Fujifilm

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

Ranked #8 in Instant Cameras

416 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Redundant next to the SQ1, ignored by the expert roundups, and part of a Square line whose future the community openly questions. Buy the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1, or leave square behind.

Consolidated from 21 independent outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

12 positive sources
7 mixed sources
1 unconvinced source

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

1 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Redundant next to the SQ1: Instax's own compare page shows it as a fixed-lens body with no meaningful advantage over the SQ1, the expert outlets that recommend square recommend the SQ1, and the community openly questions the Square line's future. Buy the SQ1 for square.
Flagged 10 September 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

✓ Best image quality among square formats
✓ Large sensor and good light metering
✓ Solid build and reliable AA battery
✓ Larger square prints
✓ Excellent image detail

✗ Fixed-lens body with no meaningful advantage over the SQ1
✗ Ignored by the expert roundups
✗ Part of a Square line whose future the community openly questions
✗ Higher price than Mini line
✗ No built-in flash

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 9 articles, 11 video reviews and 1 community source

12 positive sources

TechRadar Article · Mar 2022

Best retro square: Fujifilm Instax SQ40: In many ways, we think the Fujifilm Instax SQ40 is everything that an instant camera should be. For starters, its old-school design is both stylish and easy to use. And the 62 x 62mm square prints the SQ40 produces deliver exactly the desaturated, vintage vibes you’d expect from a retro camera.

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USP REVIEW USP REVIEW · 2K subscribers · May 2025

If you're in a market for an instant camera that's both stylish and easy to use, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is definitely worth checking out. This camera stands out thanks to its minimalist design, making it a perfect companion for anyone who loves quick onthe-go photography without fussing over complicated settings.

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Good Housekeeping Simon Cocks · reviewer · Oct 2019

Who it’s for: If you want a simple instant camera that’s fun to use and makes big square prints, the SQ40 is the one we’d pick. Like some other Instax models, it has a built-in selfie mode and mirror so you can frame yourself and others in the shot.

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Hyper TecX Hyper TecX · 1K subscribers · Oct 2025

What makes it particularly great for kids is its incredible simplicity. There are no complicated menus or settings to navigate. It's truly point andoot, allowing users to focus on framing their shot and capturing the moment without getting bogged down in technicalities.

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Our Full guide Article

The Fujifilm Instax SQ40 is another good square-format Instax camera. Its features are very similar to those of the Instax Square SQ1, including automatic exposure and selfie mode. It is only available in black.

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Argyrios Photography Argyrios Photography · 465 subscribers · Jul 2026

Uh I think it's maybe between the three likes uh the mini, the wide, and the square possibly for me optimal is the square because it is not too big the cameras and the negative the image is not too small. So, instead of me saying more, uh I will say more. I will show you a closer look at the camera, some of my favorite photos I took with this camera, and also come back with some closing thoughts.

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We love a good content upgrade! If you want beautiful shots like @hollycastlexo, check out the instax SQUARE SQ40!

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Bright Tech Vision Bright Tech Vision · 326 subscribers · Oct 2025

This isn't just a random collection. It feels like a complete ecosystem for an Instax enthusiast. First up, the camera bag. It's not just a generic pouch. It's specifically designed to fit the SQ40 or SQ1 snugly, offering crucial protection against bumps and scratches while on the go.

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Tech Tune Picks Tech Tune Picks · 297 subscribers · Oct 2025

Moving beyond protection, the bundle truly shines in its ability to help users cherish and display their instant memories. A dedicated photo album is a fantastic addition, providing a neat and organized way to store and revisit those unique square prints. No more loose photos scattered around. Each memory finds its rightful place, preserving them for years to come.

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Top Tech Selections Top Tech Selections · 250 subscribers · Oct 2025

The Instax Square SQ40 itself is a charming device. It embraces a classic minimalist design that feels both retro and modern. Its analog nature means there are no digital screens or complex menus to navigate, making it incredibly straightforward to use. This simplicity is a huge part of its appeal, especially for younger users or anyone who appreciates a no fuss approach to photography.

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Sharp Gear Reviews Sharp Gear Reviews · 232 subscribers · Oct 2025

This isn't just another gadget. It's a gateway to tangible memories, and it comes packed with everything you need to start snapping right away. Right out of the box, the SQ40 has a wonderfully retro yet modern feel.

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Tech Sphere Pro Tech Sphere Pro · 207 subscribers · Oct 2025

The SQ40 intelligently adjusts the exposure to ensure beautiful, perfectly lit INSDX square instant photos every single time, whether one is indoors or out in bright sunlight. This makes it incredibly accessible for photographers of all skill levels, ensuring that every shot is a keeper. And for those who love to be in front of the lens, the dedicated selfie mode is an absolute gamecher.

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7 mixed sources

Digital Camera World Article · Nov 2022

Well, while I'm sad that Instax removed so many features from the Square lineup (such as a self-timer, tripod mount, and double exposures, which were all in the discontinued SQ6), I appreciate that this camera is so straightforward to use. You can give this to anyone in your family, from kids to grandparents, and they can take a picture without having to read a manual to figure it out.

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ILPROVACOSE ILPROVACOSE · 5K subscribers · Jul 2023

in my opinion on the sq40 it is definitely a plus

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Trusted Reviews Max Parker · reviewer · Mar 2026

The results were blurry at times – especially when snapping pics from a shorter distance – but small imperfections like fuzzy text and blown-out lights can also add character to an instant photo so we didn’t find this to be a dealbreaker.

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Best Top Tech Best Top Tech · 2.4K subscribers · Mar 2025

The magnetic closure, while convenient, doesn't feel quite as secure as a snap or buckle closure. While it's unlikely to open accidentally during normal use, I wouldn't feel completely comfortable tossing the camera in a bag without extra padding. Also, the case adds a bit of bulk to the already somewhat bulky SQ40 and SQ1.

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Imaging Resource David Schloss · reviewer · Sept 2025

Bottom Line Style-conscious photographers and travelers who prefer larger square‑format instant photos.

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Next-Gen Gadgets Next-Gen Gadgets · 231 subscribers · Mar 2025

While the automatic operation is convenient, it also means you have less control over the final image.

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Amateur Photographer Claire Gillo · reviewer · Jul 2026

Underexposure can be a problem

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1 unconvinced source

Instax Article Read

1 stance not read source

Google Play listing discussion Article Read

Frequently asked questions

It ranks #8 of 18 on our instant cameras tier list, in C tier. That placement draws on 21 independent outlets.

1 of the 20 sources with a clear view is critical of it: Instax. Fixed-lens body with no meaningful advantage over the SQ1. Ignored by the expert roundups. Part of a Square line whose future the community openly questions. Higher price than Mini line. No built-in flash.