1. Creative Controls: Built-In Mood Filters

The most prominent feature upgrade on the SQUARE 2 is the physical Warm / Cool / Off filter switch.

  • How it works: Allows you to select a warm or cool color tint directly at the moment of capture, or leave it set to "Off" for natural color rendering.

  • The Reality: This is a creative shooting feature rather than an upgrade to the underlying optical system or print processing engine. If you frequently wish your instant photos had a retro warm or moody cool cast, it’s a compelling reason to upgrade. Otherwise, it’s just an extra dial you might rarely turn.

2. Lens System: Explicit Distance Zoning

Fujifilm reorganized how you select your focus distance on the new model:

  • instax SQUARE 2 (Three-Zone Focus):

    • Close-up: 0.3 m – 0.5 m

    • Standard: 0.5 m – 3.0 m

    • Landscape: 3.0 m to infinity

  • instax SQ1 (Two-Zone Focus):

    • Selfie / Close-up: 0.3 m – 0.5 m

    • Standard: 0.5 m to infinity

Important Note: The SQUARE 2 uses manual zone switching—it is not an autofocus upgrade. Adding an explicit "Landscape" position doesn't mean the older SQ1 can't shoot distant scenes (the SQ1's Standard mode covers everything from 0.5 m to infinity). However, the SQUARE 2 gives you more deliberate control over focal ranges, assuming you remember to switch zones before pressing the shutter.

3. Power Supply: AA Batteries Replace CR2 Lithium

  • instax SQ1: Uses two CR2 lithium batteries.

  • instax SQUARE 2: Uses four standard AA (LR6) alkaline batteries.

If you already keep rechargeable or standard AA batteries around the house, the SQUARE 2 simplifies your battery supply chain considerably. Keep in mind that replacing two specialty cells with four standard AAs changes the battery weight and layout, but it doesn't automatically guarantee longer battery life or lower running costs.

4. Body Dimensions: Check Your Carrying Space

The two models have different body dimensions:

  • instax SQ1: 130.7 × 118.6 × 57.5 mm

  • instax SQUARE 2: 139.0 × 119.5 × 71.0 mm

If you keep your instant camera in a tight bag compartment, custom case, or small pouch, measure your storage space first—the SQUARE 2 will not slot into cases designed strictly for the SQ1.

5. What Remains Unchanged

Despite the external revisions, core optical and exposure hardware remain identical across both generations:

  • Film Format: instax SQUARE film (62 × 62 mm image size)

  • Lens Spec: 65.75 mm, f/12.6

  • Shutter & Exposure: Programmed electronic shutter (1/2 to 1/400 sec) with automatic exposure

  • Flash: Constant-firing automatic flash (neither model allows you to manually turn off the flash)

Because these core specifications are shared, paper specs do not indicate any change in print sharpness, dynamic range, or low-light exposure capability.

The Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

  • Keep Your SQ1 If: Your current camera works reliably, you prefer point-and-shoot simplicity without toggling dials, and you don't mind keeping CR2 batteries in your kit.

  • Wait for the SQUARE 2 If: You want instant color filtering at capture, prefer a dedicated landscape focus setting, and want the everyday convenience of AA batteries.

(Note: Local retail availability and exact store delivery dates vary by region following the initial announcement.)