Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer White
Quick take
The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a compact, wireless portable photo printer that’s designed to make smartphone and camera memory card printing feel simple. Buyers highlight vibrant, sharp prints and an easy setup flow with the Canon PRINT or SELPHY Photo Layout app, with about a minute per print mentioned in review feedback. The biggest buying caveat is that it uses Canon’s proprietary dye-sublimation ink and paper packs, so your long-term cost and supply availability depend on those bundles.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wireless printing options, including Wi‑Fi and smartphone connectivity.
- Vibrant color and sharp detail, with prints described as dry-to-touch and “lab-quality” style.
- Easy workflow with the phone app and multiple input options (Wi‑Fi, USB, and memory cards).
- Compact footprint with a built-in 3.5-inch display for viewing and basic edits.
Cons
- Uses proprietary all-in-one ink and paper packs (standard photo paper and ink packs won’t work).
- “Portable” can mean “small to move around,” since setup and power/cabling still matter for on-the-go use.
- Some buyers report connectivity and setup friction with computer printing, especially compared to older SELPHY models.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence focuses mainly on print appearance, day-to-day usability, and how straightforward it feels to get photos from devices to paper. Reviews commonly praise the output, describing vibrant, colorful prints with good detail, and noting that the prints come out dry-to-the-touch. Setup and control are another recurring theme, with users highlighting the convenience of app-based printing over Wi‑Fi and the practicality of the on-printer display and button controls.
There is also recurring concern about supplies and compatibility. Buyers note that the printer relies on matched dye-sublimation ink-and-paper cartridges/packs, which simplifies “how many prints you get” but also means you are locked into those specific consumables. A smaller set of reviews mentions that computer connection and setup can be less smooth than expected, particularly compared with previous SELPHY models, and that the smartphone app may be the most reliable route for printing.
Who it’s best for
- People who want true photo prints from phones and cameras: If you regularly take photos on a smartphone, or you already use a camera with memory cards, the CP1500 is built around those workflows.
- Gifting and scrapbooking: The instant, dry output and multiple print sizes (including 4”x6” and smaller formats) make it a practical choice for physical keepsakes.
- Buyers who want quick, simple edits: The built-in 3.5-inch display supports viewing and adding filter effects (for example, sepia or black-and-white).
Who should avoid it
- Anyone who wants to use generic paper and ink: This is a dye-sublimation printer that requires Canon’s matched ink and paper packs.
- Shoppers expecting seamless PC and Mac printing: While connectivity options exist (including Wi‑Fi, USB, and computer access), some buyers report frustrations getting computer workflows working as expected.
- People whose priority is maximum “grab-and-go” portability: The printer is compact, but reviews suggest that cables and setup can limit how truly “anywhere” it feels without planning.
Design, setup, and daily usability
Compact build with an on-printer screen
The SELPHY CP1500 keeps a small footprint and includes a built-in 3.5-inch display. That matters because you can preview, make simple adjustments, and apply filter effects before printing, without relying entirely on your phone.
Wireless and device flexibility
Connectivity is a core part of the experience. It supports smartphone printing via Canon’s apps and can also work with other input paths such as USB and memory cards. In review feedback, the phone app route is frequently described as the easiest way to get prints started quickly.
Print speed expectations
Reviewers commonly describe print jobs in the “about a minute per print” range. If you need dozens of photos at once for an event, plan for that timeline and batch your prints.
Print quality and media options
- Color and detail: Multiple reviews highlight vibrant, colorful output and strong detail, including comparisons where it produces more accurate colors and better clarity than certain smaller alternative printers.
- Dry and water-resistant results: The printer is designed to produce instantly dry, water-resistant photos (with the brand claiming long-lasting results).
- Media sizes: It supports 4”x6”, 2.1”x 2.1” square, mini label stickers, and other SELPHY formats, which helps when you want variety for gifts or displays.
Supplies and operating costs to plan for
Proprietary ink and paper packs are required
The CP1500 uses dye-sublimation printing, which means the printer relies on Canon’s all-in-one ink and paper packs. That’s a plus for convenience and consistent results, but it also creates a long-term dependency on those specific supplies. If your budget is sensitive to ongoing per-print costs, it’s worth checking how often you plan to print and stocking strategy before committing.
What “starter pack” behavior means
Some buyers mention receiving a small starter amount of supplies at first purchase, followed by needing larger replacement packs. That’s common for printers in this category, so treat the initial box as a launch kit rather than a complete run of printing.
Pros and cons compared to other portable photo printers
Instead of looking for a “best portable printer” overall, it helps to match the printing style to your expectations.
- If you want photo-lab style color and detail: dye-sublimation options like the CP1500 tend to be the right direction, especially for 4”x6” prints and gift-ready photos.
- If you want maximum freedom with generic supplies: you may be happier with models that do not require proprietary ink-and-paper bundles. (The CP1500 is not designed around that convenience.)
- If you want the simplest printing from your phone only: reviewers often point to the app workflow as the smoothest path, which makes the CP1500 a strong fit if you rarely print from a computer.
- If you must print from a laptop every time: prioritize models with clearly supported computer workflows to reduce setup friction. Some CP1500 reviews suggest the phone app route may be more dependable than PC or Mac printing for some buyers.
Verdict
The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a strong choice for shoppers who want compact, wireless photo printing with vibrant, detailed results and an easy app-driven experience. It’s especially appealing for making physical photo keepsakes from your smartphone or camera memory cards. Just go in knowing you are committing to Canon’s proprietary ink-and-paper packs, and that computer connectivity may be less painless than phone printing for some users.
Price and availability
Pricing changes frequently by retailer and bundle. Check the latest price and any available starter-supply configurations by clicking below.
FAQ
What sizes can the Canon SELPHY CP1500 print?
It can print multiple SELPHY formats, including 4”x6” photos, 2.1”x2.1” square photos, and mini label sticker sizes.
Does the Canon SELPHY CP1500 work with a smartphone?
Yes. It supports smartphone connectivity through Canon’s apps (including AirPrint) and the SELPHY Photo Layout/Canon PRINT app workflow described by buyers.
Does it use cartridges or ink and paper together?
The CP1500 is a dye-sublimation printer that uses matched, all-in-one ink-and-paper packs. You cannot use standard photo paper and separate ink refills.
How long does it take to print a photo?
Review feedback commonly describes about a minute per print, depending on the workflow and photo size.
Is it truly portable enough for travel?
It is compact and easy to move, but travel portability still depends on your power and setup comfort. Many buyers expect it to be “portable around the house” or for planned events, especially without an optional battery.
Can it print from a computer?
It supports PC connection options, but some buyers report more reliable results using the smartphone app workflow. If computer printing is critical for your routine, consider validating your expected connection method before purchase.
Specifications
| Product Title | Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer White |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Printers & Scanners > Portable Photo Printers |
| Brand | Canon |
| Manufacturer | Canon USA |
| Model Name | Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer White |
| Model Number | 5540C002 |
| Color | White |
| Item Weight | 1.58 Kilograms |
| Product Dimensions | 5.2"D x 7.2"W x 2.3"H |
| Printer Type | The SELPHY Photo Layout smartphone app has been updated to v3.0 adding many features such as spool printing, a built-in printer manual, and even support for the Siri shortcut app (iOS only) |
| Other Special Features of the Product | The sleek and modern design of the SELPHY CP1500 is reflected in how easy it is to use even with powerful features such as Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 5.2"D x 7.2"W x 2.3"H |
| Controller Type | Android |
| Print media | Glossy photo paper, Labels |
| Scanner Type | Photo, Portable |
| Maximum Copy Speed Black and White | 1.5 ppm |
| Compatible Devices | Camera, PC, Smartphones |
| Warranty Type | Limited Warranty |
| EU Spare Part Availability Duration | 100 Years |
| Ink Color | White |
| Additional Printer Functions | Scan |
| Control Method | App |
| Number of Trays | 2 |
| Resolution | 300 x 300 |
| Number of Licenses | 1 |
| Maximum Media Size | 4 x 6 inches |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 1 |
Available variants
Color
- White
- Black
Size
- Single
- Pack of 6
Style
- Printer Only
Recommended next
HP Sprocket Portable 2x3 Inch Instant Photo Printer (Black Noir)
The HP Sprocket is a pocket-size ZINK instant photo printer that turns smartphone photos into 2x3-inch sticky-backed prints. It is best for journaling, scrapbooking, and sharing memories on the go, with the tradeoff that print quality is not in the same league as a full-size inkjet. Buyers also mention a learning curve in the app, and some users report color cast issues that may require resets.
HP Sprocket Portable 2x3 Inch Instant Photo Printer (Blush Pink)
The HP Sprocket is a pocket-sized, ZINK (zero-ink) instant photo printer that makes 2x3 inch sticky-backed prints from your iOS or Android phone. Buyers praise its portability, easy Bluetooth setup, and fun, vibrant results for journaling, scrapbooking, and decorating, with the main caveat that it is not built for “desktop printer” photo accuracy.
HP Sprocket 2x3 Instant Smartphone Photo Printer
The HP Sprocket 2x3 is a pocket-sized, rechargeable Zink photo printer that makes it easy to print glossy 2 x 3-inch, peel-and-stick photos directly from iOS or Android via Bluetooth and the HP app. Buyers love the convenience and fun editing features for scrapbooks and journaling, but the tradeoff is print quality and color consistency versus larger, traditional printers.
HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer (2nd Edition) – Instantly print 2x3" sticky-backed photos from your phone
The HP Sprocket (2nd Edition) is a pocket-sized Zink photo printer that turns phone images into 2x3-inch, peel-and-stick prints in seconds. It is best for journaling, scrapbooking, and sharing small physical photos, not for “desktop-quality” color accuracy. Expect fun, quick setup, and mostly-solid results, with some buyers noting occasional color casts and the need to tweak images in the app.