Polaroid instant cameras allow you to print photos on the spot. The Polaroid Snap and Snap Touch are two of Polaroid’s newest instant camera models. They have some key differences in terms of design, features, and image quality.
In this article, we will compare the Polaroid Snap vs Snap Touch cameras in depth. We’ll look at the specs and features of each model and see how they stack up. Read on to find out which Polaroid instant camera is better for your needs.
Polaroid Snap Overview
The Polaroid Snap is one of Polaroid’s newest and most popular instant cameras. This compact, point-and-shoot camera was released in 2015.
Some key features and specs of the Polaroid Snap include:
- 10 megapixel sensor
- Integrated printer using ZINK zero ink printing technology
- Prints full color 2×3 inch photos with an adhesive back
- Pop-up viewfinder
- Fixed focus lens
- Automatic flash
- Self timer
- MicroSD card slot for saving photos digitally
- Prints photos in less than 1 minute
- Powered by 4 AA batteries
- Available in multiple fun colors
The Polaroid Snap is designed to be an easy to use instant camera for capturing photos on the go. It has a simple point-and-shoot operation. There are only two buttons: one for the shutter and one for the self timer.
Its compact size makes it quite portable. The Snap can easily fit into a pocket or bag. It’s a fun instant camera for parties, travel, and everyday use.
Polaroid Snap Touch Overview
The Snap Touch is a newer and more advanced version of the original Snap camera. It was released in 2017.
Some key specs and features of the Polaroid Snap Touch include:
- 13 megapixel sensor
- 3.5″ LCD touchscreen display
- 1080p HD video recording
- Integrated ZINK photo printer
- Prints 2×3″ full color photos
- Pop-up viewfinder
- Fixed focus lens
- Scene modes and digital effects
- MicroSD card slot
- Tripod mount
- Rechargeable lithium ion battery
- Micro USB charging port
As you can see, the Snap Touch builds on the original Snap with a higher resolution sensor, video recording, scene modes, and a touchscreen interface. The LCD screen allows you to preview shots before printing. It makes the camera overall more versatile for different types of photography.
Design Comparison
In terms of design, the Snap and Snap Touch have some similarities but also some distinct differences.
Size and Form Factor
Both cameras have a rectangular shape in a horizontal orientation. The Snap measures at 4.7 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches while the Snap Touch is just slightly bigger at 4.72 x 2.99 x 1.1 inches. They are both highly compact and pocketable instant cameras.
Buttons and Controls
The Snap has a very minimalist design with just two buttons for the shutter and self timer. The Snap Touch adds more controls like a zoom toggle, playback button, and menu button surrounding the touchscreen. The touchscreen itself acts as a button to change settings.
Displays
The Snap lacks any display. The Snap Touch has a full color 3.5 inch LCD touchscreen that covers the entire back of the camera. This allows you to review shots and access camera settings.
Viewfinder
Both cameras have small pop-up viewfinders located on the left front. They provide a basic eye-level view for composing shots. The viewfinders are tiny and lack any visual settings or info.
Ports
The Snap has a micro USB port for charging and a microSD slot behind a flap. The Snap Touch puts the micro USB port and microSD slot together under one flap on the bottom.
Colors
Polaroid offers both cameras in a variety of fun colors like red, blue, pink, purple, black, white, and more. The color options are essentially the same for both models.
Overall, the designs are quite similar. The Snap Touch adds a more sophisticated look with its LCD screen and extra controls. But both maintain the iconic Polaroid instant camera design.
Image Quality Comparison
When it comes to image quality, there are some notable differences between the Polaroid Snap vs Snap Touch:
Megapixels
– Snap: 10MP
– Snap Touch: 13MP
The Snap Touch has a higher resolution 13MP sensor compared to the 10MP sensor on the Snap. More megapixels allows for larger prints and more detail in photos.
Lens
– Both models have fixed focus lenses without optical zoom. You need to move closer or further to your subject to frame your shot how you want.
ISO
– The Snap has an ISO range from 400-1200.
– The Snap Touch has a wider sensitivity range from 80-1600 ISO.
Higher ISO on the Snap Touch can help in low light conditions.
Shutter Speed
– Snap: 1/60 sec
– Snap Touch: 1/2000 sec
The Snap Touch has a faster max shutter speed which is better for action shots.
Image Effects
– The Snap does not offer any filters or editing options.
– The Snap Touch has digital filters and effects like black and white, vintage, neon, and more that can be applied to photos.
Overall, the Snap Touch produces higher resolution photos with more sensitivity, faster shutter speeds, and creative effects. Image quality is better than the original Snap.
Special Features Comparison
The Snap and Snap Touch have similar instant printing capabilities but the Snap Touch has some additional features that make it more advanced:
Printing
– Both cameras print full color 2×3 inch photos using ZINK Zero Ink sticker paper technology.
– They can produce prints in under 1 minute.
LCD Screen
– The Snap does not have a display screen.
– The Snap Touch has a 3.5 inch capacitive touchscreen that provides a live preview of shots, lets you review photos, and change camera settings on screen.
Video Recording
– The Snap does not shoot video.
– The Snap Touch can record up to 1080p HD video with sound.
Scene Modes
– The Snap has an automatic point-and-shoot operation.
– The Snap Touch offers scene modes for different situations like portrait, night portrait, sports, and parties.
Digital Effects
– As mentioned earlier, the Snap Touch has creative filters and effects that can be added to photos.
Self Timer
– Both cameras have a basic self timer option for hands free group shots. But the Snap Touch adds more self timer duration options.
Connectivity Comparison
In terms of getting photos off the camera, the Snap and Snap Touch both have microSD card slots for saving photos.
However, the Snap Touch adds built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. This allows you to wirelessly transfer photos from the camera to your smartphone or tablet using the Polaroid app.
The Snap lacks any wireless transfer capabilities. It relies on the microSD card to transfer photos to a computer or device.
Battery Comparison
The Snap uses 4 AA batteries to power the camera. You will need to replace them after each set of photo prints.
The Snap Touch has a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery. It charges via micro USB cable. The rechargeable battery is more convenient than buying disposable batteries.
One battery charge lasts for about 60 prints. You can print for 1-2 hours before it needs recharging.
Price Comparison
As a newer model with more features, the Polaroid Snap Touch costs more than the standard Snap. Here is a price comparison:
Polaroid Snap
– Current retail price: $59.99
Polaroid Snap Touch
– Current retail price: $99.99
You can often find both models on sale for less than retail price. But expect to spend around $60 for the Snap and $100 for the Snap Touch.
Conclusion
To recap the key differences between the Polaroid Snap vs Snap Touch:
– The Snap Touch has a higher resolution 13MP sensor compared to 10MP on the Snap.
– The Snap Touch has a more advanced feature set including full HD video, built-in WiFi/Bluetooth, scene modes, effects, and more.
– The Snap Touch adds a 3.5″ touchscreen LCD for previewing shots, reviewing photos, and changing settings.
– The Snap Touch has better low light performance with higher ISO and faster shutter speed.
– Design-wise, the Snap Touch adds more physical buttons and dials around the screen while the Snap has a very minimalist look.
– The Snap Touch uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery compared to the AA batteries required for the Snap.
– The Snap Touch costs around $40 more than the standard Snap.
In summary, the Polaroid Snap Touch represents a noticeable upgrade over the entry-level Snap Instant camera. It captures better quality photos and videos. The touchscreen interface offers a more modern shooting experience. And it packs in connectivity options the Snap lacks.
The Snap remains a decent basic instant camera for those who want point-and-shoot simplicity. But the Snap Touch is the way to go if you want more creative control, connectivity, and performance from your Polaroid instant camera.