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.
On Sale Now:
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Josh Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering digital cameras, camcorders, and related accoutrements. His ego is too big for this little box. E-mail Josh.





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by Melodeh
March 23, 2009 3:47 PM PDT
- I think this is a good idea, espcially that you can choose "frames", including one that looks like the classing Polaroid frame.
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Reply to this comment
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(4 Comments)However, it is a bit pricey... But I am pretty excited for it anyway!