Polaroid, the most iconic name in instant photography, has announced the I-2, its newest flagship camera and its first-ever to feature built-in manual controls. Also sporting Polaroid's sharpest-ever lens system, the I-2 is positioned to bring new possibilities of creative experimentation to the fun and free play of instant photography.
Elegant and functional, the I-2 was designed and engineered as a tool for serious play. Building on the history of the Polaroid camera, it sports a newly improved lens that is Polaroid's sharpest ever. With a 3-lens continuous autofocus system, the camera's optics allow the photographer to choose the aperture at any focusing distance beyond its minimum of 1.3", making the I-2 ideal for portraiture. The autofocus system is controlled by a high-accuracy IR-based Lidar ranging sensor and stepper motor, giving you more peace of mind than ever before.
The I-2's built-in manual controls can be viewed and adjusted on the external Liquid Crystal Module display, and further monitored through the integrated viewfinder. The lens's apertures run from f/8 to f/64, producing visible bokeh effects at its maximum aperture, while the shutter speed ranges from 1/250 to 30 seconds, with an additional bulb mode.
While the manual mode grabs the headlines, the camera also has auto, aperture priority, shutter priority, multiple exposure, and self-timer modes. Using the I-2 camera with the Polaroid app allows the photographer to fully get under the hood and explore its fullest capabilities, including unlocking full manual controls for the Multi-Exposure mode. Further exposure-shaping options include a built-in flash, exposure adjustment up to 2 stops in either direction, and a 2.5mm port for external flash sync.
Polaroid is further embracing its history by making the camera compatible with its 600 and SX-70 film stocks in addition to its latest generation i-Type film. The brand is also concurrently releasing a suite of vegan leather accessories for the camera, including a shoulder holster, shoulder strap, and carrying case. Other camera features include a lens filter thread mount compatible with 49mm filters, a standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount thread, and an included handle strap for comfortable carry. The camera's rechargeable, internal lithium-ion battery is powered by an included USB-C cable.
With the announcement of the I-2, Polaroid is announcing to photographers of all levels that it wants its cameras and film stocks to be taken seriously as tools for artistic exploration.
For more information about the new camera, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page for the I-2 Camera. What do you think of the new and expanded Polaroid capabilities? Will you be incorporating the camera into your practice? Let us know below!
4 Comments
I busted out laughing when I saw "vegan leather" but then again when you think about which demographic something like this is being marketed to I can see why they wanted to push that. It should come with a coupon for starbucks and a free avocado toast in Williamsburg and they'll sell like hotcakes.
They can't say "vinyl" because the same demographic would freak about petroleum products. : )
Looks great, alas I am strictly left-eyed for camera work, and this looks like that would not do. I hope I am wrong, and I'd note that "vegan leather" accessories are an idiotic pander.
Maybe it IS real leather but the "donor" cows were vegetarians!