There’s a new addition to Fujifilm’s line-up of instant cameras: the Instax SQ40.
Its release is perfect timing as summer is one of the most fun times for shooting with instant cameras.
I enjoy bringing an Instax shooter to family gatherings, days out and special occasions as everyone gets some joy from seeing the snaps develop instantly. The prints make a nice souvenir too, whatever the occasion.
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Design and build
SQ40 has similar retro black and silver faux leather styling to the gorgeous Instax Mini 40, but the new model utilises the firm’s larger-format square film like previous SQ models.
It comes with a shoulder strap with quick release loops.
The rectangular camera is small and lightweight enough to carry around everywhere too. It measures 134.2 mm × 120.2 mm × 60.5 mm.
How it works
SQ40 is an analogue only camera. There are no digital copies of images saved. Using it is simple, anyone can do it.
The retractable lens on Instax SQ40 has three modes.
In the fully retracted off position, the camera is relatively flat the protective cap is closed.
In the on position, the lens extends and opens the lens cap, giving a field of view equivalent to 65.75 mm for shooting no closer than 0.3m.
Twist the lens again for macro mode for selfies, to shoot between 0.5m and 0.3m. You can use the small mirror at the front to see yourself and frame the shots.
To take a snap, just look through the viewfinder and press the shutter button.
What it delivers
Image quality is decent as the camera can pick up a pleasing amount of detail and contrast. Skin tones can be lighter than real life, but prints retain enough warmth to prevent people from appearing ghostly.
SQ40 has automatic exposure and flash control and prints automatically to the Instax Square film which has a 62mm x 62mm image area on an 86.4mm x 71mm film size.
Instax film comes in a few shapes and sizes, up from the smallest Instax Mini film to the panoramic Instax Wide film, and sitting in between those options is Instax Square film, which the SQ40 uses.
Accompanying the launch of the SQ40 is Fujifilm’s new Instax Square Sunset variety of instant film which is inspired by the gentle graduation of the colours in the sky during a sunset.
The firm said battery stamina should be 300 shots, but I haven’t been able to test that fully yet. The camera uses two CR2 batteries, incidentally.
Verdict
If you don’t like the risk of using up film on imperfect shots, then I’d recommend getting an Instax printer such as the Square Link instead.
It will let you take as many photos as you need on your smartphone before connecting the device to print the best shots.
Or you could choose the Instax hybrid model which combines the best of both worlds and lets you choose the shots you want to print.
But if you enjoy the spontaneity and fun of an instant camera, then Square SQ40 is your best choice. as it's so easy to use.
Pricing and availability
Instax SQ40 has an RRP of €150. Sunset film costs €11 for a single pack with 10 exposures.
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