How do the two generations of the Polaroid Go camera differ?
The Polaroid Go, the smallest instant camera in Polaroid's lineup, has undergone some subtle but important improvements with the second generation. Here is an overview of the main differences:
Optics and image quality
Aperture: The Gen 2 has a larger maximum aperture (f/9) compared to the Gen 1 (f/12). This allows more light to reach the sensor, which can lead to better results, especially in low-light conditions.
Minimum aperture: The Gen 2 also has a slightly smaller minimum aperture (f/42) compared to the Gen 1 (f/52), which can affect depth of field.
Connectivity and charging
Charging port: The biggest difference in terms of usability is the switch from Micro-USB (Gen 1) to USB-C (Gen 2) for charging. USB-C is a more modern and versatile connector that makes charging more convenient.
Design and features
Design: The basic design and features have remained the same for both generations. Both cameras have the same form factor, the same self-timer, the same double exposure function, and the same selfie mirror.
Color options: Color options may vary depending on availability, but generally both generations are available in similar colors. However, there is a blue variant of the 2nd generation.
Film and compatibility:
Film format: Both generations use the same Polaroid Go film format, so there are no differences in film compatibility. The current film for the camera is Polaroid Go Color Film*
Conclusion
The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is an evolution of the Gen 1 with improvements that focus mainly on image quality in low light and ease of charging. If you already own a Gen 1, an upgrade may not be necessary unless you value the mentioned improvements. However, if you are new to the world of Polaroid Go, the Gen 2 is the better choice.
