Photo printers for at home or on the go: the perfect print for every photo
It doesn't take long for our hard drives and memory cards to fill up with countless great photos. However, these beautiful memories often only remain digital and are rarely printed out. There are now numerous photo printers that make it possible to print high-quality photos quickly and easily - whether at home or on the go.
A comparison of printing methods: dye-sublimation printing vs. inkjet printing
Before we look at the specific photo printers, it is worth taking a look at the two most common printing methods: dye-sublimation printing and inkjet printing. Laser printing is also widely used, but is less common for printing high-resolution photographs.
Inkjet printing: flexible and versatile
The inkjet printer can be found in many households and is known for its versatility. When it comes to photo printing, however, it is mainly used when flexibility is required. Inkjet printers work with fine nozzles that spray microscopic droplets of ink onto the paper. They can print on a wide variety of paper types and offer a high print resolution, which enables sharp and detailed photos. However, the prints are not always as durable as with dye-sublimation printing, as they are more susceptible to moisture and light. Another disadvantage is the ink cartridge, which can become clogged if used infrequently as the ink dries on the fine print heads.
Dye-sublimation printing: high-quality photos with fine color transitions
Dye-sublimation printing is particularly popular for photo printing as it produces images with very fine color transitions and high color brilliance. In this process, dyes are transferred from a ribbon to the paper using heat. The colors are applied in several layers, which ensures particularly smooth and natural color gradients. Another advantage is the longevity of the prints: they are resistant to UV radiation and moisture, which makes them ideal for long-term preservation.
The Canon Selphy CP1500: Mobile photo printer
For those who want to print their photos not only at home but also on the go, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is an excellent solution. This mobile photo printer is currently a hit on TikTok and impresses with its ease of use and high print quality. Not only can it be used in a variety of ways at home, it can also be powered by an extra battery.
Compact and mobile: The Canon Selphy CP1500 in detail
The Canon Selphy CP1500 is a thermal sublimation printer that is characterized by its compact design and low weight. It fits easily into a bag and can therefore be taken anywhere. The printer is equipped with a rechargeable battery so that it can also be operated without a power connection - ideal for on the go!
Print quality and handling
Despite its small size, the Selphy CP1500 impresses with its impressive print quality. Thanks to the dye-sublimation printing process, it produces photos with brilliant colors and fine transitions that are also water-repellent and lightfast. It is extremely easy to use: you can send photos directly from your smartphone to the printer and print them out using the Canon Print app. The printing process only takes a few seconds and the photo is immediately dry and ready to be stored in an album or given as a gift.
Popularity on TikTok
The Canon Selphy CP1500 is a real trendsetter on TikTok. Numerous users show in their videos how they instantly print and share their best moments. Particularly popular are the short videos in which the printed photos are edited on the spot by sending them from the camera to the cell phone, where they are edited and given as a gift to the person or car depicted. The ease of use and high print quality make the Selphy CP1500 the ideal companion for anyone who cherishes their memories in printed form.
Canon Selphy CP1500
- 8.9 cm (3.5 inch) IPS LCD for better visibility from all sides
- Fast printing: 41 seconds for 10x15cm photos
- USB-C for USB sticks, compatible cameras and PCs
- SD card slot
- New SELPHY app with many new features: QR code, pattern and logo printing, Siri support
- Optional rechargeable battery
- Optional paper cassette for credit card format (various media available)
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000: Professional print quality for the home
If you want to print your photos in the highest quality, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is the perfect choice. This photo printer is aimed at discerning photographers and artists who want to print their work in gallery quality. With its precise color reproduction and exceptional print quality, it sets new standards for photo printing at home.
Easy handling despite professional demands
Despite its professional orientation, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is surprisingly easy to use. Thanks to the intuitive control panel and clearly structured menu navigation, the printing process is uncomplicated and fast. The printer supports papers in various formats and thicknesses, up to A2, and delivers impressive results on glossy, matt and art paper. The ink cartridges are easy to install and the long-lasting pigment inks ensure enormous color fidelity and a long print life.
A special highlight of the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is the Chroma Optimizer technology, which ensures an even glossy surface and minimizes the bronzing effect, making photos look particularly vivid and colourful. The printer's wide color gamut also enables the reproduction of fine color gradations and detailed shadows, which delivers impressive results, especially with black and white photographs.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 printer
- The next level of photography with professional color prints
- Large prints up to DIN A2 format in outstanding quality
- True-to-life reproduction of colors and details in the printed image
- Best connections with WLAN and cloud connectivity
- Print Studio Pro plugin to simplify the printing workflow
Tips for perfect photo printing
For a photo print to really succeed, there are a few ways and means of ensuring a certain standard. A first important step is to calibrate the monitor. Once this has been done, the colors of the image can be compared to those of the printed image. The image processing should avoid very strong contrasts. Another tip for an excellent print result is to use the paper manufacturer's ICC profiles. These are usually available on the paper manufacturer's website.
If you rarely use your printer, it is a good idea to clean it beforehand or to start a test print so that the nozzles on an inkjet printer are cleaned again and the correct amount of ink lands on the image.
If the printer has a calibration function / test print function, which allows you to set the desired values for the paper used afterwards, you have already fulfilled another factor for a perfect image. The finished image is not always ready straight away! It is a bit like a raw egg and should therefore not be touched directly, but should also be handled with gloves or on the non-printed side. Depending on the paper, leave the print for a certain amount of time so that the paint can dry properly.
Or would you rather have your photos printed?
If you don't print regularly, but only occasionally print a photo for your photo album or print an A1 print for the wall, it's often not worth investing in a professional photo printer. In this case, it makes sense to use a professional printer that prints your photos professionally. This way you get very good image quality at affordable prices. Our photo service from CEWE offers high-quality prints on various materials such as Aludibond, canvas or acrylic glass.
Conclusion
Take the chance when you have time and see which photos would be worth looking at in large print and not just on the screen.