Polaroid PoGo camera: Big, boxy, lots of fun

(Credit: Polaroid)

People are still lamenting the passing of Polaroid Instant Film into history, but thanks to technology featured in its tiny portable PoGo printer launched in 2008, the company is offering a new shoot-and-print option: the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera. And despite its parent company's woes, Polaroid has no intention of curtailing product plans in 2009.

Plans for a 21st century Polaroid camera were announced in August 2008, but the product itself was announced at CES 2009.

The camera, which has a certain retro boxiness to it, is pretty big in comparison to most point-and-shoots with its camera specs. The 7-megapixel camera/printer measures 4.7 inches wide by 3 inches high by 1.3 inches deep and weighs 10 ounces--without paper, battery, or SD card. Keep in mind though: the original instant-print cameras didn't fit in a coat pocket, but this one does.

There's a 3-inch LCD on back and controls are simple. The only disappointment is the lack of an optical zoom, likely due to space constraints (there's a 4X digital zoom, though).

The camera uses Polaroid's Zink (zero ink) 2-by-3-inch paper. The LCD simply pops up, you insert a deck of 10 sheets, and you're ready to go. Shoot something you want to print? Hit the Print button on back, pick the photo, and press OK. In less than a minute you have a print.

I have had a chance to play around with the camera and I've got to say that it's a lot of fun, but definitely not for everyone. The print quality is just OK, which for a photo that small is fine (though I hope Polaroid can figure out how to do larger print sizes). Also, the camera itself is comparable with any other inexpensive 7-megapixel camera.

No pricing was announced, but I would guess it to be around $200 when it ships in spring 2009.

[invisible21]

I was at the show and heard one of the Reps demo-ing the product say that the MSRP would be $199, so you're $200 guess seems pretty informed. All-in-all, not my cup of tea but it seems like a reasonable price for being a camera/printer in a (large) pocket size.

[txcrude]

And here I thought Polaroid was dead with the demise of their instant cameras and film, and now they present this 21st century version of their old Instant cameras. Not sure how useful this will be as you can get a better digital camera for $100-150 and a small portable printer like the Canon SELPHY for about $70 which can print 4x6 color prints in a much better quality.

[lunafusion]

I think this is a great idea. For my wedding I am going to purchase one so I can have someone take my guests pictures to put in the guestbook as they sign it. The adhesive backing on the paper is an awesome idea. It will be great. I was actually thinking about using my dad's old polaroid, this is a much better option. :)

[Melodeh]

I think this is a good idea, espcially that you can choose "frames", including one that looks like the classing Polaroid frame.
However, it is a bit pricey... But I am pretty excited for it anyway!