Choosing between two similar, yet distinct, photo printers can be a challenge. If you’re eyeing the compact and capable Canon Selphy line, you might be wondering about the differences between the popular Canon Selphy CP910 and its successor, the Canon Selphy CP1200. Both offer the convenience of on-the-go photo printing, but subtle upgrades in the CP1200 might sway your decision.
This comparison dives deep into what sets these two Selphy models apart. We’ll explore their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make the most informed choice for your printing needs. Whether you prioritize portability, print quality, or connectivity, understanding these distinctions is crucial.
Let’s break down the Canon Selphy CP910 versus the CP1200 and uncover which one truly deserves a spot in your creative toolkit. Get ready to discover the subtle nuances that make a big difference.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Canon SELPHY CP910 | Canon SELPHY CP1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Dye-sublimation | Dye-sublimation |
| Print Resolution | 300 x 300 dpi | 300 x 300 dpi |
| Print Speed (4×6″) | Approx. 47 seconds | Approx. 47 seconds |
| Paper Sizes | Postcard (4×6″), L Size (3.5×4.7″), Card Size (2.1×3.4″) | Postcard (4×6″), L Size (3.5×4.7″), Card Size (2.1×3.4″), Square Label |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB | Wi-Fi, USB |
| Mobile Printing | Yes (via Wi-Fi) | Yes (via Wi-Fi, AirPrint) |
| Direct Printing | Yes (SD Card, USB) | Yes (SD Card, USB) |
| LCD Screen | 2.7-inch color LCD | 3.2-inch color LCD |
| Power Source | AC Adapter (optional battery) | AC Adapter (optional battery) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 6.9 x 5.3 x 2.4 inches | 7.0 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 1.9 lbs | Approx. 1.9 lbs |
| Party Shuffle Mode | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Print Speed
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Prints a 4×6″ photo in approximately 47 seconds. This is a decent speed for a compact photo printer, making it suitable for quick prints at home or events.
- Cp1200: Prints a 4×6″ photo in approximately 47 seconds. While the advertised speed is the same, real-world testing sometimes shows a slight improvement in the CP1200, though it’s not a dramatic difference.
- Winner: CP1200
Connectivity Options
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Offers Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless printing from smartphones, tablets, and computers. It also has a USB port for direct printing from cameras or computers.
- Cp1200: Boasts enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities, including Wi-Fi PictBridge for direct printing from compatible cameras without a network. It also supports AirPrint and has a USB port.
- Winner: CP1200
Display Screen
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Features a 2.7-inch color LCD screen for easy viewing of photos and menu navigation. It’s tiltable for better viewing angles.
- Cp1200: Comes with a larger, 3.2-inch tiltable color LCD screen, providing a more comfortable and clear viewing experience for selecting and editing photos before printing.
- Winner: CP1200
Print Resolution
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Achieves a print resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi, delivering good quality for everyday photo prints.
- Cp1200: Also offers a print resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi, ensuring similar print quality in terms of detail and color reproduction.
- Winner: Tie
Power Source
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Can be powered by an AC adapter or an optional rechargeable battery pack (NB-CP2L), offering portability.
- Cp1200: Similarly, it can be powered by an AC adapter or an optional high-capacity rechargeable battery pack (NB-CP2LH), which often offers longer battery life.
- Winner: CP1200
Paper Cassettes and Size Support
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Supports various print sizes including postcard (4×6″), L-size (3.5×4.7″), and credit card size (2.1×3.4″) using different cassettes.
- Cp1200: Offers the same versatile print size support as the CP910, including postcard, L-size, and credit card size, with interchangeable cassettes for convenience.
- Winner: Tie
User Interface and Ease of Use
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Features a straightforward button layout and menu system that is generally easy to navigate for basic printing tasks.
- Cp1200: Benefits from the larger screen and slightly refined menu structure, making it even more intuitive to use, especially for accessing advanced settings or editing options.
- Winner: CP1200
Design and Portability
- Canon Selphy Cp910: Has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. Its foldable design protects the print head.
- Cp1200: Maintains a similar compact and foldable design for portability and protection. It’s often perceived as having a slightly more modern aesthetic.
- Winner: CP1200
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Print Quality | Tie |
| Speed | Tie |
| Connectivity | Tie |
| Paper Options | CP1200 |
| Screen Size/Usability | CP1200 |
| Portability | Tie |
| Value (considering features) | CP910 (if budget is primary concern) / CP1200 (if added features are valued) |
What They Have in Common
- Dye-Sublimation Printing: Both printers utilize dye-sublimation technology, which applies layers of ink and a protective coating to produce vibrant, photo-lab quality prints that are resistant to fading. This ensures your memories are preserved for years to come with excellent color reproduction.
- Wireless Connectivity: Both the CP910 and CP1200 offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for convenient wireless printing from smartphones, tablets, and computers. This eliminates the need for cables and makes sharing and printing photos a breeze from various devices.
- Compact and Portable Design: Designed with portability in mind, both Selphy models are lightweight and relatively compact, making them easy to move around the house or take to events. They are ideal for on-the-go photo printing needs without taking up excessive space.
- Direct Printing Options: Beyond wireless, both printers support direct printing from memory cards (like SD cards) and USB flash drives. This offers flexibility for users who want to print directly from their cameras or other devices without needing an intermediary computer.
- Party Shuffle Mode: Both models feature Party Shuffle Mode, which enables multiple users to connect simultaneously and send photos to the printer. This is a fun and interactive feature for gatherings and parties, allowing everyone to contribute to a shared photo album.
Canon Selphy CP910 vs CP1200 Buying Guide
Portability and Design
The Canon Selphy CP910 and CP1200 both excel in their compact and lightweight designs, making them ideal for on-the-go printing. The CP910, being the slightly older model, maintains a streamlined profile that’s easy to tuck into a bag. The CP1200 offers a similarly portable experience, often featuring a slightly more modern aesthetic and perhaps a marginally more refined finish depending on color options. Both are designed for ease of use and minimal footprint, whether on a desk or during travel. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Print Quality and Speed
When it comes to print quality, both Selphy models deliver vibrant and durable prints. They utilize dye-sublimation technology, which layers colors to produce smooth gradations and a glossy finish that resists smudging. The CP1200 often boasts slightly improved color reproduction and a minor speed advantage in its printing process, though the difference might be imperceptible to the casual user. For everyday photos, both provide excellent results.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is a key differentiator. The CP910 offers standard USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for easy printing from computers and smart devices. The CP1200 builds upon this by often including enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities, such as direct printing from PictBridge-compatible cameras and improved compatibility with mobile operating systems. Both support direct printing from SD cards and USB flash drives, providing flexible ways to get your photos from memory to print.
Ease of Use and Features
Both printers are renowned for their user-friendliness. Simple controls, intuitive menus, and straightforward paper loading make them accessible to all skill levels. The CP1200 may include some minor feature enhancements, such as a larger or more advanced LCD screen for easier previewing and navigation, or perhaps more creative printing options like borderless prints or date stamping directly from the device. However, the core functionality and ease of operation remain strong in both. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Canon SELPHY CP910 If…
- You are looking for a budget-friendly entry into portable photo printing.
- You primarily need to print standard postcard-sized photos and don’t require extra paper size options.
- A slightly smaller LCD screen is perfectly acceptable for your needs.
Buy Canon SELPHY CP1200 If…
- You want a slightly larger and more modern LCD screen for easier navigation and previewing.
- You desire the flexibility to print square labels in addition to standard photo sizes.
- You appreciate the added convenience of AirPrint compatibility for seamless printing from Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer is better for beginners?
Both the Canon Selphy CP910 and CP1200 are excellent choices for beginners due to their intuitive interfaces and straightforward operation. The CP1200 might have a slight edge with its potentially larger LCD screen, making photo previews and menu navigation even clearer. However, the fundamental ease of use is very similar, ensuring that anyone can start printing photos quickly without a steep learning curve.
Can I print from my smartphone with both?
Yes, both the Canon Selphy CP910 and CP1200 support printing directly from smartphones. They achieve this through Wi-Fi connectivity. You can typically download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app to your smartphone, which allows you to select photos and send them wirelessly to either printer for printing. This makes smartphone photo printing incredibly convenient.
What kind of paper do these printers use?
These Canon Selphy printers use specialized photo paper and ink ribbon cartridges designed specifically for dye-sublimation printing. The paper comes in various sizes, such as postcard size (4×6 inches) and credit card size. The ink ribbons are single-use and are loaded into the printer along with the paper, ensuring a complete and high-quality print with each cycle. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
How long do the prints last?
The dye-sublimation prints produced by both the CP910 and CP1200 are designed for longevity and durability. Canon claims that their Selphy prints can last up to 100 years when stored properly. The protective overcoat applied during the printing process helps to guard against fading, fingerprints, and water damage, making them suitable for preserving memories for a very long time.
Is the CP1200 significantly faster than the CP910?
While the CP1200 generally offers a slight improvement in print speed compared to the CP910, the difference is usually marginal and may not be noticeable in everyday use. Both printers produce a 4×6 inch print in under a minute. The enhancements in the CP1200 are more likely to be found in subtle improvements to color processing and overall workflow rather than a dramatic leap in printing time.
Final Verdict
The Canon Selphy CP1200 represents a solid evolution of the CP910, offering slightly enhanced connectivity, potentially better color rendition, and a more refined user experience with its larger LCD screen. While the CP910 remains a capable and budget-friendly option for basic photo printing, the CP1200 provides a more modern and feature-rich package that justifies its slightly higher price point for those seeking the latest in compact photo printing technology.
Winner: Canon Selphy CP1200