Canon SELPHY CP1500 Review

The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a compact dye-sublimation photo printer that has become a favorite among scrapbookers, travelers, and families who want instant, high-quality prints. But is it the right printer for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest assessment. We'll cover design, performance, ease of use, and common complaints, plus how it stacks up against its main rivals.

Design and Build Quality

The CP1500 is a small, rectangular device that measures about 7.4 inches wide and weighs just under 2 pounds. It feels solid and well-constructed, with a glossy white finish that resists fingerprints. The 3.5-inch tilting LCD screen is a standout feature, allowing you to preview images and navigate menus easily. The screen tilts up to 45 degrees, which helps when viewing from different angles. The printer has a single paper tray that slides out from the front, and the ink cartridge slots into the side. The overall design is clean and intuitive, with minimal buttons: power, print, and a directional pad.

Performance and Print Quality

Using dye-sublimation technology, the CP1500 produces prints with a continuous tone, meaning you get smooth gradients and no visible pixelation. The resolution is 300 x 300 dpi, which is lower than many inkjets, but the results are surprisingly sharp for snapshots. Colors are vibrant and accurate, with good skin tones. The printer applies a protective overcoat that makes prints water-resistant, smudge-proof, and resistant to fading. In our analysis of buyer feedback, most users praised the print quality, noting that it rivals professional lab prints. The speed is also impressive: a 4x6 print takes about 41 seconds, which includes three passes and the overcoat. That's faster than most portable printers.

Ease of Use and Connectivity

Setting up the CP1500 is straightforward. You can connect via Wi-Fi to the Canon SELPHY app, which is available for both iOS and Android. The app lets you select images, apply filters, and even add frames or text. You can also print directly from an SD card or USB drive, which is handy if you have a camera. The tilting LCD makes it easy to review and edit images without a phone. However, some users have reported occasional connection drops with the app, and the app interface can be a bit clunky. But once connected, printing is a breeze. The printer also supports AirPrint and Mopria, so you can print from many apps without the SELPHY app.

Battery and Storage

The CP1500 does not have a built-in battery. To make it portable, you need to purchase the optional NB-CP2LH battery pack, which costs extra. The battery is rated for about 54 prints per charge, which is decent for a day out. Alternatively, you can power the printer via USB-C using a power bank, but that drains the bank quickly. For storage, the printer has a built-in memory card slot for SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and a USB Type-C port for connecting a USB drive. There is no internal memory, so you must have a source for images.

Value and Cost of Consumables

The CP1500 is reasonably priced for a dye-sublimation printer, but the ongoing cost of paper and ink is a key consideration. You must use Canon's proprietary kits, such as the KP-108IN (for 4x6 prints) or the smaller kits for card size and square prints. The cost per print is higher than an inkjet, but many users find the convenience and quality worth it. The printer itself is often sold in bundles with a starter kit, which adds value. Compared to alternatives like the Kodak Step or Canon Ivy, the CP1500 offers larger prints and better quality, but it is less pocketable.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the CP1500 has mostly positive reviews, some users have raised issues. The most common complaint is the lack of a battery, which limits portability unless you buy the extra battery pack. Another issue is the white border on prints; the CP1500 does not print borderless, leaving a thin white margin around the image. Some users also found the app to be buggy, with occasional connection problems or slow response. A few noted that the printer can be noisy during the printing process, though it's not excessive. Finally, the proprietary paper and ink system means you can't use cheaper third-party supplies, which can be a cost concern over time.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to its predecessor, the Canon SELPHY CP1300, the CP1500 offers a slightly faster print speed and a USB-C port instead of the older micro-USB. The CP1500 also has a more compact design. However, the CP1300 is often available at a lower price, making it a better budget option. The Kodak Step is a pocket-sized printer that uses ZINK (zero-ink) technology, meaning no cartridges are needed. It's more portable and cheaper per print, but the print quality is lower, and the prints are smaller (2x3 inches). The Canon Ivy is another ZINK printer, similar to the Kodak Step. For those who want larger prints and better quality, the CP1500 is the clear winner, but if you prioritize portability and low cost, the ZINK printers might be more appealing.

Final Verdict

The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a top-notch compact photo printer that delivers excellent print quality and ease of use. It's ideal for anyone who wants to print memories at home or on the go, and the tilting LCD and wireless connectivity make it user-friendly. The main drawbacks are the lack of a battery and the higher cost per print. But if you're willing to invest in the optional battery and buy Canon's paper kits, the CP1500 will not disappoint. For most home users, it's the best portable photo printer on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Canon SELPHY CP1500 require special paper?

Yes, it uses Canon SELPHY paper and ink cartridges sold in kits. Each kit contains paper and a matching ink roll. You cannot use regular photo paper. The most common kit is the KP-108IN for 4x6 prints, which yields 108 prints.

Can I print from my phone without Wi-Fi?

No, the CP1500 requires a Wi-Fi connection to print from a smartphone via the Canon SELPHY app. However, you can also print directly from an SD card or USB drive without any network connection.

How long does a print take?

A 4x6 inch print takes approximately 41 seconds. That includes the three-pass dye-sublimation process plus a protective overcoat. It's one of the fastest in its class.

Is the battery included?

No, the CP1500 does not include a battery. You must purchase the optional NB-CP2LH battery pack separately if you want to print away from a power outlet. The printer can also be powered via USB-C, but that requires a power bank or AC adapter.

What is the print quality like compared to a traditional inkjet?

The CP1500 uses dye-sublimation, which produces continuous-tone prints with no visible dots. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and prints are water-resistant and smudge-proof. Many users find the quality superior to typical inkjet prints for snapshots, though it lacks the high resolution of professional photo printers.