Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer Review

Available in white, black, or pink, The Canon SELPHY C1300 is a compact printing device that produces approximately 6 x 4 inches. It is built on the technology of dye-sublimation. In contrast to Canon's smaller SELPHY square QX10 model with just one operational button, the SELPHY CP1300 has more of a hands-on affair.

There's an extensive selection of onboard control buttons as well as a tilting 3.2-inch screen that's color to maximize the benefits of printing on your own. While the QX10 only comes with Wi-Fi Direct connectivity and is designed to be used exclusively using Canon's SELPHY Photo Layout app, the CP1300 comes with a USB connection, PictBridge, and an SD/HC/XC card slot.

The printer is, therefore, able to communicate wirelessly as well as via USB with digital cameras as well as computers. You can also slip a memory stick that contains photos into the printer. The printer is also fully compatible with Apple AirPrint and Mopria for cloud-based printing. However, the CP1300 compares to the QX10 because it lacks Bluetooth connectivity.

Specifications

Type of print: Dye-sublimation

Inks: Cyan, magenta, yellow

Maximum size of print: 4x6-inch

Max resolution: 300x300dpi

Source of power: Battery, mains, or optional

Display screen size: 3.2-inch

Interfaces: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, SD/HC/XC

Dimensions (WxDxH): 180x137x64mm

Weight: 900g

Features

There's no ink spillage to clean with the CP1300, which is with dye-sublimation or 'dye-sub' technology typical in portable printers for printing photos. It utilizes specialized photo paper and an album that contains the ribbon that is dye-coated. The typical procedure is that the paper goes by the machine four times. In the initial three trips, layers of cyan magenta are added, and yellow dyes are added, followed by an overcoat of protection. The 300dpi print resolution might appear to be a bit low compared to inkjet printers, but the key is that each dot is made by putting several layers of dye on top of one another. When using an inkjet printer, each dot is made by placing droplets of ink close to each other on the page, which is why a higher resolution printing is needed.

In contrast to the Canon's petit SELPHY Square QX10 produces 2.7-inch rectangular prints, the larger CP1300 prints 4x6-inch postcard-sized prints. In addition to being more significant, they are the proper aspect ratio than most digital cameras. But, while the QX10 comes with a built-in paper input tray, the CP1300 includes a clip-in 'Card Size Paper Cassette PCC-CP400' that acts as an output and input tray and increases the overall dimension of the printer as printing.

The CP1300 operates on the main power. While it is possible to purchase an additional rechargeable Canon NB -CP2LH Battery Pack, it's pretty expensive at about PS48/$87. However, the battery is durable and can produce 54 6-x4-inch prints fully.

The operating costs for the CP1300 are relatively low based on KP-1081N media packs, which include several dye-sub cartridges, and the paper is 108 sheets. The paper has perforated edges, meaning that it is possible to remove them for borderless photo prints. The options for media include glossy or semi-gloss cardstock credit card-sized sheets with or without the sticky backing (ideal as ID labels), 50x50mm square stickers, and mini-stickers of 22x17mm.

PERFORMANCE

Despite producing much larger prints of 4x6 inches than the QX10's 2.7-inch square prints, the running costs are around 25p/29c for each print, which is quite a bit better than the QX10's price 80p/75c per print. The CP1300 takes a little longer to make its larger prints, taking 47 seconds, compared to the QX10's 43 seconds.

The print quality is equally suitable for both printers. The CP1300 provides vibrant and vivid color reproduction and an excellent tonal range that preserves details from the deep lowlights to brilliant highlights. In addition, its longevity is measured at 100 years, so fade shouldn't be an issue.

Verdict

The Canon SELPHY is not a pocket-sized printer. On the contrary, it has a relatively large footprint and weighs almost one pound. It's nevertheless mobile and comes with many valuable functions for printing via Wi-Fi, phones, computers, cameras, and other devices. In addition, it's a lot more versatile than Canon's SELPHY Square QX10 printer, making it more value for the cost, and it's more affordable to operate.

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