Camera
Polaroid unveils the Flip: a tech-packed instant camera made for an analog life
This week, Polaroid announced its Flip point-and-shoot instant camera. In a world overrun by smartphones, digital addiction, and instant gratification in the form of endless online oversharing, the company is attempting to make a case for slowing down, being intentional, and enjoying something more tangible in photography. At its core, the Flip gives you a red button, eight exposures per film pack, and a flippable lid.
The Flip combines several of Polaroid’s legacy technologies with a few modern updates. Its camera is built around a four-lens system that automatically adjusts to one of four preset focus points, depending on the subject’s distance. It measures that distance using sonar, which should provide accurate results — even in low light. This lessens the likelihood of blurry shots and eliminates the need to fiddle with manual settings.
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The last few sentences in the above paragraph are what Polaroid’s press release claims. However, we’d be remiss at DPReview not to attempt to explain how this system works. The Flip uses a sonar sensor to estimate how far away your subject is and then selects one of four fixed lenses preset to specific distances: 0.65m, 0.85m, 1.2m, or 2.5m.
It’s a simplified take on autofocus — rather than continuously adjusting focus for a single lens like most autofocus systems, the camera switches between all the lenses. It works, but it doesn’t mean focus is infinitely flexible. You’ll get clarity across shooting distances, but not the same nuance you’d find in a manual-focus system or smartphone camera.
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Precision isn’t necessarily a top priority for casual use, which this camera is geared toward. Its target audience is likely to use it for in-the-moment experiences. That said, the Flip comes with some cool technical perks. An LED inside the viewfinder acts as a ‘scene analysis’ and lights up when a photo is under or overexposed. The built-in flash adapts based on subject distance and can illuminate a scene up to 4.5 meters away, making it handy in low-light settings.
The Polaroid Flip will be available on April 29th on the company’s main website. It is priced at $199.99. Members get early access starting April 15th. Other retailers will begin selling the camera on May 13th. The Flip is compatible with Polaroid’s i-Type and 600 film. It connects to the Polaroid app via Bluetooth and offers additional manual settings along with remote control of the camera. Bonus features users may appreciate include a Self-Timer mode and the ability to create double exposures.
{PressRelease}
Press Release:
Introducing the Polaroid Flip: The ultimate point-and-shoot instant camera for an analog life
- High quality shots every time thanks to a hyperfocal 4-lens system, sonar autofocus, Polaroid’s most powerful flash and new ‘scene analysis’ feature that warns when photos will be over or underexposed.
- Packed with iconic innovations from Polaroid’s 80-year photography legacy, all in one easy-to-use, point-and-shoot instant camera.
Tech-packed instant camera for sharper shots.
With a flippable lid for ultimate protection, the Polaroid Flip embodies 80 years of Polaroid innovation and iconic features. Flip is the best camera for everyone who wants to get great shots with ease.
- Hyperfocal 4-Lens System for beautifully sharp shots: Four automatically selected sweet spots, depending on the distance to the subject (0.65m, 0.85m, 1.2m, 2.5m) that ensure sharper focus across photography styles.
- Sonar Autofocus ensures your subject is always in focus: Sonar waves to determine subject distance and select the right lens, for maximum focal clarity, delivering crisp focus – even in the dark.
- Polaroid’s most powerful flash for any lighting condition: Located in the Flip’s ‘lid,’ this adaptive flash adjusts power based on subject distance, illuminating up to 4.5m away.
- Scene Analysis for well-exposed pictures, more often: Photographers receive an alert when the photo might be over or underexposed through the viewfinder LED, or when the subject is too close on the ‘lid’ display.
Instant photography over instant gratification.
Polaroid Flip is more than just a camera—it’s an invitation to embrace real-life moments. In this hyper-digitized, constantly doomscrolling, high-anxiety age, the Polaroid Flip offers a way to connect with life’s best moments – the real, tangible, analog ones; with eight pictures in a pack that will connect to life far more than 800 digital ones. Polaroid delivers a true analog experience: photos you can hold forever, not pixels lost in the cloud or forgotten on a phone. The Flip invites creators to simply live a life worth capturing, then click the Flip’s iconic red shutter button.
Available from April 29
The Polaroid Flip will be available for €219 / $199,99 / £199,99 / CNY 1699, with early access for members starting April 15. It launches on polaroid.com on April 29 and in retailers from May 13. Compatible with Polaroid i-Type & 600 film, the Flip is USB-C rechargeable and comes with a neck strap. It connects to the Polaroid app via Bluetooth®, offering newly optimized manual settings through the app, allowing full remote control. Additional features include Double Exposure and a Self-Timer mode, giving creators even more creative freedom.
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| Photo: DPReview |
This week brought a wave of firmware updates from Sony and Nikon, targeting full-frame and APS-C models. Sony released new software for the a7C, a7 III and ZV-E10, delivering stability improvements and minor tweaks. Nikon released updates for its flagship mirrorless Z9 and the newer Z50II, aiming to refine performance and fix a few lingering bugs. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new.
Sony
a7C updates for Version 2.01 (Mac) and (Windows)
a7 III updates for Version 4.02 (Mac) and (Windows)
ZV-E10 updates for Version 2.02 (Mac) and (Windows)
- Allows the camera to display a notification when new software is available
WPA and WEP functionalities are no longer supported. - You can no longer select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 moving forward.
- Improves the operational stability of the camera.
- Note: This update is only available for Windows and macOS. A memory card version is not provided.
Please note: the firmware updates are identical across these three camera models.
Nikon
Z9 updates for Version 5.20 (Mac) and (Windows)
- Added support for “NX Field,” a remote shooting system for corporate users. Note: “NX Field” app for smart devices may not be available in some countries and regions.
- Renamed d14 [Display on during burst] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
- Fixed the following issues:
- Pressing the playback button after repeatedly shooting bursts would in rare cases corrupt the display of all images.
- In rare circumstances, optimal exposure could not be achieved during burst shooting after changing the exposure in mode M.
- In synchronized release, pressing the shutter-release button of the master camera halfway initiated autofocus on the remote camera with the following setting selected. ▸ [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > a6 [AF activation] > [AF-ON only]
Z50II updates for Version 1.01 (Mac) and (Windows)
- Pre-Release Capture is now available using a SmallRig SR-RG2.
- Added “русский” (Russian) to [Language] in [SETUP MENU] for Z50II cameras sold in the Middle East region.
- Renamed d13 [Display on during burst] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
- Fixed the following issues:
- In rare cases, the camera would stop responding when it was reconnected to SnapBridge after it was connected to Nikon Imaging Cloud while connecting to SnapBridge.
- In synchronized release, pressing the shutter-release button of the master camera halfway initiated autofocus on the remote camera with the following setting selected:
▸ [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > a6 [AF activation] > [AF-ON only]
That’s it for this week. Make sure to check in every Friday, from here on out, for a round-up of firmware updates on all major camera models. Have a great weekend!
The photography industry has weathered economic uncertainty, technological disruption and rising operational costs. However, according to Zenfolio’s newly released 2025 State of the Photography Industry report, conducted in partnership with other creative businesses including Format, ShootProof and Professional Photographers of America (PPA), it’s also finding strength through adaptability, community and more thoughtful business strategies.
Now in its 6th consecutive year, the report draws on insights from more than 4,500 photographers in 70 countries. North Americans accounted for 79% of the participants, while photographers from Korea and Bolivia chimed in for the first time. The findings reveal an industry in transition but not in retreat.
One of the standout trends is the return to personalized service. Photographers who conduct viewing appointments after a shoot see as much as 20% more revenue than those who rely on online delivery alone. “Clients value the personal touch,” the report notes, adding that face-to-face sessions create opportunities to upsell prints and foster long-term relationships.
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A sign of the times? Full-time, self-employed work is on the rise compared to part-time.
Copyright: © Zenfolio |
As it turns out, adaptability pays off. Photographers who expanded their service offerings by pivoting to additional genres such as corporate headshots, drone photography, newborn portraits or sporting events were often rewarded with lucrative revenue streams. The report highlights that being open to last-minute gigs and unfamiliar styles that breach one’s comfort zone is now a competitive advantage instead of a compromise.
Nevertheless, the financial pressure is real. Between 65 and 70% of photographers reported increased business costs in 2024, including equipment and insurance. Zenfolio encourages professionals to revisit their pricing strategies and delivery models. Many new photographers still rely on selling digital files, but seasoned pros continue to profit from print sales. Print credits and tiered packages are recommended methods for boosting margins.
Technological change, particularly AI, is also reshaping the industry. Rather than replacing photographers, AI tools are helping them streamline their workflows. From culling and editing to delivering final images, that efficiency frees up more time to focus on the creative vision and client service that can’t be automated.
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AI tools help with workflow so photographers can focus on other aspects of the business, especially creative vision.
Copyright: © Zenfolio |
Drone photography was introduced to the survey for the first time this year. The findings include that it is not only gaining traction but outpacing smartphone use among professional photographers. While the adoption of mirrorless cameras saw a slight dip, traditional cameras remain dominant.
Finally, the report underscores a less tangible but perhaps more critical theme: the value of community. From online forums to local peer groups, photographers who engage with one another are more likely to grow in business, confidence and creativity. State of the Photography Industry 2025 is free to view and includes helpful advice and actionable tips.
Nikon’s been on a roll this week. Following firmware updates for the Z9 and Z50II, the company released version 2.3.0 of NX Tether, its free tethered shooting software. NX Tether allows photographers and videographers to connect their Nikon camera directly to a computer for real-time control over focus, exposure, white balance and more, all while using a larger screen for improved precision.
Users can download and enhance photos on their computers, as NX Tether is compatible with Nikon’s NX Studio and third-party tools, including Adobe Lightroom and Capture One. This latest update enhances compatibility and introduces new features that streamline studio and on-location workflows. Let’s take a look at some of the updates:
- Expanded Camera Support: NX Tether 2.3.0 makes tethered shooting available for Nikon Z5II users.
- Live View Accessibility: Live view functionality is now available when connected to a Nikon Zf.
- Framing Guide Display: The addition of a framing guide in the live view window helps with precise composition, which is especially beneficial for video shoots and detailed product photography.
- Power Zoom Position Memory: Users can save and load power zoom positions on compatible models like the Z9, Z8, and Zf, for consistent framing across sessions.
- Pixel Shift Photography: Enhanced support for pixel shift photography is available on the Z8 and Zf, enabling higher-resolution imagery.
- Slow-motion Video Recording: The Zf now supports slow-motion video recording.
- Birds Detection Feature: The Zf now supports the “Birds” detection feature, which improves autofocus performance when photographing avian subjects.
NX Tether’s interface mirrors the controls found on Nikon cameras. The application is compatible with macOS versions Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, and Ventura 13, as well as Microsoft’s Windows 10 and 11 software. Full details on camera compatibility can be found on Nikon’s website.
Nikon’s NX Tether 2.3.0 offers updates that enhance the tethered shooting experience, especially for users of the Z5II and Zf models. It’s a valuable and free tool for photographers and videographers looking for efficient, real-time control over their cameras.
For a visual overview of NX Tether’s capabilities, you may find this demonstration from Nikon’s YouTube page, recorded last year, helpful:
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