I recently discovered that I am the owner of not one or two but THREE different mini photo printers.
Each of these photo printers work wirelessly with my iPhone. All three utilize their own unique apps to print images. Some of the software offers options to make collages, add “stickers” and other clip art but some charge a fee for extras or require subscriptions so I don’t recommend purchasing these if you just want to print your photos. No one needs more subscriptions. If you want to jazz up your images there are ways to use things like Canva or Photoshop Express, etc. to add details if you already subscribe to these other services then just save the enhanced image and open in the printer software.
I wanted these mini photo printer devices so that I can print and use photos in my journal for memory keeping. I just need them to print. Because each unit uses proprietary software, paper, inks, etc, be aware that you may be making a commitment to a specific company to acquire photo paper or inks in the future. That said, there are some great reasons to to try one of these devices and hopefully this comparison will help you decide if any of these might work for you.
Each of these printers handles how it makes “photo quality” prints differently. And each of them came in at about $100 for the device. Some were bundled with additional paper making the price a little higher. But these are all fairly budget-friendly for a full color photo printer.
Two of the printers I have are from well-know brands and the third is from a newer, less well-known company.
The FujiFilm Instax Share SP-1
My first acquisition was the Fujifilm Instax Share SP-1. I have had this model for several years. This is an older model and lots of things has been updated in the design and functionality. The current options are the Instax Mini Link3 and and few alternate models in this line like the Square and Wide versions which correct a lot of the issues I have with the SP-1 but some of my comments will apply to all of these models.
The SP-1 runs on CR2 batteries or DC in 5V plug (not included with my model or if it was, I lost it years ago). The newer models charge with USB-C so that’s a definite step-up. Also, this older model runs via WiFi, not Bluetooth, which adds several steps to use. This is also been changed in the newer models so that they use Bluetooth to connect to your phone.
The Instax SP-1 and all the other Instax printers print on Instax photo paper which is the closest thing to vintage Polaroids currently available on the market. That is its key selling point. If you want the classic wait-for-the-image-to-appear photos that can (and often will) be a little washed out, blown out or the chemistry doesn’t distribute evenly so you get blank spots, this is the printer for you.
I love Polaroids but this printer is a pain in the ass to use. I could theoretically upgrade to the newer Mini Link3 which might be easier to use since its rechargeable and uses Bluetooth. However, it doesn’t solve the image quality, thickness of prints (which add a lot of bulk to my planner) and the sensitivity of the printer paper. Like Polaroids, the Instax photo paper can degrade over time if not used (and even after its used depending on exposure to light, heat, cold, etc).
The cost per sheet of Instax 2×3″ photo paper ranges from 0.85 to $1.24 per print depending on the quantity you purchase at a time. This is not crazy pricing for Polaroid-style photo paper but for the size and general image quality, I’m hesitant to recommend this one.
The Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer
I bought the Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer during the pandemic so it’s also been on the market for awhile and had been my go-to printer for the last few years. This is another device that has been discontinued and replaced with newer models but encompasses what are considered 2×3″ ZINK paper printers. The most current Kodak model that uses ZINK paper is the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer.
ZINK paper is a a one-pass transfer paper that can do edge-to-edge prints and is sticky back.
The model I have uses MircoUSB to charge but I think the newer models have been migrated to USB-C for charging. Either way, it is rechargeable which is good for me.
This is one of the most convenient photo printers to use though the prints do take a bit of time to print and the image quality can be a little dark. I often have to try to lighten images to get better looking prints. Polaroid branded ZINK photo paper averages about $0.52 per sheet. I’m a little shocked at the per sheet cost. When I bought my printer, I bought about 200 sheets of paper and I’m still working my way through it so I haven’t had to buy more. The price per print isn’t terrible but be aware since it can print a little dark, you may end up reprinting images a couple times to get one you like.
Polaroid has moved their mini photo printer efforts to the dye-sublimation style printers which take four passes to complete printer (cyan, magenta, yellow and lamination). The image quality of a dye-sub print is going to be better than the ZINK quality and each individual cost for the dye-sub photo paper cartridges work out to about $0.36 per print. So the price is better per image but there is more waste as the cartridges for the prints remind me of the old Polaroid shells that held the photo paper that had to be thrown away after use. So, from an environmental standpoint the dye-sub printers have their own costs.
The newer Polaroid mini printers currently offered are the Mini 2 Retro (P210R), the P300R (larger square prints) and Mini 3 Square (which also does larger square prints). I have definitely considered upgrading to a dye-sub style Polaroid printer because I do think the image quality will be superior.
The Nelko Pocket Photo Printer PP03
The most recent purchase and the reason I decided to write this review was my recent acquisition of a Nelko Pocket Photo Printer (PP03). While this device is made from a less well-known Chinese maker, it is the standout of this lot.
It connects via Bluetooth, charges via USB-C and comes with its own phone-based app as well. The Nelko utilizes a tiny ink cartridge that prints ink-jet style prints on small sheets of photo paper. The images are smudge proof and water-resistant. And the image quality is excellent. I would say its comparable to a lot of home use ink-jet photo printers.
The Nelko prints are not sticky back so if you want to put them in your journal you will need to find other means for attaching them (glue, tape, stitches, staples, etc).
At present, my only complaint with the Nelko Pocket Photo Printer is the enormous white border at the bottom of each print. The machine itself is also a bit bulkier than the other two photo printers in my stash.
Since you will need to purchase both photo paper and an ink cartridge for the Nelko the per print cost is about $0.43 per print.
Other Options:
I also own a Epson EcoTank ET-3950 color inkjet printer. I have included a comparison sample photo print on matte sticker paper, printed at the “best” quality to show some range. This is not photo paper per se but is a good quality paper and makes a case for using the printer you have for the purposes you want. I print photos to my Epson via my laptop instead of my phone so its less of an on-the-go solution.
Inspirations:
We all have photos lost in our phones’ camera roll that we have never looked at since we took them. Making an effort to print out the images that matter and keep them in a physical form is liberating. Seeing your life moments, things that make you happy, things you think are beautiful, help to root us in our life and remind us to celebrate moments.
I was really inspired to start thinking about how other people might use or even need this kind of tool in the stationery arsenal when I saw a video by Simply Jon on YoutTube about how he was using a photo printer with his Field Notes to memory keep with his kids. His approach is simple and easy and makes me want to take more pictures and print them out so that I can see my memories.
Do you use a photo printer? Do you have recommendations for a particularly good model? If so, leave it in the comments.