Fujifilm Instax cameras stand out as the go-to choice for instant photography, spanning a variety of sizes from the compact mini to the more expansive wide, ensuring a broad selection. The Instax square film holds a special place in my heart, and with the debut of the Instax SQ40, we've decided to compare it to the Instax SQ6 camera.
The Instax SQ40, Fujifilm's newest addition to the instant camera lineup, adopts a nostalgic design approach, echoing the aesthetic of its premium APS-C models like the Fujifilm X100V and X-T5. This throwback styling was previously introduced in the Instax Mini EVO, a digital camera that employs Instax mini film.
However, the SQ40 distinguishes itself as an analog film camera, meriting the label of a medium format instant camera due to its 6x6 film dimension. While some might view its analog nature as a drawback for lacking digital camera conveniences—such as choosing and editing photos before printing—the essence of shooting with film offers distinct advantages.
Notably, the authentic texture and uniqueness of film photography are unmatched, along with the advantage of a more affordable price tag.
Despite the SQ40's omission of several functionalities found in its predecessor, the SQ6, which I have long admired, the updated design and ergonomic improvements might sway some to favor the SQ40 over the SQ6, known for its comprehensive features.
Our video comparison delves into both cameras across various environments to ascertain the superior choice. Additionally, we conduct an in-depth comparison of the photographs to uncover any disparities in image quality.
To see the performance outcomes of each camera, the complete video analysis is available above.