Every now and then an item comes in for review that surprises me and is far better than I expected it to be; that’s certainly the case with the Polaroid Cube action camera. This camera is under $100 and yet it performs surprisingly well and gets the job done. Let’s take a closer look at it and some video from it.
The Cube action camera lives up to its name. It’s the diminutive cube of brick colored plastic with a camera built-in. While it isn’t waterproof, the camera is described as water-resistant and splash-proof. That means it’s somewhat rugged, but if you want to use it underwater you’ll need to purchase an extra accessories.
In order to hit the sub $100 mark, the company doesn’t include any mounts with the action camera. That doesn’t mean it’s useless until you spend more money though, since it has the powerful magnet on the bottom. This magnet is strong enough to hold the camera when placed on the roof of the car driving at highway speeds.
Here’s what Polaroid has to say about their offering:
Introducing the Polaroid Cube lifestyle action camera—weatherproof, shockproof, mountable and built to handle everything you can imagine. Packed with fun including 1080p HD video, 124° wide angle lens, and built in battery that records up to 90 minutes.
Video demo of the Polaroid Cube Lifestyle Action Camera
The camera can shoot 720P video or 1080P video. Accessing the toggle can be done by opening the nickel sized door in the back. You want to have it going on hand to do so.
There is one button that controls the camera. Press and hold to turn the camera on. Press once to take a still photo, and press twice to start video shooting. A light on the top indicates when video is being captured.
I will admit that they pretty much hit the nail on the head. This is one surprisingly good little doohickey.
Why would you want this camera? Polaroid explains it this way…
- Itsy-Bitsy Brilliant!: Who said bigger is better? Standing at just 35mm, this tiny camera supports Micro SD up to 32GB.
- Stick or Stack: With a magnet on the bottom, the Polaroid Cube is designed to stick with you. Pop one on your helmet, skateboard or any metal surface and roll with the fun.
- Go Ahead, Make a Splash: The new Cube lifestyle action camera is weatherproof, making it perfect for wake boarding, water skiing or just chillin’ by the pool.
- 124° of Awesome: It’s wide angle lens provides 124° of coverage so you can get the big shot.
The company notes that a complete line of accessories and mounts are available for the Polaroid Cube Lifestyle Action Camera. I wasn’t sent any, but I am impressed enough with the review unit that I can definitely see purchasing a few of them.
The camera is surprisingly easy to use, takes surprisingly good video, captures decent audio and does so in something that looks like a toy. Yes, it LOOKS like a toy, but this action camera ain’t no toy!
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Polaroid Cube Lifestyle Action Camera
What I Like: Small but takes good video; Under $100 but doesn’t shoot video that looks like it; Simple to use
What Needs Improvement: Doesn’t include a microSD card; Mounts are extra