Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 vs Lomo Instant Square

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

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

Ranked #6 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

3.8

6 sources$109.95as of Jul 31

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 looks good and does little new, which reviewers summed up as familiar features in an attractive package. They liked the ease of use and automatic exposure control but criticized the absence of any real advancement and the cheap plastic construction. It works fine for basic instant photography, though reviewers point buyers toward competitors like Lomography and MiNT for better value or features. Aesthetics over innovation is the trade being made here.

Strengths

— Very nice looking design with a leatherette finish
— Easy to use with simple film loading and operation
— Automatic exposure control that produces well-exposed images

Watch-outs

— No significant innovations compared to previous Instax models
— Plastic build quality that feels cheap and fragile

$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomo Instant Square

4.1

4 sources2 derived$219as of Aug 1

The Lomo Instant Square is a dual-format analog camera that takes both Instax Square and Instax Mini film, which nothing else on the instant market does. Reviewers praised the creative options: multiple exposure modes, bulb (long-exposure) capability, and several focusing choices. Accessories in the box include a splitzer for double exposures and a front filter for close-ups. Some reviewers called out the bulky body and the hassle of tracking down CR2 batteries. Photographers who want creative control over instant film are the audience.

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

$219 · Buy at shop.8storeytree.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 offers a more stylish design than the Mini 12 but lacks innovation, making it less compelling than the Evo which provides digital features and smartphone connectivity. While it's more visually appealing than the SQ6, it doesn't match the SQ6's analog simplicity and better build quality. Compared to the SQ1, it's more expensive and less practical despite its attractive finish.

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.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini 40	Lomo Instant Square
Film Format	Instax Mini	Instax Square & Mini
Lens	60mm f/12	95mm f/10 (45mm equiv)
Shutter Speed	1/250th max	—
Battery Type	2 AA	—
Flash	Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment)	Built In Flash
Dimensions	104 mm × 121 mm × 65 mm	—
Weight	330 g	—
Battery	—	2x CR2 lithium
Focusing	—	0.8m, 1-2.5m, infinity
Color	—	White, red, black and blue

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