Compare the Fujifilm instax Pal 2 Digital, instax Square 2 and Lomo Instant Wide for digital capture, film formats, controls and price.
Digital files versus instant film
The Fujifilm instax Pal 2 Digital Camera (White) records 10-megapixel digital photographs. The Fujifilm instax Square 2 Camera (Blue) uses INSTAX SQUARE instant film. The Lomography Lomo Instant Wide Black uses Fujifilm INSTAX WIDE film. That distinction matters more than their shared instant-photography branding: one starts with a digital file, while the other two make photographs on film.
The Pal 2's route to a physical print goes through the instax Pal app and a compatible mobile printer or hybrid instant camera. That separates taking pictures from deciding which ones to print. The Square 2 and Lomo put the film in the camera, so printing is part of taking the picture.
| Specification | instax Pal 2 Digital | instax Square 2 | Lomo Instant Wide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recording medium | Digital, internal storage or microSD card | INSTAX SQUARE instant film | Fujifilm INSTAX WIDE instant film |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical | Direct optical |
| Built-in flash | Yes, Program mode | Yes, Auto mode | Automatic electronic flash with flash-off mode |
| Battery type | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion | 4 AA batteries | 4 AA batteries |
Pal 2: a small camera with digital storage
The Pal 2 measures 3.6 x 1.7 x 1.5 inches and weighs 87 g body-only. Fujifilm lists an integrated 28mm f/2.2 wide-angle lens and a 1/3.1-inch-type sensor. Its optical viewfinder has diopter adjustment, while the fixed 1-inch LCD provides image playback. That screen gives a way to look over photographs before moving them into the printing workflow.
Internal storage holds up to 100 digital photos. A single card slot accepts microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards, with a listed maximum capacity of 2 TB. Internal memory means a card is not necessary to begin storing pictures; expandable memory matters if those 100 internal spaces are not enough.
Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity support transfers to a smartphone through the instax Pal app. From there, selected photographs can be sent wirelessly to a compatible printing device. This is the practical reason to choose digital capture here: printing can wait until after the pictures have been reviewed.
Creative options include five filter themes and six effects, plus instax Animation mode for motion capture. The camera does not record audio. A self-timer offers 2- or 10-second delays, useful when the person operating the camera also needs to get into the photograph.
Square 2: square prints and distance-based modes
The Square 2 produces 2.4 x 2.4-inch square-format prints on INSTAX SQUARE film. Choose it because that square format is the intended result, not because it offers the Pal 2's digital selection process. Automatic exposure and a built-in flash handle exposure operation, while an optical viewfinder provides framing.
A dedicated mode dial divides shooting by subject distance. Fujifilm describes the ranges as follows:
- Close-Up: subjects from 1 to 1.6 feet away.
- Standard: snapshots and portraits from 1.6 to 9.8 feet away.
- Landscape: distant subjects starting at 9.8 feet.
Fujifilm also lists macro focusing down to 11.8 inches, or 30 cm. Selecting the appropriate distance range is the main task here; automatic exposure does not remove the need to pay attention to how close the subject is.
A selfie mirror by the lens helps with framing self-portraits. Two on-camera mood filters provide another choice before exposure, including a Warm filter that adds a golden hue. A matching wrist strap is included.
Lomo Instant Wide: more shutter and flash decisions
The Lomo Instant Wide records 64 x 99 mm exposures on Fujifilm INSTAX WIDE film. Its built-in 90mm lens has a listed aperture range of f/8 to f/22. Zone focusing provides settings for 0.6 m, 1–2 m and infinity. Instead of treating focusing as automatic, the photographer selects the zone that corresponds to the subject distance.
Lomography lists automatic shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/250 second, along with Bulb mode and a fixed 1/30-second shutter mode. The longer exposure options make a steady support important when camera movement is not wanted. They also give this camera a different purpose from simply letting automatic exposure make the decision.
Ambient exposure compensation offers +1 or -1 EV. That provides a direct way to ask for a brighter or darker exposure relative to the automatic setting. The built-in electronic flash has a flash-off mode, and a PC sync socket provides a connection for synchronized flash.
The lens cap doubles as an infrared shutter remote. For a group photograph, that allows the photographer to release the shutter away from the camera. Four colored flash gels are also included for changing the color of flash illumination.
Battery choices, prices and availability
The Pal 2 uses a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and includes a USB-C cable and hand strap. Both film cameras use four AA batteries. This changes what needs to be kept ready: the Pal's built-in battery, or AA cells for the Square 2 and Lomo.
The white Pal 2 is $169.95 and in stock. The Fujifilm instax Pal 2 Digital Camera (Black) is also $169.95 and is orderable. The blue Square 2 is $119.95 and available to preorder. The Lomo Instant Wide Black is $159 and in stock.
Budget for the intended output, not just the camera. The Square 2 and Lomo need their respective film formats. Making Pal 2 prints requires access to a compatible printing device.
Who should choose each camera
Choose the Pal 2 for taking pictures now and selecting prints later. It suits someone who wants digital storage and image playback, particularly if a compatible printing device is already part of the setup. Its small body also makes sense when carrying a separate camera needs to involve very little weight.
Choose the Square 2 for square film photographs with automatic exposure. It is the direct choice for someone who wants a physical photograph from the camera and prefers selecting a subject-distance mode over managing shutter settings. The selfie mirror and close-up mode are relevant if people at short distances will be frequent subjects.
Choose the Lomo Instant Wide for wide-format film and more exposure control. Bulb mode and exposure compensation give it a reason to be chosen beyond print shape. It fits a photographer who wants to make deliberate shutter and flash decisions, rather than keep those decisions largely automatic.
Prices at Unique Photo
- FUJIFILM instax Pal 2 Digital Camera (White): $169.95
- FUJIFILM instax Pal 2 Digital Camera (Black): $169.95
- Fujifilm Instax Square 2 Camera - Blue: $119.95 (preorder)
- Lomography - Lomo Instant Wide Black: $159.00
Prices as of October 31, 2026. Browse more: Instax Pal, Fujifilm at Unique Photo.
Related reading: Fujifilm instax Pal 2 Digital: Specs, Price and Availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Fujifilm instax Pal 2 print photos?
The Pal 2 records digital photos. Physical prints are made by transferring images through the instax Pal app to a compatible mobile printer or hybrid instant camera.
What film do the instax Square 2 and Lomo Instant Wide use?
The instax Square 2 uses INSTAX SQUARE film for 2.4 x 2.4-inch square-format prints. The Lomo Instant Wide uses Fujifilm INSTAX WIDE film and records 64 x 99 mm exposures.
What batteries do these cameras use?
The Pal 2 has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The instax Square 2 and Lomo Instant Wide each use four AA batteries.
Should I choose the instax Pal 2, Square 2 or Lomo Instant Wide?
Choose the Pal 2 for digital storage and printing selected images through a compatible device. Choose the Square 2 for square instant film with automatic exposure, or the Lomo Instant Wide for wide film with Bulb mode and exposure compensation.