The Instax Square SQ40 is the latest fun camera on offer from Fujifilm and it is a large camera which got lots of attention when I was out testing it which I suppose is not a bad thing, if left me feeling nothing short of an American tourist with a big DSLR strapped around my neck strolling around the docklands for a day which was interesting to say the least and got me talking to all kinds of people which again is not bad and it created a conversation and got peoples attention albeit some just nosey. But you can see why with how the camera is built that gives it a more expensive look.
So when it comes to size as mentioned it is by no means on the small side however it is the simplicity of the camera that will appeal to most and Fujifilm camera fans will be aware of you just point and shoot and the job is done and you get a photo there and then and just wait until it processes right in front of you.
The fun part is the lens which opens up and it becomes even bigger and allows you to take selfies and a standard photo, there is no setting to mess with and no app so there is no complication here at all and you just point and shoot, having said that at times it did not get the picture I wanted even when using the viewfinder which has no correction and you need to gauge your distance right, after that press the shutter key which is nice and tactile by the way.
Photos are good for the most however some got blown out and this is something I have seen before with these cameras and to be fair it can happen on any camera and even on your smartphone which most folk use today. Selfies I found came out the best and even testing at night I found came out good as you will see in the video review below with the samples taken from the camera. The thing is there is no long exposure offering here and only what you get built in with no options to control it.
Overall it is an ideal camera for beginners for those wanting more might look elsewhere and I am no photography professional and this camera is not out to get those either it is for fun and looks and the SQ1 might be a better option for those who are more advanced and want a bit more but overall it is still a cool camera and fun to use and will get the attention it deserves.
Key SQ40 features include:
Automatic Exposure function
The SQ40’s Automatic Exposure function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, optimizing the shutter speed and flash output according to the scene. It allows even novice INSTAX instant camera users to take photos that are automatically adjusted regardless of interior or exterior conditions, producing high-quality photos on-the-spot.
Selfie Mode for quicker and easier selfies
Users can activate the Selfie Mode, perfect for taking selfies and close-up shots, by simply twisting the lens after powering the SQ40 on. Using this mode to take amazing selfies and close-ups is incredibly easy and convenient.
New Film Variety Introduced:
Also accompanying the launch of SQ40 is Fujifilm’s launch of the new INSTAX SQUARE “Sunset” variety of instant film. The design of this new square format instant film is inspired by the gentle gradation of the colors in the sky during a sunset. As with all INSTAX SQUARE instant film varieties, Sunset will be available in a single pack with 10 exposures.
Pricing and Availability:
Fujifilm’s INSTAX SQUARE SQ40 instant camera will be available at Fujifilm stockist’s nationwide at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price EUR 150.00 (incl. VAT) and is expected to be available for purchase on 29th June 2023. For more product information, visit www.instax.ie/cameras/square-sq40/
INSTAX SQUARE Sunset instant film is also expected to be available on 29th June 2023 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 11.00 (incl. VAT) per pack (10 sheets). For more information about this new INSTAX SQUARE instant film variety, visit www.instax.ie/film/#film-selector.