Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomo Instant Square 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

Lomo Instant Square comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 3.9). 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 #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

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 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	Lomo Instant Square	Polaroid OneStep 2
Film Format	Instax Square & Mini	i-Type and 600 type
Lens	95mm f/10 (45mm equiv)	106mm plastic fixed
Flash	Built In Flash	Built-in with override button
Battery	2x CR2 lithium	Built-in lithium
Focusing	0.8m, 1-2.5m, infinity	2 feet to infinity
Color	White, red, black and blue	—

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