Reviews

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Review: Instant Photography Made Stylish and Simple

If you’re looking for a fun, easy-to-use instant camera that delivers classic Polaroid-style prints with a modern twist, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a top contender. Whether you’re capturing spontaneous moments, documenting your travels, or creating a photo wall of memories, this square-format instant camera offers a perfect balance of style, simplicity, and nostalgia.

Why Choose the Instax Square SQ1?

The Instax SQ1 blends modern design with instant photography’s retro charm. It stands out with its square format—a feature that pays homage to classic Polaroid prints—while offering the reliability and ease-of-use we expect from Fujifilm’s Instax line.

Specs

Color	Available in Chalk White, Glacier Blue, and Terracotta Orange
Weight	Approximately 390g without batteries and film
Lens	65.75mm f/12.6 with 2 components, 2 elements
Viewfinder	Reverse Galilean finder, 0.4× with target spot
Shutter	Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/400 sec with slow synchro for low light
Exposure Control	Automatic, Lv 5.0 to 15.5 (ISO 800)
Film	Uses Fujifilm Instax Square instant film (62mm × 62mm image size)
Battery	Powered by 2x CR2 lithium batteries
Bonus Features	Selfie mode with built-in mirror, automatic exposure, and auto power-off after 5 minutes

Design and Usability

One of the best things about the SQ1 is its minimalist and bold aesthetic. Available in three eye-catching colors—Terracotta Orange, Chalk White, and Glacier Blue—the camera looks as good on your shelf as it does in your hand.

It’s built with beginners in mind, thanks to:

Automatic exposure: No need to adjust settings manually.
One-touch selfie mode: Great for quick snaps with friends.
Simple point-and-shoot experience: Perfect for all ages.

Pros and Cons of the Fujifilm Instax SQ1

Pros

Modern, stylish design
Larger square prints for more visual impact
Instant photo gratification
User-friendly features with no learning curve
Reliable performance in most lighting conditions

Cons

Film packs can get expensive over time
No digital backup – prints only
Limited manual controls for advanced users

Price and Availability in South Africa (2025)

The Instax Square SQ1 retails for around R2,499 at major South African retailers and online stores. Just keep in mind that film is sold separately, so be sure to factor that into your overall cost.

Is the Instax SQ1 Still Worth It in 2025?

With newer models like the Instax Mini 41 and Instax Evo entering the market, it’s fair to ask whether the SQ1 is still relevant. The answer is yes—especially if you want larger prints and zero-fuss operation. It may lack digital features, but it delivers something many modern devices can’t: tangible, printed memories in seconds.