Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomo Instant Square 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.

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The short answer

Lomo Instant Square comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 3.3). 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

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 →

Ranked #11 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid Go

3.3

5 sources2 derived$21.19as of Jul 31

The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the world's smallest instant camera at 105mm × 84mm × 62mm and 273g with film loaded. Analog.Cafe's review covers the 51mm fixed-focus lens with an f9-f42 aperture range and an electronically-controlled shutter. Double-exposure mode, a 9-second delay timer, and a built-in flash with 2m range round it out. Reviewers like the portability and the fun of using it, but note the film costs more than Instax alternatives and the bundled USB-C cable is uncomfortably short. Casual photographers who want something compact and addictive will enjoy it; anyone watching film costs won't.

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

$21.19 · 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

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.

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

Spec	Lomo Instant Square	Polaroid Go
Film Format	Instax Square & Mini	Polaroid Go Film
Lens	95mm f/10 (45mm equiv)	51mm polycarbonate resin
Flash	Built In Flash	Built-in automatic flash
Battery	2x CR2 lithium	—
Focusing	0.8m, 1-2.5m, infinity	—
Color	White, red, black and blue	—
Shutter Speed	—	1s to 1/300s
Battery Type	—	Rechargeable, lasts 15 packs
Dimensions	—	105mm × 84mm × 62mm
Weight	—	251.9 grams

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