Hello. You may remember my previous comparison posts of Polaroid Flip vs Instax SQ6 (see my profile).

I’ve had the Polaroid Flip for about 6 months. 

I just got an I-2 last week for my birthday, so I thought I would do another comparison post. This time between Polaroid Flip vs Polaroid I-2.

These are rough comparisons, because it’s not super scientific. I don’t use a tripod, and I know this changes the framing and movement which can affect how the cameras adjust for contrast and motion. Also, I am still learning how to compensate for the different viewfinders, so this also affects framing. 

What I tried to keep the same:

\- All the photos were taken on auto mode.

\- All photos were taken from the same foot position.

\- Sadly, I didn’t grow taller every shot. :) So all photos taken at about the same height too.

\- All photos were turned face down when they came out of the camera, and processed in my insulated lunchbox with hand warmers. (The temperature was about 30F/0C at 5700 ft/1750m elevation.)

My initial observations is that it is easier to frame shots with the Polaroid Flip (this may be because I have used it longer though). But the I-2 has sharper focus and more vibrant colors in its shots. 

I’ve taken some amazing shots on the Flip in the past. And although I am loving my new I-2, I would recommend the Flip as the “better value” camera to go with unless:

\- Money is not a concern: The Flip is around $200 and can take some very beautiful photos. The I-2 is around $600, so it is a big jump.

\- Manual controls are important to you: It is much easier to adjust settings on I-2. Although you can do it on the phone for the Flip, it’s an extra step and a bit annoying. I have never used manual controls on the Flip. I am just starting to use the manual controls on I-2, because it’s more accessible. 

\- You take pictures in more complex light conditions: The Flip allows you to use buttons to dial -1/2 and +1/2 EV, but to go farther in either direction, you need to use the app. The I-2 allows you to use a dial for -2 through +2 EV. This is a small difference, but can really affect what kind of light conditions you can shoot in.

\- You shoot through windows and glass often, like on trains or from elevated buildings. The Flip uses sonar that focuses on the window instead of the scenery; you can change the focus to infinity using the app, but it is a bit annoying. The I-2 uses lidar, so it doesn’t have the same issue with clear obstacles. 

\- Filters and accessories matter to you for artistic shots. There are more filters and accessories available for I-2, and the lenses have a 49mm thread for filters. Whereas the Flip have fewer options like that available, and I haven’t figured out a way to use filter lenses with the Flip. 