Kodak Printomatic vs Polaroid Mint Camera: Which should you buy?
Our pick
The Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer is an impressive combination of digital and instant camera. It shoots in three color modes and gives you the option to include Polaroid frames on each print. The flash automatically activates when needed, so you never end up with out-of-focus or darkly lit pictures. The Mint supports microSD cards up to 256GBs, shoots in 16MP, and prints on 2x3 inch Zink paper.
For
- 16 megapixels
- microSD cards up to 256GB
- Shoots in three color modes, optional frame in prints
- Battery lasts up to 50 prints
- Has selfie mirror
Against
- Lacks built-in memory
- Can't print previous digital copies
- Doesn't have scene lighting options
A worthy contender
The Kodak Printomatic is an excellent choice if you're looking for a basic instant camera that's fast and fun. It has an internal memory that stores the last three images taken and also accepts microSD cards up to 32GBs. The Kodak only shoots at 10MPs. That's more than for printing or sharing photos on social media, but it doesn't measure up to the Polaroid's 16MPs or larger microSD storage options.
For
- Six color choices
- Stores last three photos in memory
- Supports microSD cards
- Automatic flash in low light
- No frame on prints so no wasted space
Against
- Only 10 megapixels
- Works with microSD cards up to 32GB
- Shoots in two color modes only, no frames
- Battery lasts up to 40 prints
- No selfie mirror
At first glance in our battle of the Kodak Printomatic vs Polaroid Mint camera, they look surprisingly similar. They're actually quite different on the inside, which is what counts. The better overall camera is the Polaroid Mint. It gives you added flexibility with your prints, has higher resolution, and supports larger microSD cards. That said, if you want an easy-to-use camera for day trips, the Printomatic will do just fine.
Let's break it down
Instant Cameras are making a comeback. With so many choices out there, it's a challenge to pick the best digital camera for your lifestyle and needs. The Polaroid Mint and the Kodak Printomatic are both compact cameras that fit in your back pocket or a travel bag. They also both take excellent photos that are shareable on social media and are printable. There are some differences, though. Here are the specs of both cameras to help you make a more informed decision.
Header Cell - Column 0 | Polaroid Mint Camera | Kodak Printomatic |
---|---|---|
Cost | $50 | $70 |
Dimensions | 3 x 0.5 x 1 in | 1 x 4.83 x 3.11 in |
Colors | Black, blue, yellow, red, white | Blue, green, gray, yellow, black, pink |
Megapixels | 16MP | 10MP |
Onboard storage | No | Last three photos only |
microSD card | Yes, up to 256GB | Yes, up to 32GB |
Different lighting modes | No | No |
Flash | Auto | Auto |
Color modes | Color, B&W, Sepia | Color and B&W |
Frames on prints | Yes, optional | None |
Selfie mirror | Yes | No |
ZINK paper capacity | 10 sheets | 10 sheets |
Battery life | Up to 50 prints | Up to 40 prints |
When it comes down to use and specs in our Kodak Printomatic vs Polaroid Mint camera battle, we favor the Polaroid Mint. Much like to Polaroid Mint Printer, it impresses. With the Polaroid Mint camera, you'll get 16MPs, three color modes, optional frames on prints, a selfie mirror, a flash, and support for large capacity microSD cards. The Polaroid Mint is a fully-featured digital and instant camera that hits well above its price point.
If you don't care about resolution and memory card sizes, the Kodak Printomatic is a good camera that will please first-time shooters. It does store a few images on the internal memory, a feature lacking from the Polaroid. The sensor is 10MPs and delivers sharp, in-focus pictures. And the Kodak supports a 32GB memory card, which is enough space to last an entire day.
Great overall camera
The Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer is our favorite pick for beginners and experts. It shoots at 16MPs, supports microSDs up to 256GB, and gives you shooting flexibility.
A good beginner instant camera
The Kodak Printomatic may be less powerful than the Polaroid, but it's capable of great photos too. Gear toward beginners, you'll get a basic instant camera that shoots in color or B&W, saves photos to microSD, and fits in your pocket.
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Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed. When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.