Polaroid Unveils the I-2 High-End Camera
The new Polaroid I-2 combines historic analog experience with current camera technology to set a new standard in instant photography. The I-2 offers extraordinary image quality and gives photographers the tools they need to master their trade, thanks to the sharpest Polaroid lens ever made and built-in manual controls.
“For a long time, it was our dream to make a high-end Polaroid camera and give people more choice in the world of analog photography – a choice that many passionate photographers told us they were craving,” said Polaroid Chairman, Oskar Smolokowski. ” To develop the I-2, we expanded our engineering team and spent more than four years designing and finessing every element. It is the most capable camera we’ve ever made and a true milestone in our journey.”
The I-2’s heart is a continuous focusing three-lens system capable of producing the finest shots of any Polaroid instant camera for integral film, while a wide aperture produces a stunning depth of field. The lens was created in collaboration with Japanese optical engineers who have decades of expertise making high-end analog goods.
The autofocus uses the lens’s LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor to precisely measure the distance to the target and auto-adjust the lens, assuring accurate focus. LiDAR allows for greater focusing distances and is reliable even in challenging scenarios with high or low light conditions.
The Polaroid I-2 is the first integral film camera with built-in manual controls, allowing for greater creative freedom. A large, bright viewfinder provides a typical optical experience, while an incorporated display communicates camera settings. The camera has direct access to shutter speed, aperture size, and six different shooting modes.
The Polaroid I-2 is the first instant camera compatible with i-Type, 600, and SX-70 film and has a built-in lens thread attachment compatible with 49mm filters, expanding photographers’ creative options.
The I-2’s design is a celebration of its utility. The appearance is designed around the lens and the manual controls of the camera. It is built of high-quality materials and has a contemporary appearance while staying distinctively and unmistakably Polaroid.
The Polaroid I-2 is designed for the digital age, with Bluetooth connectivity and an accompanying software that permits firmware changes over the air as well as complete remote control of the camera.
The first artists to use the new I-2 camera were Coco Capitán, Kotori Kawashima, and Max Siedentopf. Polaroid commissioned their work for the “Imperfectionists” campaign, which was created to commemorate the debut of instant photography as a creative medium that is wonderfully unpredictable and imperfect.
“I am not interested in perfection. Chaos. Spontaneity. Randomness. That’s where reality exists,” remarks Coco Capitán, the celebrated Spanish artist. “Working with the I-2 and the Polaroid film is remarkable. As a creative tool, it has a lot of capabilities, while you cannot always predict what the photo will look like. Every shot is unique, and the process is as meaningful as the result.”
Polaroid I-2– key features
- Lens: 3-element lens with continuous autofocus system. Capable of ƒ/8 aperture across 0.4m (1.3′) ~ ∞ range controlled via a stepper motor. Material: optical grade polycarbonate and acrylic with anti-reflective coating.
- LiDAR: high accuracy ranging system.
- Built-in manual controls: camera mode, flash mode, distance to the object, shutter speed, aperture, and light meter indicator value are selectable on the camera and communicated through an integrated viewfinder display and external OLED display.
- Camera modes: auto, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, self-timer, multi-exposure.
- Flash: vacuum discharge tube strobe, 2.5m (8′) range. Accurate, human-friendly flash system.
- Design: Modern design that echoes past iconic Polaroid machines. The technical requirements and the lens dictate the camera’s shape. The exterior is made of high-quality ABS and PMMA plastic that is more impact-resistant and finished with a special coating giving it a premium look and feel.
- UX design: working with I-2 is engaging, I-2 technical performance is ‘on the surface – complexity is highly accessible.
- Premium materials: ABS, PC, PMMA, Aluminum Alloy.
- Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via USB-C – 15-pack battery life.
- Compatible with Polaroid i-Type, 600, and SX-70 film.
- App-enabled: download iOS or Android Polaroid App to enable full remote control and firmware updates via OTA Bluetooth.
- Tripod mount: standard 1/4-20 UNC thread.
- Built-in lens filter thread mount. Compatible with 49mm filters.
- Compatible with external flashes through 2.5mm audio mono jack flash sync interface.
The Polaroid I-2 camera is available starting today for $599.99.
