Canon SELPHY CP800

The basics

The Selphy CP800 features an easy to load ink unit, which eliminates the need for changing separate ink cartridges. The printer features a 300 x 300 dpi resolution and supports a number of formats all loosely resembling the standard 6 x 4 format.

Printing time ranges from a superfast 24 seconds for a credit card sized print to a still respectable 47 seconds for 6 x 4.

The unit itself is compact in size, having a similar footprint as a sheet of A5 paper. The CP800 features a 2.5-inch colour screen, enabling printing directly from a memory card or camera.

The good

There are numerous high points to the Canon Selphy CP800, the colour LCD screen being one of them. Though only 2.5 inches in size, it is plentiful enough for easy photo selection and basic cropping and editing.

The printing is superfast and the clarity is superb, colours are vivid and clear and when compared to a traditional film 6x4 print, you would be hard pressed to see the difference with the naked eye.

Setup is easy and you are up and ready to print in a matter of moments. All you need to do is insert the ink cartridge, slot in the paper tray and press go. It couldn’t be simpler.

One of our favourite additions is the battery pack. This is great for parties, picnics and days at the beach, enabling you and your friends to keep reminders of the day for years to come.

The device enables printing from numerous sources, including memory card, camera, USB stick as well as PC.

The Selphy takes a paper and ink from a combined thermal cartridge system; meaning printing is an easy – if not massively cost effective process

For under £100 the Canon SELPHY CP800 delivers great quality prints at a price that won’t break the bank.

The bad

For a compact printer, the Canon Selphy CP800 is great, however it is not without faults.

Though the printing system makes life really easy, it is not the cheapest. Purchasing enough ink and paper for around 40 prints will set you back somewhere in the region of £10-15, meaning that each print costs in excess of 25p.

Now we realize this isn’t going to bankrupt, but it is not the most cost effective method of printing we have seen – The ease of use and quality of print may be enough to justify this cost.

The bottom line

For fast and fun photo printing, the Canon Selphy CP800 is a great little compact printer. For on the go printing it is fantastic, and it’s diminutive form means that it won’t take up a lot of room in your home either.