Polaroid I Type Vs 600: Ultimate Buying Guide 2026

Both deliver the Polaroid look; i‑Type is modern convenience, 600 is pure nostalgia.
I reach for instant photos when I want memories I can hold. That is where the polaroid i type vs 600 debate really matters. The i‑Type camera feels fresh and foolproof. A 600 camera feels timeless and raw. I’ve shot both at family dinners and street walks. Below I share how each performed, so you can pick the right fit for your style and budget.

Is Polaroid i-Type Good?

Yes, for most people. It suits beginners and casual shooters who want consistent results. The camera charges over USB, the meter is smarter, and the film is usually cheaper. If you want an easy, reliable path into instant photography, i‑Type is the safer bet in the polaroid i type vs 600 choice.

I took the i‑Type to a friend’s birthday. Indoors, the autofocus and flash nailed faces with warm skin tones. Another time, I used it at sunset. The camera balanced the sky and shadows better than I expected. Those tests shaped my take on polaroid i type vs 600: the i‑Type is the modern daily driver.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Rechargeable camera battery; no battery in the film pack
• Dual‑lens autofocus for sharper faces and subjects
• Built‑in flash, self‑timer, and double exposure
• Compatible with i‑Type film (and can use 600 film too)
• i‑Type film is usually cheaper per pack than 600

What I Like

• Consistent exposure indoors and out
• Autofocus delivers clear portraits with less guesswork
• Cheaper film lowers the cost per shot
• USB charging is simple and travel‑friendly
• Double exposure adds creative fun with one button

What Could Be Better

• Large body still feels bulky in a small bag
• Flash can be a bit strong at close range
• No app features unless you buy a Now+ model

My Recommendation

If you want ease, predictable results, and lower film costs, pick i‑Type. It is the practical winner in polaroid i type vs 600 for everyday shooting.

Best For	Why
Beginners	Autofocus and better metering reduce failed shots
Frequent shooters	i‑Type film is usually cheaper per pack
Travel and events	Rechargeable battery and simple controls

Is Polaroid 600 Good?

It depends. If you love the true vintage feel, yes. A 600 camera gives you that classic Polaroid glow and the thrill of shooting on hardware with history. In the polaroid i type vs 600 comparison, the 600 wins on nostalgia and character.

I took a 600 camera to a flea market. The flash gave that thick, dreamy look. People loved the prints. I also tried it on a cloudy day. Results were moodier and less even than i‑Type, but that was the charm. I learned that 600 shines when you want grit and personality over polish.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Uses 600 film with a built‑in battery in every pack
• Classic design and viewfinder feel
• Iconic flash look with strong, punchy highlights
• Simple controls; point‑and‑shoot experience
• Works with many 600 film editions (color, B&W, special)

What I Like

• True vintage aesthetic straight out of the camera
• Every film pack powers the camera; no charging needed
• Fun, tactile shooting experience
• Great ice‑breaker at parties and markets
• Collectible designs with personality

What Could Be Better

• Film costs more per pack than i‑Type
• Many 600 cameras are fixed focus; softer results
• Exposure can be less consistent, especially in low light

My Recommendation

Choose 600 if you love the vintage process and look, and accept higher film costs.

Best For	Why
Nostalgia seekers	Authentic old‑school Polaroid charm
Collectors	Unique bodies and special film editions
Casual party shots	Strong flash creates that vintage pop

polaroid i type vs 600: Side-by-Side Test

I shot both across a week of errands, a coffee date, and a backyard party. Below is how polaroid i type vs 600 compare in real use. These head‑to‑head notes aim to help you pick with confidence.

Image Quality & Look: Which Nails the Moment?

Both share the same iconic frame and 640 ISO chemistry. The look mainly comes from the camera’s optics and flash.

Aspect	i‑Type Camera	600 Camera
Exposure accuracy	More consistent indoors/outdoors	Varies; can run hot with flash
Sharpness	Autofocus helps faces pop	Often softer; some charm
Color	Balanced, neutral warmth	Bold highlights, deep shadows
Consistency	High	Medium

Ratings: i‑Type – 9/10 | 600 – 7/10

i‑Type has the edge for dependable sharpness and exposure across scenes.

Low‑Light & Flash: Who Handles the Night?

Indoors and dusk shots stress instant film. Flash behavior matters.

Aspect	i‑Type Camera	600 Camera
Flash balance	Gentler, more even	Punchy; strong highlights
Handheld night shots	More keepers	More misses without flash
Red‑eye	Less frequent	More common
Ambient detail	Better balance	Often lost to flash pop

Ratings: i‑Type – 8.5/10 | 600 – 7/10

i‑Type wins for low‑light control and more natural indoor photos.

Film & Running Cost: What Will You Spend?

In polaroid i type vs 600, long‑term cost swings the choice for many shooters.

Aspect	i‑Type Camera	600 Camera
Film price	Usually cheaper per pack	Usually pricier per pack
Pack battery	No battery (camera is rechargeable)	Battery in film (adds cost)
Compatibility	i‑Type film; can also use 600 film	Needs 600 film only
Availability	Strong	Strong

Ratings: i‑Type – 9/10 | 600 – 6.5/10

i‑Type is more cost‑effective, especially if you shoot often.

Ease of Use & Features: Which Feels Simpler?

Think about your learning curve and features you will actually use.

Aspect	i‑Type Camera	600 Camera
Focus	Autofocus	Often fixed focus
Creative modes	Double exposure, self‑timer	Basic; varies by model
App control	Only on Now+ models	No
Learning curve	Very easy	Easy, but more trial and error

Ratings: i‑Type – 9/10 | 600 – 7/10

i‑Type offers modern features that help you get more keepers with less fuss.

Speed & Reliability: From Power‑On to Print

How quickly can you get a good shot and trust the gear?

Aspect	i‑Type Camera	600 Camera
Startup	Fast after charge	Instant with fresh pack
Shot‑to‑shot	Quick and steady	Quick; varies by camera age
Ejection reliability	High	Can vary with older rollers
Power risk	Needs charge	Needs a fresh pack battery

Ratings: i‑Type – 8.5/10 | 600 – 7.5/10

Both are fast, but i‑Type is more predictable across packs and conditions.

Portability & Build: Carry and Comfort

Both are chunky compared to point‑and‑shoot film cameras.

Aspect	i‑Type Camera	600 Camera
Weight/size	Bulky but balanced grip	Bulky; boxy nostalgia
Durability	New build, warranty support	Varies by age and condition
Cold weather	Battery can drop faster	Pack battery helps in cold
Maintenance	Minimal	Rollers and internals may need TLC

Ratings: i‑Type – 8/10 | 600 – 7/10

i‑Type wins for new‑camera reliability; 600 can be hit or miss based on age.

Value for Money: What Feels Worth It?

Look at total cost over your first 10–20 packs.

Aspect	i‑Type Camera	600 Camera
Upfront price	New, often bundled	Ranges; often refurbished
Ongoing film cost	Lower	Higher
Keep rate	Higher for most users	Moderate; more variance
Overall value	Excellent for new shooters	Great if you crave nostalgia

Ratings: i‑Type – 9/10 | 600 – 7/10

For most people, i‑Type offers better value across the first year of shooting.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want easy, steady results, lower film costs, and modern features, choose i‑Type. In my hands, it wins most categories in the polaroid i type vs 600 matchup.

If you live for the vintage vibe and do not mind higher film costs or quirks, get a 600. It is the soulful pick in the polaroid i type vs 600 debate.

FAQs Of polaroid i type vs 600

What is the core difference in polaroid i type vs 600?

i‑Type is a modern camera system with a rechargeable battery and cheaper film. 600 is a vintage camera system that needs 600 film with a built‑in battery. Both create the classic Polaroid frame.

Can i‑Type cameras use 600 film?

Yes. Modern i‑Type cameras can shoot 600 film. It works fine but costs more per pack than i‑Type film.

Can 600 cameras use i‑Type film?

No. 600 cameras rely on the battery inside 600 film packs. i‑Type film does not have a battery, so it will not power a 600 camera.

Does one look better in low light?

In my tests, i‑Type handles low light better with more even flash. 600 gives a stronger “vintage pop,” but it can blow highlights more easily.

Which is cheaper to run in polaroid i type vs 600?

i‑Type. The film is usually cheaper, and the camera battery is rechargeable. 600 film includes a battery in every pack, which raises cost.