When comparing Impossible I-1 vs Polaroid Originals OneStep 2, the Slant community recommends Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best instant cameras that use Polaroid film?” Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 is ranked 3rd while Impossible I-1 is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 is:
This camera's design is inspired in Polaroid's Land Camera 1000, reinventing its iconic shape and details such as the big red button and rainbow colors (represented here by the logo - the Land Camera had a full rainbow stripe).
Specs
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Pros
Pro Automatic exposure
The I-1 calculates the needed exposure automatically, doing a good job most of the times.
Pro Smart companion app
One of the camera's most interesting features is the app that connects your smartphone to the camera, allowing you to take full manual control of the camera's parameters. You can also use the app to trigger the camera remotely, set a timer or set up a noise trigger to release the shutter.
Pro Color and B&W film available
Impossible Project offers both color and B&W film, which is slightly cheaper than the color one.
Pro Automatic focus
This camera does not have fixed focus settings like most instant cameras, instead it autofocuses when you half-press the shutter button.
Pro Weird, but functional design
The appearance of the camera is neither conventional nor compact, but it serves a purpose. The pyramid-like camera has a ring flash around its lens which produces a more pleasing lighting for portrait shots. The LEDs in the ring are also the only way for the camera to indicate its status (through a sequence of lights), since there is no LCD display.
Pro USB port for charging convenience
The camera has a USB port for charging its built-in battery.
Pro Classic, attractive design
This camera's design is inspired in Polaroid's Land Camera 1000, reinventing its iconic shape and details such as the big red button and rainbow colors (represented here by the logo - the Land Camera had a full rainbow stripe).
Pro Can use the cheaper, battery-less i-Type film
The OneStep 2 can use Polaroid Original's Color 600 film (that comes with a battery in the film pack) or i-Type film (without battery, cheaper). The reason why this camera can use the i-Type film is because it has a built-in rechargeable (via USB) battery, avoiding the need for one in the film pack. This means you can save some money by using the cheaper film.
Cons
Con Developing the film is a hassle
This camera's film takes about 20 minutes to develop and needs to be kept in a dark and warm place.
Con Expensive film
The manufacturer, Impossible Project, uses their own film that is a recreation of the classic Polaroid 600 film. Though nostalgic, at approximately $3 per photo, it costs considerably more than modern alternatives.
Con Bulky and not very easy to carry
This camera's unconventional shape makes it bulky and hard to transport.
Con Automatic functions are unreliable in dark conditions
As with many other cameras, the autofocus and autoexposure functions don't work well in dark conditions.
Con Price per picture is high
Even when using the i-Type film, the price per picture will be $2, since a pack of 8 costs $16.