How Big Is A Polaroid Picture? (Photo Size in cm, inches) - Instant Camera Reviews (2024)

If you’re new to the art of polaroid photography, you may be wondering how it works. How do you take a photograph? How big is a Polaroid picture?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.

Polaroid Photo Size Comparison (in cm and inches)

When it comes to measuring the actual size of a polaroid photo, there are two main dimensions you need to know.

The first is the colored image size.

If you want to scan your photos and use the digital versions, the internal image size and photo area may matter to you. Outside the colored photo area, there is a white border that goes all around it.

Adding this in, the total image size of the photograph increases significantly lengthwise and slightly in width.

The exact measurements for polaroid photo size vary from instant camera to camera. So let’s take a look at some of the most popular Polaroid cameras and their dimensions.

1. Polaroid Film for SX-70, 600,and I-type Models

There are many different polaroid models, thanks to the recent revival in popularity.

Many of the newer Polaroids have the same full-length dimensions as the original polaroids, the most popular being the Polaroid SX-70, 600,and I-type models.

While the Polaroid film each instant camera uses may differ, along with slight variation in the results you get, the polaroid photo size remains standard.

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Polaroid 600 instant cameras are a popular model, and these are the images you’ll often see people posting online.

The polaroid itself has a rectangular shape and the I Type film measures 4.233 by 3.483 inches, including a white border that goes all around it.

The interior colored image size is 3.108 by 3.024 inches and almost square in shape.

This is the ideal size if you want to shoot portraits or post a square 1:1 photo area on Instagram after removing the border.

2. Polaroid Film for Spectra & Image Size

For people looking for a cinematic aesthetic, the classic Polaroid Spectra is a good choice.

The polaroids you’ll get from this instant camera will measure 4.051 by 3.996 inches overall, while the inner colored photo area will measure 2.890 by 3.574 inches.

These dimensions are similar to the Polaroid Image, which is a solid alternative for people looking for this image size.

3. Polaroid Go

However, the Polaroid Go instant cameras have far smaller files, with the actual size of the colored photo area being 1.851 by 1.811 inches.

Add in the border, and the printed polaroid photo area measures 2.623 by 2.122 inches.

As you can see, the difference in size is quite large, which is why these instant cameras are called Instax mini-polaroids.

1. Fujifilm Instax Wide Film

Another popular model, the Fuji Instax Wide film, is the perfect polaroid for people who want to shoot in the landscape model.

What sets this instant camera apart from other cameras is that the white border is wider in width than in length, something that is not common in the world of polaroids.

Overall the Instax Wide film measures 4.25 by 3.39 inches, while the interior colored photo area is 3.90 by 2.44 inches.

Depending on what you need the instant camera for, where you intend to store it, or how often you mean to carry it around, you may want a larger or smaller polaroid.

Additionally, when you include the white border, the Instax Wide film has an aspect ratio of 1:1.25, which is the ideal size for Instagram’s portrait mode.

2. Fujifilm Instax Mini Film

If you’re looking for smaller polaroids, then the Fuji Instax Mini film is a great option.

The colored mini photos you’ll take with these Instax mini cameras measure 2.44 by 1.81 inches.

The white border adds more to the Instax mini film length than the width, with the final overall dimensions measuring 3.39 by 2.13 inches.

While these mini photos don’t meet the ideal requirements for online posting, they are great for people who want to make collages, photo walls, or stick mini photos inside their phone covers.

FAQs

Can You Enlarge Polaroid Photos?

If you want an enlarged copy of your Polaroid photo area, all you need to do is scan and print it in a larger size.

Using a professional lab with high-quality equipment will let you print mini photos at a higher resolution.

How Many Pictures Can You Take at A Time?

With most brands, you can normally take 8 Polaroid mini photos at one time.

However, this number may vary from instant camera to camera. For instance, with Instax polaroids, you can get 10 shots with each package.

How Long Do Polaroid Photos Last?

Polaroid mini photos have a very limited lifespan.

Over time they become yellow, and the images begin to fade.

However, storing them in favorable conditions, out of direct sunlight, and away from moisture or temperature changes can help for a short period.

Your best bet is to scan and save digital copies of your polaroids.

That is why it can help to have them in the appropriate size for the purpose they are intended.

How Long Does Polaroid Film Last?

Polaroid film comes with a specific expiration date. Depending on how you store it, the Polaroid film may last longer.

Cool and dry places like refrigerators make the best storage areas while keeping your Polaroid film out in the sun or near a moisture-prone area like a shower can greatly reduce its lifespan.

Ideally, you should use your Polaroid film within a year of when it was produced.

You’ll find the manufacturing date on the box. The longer the Polaroid film stays out, the worse of a result you will get.

While you can try to use expired Polaroid film, your mini photos will have poor resolution and may even be blurry. There are no guarantees.

Wrap Up

Now you know how big a Polaroid picture is, and the Instax Polaroid photo sizes for different instant film cameras.

At the end of the day, choosing the right polaroid photo size comes down to personal preference.

It all depends on what purpose your pictures are going to serve. If your only goal is some leisurely photography, then any size will do the trick.

Regardless, invest in a good polaroid camera and consider all your options before you make your decision.