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Instax Square SQ6 Review
The Instax Square SQ6 is the latest camera in the Fujifilm instant camera range and is their answer to strong market demand for an instant camera which shoots on square film. It is an “Instagram meets instant camera photography” moment which had me instantly hooked.
The Instax Square SQ6 follows in the footsteps of it’s somewhat controversial predecessor, the Instax Square SQ10 which is a hybrid instant camera that was met with mixed views as many die-hard instant photography fans felt bringing the digital element into the camera ruined the nostalgia of shooting with an instant camera.
It’s a huge improvement on it’s predecessor, the Instax Square SQ10 hybrid instant camera which never captured people’s hearts in the way that Instax Mini cameras have.
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Instax Square SQ6 Key Features
The Instax SQ6 is packed full of neat features designed to make the camera super easy to use while maintaining flexibility and adaptibility when shooting.
The camera includes a selfie mode, automatic exposure control, macro mode, landscape mode, double exposure mode, darken and lighten mode:
Selfie mode – the Instax SQ6 comes equipped with a small selfie mirror to help you frame your selfie (this is standard on most of the Instax range nowadays). What is unique is that that SQ6 slefie mode automatically adjusts focal length and brightness levels to help you capture the perfect selfie – something that you will really appreciate if you are as selfie obsessed as I am!
Automatic exposure control – this function automatically lightens both the subject and background when shooting in low light environments such as a dark room or night scene. I found this to be a good improvement on the Instax mini cameras which tend to have automatic flash making them pretty useless for shooting at night (note: on the SQ6 you have the option to select “flash off” mode).
Macro and Landscape modes – put simply these modes allow you to take photos up close or far away. In macro mode you can shoot objects which are 12 to 20 inches away and landscape mode is ideal for capturing anything more than 6 foot away.
Double exposure mode – is something that was specced for the Instax Mini 90 and I haven’t seen much since so a welcome comeback for this feature. In case you aren’t aware, double exposure mode allows you to superimpose two different images into a single photo.
Darken and lighten mode – is eeeemmm pretty self explanatory, enough said lol.
In addition to the above features, the Instax Square SQ6 also has a 10-second timer and comes equipped with 3 flash color filters (orange, purple and green) which you can attach to the flash if you want to add an artistic touch to your instant photos.
You can find out more information on all of the above by watching this video:
https://youtu.be/y3TTHOM1bhc
Instax SQ6 Design
The Instax SQ6 measure 4.7 inches by 5 inches by 2.3 inches (118.7mm x 128.1mm x 58.1mm) and weighs 13.9 ounces (393 grams) not including the battery, strap and film pack. It’s slightly lighter than the SQ10 which makes it ideal for carrying around as a “walking instagram.”
Style wise Instax have moved away from the bright color schemes we saw on recent models and opted for more earthy tones for the SQ6 which is a welcome change. It comes in pearl white, blush gold and graphite gray and gives the camera a more sophisticated look and feel than some of the instax mini designs which can feel a bit plastic toy-like.
The Instax SQ6 comes complete with two rechargable CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries which are good for shooting up to 300 photos on a single charge, more than ample for almost any situation.
Instax Square SQ6 vs. Instax Square 10
I have to confess that I am among a small group of photographers who actually likes the Instax Square SQ10, however I can understand it’s not a camera suitable for everyone. You may find yourself deciding between the Instax SQ6 and Instax SQ10 so let’s compare both cameras head to head:
| Instax Camera Model | Instax Square SQ6 | Instax Square SQ10 |
| Camera Type | Instant Camera | Instant Hybrid Camera |
| Price | $130 | $225 |
| Shutter Release | Programmed electronic shutter release, 1.6sec – 1 / 400sec | 1/29500 sec. to 1/2 sec. (Auto), maximum 10 sec. in Bulb mode |
| Lens | Retractable lens, 2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6 | 1/4-in., CMOS with primary color filter |
| Flash | In Macro mode: Built-in, automatic electronic flash In a mode other than Macro mode: Always flashing Charging time: 0.2sec – 7sec (using a new battery), Flash charging indicator, Effective flash lamp range: 0.3m – 2.7m / 1ft. – 8.9ft. |
Auto/Compulsory flash/Suppressed flash/Slow synchro/Red-eye removal Effective range: Approx. 50 cm to 8 m |
| Exposure Control | Automatic, Interlocking range (ISO800) : LV5 – LV15.5, Exposure compensation: ±2/3EV |
Programmed AE |
| Batteries | Two CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries | NP-50 |
| Size | 4.7in. × 5.0in. × 2.3in | 4.7in. x 5in. X 1.9in. |
| Weight | 393g / 13.9oz. (without battery, strap, and film pack) |
450 g (includes fi lm pack and battery) |
| Photo Size | 2.4in. × 2.4in. | 2.4in. × 2.4in. |
| Selfie Mirror | Yes | No |
| Instax Film | Instax Square Film | Instax Square Film |
| Self-timer | Electronically controlled, approx. 10second delay, Can be stopped mid-run | Approx. 10 sec./Approx. 2 sec. |
| LCD Monitor / USB | No | Yes |
My verdict: If you are looking for an instant camera that shoots square photos then the Instax SQ6 is a clear winner at almost half the price. If you would like the option of being able to shoot, store and edit your photos digitally then you should [easyazon_link identifier=”B06Y66DM52″ locale=”US” tag=”markplummer-20″]opt for the SQ10[/easyazon_link].
Instax Square SQ6 vs. Instax Mini 9
| Instax Camera Model | Instax Square SQ6 | Instax Mini 9 |
| Camera Type | Instant Square Camera | Instant Mini Camera |
| Price | $130 | $59 |
| Shutter Release | Programmed electronic shutter release, 1.6sec – 1 / 400sec | 1/60 sec |
| Lens | Retractable lens, 2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6 | 2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7 |
| Flash | In Macro mode: Built-in, automatic electronic flash In a mode other than Macro mode: Always flashing Charging time: 0.2sec – 7sec (using a new battery), Flash charging indicator, Effective flash lamp range: 0.3m – 2.7m / 1ft. – 8.9ft. |
Always on |
| Exposure Control | Automatic, Interlocking range (ISO800) : LV5 – LV15.5, Exposure compensation: ±2/3EV |
Manual switching system (LED indicator in exposure meter) |
| Batteries | Two CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries. Capacity 300 shots. | Two AA-size 1.5V alkaline batteries. Capacity: 100 shots |
| Size | 4.7in. × 5.0in. × 2.3in | 5 x 3 x 5.5 in |
| Weight | 393g / 13.9oz. (without battery, strap, and film pack) |
307g / 10.8 oz. (without batteries, strap and film pack) |
| Photo Size | 2.4in. × 2.4in. | 1.8 in x 2.4 in |
| Selfie Mirror | Yes | Yes |
| Instax Film | Instax Square Film | Instax Mini Film |
| Self-timer | Electronically controlled, approx. 10second delay, Can be stopped mid-run | No |
My verdict: If you are on a budget then the cheaper price of both the camera and instax mini film makes the Instax Mini 9 a clear winner. If you appreciate the larger photo size and square format then you should choose the Instax SQ6.
Instax Square SQ6 Film
If there’s one thing that really blows about instant camera photography, it has to be the price of film.
I ain’t going to sugar coat it for you, the Instax SQ6 uses Instax Square Film which works out at about $1.30 per photo.
Fortunately, I have written a previous article on how to buy instax film in bulk and reduce your photo costs which you can read and hopefully find helpful.
Okay that’s the bad news out of the way. The good news is that the Intax Square photo format is 30 percent larger than Instax Mini photo size, giving you extra space to fully capture your subject plus it removes the need to decide between shooting in landscape or portrait mode.
Fujifilm have recently released the Instax Square film with a black background to provide a striking background to your photos, this is in addition to their standard film which features a white background.
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Pros & Cons of the Instax Square SQ6
Pros
- 1:1 Square format photos are super cool and bring Instagram to life
- Significantly cheaper than the SQ10
- Huge range of features and photography modes
Cons
- Instax Square film costs more than $1 per photo
Verdict
The Instax Square SQ6 is a simple and stylish camera packed full of neat features and photography modes. The 1:1 square format makes it a walking version of Instagram and I really liked the fact that the photos are notably larger than those of the Instax Mini range which, although lots of fun, can be very limited for space to fully capture an image or scene.
At $130, the SQ6 is competitively priced for the quality of camera and specifications and I believe Fujifilm will quickly see the pearl white and elegant blush gold versions selling out so get your now before they are gone!
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