Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Instant-film-cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 vs Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6

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

The short answer

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 and Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 score essentially the same (3.8 vs 3.8). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
Ranked #2 in Best Instant-film-cameras
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
$109.95as of Jul 5

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is a stylish camera that offers little innovation over previous Instax models, described as a repackage of familiar features in an attractive package. Reviewers noted its ease of use and automatic exposure control, but criticized its lack of advancement and cheap plastic construction. While it's visually appealing and functional for basic instant photography, reviewers suggest looking elsewhere for better value or features, with competitors like Lomography and MiNT being more appealing options. The camera is designed for users who prioritize aesthetics over innovation.

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
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Ranked #3 in Best Instant-film-cameras
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
$19.99as of Jul 5

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is a fully analog instant camera designed for the newer Instax Square film format, which produces 2.4 x 2.4 inch prints. Dan Finnen of Dan Finnen Writing noted that while the camera offers a more spacious frame than Instax Mini, it doesn't significantly improve upon the format's limitations for artistic work. Gordon from Camera Labs highlighted the camera's simplicity and compactness, though he emphasized that the auto focus and flash settings often produce inconsistent results. The SQ6 sits between Instax Mini and Wide in terms of print size and camera ergonomics, but lacks the advanced features of digital competitors.

Strengths
  • Simple analog design with no internal memory or screen, appealing to purists
  • Compact size similar to Instax Mini 9, easy to handle
  • Prints measure 2.4 x 2.4 inches (62 x 62 mm), wider than Instax Mini but smaller than Instax Wide
Watch-outs
  • Small and awkward viewfinder, not much better than cheap rangefinder cameras
  • Auto mode focuses between macro and landscape, resulting in soft images for close or distant subjects
  • Flash off mode falls back on long shutter speeds, negating much of its value

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 SQ6

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is more analog and traditional than the Evo, lacking digital features but offering better build quality and simpler operation. Compared to the SQ1, it's more practical and less prone to cheap construction issues, though it's less user-friendly due to its auto-focus limitations. Unlike the Mini 12, it's more consistent in its analog approach and lacks the modern convenience features.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFujifilm Instax Mini 40Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Film FormatInstax MiniInstax Square
Lens60mm f/12Retractable lens, 2 components, 2 elements
Shutter Speed1/250th maxMechanical
Battery Type2 AA2 x AA batteries
FlashConstant firing flash (automatic light adjustment)Built-in automatic electronic flash
Dimensions104 mm × 121 mm × 65 mm118.7 mm × 128.1 mm × 58.1 mm
Weight330 gApproximately 150g
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