Polaroid’s new instant camera warns you about exposure and focus issues before you shoot

Polaroid’s new Flip camera can prevent unwanted surprises when an instant photo develops. Using a new scene analysis feature, the instant camera warns you when the image you’re framing is overexposed, underexposed, or when there’s potential focus issues before you press the shutter button — all through a red LED warning light in the viewfinder that’s impossible to miss.

The camera will be available on April 29th through Polaroid’s online store for $199.99 and from other retailers on May 13th. If you’d rather not wait that long, you can become a Polaroid member by creating a free account on the company’s website and then purchase the camera starting today.

The Polaroid Flip resurrects a folding design that was first introduced in the early ‘80s. The flash, which folds down to protect the lens and block the shutter button when the camera’s not in use, is the most powerful the company has put on one of its modern instant cameras. It’s bright enough to illuminate subjects over 14 feet away, but its intensity can be adjusted so as not to overexpose subjects that are closer.

The camera features autofocus capabilities courtesy of a sonar sensor, but unlike the pricey Polaroid I-2 that will set you back $599.99, the new Flip doesn’t feature a continuous focus system with lens elements that move forward and back. It instead relies on four fixed lenses, each with their own sweet spot (0.65, 0.85, 1.2, and 2.5 meters away), on a wheel that rotates them into place based on measurements from that sonar sensor.

Compatible with Polaroid i-Type and 600 instant film, the Flip includes a replaceable rechargeable battery that’s charged with USB-C and connectivity with the Polaroid mobile app over Bluetooth. The app isn’t necessary, but it unlocks additional functionality including full control over the camera’s exposure settings, a self timer, and the option to shoot double exposure images.