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

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 vs Polaroid Go

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 (3.8 vs 3.3). The gap is mostly about purist analog instant photographers — read the strengths below before deciding.

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
Polaroid Go
Ranked #6 in Best Instant-film-cameras
Polaroid Go
$21.19as of Jul 5

The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the world's smallest instant camera, measuring 105mm × 84mm × 62mm and weighing 273g with film. Reviewed by Analog.Cafe, it features a 51mm fixed-focus lens with f9-f42 aperture range and electronically-controlled shutter. The camera supports double-exposure mode and 9-second delay timer, and includes a built-in flash with 2m range. While it's praised for its portability and fun design, reviewers note the film is more expensive than Instax alternatives and the included USB-C cable is uncomfortably short. It's ideal for casual photographers who want a compact, addictive instant camera but may not suit those seeking budget-friendly film options.

Strengths
  • World's smallest instant camera with compact 105mm × 84mm × 62mm dimensions
  • Built-in rechargeable battery lasts for approximately 15 packs of film
  • Includes wrist strap and comes in attractive cerulean blue color option
Watch-outs
  • Film is more expensive than competing Instax brand at 1.4x the cost
  • Charging cable is described as uncomfortably short
  • Camera is not quite pocketable due to its size

How they stack up

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.

Polaroid Go

The Polaroid Go is the smallest camera in the lineup, but it's more expensive than the Instax Mini 12 and lacks the automatic exposure system. Compared to the Evo, it's less feature-rich and doesn't offer digital connectivity, though it's more portable. Unlike the SQ1, it's less user-friendly and more expensive for similar functionality.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFujifilm Instax Square SQ6Polaroid Go
Film FormatInstax SquarePolaroid Go Film
LensRetractable lens, 2 components, 2 elements51mm polycarbonate resin
Shutter SpeedMechanical1s to 1/300s
Battery Type2 x AA batteriesRechargeable, lasts 15 packs
FlashBuilt-in automatic electronic flashBuilt-in automatic flash
Dimensions118.7 mm × 128.1 mm × 58.1 mm105mm × 84mm × 62mm
WeightApproximately 150g251.9 grams
ConnectivityUSB-C
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