Fujifilm Instax SQ1 Review: Square Format With Point-And-Shoot Simplicity

The Fujifilm Instax SQ1 is the latest addition to the company’s rang of instant cameras. With Instax, the best camera for beginner has always been the Instax Mini 11, Fujifilm’s simplest as well as most affordable instant camera. But the downside is that you are limited to Instax Mini Film. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm Instax SQ6, the more expensive one, offers more of an authentic retro feel. With the Instax SQ1, you get a blend of these two experiences. Keep on reading our Fujifilm Instax SQ1 review to find out.

Fujifilm Instax SQ1 review

The Fujifilm Instax SQ1 camera is a combination of the more basic models’ ease of use with bigger, square format film.

Each print is in 86x72mm size. The image area covers 62x62mm. The film comes in a pack of ten and typically costs $8. Previously, Fuji only made Instax Square in color film. Now, there is a monochrome option. The expanded line-up is completed with Color Rainbow frame packs.

There is no way you can fit the Instax SQ1 in your pocket. So that is why Fujifilm adds in the box a wrist strap. The camera comes in three color options including Chalk White, Terracotta Orange, and Vibrant Glacier Blue.

The Fujifilm Instax SQ1 instant camera is made from matte plastic to reduce the costs. But don’t worry, one it is loaded with batteries and film, the camera still feels decently hefty. Compared to AAs, the price of CR2 batteries is more expensive. But you only need to replace it every ten packs of film.

The twisting lens barrel turn on both the camera and the flash. You can’t disable it though. By twisting the barrel further, you can switch to close-up shooting for selfies. You can find a tiny mirror in the lens for composition.

The shutter release is the only other button on the camera is. The button can be found on the right of the camera, right on the chunky grip and underthe viewfinder. The film pack is holded at the rear, in a flip-down door. You can find in the grip a small print counter that tell you the number of shots are left so you won’t accidentally open film door too soon and ruin the film pack. On the top is where the photos are ejected. It can takes from three to ten minutes for the prints to be fully developed, which is slightly faster than the larger I-Type film of Polaroid.

The viewfinder of the Instax SQ1 is placed off-centre. However, it still performs well. With the auto exposure system, Fujifilm wants to make sure that there are fewer over-exposed or washed-out snaps. This used to be a common problem with the Instax Mini 9. However, with the Instax SQ1, even tricky lighting could still result in usable shots.

How the indoor scenes are balanced out thanks to the automatic flash is comparable to the Instax Mini 11. The only difference here is that the square format film means a significantly larger print.

In some sample images, you can still see overblown highlights, but this is mostly due to the film’s characteristic. Instant films often mix pastel-like colors and dark shadows.

The SQ1’s fixed focus lens is best suited to use for portraits as well as subjects in a middle distance. Meanwhile, landscapes appear far softer. There is no visual clue to tell that you are using selfie mode. So it is important to twist the lens back. If you forget to do so, longer-distance snaps will look even more out-of-focus and blurry.

The SQ1 is a great choice for beginners who are in the process of looking for their first camera. But for more creative photographers, it is undeniably simple and could be a turn-off. Of course, it can’t fill the gap between the more advanced Instax SQ6 and the basic Instax Mini 11.

Fujifilm Instax SQ1 release date is on September 20, 2020.

Should you purchase the Fujifilm SQ1?

Yes, if you just need a simple PnS camera. The Instax Square SQ1 is as simple as it can be, with no extra controls or modes. Although being basic, the camera is one of the instant camera market’s most affordable device.

We hope that with our Fujifilm Instax SQ1 review, you can decide whether to splurge your money on the device or not.

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