Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 vs Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.8 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about casual users wanting vintage-style square prints — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

3.8

6 sources$109.95as of Jul 31

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 looks good and does little new, which reviewers summed up as familiar features in an attractive package. They liked the ease of use and automatic exposure control but criticized the absence of any real advancement and the cheap plastic construction. It works fine for basic instant photography, though reviewers point buyers toward competitors like Lomography and MiNT for better value or features. Aesthetics over innovation is the trade being made here.

Strengths

— Very nice looking design with a leatherette finish
— Easy to use with simple film loading and operation
— Automatic exposure control that produces well-exposed images

Watch-outs

— No significant innovations compared to previous Instax models
— Plastic build quality that feels cheap and fragile

$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

4.0

6 sources$249as of Jul 31

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a compact instant camera shooting the newer Instax Square format, which yields wider square prints with a vintage Polaroid look. PCMag's Jim Fisher described the analog process, where the image surfaces gradually 90 seconds after the shutter fires. Camera Labs' Gordon found it close to the SQ1 model but dressed up more seriously. A built-in flash and viewfinder are included, and it runs Instax Square film at 10 prints per cartridge. Reviewers pointed to the two limits: Square film only, and a price above the alternatives.

Strengths

— Uses fully analog process with prints emerging 90 seconds after shooting
— Produces wider square prints reminiscent of vintage Polaroids
— Includes built-in flash and viewfinder for easy framing

Watch-outs

— Limited to single print shape (cannot use Mini film)
— Relatively expensive compared to other instant cameras

$249 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 offers a more stylish design than the Mini 12 but lacks innovation, making it less compelling than the Evo which provides digital features and smartphone connectivity. While it's more visually appealing than the SQ6, it doesn't match the SQ6's analog simplicity and better build quality. Compared to the SQ1, it's more expensive and less practical despite its attractive finish.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

While the Fujifilm Instax Mini Film Twin Pack offers broader compatibility, the SQ40 camera uniquely produces wider square prints with a vintage aesthetic. Compared to the Polaroid I-2, it lacks advanced manual controls but provides a simpler, more analog experience. Unlike the Lomo Instant Square, it doesn't support dual formats or creative exposure modes, making it more straightforward for casual users.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini 40	Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Film Format	Instax Mini	Instax Square
Lens	60mm f/12	2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6
Shutter Speed	1/250th max	—
Battery Type	2 AA	—
Flash	Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment)	Built In Flash
Dimensions	104 mm × 121 mm × 65 mm	—
Weight	330 g	453g
Battery	—	CR2 lithium
Color	—	Three options
Focusing	—	0.5m to infinity

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