portable printers
The quest for the ideal portable photo printer has been quite the journey! As someone who loves capturing moments and turning them into tangible prints, I’ve personally tested four different portable photo printers to see which one truly stands out. If you’re on the hunt for the Best Portable Photo Printer to bring your digital memories to life, I’m excited to share my detailed comparison to help you make the right choice. Let’s explore the world of portable photo printers together!
Portable Photo Printers: Meet the Lineup
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s introduce the contenders in this portable photo printer showdown.
photo printers
We’ll be putting these four portable photo printers through their paces:
- Canon Selphy CP1300
- Canon Selphy Square QX10
- Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer
- iDPRT 2×3″ Mini Photo Printer
Let’s see how each of these portable printers performs in real-world use.
Canon Selphy CP1300: Dye-Sublimation Excellence
The Canon Selphy CP1300 is a dye-sublimation printer, and in my experience, it delivers impressive results. Having used Canon Selphy printers for years, I’ve always been pleased with their performance. While my previous Selphy did eventually retire after extensive use, it truly provided years of reliable service and excellent prints.
One feature I find myself wishing for is sticker paper compatibility. For journaling and creative projects, stickers would add a fantastic element of convenience. However, the print quality of the Selphy CP1300 more than compensates.
What truly stands out is the color quality. For a compact printer, the colors are exceptional, closely resembling professional lab-quality prints. Crucially, the colors are long-lasting and resist fading over time, unlike some other portable options.
Ideally, I’d love to see this level of print quality in an even smaller, rechargeable portable printer for ultimate on-the-go convenience. However, the Canon Selphy CP1300 offers incredible versatility in print sizes, supporting formats up to 4×6 inches and smaller. Combined with photo editing apps like Pic Stitch, the creative possibilities are vast. For anyone seeking high-quality prints and creative flexibility, the Canon Selphy CP1300 is an excellent choice and easily earns a spot as a top contender for the best portable photo printer for quality prints.
canon selphy
Alt text: Canon Selphy CP1300 portable dye-sublimation photo printer producing high-quality 4×6 prints.
Canon Selphy Square QX10: Square Prints with a Catch
Moving on to the Canon Selphy Square QX10, this printer also utilizes dye-sublimation technology, and the color reproduction is indeed comparable to the CP1300. The prints are vibrant and the quality is satisfying.
However, the square print size isn’t my personal favorite. While the square format can be charming for specific purposes, I generally prefer smaller, more rectangular prints, particularly for journaling.
Although the Selphy Square uses sticker paper, its adhesive performance on textured surfaces like my Stalogy notebook cover is somewhat lacking. The prints tend to peel off, which is a minor drawback. Improved adhesive would be a welcome enhancement.
On the positive side, the paper’s thinness is a definite advantage. The prints are lightweight and easy to handle. In fact, the paper is so thin that I initially didn’t realize it was sticker paper!
For my specific needs, the Canon Selphy Square QX10 would be perfect if it offered 2×3 inch prints. That size would be ideal for the photos I typically include in my journals. In conclusion, the Canon Selphy Square delivers great color quality, but the fixed square size and adhesive could be improved for certain applications. It’s a decent portable photo printer, but might not be the best fit for everyone.
canon selphy square
Alt text: Canon Selphy Square QX10 portable printer producing square format sticker prints for journaling.
Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer: Zink Technology and 2×3 Stickers
The Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer employs Zink (Zero Ink) technology. Unfortunately, my experience with the Ivy was less than impressive. A primary issue was paper feeding; the paper frequently jammed, leading to frustration.
Another disappointment was the color quality. The prints appeared dull and somewhat muddy, falling short of the vibrant and accurate colors I experienced with the Canon Selphy dye-sublimation printers. I had hoped for better color performance.
On the upside, the sticker paper used by the Canon Ivy is quite effective, adhering well to various surfaces. Peeling and sticking the prints is easy and convenient.
The printer’s key strength is its 2×3 inch sticker paper format, which is perfectly suited for journaling and similar applications.
Overall, while the Zink technology in the Canon Ivy is functional, the print quality and paper feeding issues prevent it from being a top recommendation. It offers the desired sticker format, but in terms of overall performance as a portable photo printer, it lags behind other options.
canon ivy printer
Alt text: Canon Ivy mini portable photo printer utilizing Zink technology, printing 2×3 sticker photos.
iDPRT 2×3″ Mini Photo Printer: Mixed Experience with a Budget Option
My experience with the iDPRT 2X3” Mini Photo Printer has been somewhat of a mixed bag.
Initial setup proved to be less straightforward than expected. It required some experimentation to get the printer to function correctly.
Paper feed issues also arose during initial use. The printer struggled to pull paper through smoothly, making the printing process slower and more cumbersome than it should be.
Print sizing inconsistencies were another early challenge. Some prints were not accurately sized, although this may have been related to initial app navigation difficulties. However, the app has since been updated, and this issue is largely resolved.
Coloring is inconsistent. While generally acceptable, some prints exhibited oversaturation or a muddy appearance. Reliable and vibrant colors weren’t consistently achievable.
A notable design flaw is the printer cover, which frequently detaches unexpectedly. It feels insecure, requiring careful handling to prevent accidental detachment and potential damage to the printer paper.
A positive aspect is the sticker paper, which offers good adhesive properties and adheres well to different surfaces. This is a highlight amidst an otherwise inconsistent experience.
In summary, the iDPRT 2X3” Mini Photo Printer presents several frustrations, from setup and paper feed to print inconsistencies. While the sticker paper is commendable and it is a more budget-friendly option, its overall performance doesn’t surpass that of the Canon Ivy, and both fall short compared to the Selphy models in terms of print quality and reliability. For those prioritizing budget over consistent performance, it could be considered, but it might not be the best portable photo printer for users seeking a hassle-free experience.
idprt printer
Alt text: iDPRT 2×3 Mini Photo Printer showing compact design and sticker photo output.
Print Quality Comparison
To visually compare the print quality, here are examples from each of the portable photo printers reviewed.
printer comparison
Alt text: Side-by-side print comparison showcasing output from four portable photo printers highlighting differences in color and quality.
photo printer
Alt text: Close-up view of a portable photo printer output demonstrating print detail and color accuracy.
Bonus Find: The Perfect Portable Printer Pouch
I have to share this fantastic Pencil Pouch I discovered on AliExpress for under $5! It arrived incredibly quickly, within a week. While I initially bought it for general use, it turns out to be the perfect size for storing portable printers!
pencil case
Alt text: Pencil pouch from AliExpress, perfectly sized for storing portable photo printers and accessories.
Final Thoughts on Portable Photo Printers
I hope this detailed comparison has been helpful in your search for the best portable photo printer! Each printer has its strengths and weaknesses, and the ideal choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. For top-tier print quality, the Canon Selphy CP1300 remains a standout. If you prefer square prints and sticker functionality, the Canon Selphy Square is an option, though with adhesive limitations. The Canon Ivy offers 2×3 stickers but compromises on print quality and reliability. The iDPRT is a budget-friendly option, but with noted inconsistencies. Consider what features are most important to you – print quality, portability, sticker function, or budget – to guide your decision in choosing the best portable photo printer for your needs.
