Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 vs Polaroid OneStep 2

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 clear margin (4.0 vs 3.7). Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is best for: casual users wanting vintage-style square prints. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

4.0

4 sources$170.15as of Oct 28

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)

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Ranked #6 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid OneStep 2

3.7

2 sources

The Polaroid OneStep 2 brings back the classic instant camera format with modern parts: a built-in lithium battery that makes film packs cheaper, and a bright built-in flash you can override. Reviewers found the light meter accurate and the camera comfortable to hold, but several were annoyed by the missing viewfinder tube and having to press an eye right up against the viewfinder. The included strap gets called poor quality. Anyone who wants a traditional instant camera experience with a few modern conveniences will like it, while those who want a better viewfinder should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Built-in lithium battery allows film packs to be cheaper as they no longer contain batteries
— Good built-in flash that is bright and has an override button
— Light meter performs well and rarely gets fooled

Watch-outs

— Missing viewfinder tube that helps guide the eye to the viewfinder
— Viewfinder requires putting eye very close which changes framing and can tilt the camera

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How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

The Polaroid I-2 offers LiDAR autofocus and full manual modes, while the SQ40 focuses from 0.5m to infinity. At 453g it weighs about the same as the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 at 451.5 g without film.

Polaroid OneStep 2

The Polaroid OneStep 2 takes i-Type and 600 film, while the Polaroid I-2 also accepts SX-70 film. Its 106mm plastic fixed lens focuses from 2 feet to infinity, where the I-2 uses LiDAR autofocus and offers aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual modes. Both cameras have a built-in battery.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40	Polaroid OneStep 2
Film Format	Instax Square	i-Type and 600 type
Battery	CR2 lithium	Built-in lithium
Color	Three options	—
Lens	2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6	106mm plastic fixed
Flash	Built In Flash	Built-in with override button
Focusing	0.5m to infinity	2 feet to infinity
Weight	453g	—
Dimensions	2.4 x 4.72 x 5.28 inches; 15.98 ounces	—

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