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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

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 #3 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

4.0

6 sources$249as of Jul 31

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)
— Relatively expensive compared to other instant cameras

$249 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #8 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

3.8

4 sources1 derived$129as of Jul 31

Reviewers call the Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass the world's first instant camera with a wide-angle glass lens, a 38mm (21mm equivalent) f/4.5 design using 6 elements in 4 groups. Operation is fully automated with manual overrides for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures, and the box includes creative accessories like colored filters and a Bluetooth shutter release. Critics flagged the large, non-pocketable body and the uncommon CR2 batteries. It shoots Instax Mini film and aims squarely at creative photography, mixing automation with manual control for artistic work.

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 →

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 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
Battery	CR2 lithium	2x CR2 (3V)
Color	Three options	black with orange detailing
Lens	2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6	38mm (21mm equivalent)
Flash	Built In Flash	Built In Flash
Focusing	0.5m to infinity	0.3m to infinity
Weight	453g	—

← See the full ranking of best instant cameras