Camera Launches on 13 May

• The Polaroid Flip will launch on 13 May for AUD$399
• The Flip’s film will only allow users to print 8 images per pack
• It’ll be available at tech and camera retailers, including JB Hi-Fi, Myer, and Walkens

If you’re longing to return to the good ol’ days of point, shoot, and print cameras, Polaroid has come through with the goods. The new Polaroid Flip is very much a modern evolution of what the company is known for – delivering what the brand is calling the “ultimate point-and-shoot instant camera for an analogue life”.

Available starting 13 May, the Flip will cost US$399 and has been designed purposefully to help users embrace a slower, more intentional photography experience.

Alongside a fantastic design language, the Flip uses ‘Polaroid Film Packs’ (specifically i-Type and 600 film) to create physical printouts of photos. It’s worth noting that those packs only allow a user to capture and print eight photos – which Polaroid is betting will help users better connect with their work, rather than capturing as many takes of a particular photo as they want or need. Here, you’ll want to be sure you have the right angle, light, and subject before you point-and-shoot.

In saying that, the camera is going to do its part to make sure those limited photos are as good as they can be, with some major tech packed into what looks like an old-school frame.

Specifically, the Polaroid Flip utilises a hyper-focal 4-lens system, which will automatically detect and select ‘sweet spots’ depending on how far away the main subject is, alongside Sonar Autofocus, which helps to ensure that what you want in focus is indeed in focus before you pull the trigger.

What’s interesting here is that since the camera focuses based on sonar, rather than light, it can focus even in darker environments, and thanks to the Flip’s impressive flash (Polaroid’s most powerful ever, so they say), the camera can take pretty mean shots even at night.

Plus, when using the camera’s viewfinder, you’ll be warned if the shot is over or underexposed, or when the subject is too close. All good things to make sure you really don’t mess up that final shot you have on hand.

The camera will also connect to the Polaroid app, which will allow users to switch settings around as they want, including a fully controlling the camera from afar if you’re after a group shot or a selfie.

As mentioned above, the Flip will launch on 13 May for AUD$399 – and though Polaroid members can potentially get their hands on one earlier through the Polaroid site, it’ll also be available at most camera and tech retailers – including JB Hi-Fi., Myer, and Walkens.