Fujifilm Instax SQ6 Versus Polaroid Now I-Type Camera: Which Should You Buy?

The Fujifilm Instax SQ6 has been my favorite instant camera for several years now. The relatively extensive features, film size, and overall compact design make it a brilliant option. The question is, how does the SQ6 compare against the new instant camera from Polaroid? 

In our latest video, we compare the Fujifilm Instax SQ6 to the Polaroid Now I-Type camera. Both of these cameras use a square format film, however, the Polaroid film is significantly larger. In fact, the film Polaroid uses is even larger than the Instax wide film, which is the largest instant film currently produced by Fujifilm. 

For some of you, the difference in film size may be enough of a reason to pick the Polaroid over the Fujifilm. However, for those of you that prefer a more detailed comparison, the video above may be of benefit. 

In the comparison video linked above, we put both cameras through their paces to find out which is the best. Shooting in a mixture of different locations and scenarios we were able to demonstrate how each camera performs. Fortunately, what's good to know is that both cameras are brilliant options. The majority of the differences come down to personal preferences and neither seem to have any major problems or deal-breakers. 

Check out the full video linked above to find out which instant camera is the best one for you. 

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Usman Dawood's picture

Usman Dawood is a professional architectural photographer based in the UK.

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3 Comments

I too love the SQ6. Here's a useful work around: lighten/darken modes default the focus to "auto" (.5-2m). If you want sharp focus (2m-inf) choose "landscape mode and use ND gels over the lens to darken and over the sensor to lighten. Roscolux swatch book ($10) gels work well. A #397 = 2/3 stop. #97 = 1 stop. #398 = 1.4 stops and#98 = 2 stops. You'll need to purchase .15ND for 1/2 stop.

Some really cool and interesting suggestions. Much appreciated, thank you.

The large flat front of the SQ6 makes it easy to attach gels via removable double-sided tape. You can use warming filters to counteract the cool rendition or diffusion filters to cut contrast. Remember to use lighten/darken controls. Like slide film in the past, expose for the highlights.
Another idea is to use an optically 'slaved' external auto flash. Put a piece of electrical tape over the front of the in-camera flash. Light spill from the sides should be sufficient to trigger. I currently use an old Vivitar 283.