OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Cameras Methodology v3.0
Cameras Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Cameras Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Cameras Methodology v3.0

Polaroid IS048 review: 112 specs compared

Avg. price:~£110Sensor size:2/3"Weight:136 gBattery life (CIPA):?

Polaroid IS048 Review: Compare 112 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

Polaroid IS048
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

35%

4.4

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

4.4

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.1, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 78% of cameras
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 52%
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

28%

5.1

Sensor & Image

25%

2.5

Photo Features

18%

4.6

Video & Audio

14%

4.7

Display & Design

8%

7.3

Battery & Power

7%

3.3

Connectivity & Storage

â–¼Worse than 72%
4.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models

4.4

Mark 6.8 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.1

Average grade

20%

5.7

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 80%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Cameras model ranking

Ranked #335 of 975 models in Cameras (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of camera Polaroid IS048

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

28%

5.1

Sensor & Image

25%

2.5

Photo Features

18%

4.6

Video & Audio

14%

4.7

Display & Design

8%

7.3

Battery & Power

7%

3.3

Connectivity & Storage

4.4
Reviews score
4.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

6.9
Sensor size
2/3"
This camera has a sensor size of 2/3", which is smaller than 54.9% of cameras and the same as 0.6% of cameras.
Sensor resolution
16 MP
This camera captures images at 16 MP, which is lower than 61.4% of cameras and equal to 10.8% of cameras.
Sensor pixel size
1.91 µm
Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 1.91 µm, which are smaller than those in 56.8% of cameras and the same size as those in 0.2% of cameras.
Base ISO
100
Market range: <80 – >200
This camera has a base ISO of 100, which is lower than 26.7% of cameras and equal to 53.4% of cameras.
Max ISO
?
Show more
Lens mount
N/A
Built-in focus motor
N/A
N. of focus points
1
Market range: <9 – >399
This camera has a focus-point count of 1, which is lower than 94.8% of cameras and equal to 5.2% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
no
This camera does not support phase-detection autofocus for photos. 36.6% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
no
This camera does not support AF tracking. 87.5% of cameras support this feature.
Show more
Max video resolution
1,280 px
This camera records at 1,280 px, which is lower than the resolution in 71.4% of cameras and the same as in 18.4% of cameras.
Video bitrate
?
Video bit depth
8 bit
This camera records in 8 bit, which is higher than the colour depth in 8.2% of cameras and the same as in 79.8% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
This camera records with 4:2:0, which is better than the chroma sampling in 8.2% of cameras and the same as in 70% of cameras.
Video codecs
?
Show more
Type
compact
Weight
136 g
Market range: <142 g – >812 g
This camera weighs 136 g, which is lighter than 90.4% of cameras.
Width
?
Height
?
Thickness
?
Show more
Battery life (CIPA)
?
Battery capacity
N/A
Removable battery
yes
This camera has a removable battery, and 97.8% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.6% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This camera supports Wi-Fi. This feature is available on 48.1% of cameras.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This camera does not have Bluetooth. 24.1% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
USB Type-C
no
This camera does not include USB Type-C. 16.4% of cameras use USB-C.
Show more

Polaroid IS048 vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • Supports weather sealing
    Polaroid IS048 supports weather sealing, while the average camera does not. 25.4% of cameras support weather sealing.
  • 253.5 g lighter
    This camera is lighter than the average camera (136 g vs 389.5 g). The average camera weighs 389.5 g.
    136 g vs 389.5 g
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This camera supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 48.1% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
  • Built-in timelapse
    This camera includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
  • 3 m deeper rating
    This camera is rated deeper than the average camera (3 m vs 0 m). The average camera is rated to 0 m.
    3 m vs 0 m
  • 3 years newer
    This camera was released more recently than the average camera (2017 vs 2014). The average camera was released in 2014.
    2,017 vs 2,014
  • 2.64x cheaper
    Polaroid IS048 is cheaper than the average camera (£110 vs £290).
    £110 vs £290
  • 30 min longer recording time
    This camera has a longer recording time than the average camera (60 min vs 30 min). The average camera records for 30 min.
    60 min vs 30 min
  • 2.64x cheaper
    Polaroid IS048 is cheaper than the average camera (£110 vs £290).
    £110 vs £290
  • Supports weather sealing
    Polaroid IS048 supports weather sealing, while the average camera does not. 25.4% of cameras support weather sealing.
  • 253.5 g lighter
    This camera is lighter than the average camera (136 g vs 389.5 g). The average camera weighs 389.5 g.
    136 g vs 389.5 g
  • 3 m deeper rating
    This camera is rated deeper than the average camera (3 m vs 0 m). The average camera is rated to 0 m.
    3 m vs 0 m
  • 3 years newer
    This camera was released more recently than the average camera (2017 vs 2014). The average camera was released in 2014.
    2,017 vs 2,014
  • Built-in timelapse
    This camera includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
  • 30 min longer recording time
    This camera has a longer recording time than the average camera (60 min vs 30 min). The average camera records for 30 min.
    60 min vs 30 min
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This camera supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 48.1% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
  • No AF tracking
    This camera does not support AF tracking, the average camera does. 87.4% of cameras support it.
  • 32.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models

    4.4

    Mark 6.8 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.4 vs 6.5
  • 0.6 in smaller screen
    This camera has a smaller screen than the average camera (2.4 in vs 3 in). The average camera has a screen of 3 in.
    2.4 in vs 3 in
  • Lacks HDR mode
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • Lower video resolution
    This camera records at lower resolution than the average camera (1,280 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
    1280 px vs 1920 px
  • No hot shoe
    This camera does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
  • No continuous video AF
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • 22 fewer focus points
    This camera has a lower focus-point count than the average camera (1 vs 23). The average camera has a count of 23.
    1 vs 23
  • 32.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models

    4.4

    Mark 6.8 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.4 vs 6.5
  • 0.6 in smaller screen
    This camera has a smaller screen than the average camera (2.4 in vs 3 in). The average camera has a screen of 3 in.
    2.4 in vs 3 in
  • No hot shoe
    This camera does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
  • Lacks HDR mode
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • Fewer megapixels
    This camera has fewer megapixels than the average camera (16 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera's sensor resolution is 16.2 MP.
    16 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 1.13 µm smaller sensor pixels
    This camera has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.9 µm vs 3.04 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.04 µm.
    1.91 µm vs 3.04 µm
  • No AF tracking
    This camera does not support AF tracking, the average camera does. 87.4% of cameras support it.
  • 22 fewer focus points
    This camera has a lower focus-point count than the average camera (1 vs 23). The average camera has a count of 23.
    1 vs 23
  • No RAW photo capture
    This camera does not support RAW photo capture, the average camera does. 61% of cameras support RAW formats.
  • No manual focus mode
    This camera does not support manual focus, the average camera does. 71.4% of cameras include a manual focus mode.
  • No manual exposure control
    This camera does not support manual exposure, the average camera does. 71.5% of cameras support manual exposure controls.
  • 84.6% less optical zoom
    This camera offers less optical zoom than the average camera (1 x vs 6.5 x). The average camera offers 6.5 x.
    1 x vs 6.5 x
  • Lower video resolution
    This camera records at lower resolution than the average camera (1,280 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
    1280 px vs 1920 px
  • No continuous video AF
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • No HDMI output
    This camera does not support HDMI output, the average camera does. 77.7% of cameras support HDMI output.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

5.0
Danklen
≈ estimated
28/02/2024
Hands-on review · menus, picture quality and storage tests
Verdict
The Polaroid IS048 works, but its poor build, awful pictures and confusing menu make it hard to recommend.
4.0
Mexico and Dominican Republic Vacation Videos
≈ estimated
12/11/2023
Hands-on review · photo and video quality tests
Verdict
The Polaroid IS048 is disappointing, with blurry photos and video and no rechargeable battery, so it is not recommended at this price.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Polaroid IS048

  • Weather sealing lets it handle rain and sand.
  • A 3 m waterproof rating covers a fall into shallow water.
  • At 136 g it is easy to wear all day.
  • A flash helps indoors and at dusk.
  • Timelapse mode records slow changes such as moving clouds.
  • A microSD slot adds storage space.

What customers don't like about Polaroid IS048

  • There is no manual exposure, so you cannot set the camera yourself.
  • The 1280 px video looks basic on a large screen.
  • The 2.4 in screen is small for framing.
  • There is no optical zoom, so distant subjects stay small.
  • USB 2.0 is slow for moving large files.

Verdict

Sand and wet hands do not bother the Polaroid IS048, a rugged little camera for days by the beach or a lake. It is weather sealed and rated to 3 m under water, so splashes and showers are no problem. At 136 g it is light enough to wear around the neck all afternoon. The 2/3-inch sensor records 16 MP stills, though the 1280 px video is clearly basic. A flash, a timelapse mode and a microSD slot for extra storage cover the everyday jobs, and Wi-Fi moves pictures to a phone. The trade-off is control: there is no manual exposure, and the 2.4 in screen is small. It suits a parent or holidaymaker who wants a camera that can go in the sea without fuss.

Compare Polaroid IS048 with other products in the Cameras category

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Graphic comparison of Polaroid IS048 and other products in the Cameras category

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