Instax SQ6 Review!
By Samantha –
However, within the realms of that hipsterdom, I have a real soft spot for instant cameras – I’ve loved my Instax Neo Classic from the very first frame. The camera’s look and function really appealed, and I now have stacks of credit-card sized mementos to revel on.
Fast-forward a few years, and you can imagine my excitement levels when I heard Instax were releasing their new SQ6, complete with modern exterior in a classy range of colours and new 62mm square film, as well as some awesome new features new to the Instax family.
Initial thoughts:
- The SQ6 is definitely a larger camera than the minis or Neo ranges, but no surprise considering the film size. The same sleek and refined aesthetic we’re used to from Instax however!
- Wow, there is a lot less in this box than I was expecting – but definitely a good thing! Instead of a rechargeable battery like with the Neo, the package included two CR2 batteries to install. Although rechargables have their advantages, I tend to worry about running out of juice when I least intend to. Carting around a spare pair of batteries will be a lot easier, but I’m interested to see how long these will last!
- A selfie mirror?! If Instax users are anything like myself, you’ll be wanting to get yourself in some of those shots. The addition of the selfie mirror makes that all-the-more easier.
- Flash Filters! Despite my initial confusion regarding how to use these (see: not a manual reader), it turned out they were super simple – just clip them on over the camera’s flash for some neat results.
Out and About!
- I loved the photos the SQ6 produced – the extra size took a little getting used to with the viewfinder, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fantastic. Selfies and landscapes turned out brilliantly on the larger film!
- Local photographer Isaac Evans (@isaacevansnz) very kindly captured some (hilariously cringey) shots of me with the camera – this thing is a statement accessory in its own right!
- The included flash filters produced some unique results – the manual suggests using the Lighten function to make the most of the colour, but the result is quite subtle even with this. Perfect for giving your shots a subtle shade of difference. This is definitely one function I’m keen to experiment with and see what kind of results it produces!
- One function I was always nervous about using with my Neo was the double exposure feature, so I figured a new format was enough reason to try something new! I was pleasantly surprised by the result, double exposing some of the nifty neon lights down in Auckland Central. Another awesome feature that will be interesting to experiment with!
Pros:
- Amazing photos! The difference in format offers a new perspective on taking instant photos, which I really loved. The square size really lends itself to landscapes, as well as nailing those selfies.
- It has the same intuitive design and feel you know and love from Instax – if you already love shooting with your mini or Neo, you’ll be onboard for the SQ6!
- These cameras come in an awesome range of colours – a new take on the camera’s exterior from past models, but it hands-down suits the larger unit.
- I really liked the wee LED lights to highlight each of the different shooting modes when switching between them, as well as how easy it was to switch between them! When your camera has this many functions, you want it to be simple to use all of them.
Cons:
- The film is a little more expensive, but the extra size is really worth it. I enjoy using Instax photos as cards, and the extra size of the SQ6 really lends itself to being displayed and shown off!
- How am I supposed to decide what camera to take with me now?! Perhaps we’ll need some dual-camera carry bags (hint hint Fujifilm!)
In conclusion, the SQ6 is definitely a fantastic addition to the Instax family and will no doubt become a fast favourite amongst instant-camera fans. I am incredibly excited to build on my 622 film collection, especially during our glorious New Zealand summer! And don’t forget folks: it’s hip to be square ;)
Get in quick to grab your shiny new SQ6 from our Instax Store, and don’t forget to stock up on your Instax Square Film too!
To win one of these nifty camera's of your own, let us know in the comments below “What will your first photo be of if you win?”
57 comments
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I'd take a photo of my own face!
If I win the instax instant camera my first photo will most likely be of my dog, he's a very photogenic pup. After that it will be used to document moments friends and family.
My first photo would be of my 9 week old baby and my 9 year old son together.
I would take a picture of my beautiful granddaughter Aria ?
I'd take a photo of the beautiful snow capped mountains that surround Tuatapere, where I live, especially on a morning like this where the sky is stunningly blue and tinged with pink around the tops of the snow capped mountains, a view well worth sharing
If I won I would take a picture of my son, on his 10th birthday to mark the milestone
If i won this amazing camera, I would actually get someone to take two pictures of me and my biggest influence and muse my mum. Snapping two pics I would give her one to cherish and me one to put in my room as a reminder to wake up every day and be my best self. ♡♡♡ Thank you
My beautiful dog Rufus
My doggy
Of my two kitties of course :)
My budgie called Monty
I would take a photo of my kids to send to my gran :)
I'd take a group picture with some friends!
Great review! The first photo I would take would more than likely be of one of my kids, or my fur baby. Whoever was looking at me while I'm figuring out the camera lol
My partner ^^
I have three kids, so a photo of them would have to be the first photo taken, then it would be a matter of hiding the camera so they don't use it all up (especially on selfies)
Probably our boys striking some ridiculous poses sigh
Awesome review. I d take a photo of my bride to be and wrap it alongside wedding ring to propose in Gisborne :)
I would probably take a photo of my soon to be 3 year old son.
I love taking photo's of my cats, and currently volunteer at a rescue so would love to take photos of them :-) <3
I would love to take a picture at my local botanic gardens, as there are some really beautiful flowers that would look great. :)
My car
I would do a family photo kids cats and one nutty dog
I would take a photo of my classmates going stand up paddle boarding as it's going to be good for some laughs
My daughters 5th birthday party
my cat I love his grumpy orange face :) toby aka the ginger ninja :)
My Cat Gypsy!
If I won, my first photo would be of my son & my husband
I would take photos of my animals first. I would love having some great photos of both my boys.
Take a photo of my the scenery outside of my apartment!
My 5 & 3 year old always ask for me to take photos of them. So no doubt the 1st pic would be one of them.
probably;y ,my cat, its always the cat
Love to get a great shot of Mauao Mt Maunganui and the extra size print would make a great photo on my wall.
Wow sounds amazing I would love to be able to take some pics of my kids, my cats and the amazing scenery in our beautiful country we live in ????
My mirror collection
I'd take some nature pictures then photos of friends and family :)
My kids :)
My 14 year old dog Rory, she's gone blind and deaf so I want to record every moment I can to remember.
The 2 month old for sure
Go on a family roady and get it in action..
I'd take a picture of my husband on his first ever time on a plane! 25years and never flown before! It may just be to Australia, but I like to capture small moments like these and have the hard copy to file into the album! That and I like to write on the blank bit on the bottom like youre supposed to do with polaroids!
Love to take some holidays snaps with my daughter :)
First photo I''ll take will be of my cute dog Ruby.
The first photo I take will be of my 2 little girls, who have had so many photos taken by parents and grandparents that they love seeing a camera and instantly strike a pose and say “cheese” :)
Probably a lovely sunset or landscape pic as they’re my fave. ? ?
My first photo would be of my daughter...or our cats....or the bunny....or the bird life in our area....pretty much anything that a moment of spontaneity provides!
I would take a photo of my Cat
I’d like to win it for my niece Isobel. She’s an amazing photographer and documents all sorts. There’s lovely photos she took of my mum and my sister earlier this year, with her instax camera.
Going on holiday to New Plymouth so I would take a photo of Mt Taranaki.
Love to take a photo of my grandkids.
My dog of course! :D
My dog Chance! He loves having his photo taken, and is the cutest doggo
I work on the 6th floor of our building, and we get EXCELLENT views of both the Port Hills and the Southern Alps, especially in the morning with the sunrise, so I'd probably take a photo of that :)
My first ever selfie, with the camera of course!
I'd would take a pic of the beautiful scenery of the Tahunanui beach. I just moved to Nelson, and I would love to share this with my family back home.
My first photo would be of my photogenic cats!
The first photo out of the instax would be a pic of my 13 year old daughters face, all squished up with delight as she realises she has just been given the best birthday present EVA, top of her wish list - the SQ6!