Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomo Instant Square 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

Lomo Instant Square comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about versatile creative photographers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomo Instant Square

4.1

$79as of Jul 9

The Lomo Instant Square is a dual-format analog camera that accepts both Instax Square and Instax Mini film, making it unique in the instant camera market. Reviewers praised its creative features including multiple exposure modes, bulb (long-exposure) capability, and various focusing options. The camera comes with a range of accessories including a splitzer for double exposures and a front filter for close-up shots. However, some reviewers noted the bulky design and the challenge of finding CR2 batteries. It's ideal for photographers seeking versatility and creative control in instant film photography.

Strengths

— Dual-format capability allowing use of both Instax Square and Instax Mini film
— Includes multiple focusing options (0.8m, 1-2.5m, infinity) and portrait lens for close-up shots
— Features multiple exposure and bulb (long-exposure) modes for creative photography

Watch-outs

— Bulky design that's not pocket-friendly despite flat form factor
— Uses non-standard CR2 lithium batteries that may be hard to find

$79 · 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

Lomo Instant Square

The Lomo Instant Square's dual-format capability and creative exposure modes distinguish it from the Fujifilm Instax Mini Film Twin Pack which lacks creative features. Unlike the Polaroid I-2, it doesn't offer advanced manual controls but provides more creative flexibility. Compared to the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40, it supports both Instax Square and Instax Mini film, making it more versatile for different film types.

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	Lomo Instant Square	Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
Film Format	Instax Square & Mini	Instax Mini
Lens	95mm f/10 (45mm equiv)	38mm (21mm equivalent)
Flash	Built In Flash	Built In Flash
Battery	2x CR2 lithium	2x CR2 (3V)
Focusing	0.8m, 1-2.5m, infinity	0.3m to infinity

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