The Canon Selphy QX20 is a tiny , portable printer that can agree into a little pocketbook or an expanding pocket on cargo pants and sports jackets . It runs on battery mightiness and prints on notecase - size glossy toughie paper . While it is n’t as versatile asthe best picture pressman , it could be a everlasting resolution for printing process on the go and at special case .
The Selphy QX20 sounds like a mess of fun , so I went workforce - on to tick its tone , swiftness , and battery animation . If it offers enough value , Canon ’s newest Selphy might bring in a place onour list of the best portable printer .
Specs
Design
When I unboxed Canon ’s Selphy QX20 , I was hit by its lilliputian size . I ’m used to making room to go down up a background printer or clearing an entire printer base to hold a bulky all - in - one pressman . By comparison , the Selphy QX20 blend into any space effortlessly . It ’s about the size of a thick paperback book but heavier since it ’s packed with electronics .
Canon sells the Selphy QX20 in two colors : off - white and medium gray . I tested the hoary simulation , which will be slightly more susceptible to warm up in direct sunlight than the lily-white model . I inhabit in a northern climate so the darker model is a well idea .
In both color , the surface is textured , providing a little extra grip to preclude drop-off . The Selphy QX20 is made from high - encroachment charge plate but I would n’t want to prove its durability on concrete or a grueling trading floor .
There ’s no display , but two light-emitting diode signal the printer ’s rush level and photographic print status . For more selective information , I can tally Canon ’s Selphy Photo Layout app .
A side door hold the ink palm and the theme tuck into a bottom panel that opens with a switch on the back . The only other control on the gadget is the power button . Everything else is handle via the mobile app .
Printing performance
Canon ’s Selphy QX20 uses dye dissemination thermic transfer of training , more popularly known as dye sublimation , to print on sticker paper by heating plant ink ribbons . The death result is a high - quality picture on calendered paper .
I was strike by the lineament of the Selphy QX20 . Every photo I printed take care good and most were excellent . On a few social occasion , I feel the color was a bit less vivacious than the original , but still perfectly acceptable for a tiny , low - cost printer .
The four - part printing process is fascinating to check . The Selphy QX20 fully prints a photograph in only yellow , rolling the paper out the front , then pulls it back in to lie down magenta , before finishing the image with cyan , and employ an overcoat . I already know printers combine three or more colors to produce an image but it was mesmerizing to see this in action .
The total process have 40 second , which is fast for a small , battery - powered printing machine . The Selphy QX20 is the quickest Selphy simulation . The Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 can print 4×6 photos in 10 secondsand practice a six - gloss ink system for lab - tone prints . However , it costs more and is n’t portable .
For the first sentence , I can publish virtually borderless photos with a Canon Selphy portable printer . The top and both sides are in truth borderless but photos still have a thin strip of white at the bottom , reminiscent of Polaroids .
Canon ’s accelerated testing indicates Selphy QX20 mark could last up to 100 age in dark storage with controlled temperature . photograph to light and moisture could abridge the lifespan , which is genuine of any pic paper .
Special features
What makes the Canon Selphy QX20 special is its stocky sizing and battery - powered operation . I can insert it in a bag or back pack and bring it to an event or outing and print photo anytime I want without waiting to get back home or to the office .
The battery lasts long enough to print a full 20 - sheet pack of picture , even after taking the Selphy QX20 out for a abbreviated excursion into the cold . finally , a blink red condition and flashing green battery light-emitting diode alarm me to the motivation for a charge .
The Selphy QX20 is compatible with every USB - ascorbic acid charger I prove and it takes a little over an time of day to fully recharge the printer .
Software and compatibility
apparatus was wide-eyed and the Selphy QX20 was quick to publish in minutes . Setting up the Canon Selphy QX20 was tops simpleton . I installed the ink ribbon and paper , downloaded the Selphy Photo Layout app , then scanned a QR codification on the inside of the ink door to geminate my phone to the pressman .
In under a minute , I was quick to start printing . Canon recommend charging the Selphy QX20 amply before first use and I followed those instructions . I did n’t use the ridiculously short USB - A to USB - speed of light cable television that came in the boxful . I have a courteous long cable I use with my iPad and it work perfectly .
I resisted the urge to start printing when I examine a microcode update was usable . With charging complete and firmware current , I selected my first print from my iPhone . It worked with no issues .
I also set up the app on my iPad and Android earpiece . In each example , the app makes a direct Wi - Fi connective to the Selphy QX20 so I can use it anywhere without the need for a router .
The Selphy Photo Layout app is easy to apply and I enjoyed the collage feature which lets me fit multiple photograph on a single sticker sheet . It would be great for journaling or labeling boxes with photos of what ’s inside .
There are originative options to tot up dagger , text and even draw on pictures . It ’s a nice app that unlocks plenty of possibilities .
Price
Canon ’s Selphy QX20 is n’t the least expensive portable photo printing machine , but $ 150 is quite affordable kick in the compact size and eminent - quality results . Most dye - sublimation pressman are larger and heavy .
canyon does n’t include paper and ink with the Selphy QX20 , so you ’ll involve to order supplies at the same time you get the printer .
The Selphy QX20 accepts two paper sizes and holds 10 sheet . Canon bundles ink and paper together and the amount precisely matches the number of sheets in a inner circle .
The XS-20L gang contains 20 sheets of square sticker newspaper measuring 2.7 by 2.7 inch . canyon recognise that some photos mould best in portraiture or landscape look ratios . The Canon XS-20L pack includes 20 piece of paper of sticker paper that ’s 2.1 by 3.4 in , the same size as concern cards .
The square XS-20L paper was the only type available at the time of this review . While I have no experience with the XC-20L , the aspect ratio should be the only divergence .
Canon ’s XS-20L and XC-20L cost $ 15 each , so each print costs 75 cents . If you buy the mass set XC-60L , you get enough portrait sticker sheet and ink ribbons to publish 60 photos . The XC-60L cost $ 41 , reducing the price per picture to 68 penny .
It ’s voiceless to put a price on the joy of handing out exposure at a alive event but price is always a circumstance .
Is this the printer for you?
The Canon Selphy QX20 is a small wonder and I enjoyed using it . If you ’re looking for a portable printer to make photos during a trip , you ’ll be pleased with the quality and speed . After 20 print , you ’ll need to reload so a professional upshot photographer would require a more full-bodied answer .
For casual use , the Selphy QX20 is cracking play , and toy with the collage feature can inspire creativity . It ’s also a dainty choice if you do n’t have room for a standard printer but like the idea of a tiny , personal printer to partake memories .
While the hurrying is dear for a shelling - big businessman printer , it will take quite a while to publish a with child sight of photos . Print cost add up quicker with a Selphy QX20 than a desktop pressman . The good photo printer maximize quality , support a extensive reach of medium , and offer greater f number .
Ultimately , choosing the right printer need some research and depends on your special needs . We have guides tothe well printers for universal - intent usethat can deal pic and documents , as well asthe best all - in - one pressman that admit scannersthat work well for home offices .
