Should you get the Kodak Printomatic or the Polaroid Mint Camera?
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Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer
Our pick
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Lacks built-in memory
- Can't print previous digital copies
- Doesn't have scene lighting options
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.
Kodak Printomatic
A worthy contender
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
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.
At first glance, the Polaroid Mint Camera and Kodak Printomatic 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 understand which features fit your lifestyle best. 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.
| 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, we favor the Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer over the Kodak Printomatic. With the Polaroid Mint, 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 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.
Polaroid Mint Camera & Printer
Our pick
$50 at Amazon $107 at Newegg $100 at Home Depot
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.
Kodak Printomatic
Budget pick
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.