Is this the future of photography or are Polaroid too late?

For years smartphones have been integrating and improving their camera applications, so perhaps it’s unsurprising to see a camera attempting to reverse the trend by adopting the usability and functionality of a modern-day mobile phone.

Polaroid’s new SC1630 Smart Camera is essentially a smartphone but without…well that all-important ability to make an actual call.

Fancy Features

At first glance the SC1630 looks like a run-of-the-mill point and shoot camera showcasing a high definition 16-megapixel camera, built in 3X optical zoom and ‘smart’ features including face detection, smile detection and a GPS function which helps to arrange photos by date and location. However, it’s the Android powered touchscreen dashboard on the reverse where the ‘excitement’ lies.

Connected, via Wi-Fi or 3G, to the Android store’s 40,000 apps users can download the photo software of their choice thus opening up a host of photography options. Taking, editing and distributing snaps (and videos) with friends is also incredibly easy; whether by email or social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram sharing can be done at the touch of a button.

...Late to the party?

The question remains though, is this not a last desperate attempt on the part of Polaroid to court casual photographers? Despite the company’s chairman, Scott Hardy, paying homage to his brand’s historical ties with instantaneous sharing you can’t help but feel consumers will be less swayed by nostalgia and more by practicality.

Given the rate at which modern smartphones are improving their pixel-quality and zoom length, surely the majority would prefer a phone with a high-performing camera in their pocket than an extra piece of kit masquerading as a phone. Let us know what you think in the comments section below...

Polaroid have yet to announce a release date or retail price for the SC1630.

If you are thinking about upgrading your camera, be sure to check out Quidco's great range of cashback deals on photography equipment.

No related posts.

Got something to say?

Then please leave your comments below or consider sharing this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ using the sharing icons.

Get cashback when you shop through Quidco. Learn more

11 comments

tony wright January 19, 2012 at 2:02 pm Reply

Yea, Its not a good enough camera to really be on a par with the best smart phones, the result I can get from my ARC are superb even against my large new FUJI camera, 5 years too late Im afraid, have to be cheap now to make any impact.
Sven Cooke January 19, 2012 at 4:40 pm Reply

Ive started using an I-phone in the last few weeks. Great for the inrenet and picture, bad as a phone. I think it is best to have the best tool for the job, rather a ‘Jack of All Trades’ that has weaknesses.
Phil Elliott January 19, 2012 at 5:13 pm Reply

Would not use it, have Smartphone for 8Mp pictures and camera for 12Mp pictures, Canon camera has excellent clarity and very goof 8x zoom.
DTR January 19, 2012 at 5:18 pm Reply

Well, I can wish them good luck and thank them for one of the first android based dedicated cameras with a touchscreen. These are the two features I would love to see in the high end pro cameras.
The impact on the market will largely depend on the advertising efforts and the pricing. They will be out competing against the big players selling large volumes, while ebay is already saturated with essentially similar products.
The camera will be naturally better than any smartphone, but will fall a long distance behind any SLR or EVIL offering. Unlike many tend to think it is not about the number of megapixels but the quality of them, the size of them, the size of the sensor and most importantly the lens. Oh, and the photographer… Cameras don’t take pictures by themselves.
bob January 19, 2012 at 5:22 pm Reply

these will be in Morgan outlets within a year of release.
Rick Jones January 19, 2012 at 5:34 pm Reply

It might just fly. Smartphone cameras may have the megapixels and digital zooms, but that’s only half the story. Decent photography starts with the optics, and smartphone lenses just don’t cut it. Fine for lots of run of the mill pics, but in challenging light conditions the results can be pretty bad – faded colours, low contrast, horrendous flare, etc. And digital zoom doesn’t compare to optical.

I really like the GPS tagging on smartphone pics though, so a real camera with that facility alone sounds to me like something worth having.

So if the big lens on this really is a quality item I think its worth looking at.
Lisa January 19, 2012 at 5:58 pm Reply

As a photographer that learnt in the ages of Polaroid film I’d be tempted purely on nostalgia reasons!
Mike January 20, 2012 at 9:57 am Reply

Much too late me thinks. Unless these come out at a ridiculously cheap price, I’m not sure their release will be inspiring. Cool camera though
Clarissa January 20, 2012 at 9:59 am Reply

stick a phone and text function in there and I’m all over it. How can this possibly compete with the iphone,ipad,ipod and digital camera I already have? Although I’ll never say no to another gadget
Bernara January 20, 2012 at 10:47 am Reply

Not enough, I’m afraid. Now, these optics on an Android device no heavier and no thicker than an iPhone, and capable of operating as a phone and at a decent price would fly. That way, one device would cover 90% of situations – current smartphone cameras are not quite there yet, although my Samsung is good.
Tom Wilkinson January 20, 2012 at 5:33 pm Reply

the future, and its very nearly here, is high-end phone / camera / media player / computer all on one device. im not talking simply a phone with an average camera on and a stripped down o/s, but one where every feature is powerful and fully functional.