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

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo 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 Square SQ6 comes out ahead by a clear margin (2.6 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about purist analog instant photographers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Ranked #8 in Best Instant-film-cameras
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
$219as of Jul 7

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid digital instant camera that merges traditional instant photography with modern digital convenience. Reviewer Mark G Adams notes its evolution from a fun, experimental device to a practical tool for family memory printing over three years of use. The camera features a 28mm f/2.0 lens with dial controls for lens and film effects, a selfie mirror, and smartphone connectivity for remote control and social sharing. While some users may find it less appealing than purely analog instant cameras, it excels as a printer for digital images and offers a nostalgic yet functional approach to capturing memories. It's ideal for casual users and families looking to enjoy both digital flexibility and instant gratification.

Strengths
  • Combines digital camera functionality with instant film printing capabilities
  • Features 10 lens effects and 10 film effects that can be combined for 100 different looks
  • Includes built-in selfie mirror and dual shutter buttons for versatile shooting
Watch-outs
  • Not suitable for die-hard instant photography enthusiasts who prefer traditional film cameras
  • Limited 5MP resolution when capturing images digitally
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Higher ratedRanked #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 Evo

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo distinguishes itself from the Mini 12 by offering digital functionality and smartphone app integration, which the Mini 12 lacks entirely. While it's more feature-rich than the SQ6, it's less straightforward and more complex than the analog-only SQ6. Compared to the LiPlay Hybrid, it lacks the dedicated selfie camera and sound album features, though it's more affordable.

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 EvoFujifilm Instax Square SQ6
Film FormatInstax Mini FilmInstax Square
Lens28mm f/2.0Retractable lens, 2 components, 2 elements
Shutter Speed1/8000th to 1/4 secondMechanical
Battery TypeBuilt-in lithium-ion2 x AA batteries
FlashBuilt-in flash with automatic mode, and forced ON modeBuilt-in automatic electronic flash
Dimensions4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4 (123 x 87 x 36mm)118.7 mm × 128.1 mm × 58.1 mm
Weight10.1 oz (285g)Approximately 150g
ConnectivitySmartphone app support
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