Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 vs Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

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

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

4.0

$249.9as of Jul 9

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a compact instant camera that uses the newer Instax Square film format to produce wider square prints with a vintage Polaroid aesthetic. PCMag's Jim Fisher noted its analog process where images gradually appear 90 seconds after shooting, while Camera Labs' Gordon highlighted its similarity to the SQ1 model but with a more serious appearance. The camera comes with a built-in flash and viewfinder, and supports the popular Instax Square film with 10 prints per cartridge. However, reviewers pointed out the limitation of only working with Square film and its higher price point compared to 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

$249.9 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

3.8

$129as of Jul 9

The Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass is praised as the world's first instant camera with a wide-angle glass lens, featuring a 38mm (21mm equivalent) f/4.5 lens with 6 elements in 4 groups. Reviewers noted its fully automated operation with manual controls for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures, along with included creative accessories like colored filters and a Bluetooth shutter release. However, critics pointed out its large, non-pocketable design and the use of uncommon CR2 batteries. The camera is designed for creative photography and works with Instax Mini film, offering a unique blend of automation and manual control for artistic expression.

Strengths

— Features a wide-angle 38mm glass lens (21mm equivalent in 35mm terms) with 6 elements in 4 groups
— Fully automated operation with manual controls for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures
— Includes creative accessories like colored filters, Bluetooth shutter release, and close-up lens

Watch-outs

— Large, non-pocketable design with square form factor
— Uses uncommon CR2 (3V) batteries that are hard to find
— Limited LCD display - relies on LED indicators for settings

$129 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

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.

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

The Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass's wide-angle glass lens distinguishes it from the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400's basic design and manual focus. Unlike the Polaroid I-2, it lacks advanced manual controls but offers creative accessories like colored filters. Compared to the Lomo Instant Square, it provides fully automated operation with manual controls for flash and exposure compensation, making it more accessible for creative users.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40	Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
Film Format	Instax Square	Instax Mini
Lens	2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6	38mm (21mm equivalent)
Flash	Built In Flash	Built In Flash
Battery	CR2 lithium	2x CR2 (3V)
Focusing	0.5m to infinity	0.3m to infinity
Weight	453g	—

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