Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Review

The biggest advantage of the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is how easy it is to operate. Most people look to instant cameras as a way of capturing moments on the fly, and the SQ1 excels at this with its simple interface and point-and-shoot readiness. Having only two modes for shooting: standard and selfie, the autofocus helps the user take great pics, regardless of the time of day or whether they're indoors or outside. The SQ1 produces beautiful photos with vibrant colors and sharp contrasts in situations where others can often get washed out or muddy. This user-friendliness, paired with quality pictures, makes this model a great option for parties or social gatherings, as anyone can pick it up and come away with a fun physical reminder of the event.

Performance Comparison

Image Quality

Producing rich colors and crisp clarity throughout the testing process, the Square SQ1 outperformed most of the competition in this area. With its ability to shoot in any condition, the autofocus on the SQ1 creates accurate depictions, whereas many others can only achieve this if their settings are just right.

Even in dim light, this camera picks up colors and keeps the primary subject well-lit. At the other end of the spectrum, in bright direct sunlight, the SQ1 consistently produced great images with accurate skin tones and colorful skies without any part being blown out. This is a fairly rare feat for an instant camera, so it's even more impressive since this model doesn't allow the user to adjust the settings. It was very refreshing to use the SQ1, as its images were consistent and reliable, requiring little effort. No other camera produced such high-quality imagery by simply pointing and shooting.

User Friendliness

Possessing the power to take a great photo at a moment's notice and in any situation, it's obvious why the SQ1 received the highest score in this metric of any camera tested, as it's incredibly easy to use. The camera is powered on by simply twisting the lens barrel to the "ON" position, offering a truly point-and-shoot experience. The square shape of the body is comfortable to handle, and the texturized rubber of the battery column adds to the comfort while shooting. While the size of this camera is too big to fit in a pocket, it can fit easily into any bag or pack. The only real downfall of the SQ1 is that the film packs would occasionally get jammed, which caused some film to be wasted and the shot counter to display an inaccurate reading. However, even though we encountered film jams with two separate packs, this camera is extremely user-friendly, with its intuitive interface and a learning curve that's almost nonexistent.

The point-and-shoot functionality and reliability of the SQ1 make it the easiest camera to operate that we've tested. Simply set the lens barrel to either standard or selfie, frame your shot, and push the shutter button. As mentioned above, the film packs getting jammed can be a slight annoyance, along with the shot counter, both of which can cause film to be wasted if you open the door thinking that the pack is empty when it actually has some shots left.

Features

Simplicity is the name of the game with the Instax Square SQ1. Its lack of additional features is meant to be a strength, but it may be seen as a weakness, depending on the level of control that you desire. For instance, this camera does have a mirror on the front to assist with taking selfies and the option to add a wrist strap, but it doesn't have a timer, filters, or the ability to adjust the flash or take multiple exposures. The design is stylish and functional, with a good amount of durability to withstand normal wear and tear. It is also available in three color options, adding some personality and providing an opportunity for some personalization.

Despite not having the creative controls offered by some of the competitors, every bit of the design serves an intentional purpose. The textured cylindrical grip on the right side of the camera, where the battery door and shutter button are located, makes it very comfortable to shoot with. But, the location of the shutter button makes it possible to accidentally snap a pic while handling the camera when it's on. The shot counter malfunction and jamming of the film packs are also unfortunate, leading to the SQ1 scoring toward the bottom of the group in this metric.

Battery

Another aspect of the SQ1 that performed well was the battery life. The camera uses two CR2 batteries, which are included, and they lasted throughout our entire testing process without affecting the function or needing to be changed. It's nice that the camera automatically shuts off after five minutes of inactivity, helping to conserve power and extend the battery life.

According to the Fujifilm website, the SQ1 can shoot through thirty packs of film before the batteries need to be changed. Although we didn't go through quite that much film, we found the manufacturer's claims to be accurate since all of our tests never seemed to have any effect on the power of the camera.

Should You Buy the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1?

The Instax Square SQ1 is a great option for all ages and skill levels, as it is incredibly easy to use and consistently takes great photos with accurate color depiction and crisp clarity. However, even though this camera creates beautiful images in a matter of seconds, it may leave more experienced photographers wanting more, as it lacks the creative capabilities of some of the competitors, like multiple exposures or an adjustable flash. The simple interface and design of the SQ1 allow it to easily be shared with friends or family during get-togethers, and its ability to shoot in any amount of light helps the user to shoot with confidence, regardless of their level of experience. All in all, we were very impressed with this camera's performance, especially for how simple it is to use.

What Other Instant Cameras Should You Consider?