A Serious Tool for Free Play
Polaroid's first analog instant camera with built-in manual controls, the I-2 is engineered for the creative experimentation and free play of photographers of all experience levels. Featuring a 98mm f/8 lens for producing beautiful bokeh effects, six shooting modes including full manual and multiple exposure, a viewfinder with an integrated display of the camera settings, a flash sync port for syncing external strobes, and compatibility with i-Type, 600, and SX-70 Polaroid films, the I-2 is a serious tool for creating one-of-a-kind images.
Finally, Built-In Manual Controls
Long the purview of artists, independent tinkerers, and aftermarket retailers, built-in manual controls have finally arrived in an official Polaroid camera. The ability to control light is the foundation of the photographer's craft and the I-2 camera was designed to deliver that control with selectable shutter speeds between 1/250 to 30 seconds and apertures between f/8 and f/64. A bulb mode is also available for exposures longer than 30 seconds. This precision opens the door to bokeh effects, selective lighting techniques, motion blur, and more.
Beyond the full manual mode, the camera also features a full auto mode, aperture and shutter priority modes, a self-timer, and a multiple exposure mode, which allows for the stacking of between two and four shots on a single piece of Polaroid film. The six modes put the full array of analog photography's creative possibilities at the shooter's fingertips.
The camera's settings and light meter readings are featured on both the external AMOLED and viewfinder-integrated displays. To set the exposure, the camera uses a center-weighted single zone metering system that covers 60% of the optical viewfinder's field-of-view. This can then be adjusted up two stops in either direction in 1/3 increments using the EV Switch at the base of the lens. More light can be added with the camera's built-in flash, and the 2.5mm external flash sync port unlocks the unlimited creative lighting potential of off-camera strobes.
Polaroid's Sharpest-Ever Lens
The I-2 features Polaroid's most advanced lens system yet, a continuous autofocus 3-lens system that uses a LiDAR ranging sensor to lock on a subject and deliver the sharpest results yet. Powered by a stepper motor, the autofocus frame at the center of the viewfinder determines and displays the distance from focal plane to the subject, which can be locked along with exposure by half-pressing the shutter button. The 98mm, f/8 lens has an antireflective coating that reduces glare and ghost images while the focal length and maximum aperture combine to generate more depth of field, producing high-quality bokeh effects and emphasizing the camera's portraiture capabilities. The lens also features a built-in 49mm filter thread mount for applying screw-on lens filters, another first for Polaroid cameras.
Body Design and Connectivity
Engineered for Experimentation
The I-2's sleek black form balances the history of Polaroid camera design with the new camera's advanced functionality, specifically reducing the shoulder size to accommodate the improved lens. The new optical viewfinder is bigger and brighter than ever while also delivering all the relevant exposure information. At just under 20 oz, the stainless steel and aluminum alloy build has heft without being heavy, and the optional vegan leather shoulder holster, shoulder strap, and carrying case are all viable branded accessories for travel or everyday carry. The camera's high-end build, handling, and shooting experience accentuate Polaroid's dedication to creating high-end results.
Expanded Capabilities in the Polaroid App
Using the I-2 with the Polaroid app allows you to get under the hood and exploit the camera's fullest capabilities. All the camera's manual controls are visible and manageable through the app, which can also act as a shutter trigger. The app also makes the self-timer available to all modes and opens the multi-exposure mode to full manual control. The app, which connects to the camera via Bluetooth, also enables firmware updates.
Additional Features
- Backwards compatible with Polaroid 600 and SX-70 film stocks in addition to the contemporary i-Type film
- Powered by an internal lithium-ion battery rechargeable via the included 4' USB-C cable
- Included hand strap for everyday handling and quick shooting access
- The I-2 features a standard 1/4-20 tripod mount, essential for low-light and long-exposure features