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Summary

Highly Recommended awardThe Fujifilm Instax SQ6 is an analogue instant camera styled to look like the classic Instagram logo. It's Fujifilm's second instant camera to use the Instax Square format, but unlike the earlier digital SQ10 it employs the simpler analogue process of the popular Instax Mini series. This makes it cheaper and while the lack of a sensor and internal storage means there's no way to print duplicate images nor view them on a screen first, many fans of the analogue system prefer its ephemeral nature as each print is literally unique. In a nice upgrade over the Instax Mini 9, there's the choice of three focusing ranges (thereby increasing the chance of a sharp image) and while the exposure remains automatic, the camera now has access to range of shutter speeds allowing it to better-handle bright scenes; the SQ6 is also supplied with three coloured filters for the flash to produce special effects. Ultimately the SQ6 brings the attractive Instax Square format to a broader audience with a more affordable body, not to mention one that shares the analogue charm of the best-selling Minis with just enough frills to increase the chance of a successful print. Some of these frills may have been seen before on the Mini 90 Neo models, but for much the same body price you can now enjoy them deployed with the larger square format. Budget seekers may still seek out the cheaper Mini 9, but I reckon the SQ6 is worth the extra for its greater sophistication plus the chance to use the square format. Recommended.

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Fujifilm Instax SQ6 review

The Fujifilm Instax SQ6 is an analogue instant camera that’s designed to look like the classic Instagram logo. Announced in May 2018, it becomes Fujifilm’s second instant camera to use the latest Instax Square format that outputs prints measuring 2.4×2.4in / 62x62mm on paper that’s 86x72mm in size. Proportionately the Instax Square prints are reminiscent of the original Polaroid instant format, but scaled-down and smaller. Like the narrower Instax Mini format, Instax Square is supplied in cartridges with ten prints.

 

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The Instax SQ6 comes one year after the Instax SQ10 which launched the Instax Square format. Unlike the digital SQ10 though, the SQ6 is a return to the fully analogue process of the popular Instax Mini series, making it cheaper and simpler; and while the lack of the SQ10’s digital sensor and internal storage means there’s no way to print duplicate images nor any way to view them on a screen first, many fans of the analogue system prefer its ephemeral nature as each print can be a surprise and is literally unique. In the video below I’ll show you around the SQ6 and explain the differences between it and the SQ10 and Mini 9 models!

 

 

 

Check prices on the Fujifilm Instax SQ6 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

 

As with other Instax analogue cameras, the exposure is automatic with minimal control from the photographer other than the chance to darken or lighten the image or apply a double exposure. There are now at least three focusing ranges to choose from though: macro (0.3 to 0.5m), Normal (0.5 to 2m) and landscape (2m to infinity), and the camera comes with orange, purple and green filters to overlay on the flash for special effects. Meanwhile a small mirror on the front helps you compose selfies, while a self-timer mode is also available.  Fujifilm is also releasing a new Instax Square film option with a black border rather than the usual white, although the image within remains full colour. The SQ6 is available in Pearl White, Blush Gold or Graphite Gray finishes.

 

Fujifilm Instax SQ6 verdict

The Fujifilm Instax SQ6 is an analogue instant camera styled to look like the classic Instagram logo. It’s Fujifilm’s second instant camera to use the Instax Square format, but unlike the earlier digital SQ10 it employs the simpler analogue process of the popular Instax Mini series. This makes it cheaper and while the lack of a sensor and internal storage means there’s no way to print duplicate images nor view them on a screen first, many fans of the analogue system prefer its ephemeral nature as each print is literally unique. In a nice upgrade over the Instax Mini 9, there’s the choice of three focusing ranges (thereby increasing the chance of a sharp image) and while the exposure remains automatic, the camera now has access to range of shutter speeds allowing it to better-handle bright scenes; the SQ6 is also supplied with three coloured filters for the flash to produce special effects.

 

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Ultimately the SQ6 brings the attractive Instax Square format to a broader audience with a more affordable body, not to mention one that shares the analogue charm of the best-selling Minis with just enough frills to increase the chance of a successful print. Some of these frills may have been seen before on the Mini 90 Neo models, but for much the same body price you can now enjoy them deployed with the larger square format. Budget seekers may still seek out the cheaper Mini 9, but I reckon the SQ6 is worth the extra for its greater sophistication plus the chance to use the square format. Recommended.

Check prices on the Fujifilm Instax SQ6 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
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Fujifilm Instax SQ6

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