Instant Camera Shootout: Fujifilm vs Polaroid (4 Models)

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a simple, entry-level instant camera that uses square-format Instax film. It features automatic exposure, a built-in flash, and a dedicated selfie mode, making it easy to use without manual settings. The camera produces 62×62 mm prints and is designed for casual, point-and-shoot photography.
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is a simple instant camera that uses wide-format Instax film to produce large prints (62×99 mm), ideal for group shots and landscapes. It features automatic exposure and flash control, a built-in self-timer, and easy point-and-shoot operation, making it great for casual photography.
The Polaroid Now Gen 2 is a classic analog instant camera with a retro design and simple point-and-shoot operation. It features a dual-lens autofocus system, built-in flash, and creative modes like double exposure and a self-timer. The camera uses Polaroid i-Type or 600 film and includes a rechargeable battery, with a body partly made from recycled materials.
The Polaroid I-2 is a premium instant camera designed for more advanced users. It features full manual controls (aperture, shutter speed), a sharp autofocus lens system, and an integrated display for precise shooting. Unlike simpler Polaroid cameras, it offers creative control similar to traditional photography, while still using classic Polaroid film.

Colorful close-up (~40 cm)
In this first series, you immediately see the big difference between the chemistry and colors of Polaroid vs Fujifilm. With Fujifilm, you notice the strong, high-contrast colors, while Polaroid shows softer tones. It's also immediately clear that the I-2 is best suited for close-ups, with beautiful bokeh and razor-sharp detail.

Legend: Q = FujiFilm Instax Square SQ1, W = FufiFilm Instax Wide 400, N = Polaroid Now Gen 2, I = Polaroid I-2

Playground in bright sunlight
In the second series, all four perform more or less the same. The sharpness is lowest on the SQ1, but the colors are exactly what you would expect. Shooting from this distance (~3 m) also clearly shows that the focal lengths of the SQ1, the Now, and the I-2 are more or less the same.

Portrait in the shadow (with built-in flash)
The SQ1 shows that the subject is somewhat overexposed and also not razor-sharp (~1 m distance). The Wide 400 makes it possible to actually use portrait mode, with nice even exposure but still slightly soft. The Polaroid Now and I-2 perform similarly, although the I-2 is the clear winner in sharpness among the four!.

Portrait in bright sunlight (with built-in flash)
Once again, strong colors and contrasts with the Fujifilm cameras. It seems that the flashes on both Polaroid cameras are slightly more powerful than those on the Fujifilm. The shadows under the model's chin are less harsh. The sharpness of the photos is comparable. Apparently, better focus in bright sunlight?

Portrait indoors at the kitchen table
Here it's clear that both Polaroid cameras perform excellently. Natural daylight coming in through the windows behind me was used. The flash on the Fujifilm cameras can't be turned off, so I covered it with my hand. The SQ1 still holds up reasonably well, but the Wide 400 struggles with the relatively low light. I'm actually surprised by the quality of the Polaroid Now!

Architecture in bright sunlight
The colors and contrast of the Fujifilm cameras closely match reality. I think it comes down to personal preference, but I prefer the nostalgic colors of the Polaroid. In terms of sharpness, I'd say the SQ1 is the weakest in this series.

How do the cameras handle dark and light?
This is one of the most challenging aspects of photography. The dark part of the tree on the left and the bright, well-lit area on the right of the photo illustrate this clearly. Photography (and especially instant photography) works very differently from what we can perceive with the human eye. It's therefore extremely important to consider where the light is coming from—ideally from behind you. Of these four, you could say that the Wide 400 and the Now still show detail and contrast in the leaves of the tree, while the exposure of the tower is best on the I-2.

Portrait with strong sunlight from the left
To see how the cameras handle indirect sunlight (from the left), these portraits were taken. With the I-2, I made a beginner's mistake: I set the camera to aperture priority (f/8) to create a nice bokeh. However, I forgot that the I-2 has a maximum shutter speed of 1/250 s, which means the photo becomes overexposed under these conditions. In practice, the SQ1 and the Now (Eyes closed) perform best (possibly the I-2 as well, but due to my mistake it can't really be judged). Strangely enough, the Wide 400 didn't fire its flash, resulting in harsh shadows on the model's face.