Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer with KP108 inch
✅ PROS
- Dye-sublimation prints are waterproof, smear-proof, and fingerprint-resistant — no drying time, no inkjet smudging
- True borderless 4x6 prints in about 47 seconds via a compact (7.3 x 4.6 x 2.6-inch) unit that fits on a shelf
- Wireless printing via the SELPHY app is genuinely intuitive, with borderless/with-border options, date stamps, and creative filters built in
❌ CONS
- The KP108 kit only includes 108 sheets — at roughly 35–50 cents per print, this is an ongoing consumable cost, not a one-time buy
- No internal battery option on the base CP1500 model — you'll need the optional NB-CP2LH battery pack for true portability
- Max print size is 4x6 — no 5x7 or 8x10 output, so this won't replace your big photo printer
The Verdict
If you’re still printing photos on an inkjet and waiting for the ink to dry before you can touch them, you’re living in the past. The Canon SELPHY CP1500 uses dye-sublimation — a heat-based process that layers color protection onto the paper, making prints waterproof, smudge-proof, and ready to handle the second they slide out. That alone justifies a look.
What’s in the box
The CP1500 kit with KP108 includes the printer itself (which weighs just over 2 pounds), the KP-108 ink cassette with paper for 108 postcard-sized 4x6 prints, a power adapter, and a quick-start guide. The printer measures 7.3 x 4.6 x 2.6 inches — it’s roughly the size of a large hardcover book, so it tucks neatly onto a desk shelf or into a drawer when not in use.
Performance and build quality
The CP1500 is a dye-sublimation printer, which means it works differently from your standard inkjet. It uses a ribbon with three color panels (yellow, magenta, cyan) plus a protective overcoat. The paper passes through four times — three for color, one for the clear coat — and the result is a continuous-tone print with no visible dot pattern. Colors look rich and natural, and skin tones come out accurate rather than oversaturated.
Print time is about 47 seconds per 4x6 photo. That’s not fast if you’re batch-printing 100 images, but for a few prints at a time it’s perfectly fine. The 3.5-inch tilting LCD screen makes menu navigation straightforward, and you can edit directly on the printer — cropping, brightness, color adjustments, even adding dates or simple frames.
Wireless connectivity is where this printer shines. The SELPHY app (available for iOS and Android) lets you print directly from your phone, including from cloud services like Google Photos. The app is responsive and doesn’t require a convoluted setup — it found my printer in under a minute. You can also print directly from a USB drive or SD card, which is handy for travel.
What buyers consistently praise
The durability of prints comes up repeatedly in customer feedback. One reviewer noted, “Dropped a print in the pool at a party and it came out fine — the protective coating really works.” Another mentioned, “I’ve had these prints on my fridge for six months and they still look like they came from a lab.” The waterproof, scratch-resistant finish is a genuinely compelling reason to choose dye-sublimation over inkjet.
Build quality is solid for a consumer device. The plastic body feels substantial, the paper tray locks in securely, and the ribbon cartridge clicks in without fuss. The LCD is bright and responsive.
Where it falls short
The consumable cost is the elephant in the room. The KP-108 kit (108 prints) runs roughly $40–50, landing you at around 40 cents per print. That’s comparable to drugstore printing, but more than bulk inkjet printing — though you’re paying for the convenience and durability.
The 4x6 max size is a hard limit. If you want 5x7s for frames or 8x10s for wall art, this isn’t your printer. It’s built for snapshots, not fine-art prints.
The base model lacks a battery. The CP1500 has a battery option (the NB-CP2LH), but it’s sold separately, so you’ll need to factor that in if you want to print on the go. Also, while wireless printing works well, the app occasionally takes a few seconds to reconnect if your phone has been idle.
Who should buy this
The CP1500 is ideal for three specific groups: scrapbookers and crafters who want quality prints without inkjet drying times, families who want to print phone photos at home without a dedicated photo lab, and travelers who want to document trips on the go (with the optional battery). It’s also a great gift for grandparents who want to print photos of the grandkids without dealing with a complex home printer.
If you print large volumes (100+ photos monthly) or need larger formats, look elsewhere. If you’re a casual snapper who wants lab-quality 4x6 prints with zero fuss, this is your printer.
FAQ
How does print quality compare to a commercial photo lab? Very close. Dye-sublimation produces continuous tones without the dot pattern of inkjet, and the protective coating adds durability that many labs don’t offer. Color accuracy is excellent, though professional labs may still have a slight edge in dynamic range.
Can I print from my phone without a computer? Yes, completely. The SELPHY app handles wireless printing from iOS and Android, including direct uploads from cloud storage. No computer needed.
How long do the prints last? Canon rates the prints for up to 100 years in a photo album and about 10 years displayed in daylight. The protective overcoat resists fading, moisture, and fingerprints.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want instant, durable, lab-quality 4x6 prints without inkjet hassle, and you’re okay with the per-print cost.
Skip it if: You need larger formats, print in high volume, or expect a fully portable device out of the box.
Rating: 4.2/5 — The CP1500 delivers exactly what it promises: compact, reliable, beautiful snapshot printing. The consumable cost and size limitation keep it from a perfect score, but for its intended use, it’s hard to beat.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.