Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40: Full Review 2026

The test anecdote

Stéphanie first took it out on a Saturday morning at the Saint-Ouen flea market. Between the vintage tableware stalls and old vinyl records, the SQ40 found itself in its element. A dealer even thought it was a camera from the 70s — she had to show him the square print coming out to convince him otherwise. It's exactly the kind of misunderstanding that sums up this camera well: it has the charm of the old with the reliability of the new.

That day, the square format proved perfect for photographing objects on the stalls. No need to think about orientation, no rotation to anticipate. The square frame wraps around the subject and that's it.

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Square format: why it changes everything

The Square print measures 62x62mm — 70% more surface area than a classic Mini (62x46mm). It may not seem like much on paper, but in real life the difference jumps out at you. You see more detail, faces stand out better, and above all there's that uniform white border all around that gives a very "framed print" look effortlessly.

The square format occupies a unique place in the Instax ecosystem. Launched in 2017 with the SQ10 (a digital-instant hybrid), it found its purely analogue form with the SQ6 in 2018, then the SQ40 in 2023. Fujifilm chose to simplify: goodbye SQ6 creative modes, hello a stripped-down camera that does one thing and does it well.

At around 130-160 EUR, the SQ40 costs significantly more than a Mini 12 (80 EUR). The premium is justified by the unique format and build quality, but you also need to factor in Square film at about 1.30 EUR per print. That's a budget.

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Design and Build

Honestly, this is probably the most beautiful analogue instant camera Fujifilm has ever released. The full matte black, clean lines, retracting lens — it all exudes something. Stéphanie isn't the type to care about how a gadget looks, but this one she pulls from her bag with a little pleasure every time.

The dimensions remain contained: 130 x 127 x 67mm for 346g without batteries or film. It fits in a handbag without issue. However, the lack of textured grip is noticeable when your hands are sweaty — the Minis do better on this point.

Powering on by rotating the lens is a gesture you quickly get used to. You turn, the lens extends, you're ready. To turn off, same motion in reverse. Simple, mechanical, satisfying.

The only real practical complaint: CR2 batteries. Two required, and unlike AA batteries you find everywhere, CR2s need to be sourced from pharmacies or online. Our advice: buy four in advance and always keep a spare pair.

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Image quality

Prints are sharp in the centre with slight softness in the corners — this is the signature of all analogue Instax cameras, not a SQ40-specific flaw. Colours lean towards warm and slightly saturated, that flattering rendering you recognise immediately.

The 62x62mm surface makes a real difference compared to the Mini. You can distinguish clothing details, stone wall textures, facial expressions. Stéphanie compared a portrait taken with the Mini 12 and one with the SQ40 side by side: the square wins every time in readability.

The automatic exposure does a generally good job. We had a few dark prints in a dimly lit restaurant in Belleville, and a slightly burnt portrait on a beach at full midday. But without brightness control, that's expected — the SQ40 does the best it can with what it has.

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Everyday use

Turn on, aim, press. No menu, no dial, no mode to select. Exposure and flash are entirely automatic. It's liberating to have so few choices to make — you focus on framing and nothing else.

Focus covers from 0.3m to infinity. The selfie mirror next to the lens helps for self-portraits, though it remains small.

The square format changes how you compose. Gone is the "horizontal or vertical?" reflex — everything goes square. Stéphanie noticed she framed subjects more naturally in the centre, that centred portraits and symmetrical compositions came out particularly well. For panoramas, better to turn to a Wide.

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In detail: the retractable lens

The SQ40's retractable lens system is more than an aesthetic gimmick — it's a real practical asset. Once closed, the camera loses nearly 2 cm of thickness, making it easier to store in a bag. But more importantly, the lens is protected in the retracted position, reducing the risk of scratches and dust on the glass.

The rotation mechanism is firm and precise. No play, no suspicious noise. After several hundred open/close cycles, the system showed no signs of wear. It's a detail, but on a camera you pull out and put away several times a day, it counts.

Compared to the SQ6 which had a fixed, always-exposed lens, this is a notable improvement. The SQ6 required a removable lens cap — easy to lose. The SQ40 integrates protection into its design.

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In detail: CR2 batteries, the poor choice

This is the SQ40's dark spot and it deserves an explanation. CR2 lithium batteries are not AA batteries. They cost about 8 to 12 EUR for two at a pharmacy, versus 3 EUR for AAs. They're harder to find: not in standard supermarkets, rarely at petrol stations.

Each pair of CR2s allows about 100 photos (roughly 10 packs of film). That's decent, but the cost adds to the price of film. Over a year at 5 photos per week, count 3 to 4 battery changes, or 24 to 48 EUR extra.

Why did Fujifilm choose CR2 over AA? Size. CR2s are significantly more compact, which kept the body slim and elegant. It's an aesthetic choice at the expense of practicality. We understand the decision, but we regret it a little.

The alternative: rechargeable CR2 batteries exist, but they're rare and the capacity is lower. Our advice remains to buy a stock of batteries in advance on Amazon.

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Cost per photo: the real budget

Item	Annual cost (5 photos/week)
SQ40 camera	145 EUR (one-time purchase)
Square film (260 photos at ~1.30 EUR)	338 EUR
CR2 batteries (3-4 pairs/year)	~36 EUR
Year 1 total	~519 EUR

Compared with the Mini 12 at the same pace:

Item	Annual cost
Mini 12 camera	80 EUR
Mini film (260 photos at ~0.70 EUR)	182 EUR
AA batteries (3 pairs/year)	~9 EUR
Year 1 total	~271 EUR

The SQ40 costs nearly double the Mini 12 over a year. That's the price of the unique format and premium design. You be the judge of whether the square and aesthetics are worth the difference.

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Against the competition

Against the Instax Mini 12 (80 EUR): the Mini 12 is much cheaper to buy and per print. But it produces smaller rectangular photos and its design is less sophisticated. The SQ40 is for those who want to stand out.

Against the Instax Wide 400 (149 EUR): the Wide 400 produces panoramic prints (99x62mm) suited to landscapes and group photos. The SQ40 excels in portraiture and square composition. Two different uses for roughly the same price.

Against the Polaroid Now Gen 2 (119 EUR): the Now Gen 2 produces larger square i-Type prints (79x79 mm) with a more organic, vintage rendering. The SQ40 offers more faithful colours and greater consistency. It's the classic Fujifilm precision vs Polaroid character duel.

Against the Instax Mini 99 (179 EUR): the Mini 99 offers advanced creative modes the SQ40 lacks. But its format remains the classic Mini. The SQ40 wins on print originality.

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User feedback

We analysed over 150 Amazon France reviews and specialised forum feedback. Here's what emerges.

What users love:

• The design: "the most beautiful instant camera I own", "a decorative object in its own right"
• The square format: "finally something different from the Mini", "perfect for Instagram before its time"
• Simplicity: "turn on, shoot, that's it", "ideal for people who hate menus"
• Outdoor print quality: "the colours are magnificent in sunlight"

What frustrates users:

• CR2 batteries: "impossible to find on holiday in a village", "the only negative point, but it's a big one"
• No creative modes: "my old SQ6 had double exposure, this one doesn't", "a shame for the price"
• Flash sometimes too aggressive indoors: "indoor photos are either too dark or flashed out"
• Film cost: "1.30 EUR per photo, it makes you think before pressing the shutter"

The consensus: a camera you love to take out and show off, but use sparingly because of the film price.

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Who is it for?

• Those who want to stand out: the Square format instantly distinguishes itself from the Mini you see everywhere
• Polaroid aesthetic fans who prefer Fujifilm consistency to the surprises (good and bad) of Polaroid film
• Square framing enthusiasts used to the Instagram format
• Creatives looking for an original physical medium for their compositions

It's the camera Stéphanie would gift to someone who already has a Mini and wants to take the next step without changing ecosystems.

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Price

Between 130 and 160 EUR for the body, plus 12-14 EUR per pack of 10 films. The cost per print runs around 1.20 to 1.40 EUR — halfway between Mini and Polaroid. Over a year of regular use, film easily represents double the camera's price.

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Alternatives

If the SQ40's square format interests you but some aspects hold you back, here are options.

For the same square format with more features: look for a used or discounted 🛒 Instax SQ6 →. It offers double exposure, colour filters and brightness control — features absent from the SQ40.

For a larger square format: the 🛒 Polaroid Now Gen 2 → produces 79x79 mm i-Type prints with a more organic rendering. More expensive per print, but more impressive.

For the best value for money: the 🛒 Instax Mini 12 → remains the most economical and accessible choice, even if the format is more conventional.

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Verdict

The SQ40 is a niche camera, and it fully assumes that. Its square format and retro design make it a unique object in the instant catalogue. Every print has a personality that Minis don't reproduce.

Our score of 8.0/10 reflects a solid camera, held back by the lack of brightness adjustment, CR2 batteries and Square film price. But for those looking for something different, the SQ40 hits the mark.

🛒 See the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 price on Amazon →

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Technical specifications

Specification	Instax Square SQ40
Dimensions	130 x 127 x 67 mm
Weight	346 g (without batteries)
Lens	Retractable, 2 elements
Focus	0.3m to infinity
Flash	Automatic
Power	2 CR2 lithium batteries
Autonomy	~100 photos per pair of CR2s
Film format	Instax Square (62 x 62 mm)
Shots per pack	10
Features	Selfie mirror, auto exposure
Colour	Matte black

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FAQ

The SQ40 and the SQ6, what's the concrete difference?

The SQ40 takes the SQ6's square format with a completely redesigned exterior: retractable lens, more reliable automatic exposure, more modern look. However, the SQ6 had creative modes (double exposure, colour filters) that the SQ40 doesn't have. If technical creativity matters to you, it's a regression.

Does Square film fit in a Polaroid?

No, not at all. Instax Square film (62x62mm) is a proprietary Fujifilm format. No compatibility with Polaroid films, in either direction.

Can you take a selfie with it?

Yes, there's a small mirror next to the lens. You can see yourself in it, adjust the framing and press the shutter. It's basic but it works.

What if I want to put Mini film in it?

Impossible. The SQ40 only accepts Instax Square film. Mini and Wide cartridges have different dimensions and physically won't fit.

Square film, how much does it really cost?

Count between 1.20 and 1.40 EUR per photo. A pack of 10 goes for between 12 and 14 EUR. Buying in bulk lots of 50 saves a few cents per print.