Home > Consumer Reviews > Polaroid i-zone Translucent Pocket Instant Camera, Phat Blue

As advertised on TV and true to the original, the Polaroid I-Zone is instant fun and simple to use.

Even better, the plastic camera is fairly inexpensive (about $20) and really cool looking (think: VW Bug meets the iMac). Image quality and exposure are surprising good for a tiny plastic lens. In addition, the I-Zone comes with a built-in flash.

The caveats:

1. The film is expensive (about $5/shot!) which really adds up after awhile. 2. The prints are really really small (postage stamp size). 3. No negatives, so forget about making re-prints. 4. It leaks (somewhat) caustic goo on you.

All told, think of it as a toy and give it a whirl. For $20, you can't lose.

No big promises here other than this will add enjoyment to trips, vacations, big dinners, etc -- it is portable candy. It is also a good to have around the house in the way that it is good to have a roll of electrical tape -- it comes in handy for doing odd jobs like a kid's class project that reqs pictures, etc. The film is about $8 for 12 exp -- a little less than a buck a print. Even if you factor in the cost of printing regular film this still has a premium, but it isn't too bad, you get the pictures instantly. All the negatives are only negatives if you use this like a traditional camera. The purpose here is fun.

Pluses: - Light, easy to bring anywhere; Instant film; Cheap; Good for kids (no worries)

Negs: - Prints are small (large postage stamp); No negatives (one print only), very 'of the moment'

These things are addictive, and I already have a digital camera! I'd give it 5 stars but the film is a little expensive considering how small the pictures are (but note it is NOT $5/picture ... - more like $0.60/picture). Also, the adhesive is very light weight. I guess it's good if you want to remove it from things but I was expecting something stronger.

Now it's not the type of camera you'd take on family vacations! It's perfect for children/teenagers who like to take pictures of friends etc. The film is pricy but $20 isn't bad for the camera. The "prints" are tiny. You have to get semi-personal with the person you're taking the picture of, meaning to get a good size headshot...you'd have to get pretty close. The flash is a bit overpowering, but if you just take it as a toy, then you won't be too disappointed.

I love my I Zone camera, but what I don't like about it is that the film isn't very good. What I mean is, it's sharp and everything, but the sticky stuff on the back isn't very durable. Also, it's about 50 cents a shot. I'm 12 years old, so that's a bit expensive for me. Another thing is, I can only find sticky film. The closest place to my house I could find non sticky film was 5 miles away (and I can't even drive yet) But that's not something to judge the camera by.) I would recomend the camera to anyone who's under 15.