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 narrow margin (4.0 vs 3.9). 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 #5 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid OneStep 2

3.9

4 sources2 derived

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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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.

Polaroid OneStep 2

The Polaroid OneStep 2 stands out with its built-in lithium battery that makes film packs cheaper, unlike the Polaroid I-2 which requires a removable internal battery. Compared to the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40, it offers more traditional design elements and a better light meter, though it lacks the analog print delay feature. The Polaroid Snap 2's dual functionality and digital capture capabilities make it more versatile for creative users, but the OneStep 2 provides a more authentic instant camera experience.

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	—

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