Canon SELPHY QX20 review vs instax : best photo printer?

[@cameralabs]

My Canon SELPHY QX20 review - the best photo printer for your phone! USA price at B&H: bhpho.to/3YQkKyY // UK price at WEX: tidd.ly/4emYNMd Sell your used gear to MPB at: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Buy used gear from MPB at: prf.hn/l/YLqwRAP Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: kzbin.info Gordon's travel tips channel: www.youtube.com/@GordonsTravelTips Equipment used for producing my videos MacBook Air 15in (M3): amzn.to/4cPat9S DJI Osmo Pocket 3: click.dji.com/AIOhqT-LWUFDq-bGk8hD4Q?pm=link Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@TheMyriadTruths]

What a fantastic review! You gave a thorough overview of the printer and answered all questions I had. Just wanted to leave a comment commending you.

[@cameralabs]

Glad you found it useful, thanks for commenting!

[@JamalPhoenix]

I've owned almost all of the Canon printers and I have to say the paper sucks if you're not using it as a sticker. It's way to thin and if you just pin it anywhere without sticking it on the paper curls up really badly even if not in sunlight.

[@cameralabs]

Good point. I tend to keep mine loose in a box, so they don't curl too much, but I agree they're not as robust as instax if you're pinning or hanging them. I mention this a bit at the end, but will talk more about that in future reviews of them.

[@TinyDogTraining]

I’m specifically wanting to use these photos in my journal so having them be very thin is an absolute selling point for me as it won’t bulk up the journal. I appreciated that it was mentioned in the review

[@JuiceBox801]

@@cameralabs more reviews on this, struggling if i should get instax and canon

[@jakobknudsen2122]

Is that the same for the CP1500?

[@JamalPhoenix]

@@jakobknudsen2122 I don't believe so I think the 1500 uses photo paper but I'm not sure. All the selphy printers use that zink sticker paper. They suck if you're not trying to use them as stickers but the adhesive on them are excellent and the color of the prints are great.

[@consumaarten]

Thanks

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou! Glad you found it useful!

[@Shreeb]

As someone in the market for a small printer, this is really helpful. Thanks Gordon!

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@iamjbpeel]

After experiencing both this and the cp1500 are you able to give me some points as to why youd pick one over the other? 😊

[@cameralabs]

Bigger prints and greater connectivity from the Cp1500 vs smaller prints and better portability with this one

[@photosquare7]

A print with the X20 costs three times as much as with the selphy cp1500

[@benja1378]

I had looked at these Selfy style printers, but since they are extremely overpriced and the ink usage costs are as high as on professional printers (28c per 5x8), I opted for the Canon G550 Megatank printer, only slightly more expensive up front and the ink costs are way better (2.5c per 5x8) - and it can print up to A4 and is way better quality :) Granted it's not portable, but I did not need that anyways ❤

[@TinyDogTraining]

Fabulous review, the only one that answered all of my questions. Thank you for your work!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@TherconJair]

Of course Canon releases this a month after I replaced the Polaroid Hi-Print 2x3, that I sold because of an undefeatable "polaroid filter" with the Canon QX10, that I had initially dismissed because it could only do square prints... 😂😂😂 Yes, I've already ordered the Canon QX20 🤗 Just finished shooting a LARP and I printed out a couple good shots and put my IG handle on, then snuck them to the player when they were not busy - they loved it!

[@cameralabs]

Nice one!

[@remora8829]

such a complete content. thank you for your effort. amazing.

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome, glad you found it useful!

[@johnwhite8041]

Hi Gordon great review! It looks like almost all the canon images are curling at the edges - especially when compared to the Instax - how bad would you say this is? In the video it looks almost like a deal-breaker off the bat...

[@cameralabs]

You're right, I noticed that too when editing the video. In real life they look flat, and my several year old versions from the QX10 haven't become more curled - but they are much thinner than the instax prints, so if they're being held, they don't feel as robust or stiff. I mention this in the video. If they're being used as sticker or in an album, they're fine, but if you need greater stiffness for handling, then instax would be better. I guess you could stick the canon ones to thin card as an option.

[@johnwhite8041]

@ thank you!

[@levgr8012]

In the new model, are the photos saved for 100 years like in the previous model?

[@cameralabs]

That's the claim. Didn't I mention it near the end?

[@tokyobento]

Just bought one for my classes’ Xmas ornament craft. I got this for the square print size. Colors also look better than on my Canon Inspic printer.

[@ruffmadman]

I feel like the lack of color accuracy might actually be a positive in favor of the Instax. At least, not for a photographer. I feel like the average consumers for these type of printer are looking for a level of nostalgia that the Canon printer doesnt really offer. I have ro say that the overlay effects are super cool though

[@cameralabs]

I agree, there's something about the style of instax that many people like, even if it's not accurate. You could simulate that with a filter though on the Canon fairly effectively.

[@lexinamer]

Great review. Can you print landscape format in the card or do the borders make it uneven?

[@cameralabs]

Correct, like instax mini, printing landscape means you'll have a thicker border on the left or right side which looks a bit awkward.

[@MinOei-m8d]

Hi Gordon, Thnx for your great revieuw. I have a instax share sp-3. The unused photos have an expire date. Think this is really sad. Does Canon selphy system photopaper also has an expire date? Thnx in advance.

[@cameralabs]

Most film that's processed in some way (including instax) has a sell-by date, but in my experience it still works for a long time after, albeit sometimes with a bit of a colour shift. So I'd say give it a try anyway. As far as I know the Canon media doesn't have a shelf-life.

[@thutran-lv2ei]

thank you for your detailed review! I was kinda surprise with the printing quality. Considering even it is "essentially the same as the CP1500 and lab printers", i might opt to cp1500 as printing cost is cheaper when it comes to home printing and a mini instax 3 for travel. however, qx20 alone is so far so good that i dont need two printing devices if i do not frequently print out photos

[@cameralabs]

Glad you found it useful!

[@Shadowthevampire]

So you cant add stickers and such in the app? the only upgrade from qx10 is larger paper and a semi borderless border option? nothing else is new in the machine? also I saw they released Ivy 2 at the same time as this...i otught ivy 2 was already released a year ago but no 2 months ago the released a video on it so I guess...not? what are the differences between those 2 that's made in the same company? and also the other 3rd one the 1500 series...like why is there 3 different things of the same thing that fills the same function Im so lost xD

[@cameralabs]

I don't know about the ivy, but I made a review of the 1500 if you're interested.

[@exkeks]

Thank for this insightful review! Can you say something on the longevity of the ink when left unused in the printer for a long time? I understand that this printer uses a different technique but in the earlier Inkjet days, drying in was major annoyance. And I tend to use my Instax very occasionally…

[@cameralabs]

The ink in the ribbon is solid when not in use, and sublimated during the printing process - so there's no chance of it drying up. It's not like inkjets.

[@mcqueen511]

The app doesn't work as of right now, we can't select the QX20

[@cameralabs]

If you had it installed previously, try uninstalling it and downloading again. I got mine from the normal Play store a few weeks ago.

[@Kat.2x]

am wondering if paper/cartridge of CP-1200/1300/1500 card size KC-18IF, square KC-181S are interchangeable with card XC-20L, square XS-20L for this printer?

[@cameralabs]

Hmmm, I'm not sure, even if the paper is the same, the ribbon cartridge may be a different shape. You'd need to check with Canon.

[@Kat.2x]

@cameralabs card and square size paper are not usually available with local shops, would've been nice to have alternatives, your reviews are the first one I watch for content information. Thank you for the effort.

[@cameralabs]

@@Kat.2x I agree, the media is hard to find anywhere

[@Kat.2x]

@@cameralabs what use having a printer without paper? 😢 😩

[@LKElleB]

I’m having trouble registering the device using the app on a Samsung S24. Did you have any issues at initial setup? Still can’t get mine to work.

[@cameralabs]

I got stuck when trying to register with the wrong paper size selected. You need to first make sure you have the correct ribbon cartridge for the paper you've loaded (should be fine if they're from the same packet) AND then choose that paper shape in the app.

[@cindyt6909]

I was pretty much convinced to go with the Canon until you mentioned the curling and thin paper. Back to square one. It's hard to find the perfect portable printer.

[@cameralabs]

Yeah, it's tricky, if you want more robust prints, the instax Link printers make more sense

[@jorgeu111]

Why QX20 vs Canon Ivy 2? I don’t understand the product differentiation. Halp

[@cameralabs]

Different print technologies. I think the QX20's is better

[@jorgeu111]

@ thank you. But think of avg consumer. Zink vs sublimation is something you and me might understand. For most of my friends qx vs ivy looks confusing. Also most department stores only carry the ivy

[@cameralabs]

@@jorgeu111 sure thing, I should have mentioned it, but already had so much to pack in. It's a brand new model though, so don't expect to see it in many shops just yet.

[@jaahisham7382]

What makes good choice? Vs cp1500

[@cameralabs]

Do you want little prints or postcard size prints

[@josecanedo007]

Thanks for the review, too complex for me, need just a simple printer.

[@cameralabs]

They don't get much simpler, maybe I made it look complicated by showing all the options! It's easy to just make prints with it.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

Again a super detailed and great review! 💪

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful!

[@user-yi4iwutd6]

How about vs cp1500? only quality🤔🤔

[@cameralabs]

Same quality but bigger size and more connectivity. Check out my review of it!

[@POVwithRC]

Now, here is the question. My instax printer will not power on while being charged. It must be unplugged. Does the Canon still run when plugged in and charging?

[@cameralabs]

As far as I can tell, you can leave it connected to USB power and it appears to charge even when powered on, but stops charging while it's printing, then restarts. As far as I can tell, but I may be wrong.

[@Teslien]

Aw man. This is more compact and less intrusive for on the go printing compared to the 1500. These are great for small post cards and sharing memories

[@cameralabs]

Definitely, although the maximum print size is obviously smaller.

[@technodronesogxl9783]

Excellent review as always Gordon. Will you review the Viltrox 135mm 1.8 FE lab lens.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks. No plans to review the Viltrox, as I'm jammed with product reviews from the main manufacturers. It's because I take at least a week to test each product, sometimes more, it takes time.

[@ktrnkrnkh]

So Canon print on zink or what type of technology? Seems like something better than zink, just want to make sure 😅

[@cameralabs]

It uses dye sublimation - I talk about this in the video, have you watched it yet? It's WAY better than Zinc which, in my tests, is horrible and fades fast too.

[@ktrnkrnkh]

@cameralabs yeah, I did, just asked question too early while watching. Yeah, I've heard that much about zink, hence the question. Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

@@ktrnkrnkh no worries! Yes, the quality on the QX20 is essentially the same as the CP1500 and lab printers - it's very good.

[@DavNguyen-ny6cj]

Amazing good portable printer review ... but can I ask if it could still work print off from a ipad or tablet

[@cameralabs]

So long as it turns iOS or Android and runs the SELPHY app, then yes

[@Gambit166]

I would buy this instantly if the borderless option was actually borderless. Instead, there's a thin border around the image and a thick white line on the bottom.

[@cameralabs]

Yeah, the CP1500 avoids this by having tearable strips. The printer needs something to hold onto on one side.

[@Gambit166]

@ Yeah I watched your CP1500 video. I think I’ll be buying that instead. Just wished this QX20 had true borderless prints because I like the small shape, size, and weight of it more.

[@cameralabs]

@@Gambit166 I hear you...

[@kokok412]

Sad that it can,t be printed out without any border like polaroid. I want 100% of paper printed 😢

[@cameralabs]

Polaroid instant has a border

[@Dewabarasunderan]

Limiting it to 20 prints is where it falls apart for me.

[@ryanvacation7319]

Thank for the great review. I always wanted to buy an Instax printer for my travels but was never satisfied with the output. This looks like a good contender. Gordon, may I suggest expanding your review range to higher end commercial photo printers like the Fujifilm Forntier or the Epson Surelab line? There are simply no decent reviews on youtube of these printers and I’m sure there are photographers would be interested. Thanks again for your always fantastic reviews. Been watching your content for over a decade now. For me you are up there with Dustin Abbot as the few top camera reviewers out there.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, i'm glad you like what I do! I've been doing it longer than most, 32 years now (18 of which on KZbin). The Frontiers are certainly interesting, but I think only a lab would buy one, so they'd have very limited interest on YT. I'll talk to Fujifilm though about who else might use them privately. I suspect still too high-end though.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

That white area looks like a perfect space to include my name and contact details. Not possible? Do you have any thoughts regarding event photograph printing?

[@cameralabs]

The white space under the photos in my examples? I think that's where the printer grips the paper, so it's not printable. You can write on it with a sharpie though. I talk about events towards the end of the video.

[@kokok412]

Terrible that the bottom has always white room…..

[@MrBaskins2010]

those ink cartridges are a deal breaker

[@cameralabs]

In what way? They come with the paper like any other dye sub.

[@MaloBene]

Nope. I want a portable printer that has PictBridge compatibility so I print directly from my Canon R7 camera! As of NOW I have to connect my camera to my cellphone via the Canon Connect app and then send a JPG from the camera to the phone and THEN print the photo using the printers app. Too many steps for this lazy old lad! I have both Polaroid ZINK and a Fuji Instax Wide portable printers. I prefer the size and colors of the Instax. Thanks, I mean Cheers!

[@cameralabs]

I know what you mean, the workflow is annoying from camera to print, but they're all becoming like this now.

[@amartyamondal3984]

Hi Gordon, I noticed constant minor shake / vibration in your hands which usually is a warning sign for nerve degeneracy, please get yourself checked for early treatment if necessary.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I've been like that for decades. Trouble is when filming the videos, I'm normally in closeup and in an awkward or uncomfortable position which makes it look even worse.

[@Ghhrjovi]

The instax color lasts longer

[@cameralabs]

Does it though? So far in my tests they seem similar.

[@StarlordStavanger]

I’m sorry I just feel nothing while watching this video right now. My country just elected a literal convicted felon to the Presidency and I’m trying to distract myself but nothing is working, I’m sorry to have distracted you. I’ll try to watch this again when I feel better hopefully.

[@JakeJones-z1i]

Did you vote?

[@bigstreetguns6619]

Convinced felon? Even I living in Europe know that the justice system was used against Trump. He is only a convicted felon, if you consider that bogus trial justice.

[@joebidenisagayretard2410]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 imagine making a printer about an election. Grow tf up.

[@hongkongkong7174]

Well that's democracy, that's how it goes

[@ryanvacation7319]

What does your comment have anything to do with this video? I suggest you post your grievances in a video that actually tackles the US elections.