The Canon Selphy CP1500 stands out in the realm of Instant Photo Printers, particularly if you’re seeking larger, more detailed prints. Unlike many portable options that deliver smaller, film-like photos, the Selphy CP1500 produces impressive 4-by-6-inch images. These prints boast surprisingly vibrant colors and sharpness, rivaling those you might expect from traditional photo labs.
The Canon Selphy CP1500 instant photo printer delivers professional-quality 4×6 prints from a portable device.
Superior Print Quality: Dye-Sublimation Technology at Its Best
The secret behind the Canon Selphy CP1500’s exceptional print quality lies in its dye-sublimation printing technology. This process meticulously layers colors onto the photo paper in four passes, culminating in a protective coating. This method ensures that each print is not only vibrant but also durable and resistant to smudging and fading. While some dye-sublimation printers can suffer from banding issues, the CP1500 consistently delivers stunning, band-free images. The colors are rich and natural, avoiding oversaturation, and both bright and dark areas are rendered with impressive accuracy, capturing fine details with clarity.
While the printing process might take slightly longer than some instant printers, like the Mini Link 3, the wait is worthwhile. The CP1500 requires a few passes to complete a print, but once finished, the photo is immediately ready. This contrasts with printers like the Mini Link 3, which eject the film quickly but require several minutes for the image to fully develop.
Canon Selphy CP1500 removable paper tray.
The Canon Selphy CP1500 instant photo printer features a user-friendly, removable paper tray for easy loading of 4×6 paper.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Lower Cost Per Print
Initially, the Canon Selphy CP1500 might appear pricier than some Instax alternatives. However, when considering the long-term cost, it proves to be more economical. Despite the higher upfront investment, the CP1500 offers a lower cost per print. Canon provides ink and paper sets, such as the Canon KP-108IN Color Ink/Paper Set, which includes enough supplies for 108 prints at a reasonable price. This brings the cost per print down to approximately 27 cents, making it a financially sound choice for regular use.
Canon KP-108IN Color Ink/Paper Set for Selphy CP1500.
The Canon KP-108IN ink and paper refill set provides a cost-effective solution for printing 108 photos with the Selphy CP1500 instant photo printer.
Versatile Connectivity: Print From Multiple Sources
The Canon Selphy CP1500 offers a range of connectivity options, exceeding those of many competitors. Like Instax printers, it can print wirelessly from smartphones via a dedicated app. However, it also includes an SD card slot, allowing you to print directly from memory cards, and a USB-C port for connecting to computers. This versatility makes it an excellent option for users who store their photos across various devices, offering seamless printing whether your images are on your phone, memory card, or computer.
Sleek and Functional Design: User-Friendly and Portable
The design of the CP1500 is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Available in black and white, the black version we tested exudes a premium feel with its sophisticated matte finish. The printer’s controls are thoughtfully designed, with mostly flush buttons and a slightly raised OK button for easy navigation. The paper tray conveniently attaches to the front, and the SD card slot and USB-C port are located behind a front panel, ensuring all essential functions are easily accessible from one area.
Canon Selphy CP1500 rear panel with SD card slot and USB-C port.
The rear panel of the Canon Selphy CP1500 instant photo printer showcases the SD card slot and USB-C port for direct printing from various media.
Reliable Wireless Printing: Smooth and Consistent Connection
Wireless printing with the Canon Selphy CP1500 is remarkably smooth and reliable. The Canon Print app allows for connection via the printer’s ad-hoc Wi-Fi signal or through your home Wi-Fi network. During testing, the connection remained consistently stable, unlike some other printers that experienced frustrating connection drops mid-print. This dependable wireless performance ensures a hassle-free printing experience.
User-Friendly Screen and Controls: Intuitive Operation
Unlike Fujifilm printers that heavily rely on their mobile apps, the Canon Selphy CP1500 incorporates a built-in 3.2-inch screen. This screen allows you to preview images and navigate the printer’s menus directly. While not touch-sensitive, the buttons are well-placed and easy to use. Although the menu system can occasionally feel slightly slow, and zooming in to check image focus takes a few moments, the screen provides valuable on-device control. While the screen’s resolution isn’t high enough for critical focus assessment, it is adequate for basic image preview and menu navigation, offering a more self-contained user experience compared to app-dependent printers.
Advanced Editing App: Unleash Your Creativity
The Canon Print app offers more extensive image editing capabilities compared to Fujifilm’s apps. You can easily crop, rotate, and fine-tune brightness, contrast, and saturation to perfect your photos before printing. The app also provides options for customizing borders and adding timestamps. Furthermore, it includes unique layout features like Bookmark Layout, which prints images in strips ideal for bookmarks, and ID Photo, which offers pre-set passport-size dimensions and alignment guides for perfect ID photos.
Portable and Convenient: Print Photos Anywhere
The Canon Selphy CP1500 is designed for portability, allowing you to print photos wherever you go. While it weighs 2.4 pounds (3.1 pounds with the power cable), making it slightly heavier than the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3, it remains easily transportable. It’s perfect for events, gatherings, or travel, allowing you to instantly share physical prints. The printer comes with an AC adapter for standard power, and for enhanced portability, Canon offers an optional rechargeable battery. While we didn’t test battery performance, user reviews and expert opinions suggest it functions reliably, providing approximately 54 prints per charge, making it a truly mobile instant photo printer.
Final Verdict: The Top Choice for 4×6 Instant Prints
If your priority is high-quality 4×6 instant prints, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is an outstanding choice. It combines superior dye-sublimation print technology with user-friendly features, versatile connectivity, and a reasonable long-term cost per print. While it might have a slightly higher initial price point than some competitors, the exceptional print quality, larger print size, and overall value make the Canon Selphy CP1500 the best instant photo printer for those who demand quality and versatility in their portable photo printing experience.
