Polaroid announces Flip with intelligent flash

Polaroid has announced the Polaroid Flip, a new point-and-shoot instant camera that features a new “scene analysis” tool that alerts photographers when their shots will be under or overexposed.

​The Polaroid Flip is a modern instant camera that combines vintage design with contemporary features. It revives the classic folding design from the early 1980s, featuring a clamshell-style body where the flash folds down to protect the lens and block the shutter button when not in use.

The new Polaroid Flip skips a traditional continuous autofocus system with moving lens elements.

Instead, it uses a unique setup with four fixed-focus lenses, each optimised for a specific distance — 0.65, 0.85, 1.2, and 2.5 metres. These lenses are mounted on a rotating wheel, and the camera uses a sonar sensor to determine the subject’s distance, then automatically selects and rotates the appropriate lens into position for a sharp shot - pretty nifty.

The Flip is compatible with Polaroid i-Type and 600 instant film, and it includes a replaceable rechargeable battery that’s charged via USB-C.

As you might expect, there's also connectivity with the Polaroid mobile app over Bluetooth, which gives access to the camera's full suite of manual controls. 

No local pricing or availability has been confirmed, but the Flip will retail in the US for $199.99. ($315 AUD).

Keep an eye on the local Polaroid website for more info.