Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20 is a blend of digital camera, printer and instant camera. It was introduced by Fujifilm in September 2018. It is currently available in beige and black.

The SQ20 has a CMOS sensor built in. This takes photos and videos as digital files. The video functionality was added with this generation and is missing on the SQ10, which was introduced in 2017.

The digital pictures can then be printed out on instant film. Here it is possible to print each image directly or to select specific images after taking them. The pictures and videos are stored in the internal memory or on a memory card.

Various modes are available for recording. In the “Frame Grab” a video up to fifteen seconds long is recorded, from which the best moment can be selected. The “Timeshift Collage” takes several photos one after the other and combines them into a collage. The “Sequence” mode creates images with a feeling of movement. Double Exposure mode superimposes two images on top of each other. It is also possible to add multiple images to a collage. The captured images can be provided with different color filters before printing.

In front of the sensor there is a fixed lens with a fixed focal length. The focal length of the lens is 33.4 mm. The maximum aperture is f/2.4. To focus the lens, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20 has an autofocus system built in. The minimum distance to the subject must be 10 cm.

An exposure meter is built into the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20. The camera automatically adjusts the exposure. An exposure correction with two f-stops each is available. The camera comes with a bulb mode. The shutter can remain open for a variable time, but for a maximum of ten seconds.

There is a built-in flash for shooting in low light. With ISO 100 films it reaches up to 8 meters. It can also be switched off if desired.

The 35 mm camera comes with a thread for a tripod. There is also a built-in self-timer. This has a lead time of either two or ten seconds. For selfies there is a small mirror on the front of the camera.

With a size of 11,9 x 5 x 12,7 cm, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20 weighs 390 grams according to the manual. With film and memory card it weighs 440 grams.

A built-in rechargeable battery provides the power supply. This can be charged via the micro USB port. The charging time is between two and three hours. Afterwards, you can take about a hundred pictures with the camera.

The beige version

Back side with display

Films for the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20

The pictures are printed on films of the Instax Square format. The films are produced by Fuji itself. The current color film is the Instax Square Film*. There are ten pictures in one package.

The instant images are in a cassette, which is inserted into the camera. The film material is light sensitive and must therefore not come into contact with light. Therefore, do not open the camera until all images have been exposed.

A piece of plastic is ejected before the first frame after inserting the film. It protects the film from light outside the camera. After that you can start taking pictures.

Once the image is selected, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ20 starts printing. This process takes about twelve seconds. After that the developing time starts and after about ninety seconds you have the finished picture in your hand. By shaking, the development time is accelerated not.

The image has a size of 8.6 to 7.2 cm and is therefore similar to the old Polaroid images. The picture itself is square and 6.2 by 6.2 cm in size. It is surrounded by a frame.