If you are searching for the Canon Selphy CP1500, you probably have a phone full of photos that have never been printed and want a small printer that turns them into finished postcard-size prints without a trip to the photo studio. In this review we explain what this printer actually delivers according to Canon's official specifications, who it suits and who it does not, where its limits are, and then the alternatives available at Jowa Souq for anyone who needs a more versatile printer.
How to judge a home photo printer
- Print technology: dye-sublimation gives a print sealed under a protective layer, while inkjet gives more flexibility in sizes and uses.
- Maximum print size: a 100×148 mm postcard for compact printers, or A4/A3 for desktop printers.
- Cost per photo: work it out from the price of the ink-and-paper pack divided by the number of prints, not from the price of the device alone.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi from your phone, a memory card, or a USB-C cable.
- Portability and running without mains power: important in Iraq with frequent outages; an optional battery is a real advantage.
- Availability of consumables and service: ask about ink-and-paper packs before buying, not after.
Canon Selphy CP1500: what really sets it apart
This is a compact photo printer that uses dye-sublimation thermal transfer: the dye is transferred to the paper layer by layer (yellow, then cyan, then magenta), followed by a clear protective overcoat that makes the print resistant to fingerprints and moisture, something ordinary inkjets do not offer. Resolution is 300×300 dpi with 256 gradations per color, and a 100×148 mm postcard print comes out in about 41 seconds, while a credit-card-size print takes about 23 seconds. It has a 3.5-inch screen for selecting and cropping photos directly from an SD card or from your phone over Wi-Fi, plus a USB-C port, and it supports AirPrint for Apple devices. It weighs about 850 grams and accepts an optional Canon battery good for roughly 70 postcard prints per charge, an important point for anyone who wants to print at an event away from home or during a power cut. The version we stock is the white one.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
- Good for: families who want to print photos of the kids and special occasions right away, small photo shops and wedding photographers who sell finished prints on site, and anyone making albums or gift cards.
- Good for: anyone who does not want to deal with clogged print heads; dye-sublimation does not dry out or clog if the printer sits unused for months.
- Not for: anyone who needs to print documents or A4 paper, or to scan or copy; it is a photo-only printer and cannot print larger than 100×148 mm.
- Not for: anyone printing hundreds of photos a month who wants the lowest possible cost per print; ink tank printers are cheaper over the long run.
The limits of the Canon Selphy CP1500 you should know
First, the only consumable is the ink-and-paper pack sold together, and if either runs out, printing stops, so buy a spare pack with the printer. Second, the maximum size is fixed and cannot be exceeded no matter what you need. Third, you need clearance behind the printer because the sheet passes in and out several times during printing, so do not push it up against a wall. Fourth, the battery is not included in the box and is bought separately. As for image quality, it is excellent for its size, but it is not a substitute for a studio printer for large formats.
Available alternatives
If your needs turn out to be broader than small photo prints, these are real alternatives in stock, with delivery to every province in Iraq and cash on delivery.
Epson EcoTank L8050: an ink tank photo printer up to A4
This is the closest option for anyone who wants to specialize in photos but at a larger size: a photo printer with refillable ink tanks that prints up to A4 and connects over Wi-Fi, with printing as its only function, no scanning or copying. It suits photographers and photo shops that print large volumes in multiple sizes, where the cost per photo drops far below compact printers, but it needs regular use so the print heads do not dry out.
Canon PIXMA G3416: a multifunction family printer from Canon
If you prefer to stay with Canon but want a machine that prints both documents and photos and also scans and copies, this one belongs to the PIXMA G series known for its large refillable ink tanks. It connects over Wi-Fi and prints straight from your phone, and it suits a household with students that needs low-cost daily printing, with the option of printing photos on glossy paper when needed.
Canon PIXMA TR4645: four functions on a smaller budget
A 4-in-1 inkjet that prints, scans, copies and faxes, connects over Wi-Fi and prints from smart devices. It runs on ink cartridges rather than tanks, which keeps the device price lower but the cost per page higher, so it suits anyone who prints small, occasional volumes and wants one machine for all small-office tasks.
Brother DCP-T536DW: ink tanks with double-sided printing
A color multifunction ink tank printer that prints, scans and copies, connects wirelessly, and supports automatic double-sided printing, which saves paper on long documents. A balanced choice for small offices and homes that print a lot, and one of our most requested printers thanks to its low running cost.
Epson EcoTank L18050: for the studio and A3+ printing
This printer is for professionals: ink tanks with Wi-Fi and printing up to A3+, clearly larger than A4, which suits photo shops that print large photos for frames, wall art and posters. Its higher cost is justified only if large-format printing is part of your business; for the home it is more than you need.
Common mistakes when buying a photo printer
- Judging by the device price alone: the cheap printer can be the most expensive one a year later because of ink costs.
- Expecting A4 prints from a compact printer: the Selphy CP1500 is made for postcard size and smaller only.
- Leaving an inkjet unused for months: the heads dry out and need costly cleaning; if your use is occasional, dye-sublimation is the better fit.
- Ignoring the battery and power protection: a power cut mid-print can ruin the sheet in progress, so use a voltage regulator or the optional battery.
- Running the printer in a dusty spot: dust on the paper leaves visible lines on the photos; keep the pack closed and store the paper in its original packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Canon Selphy CP1500 print directly from a phone?
Yes, it connects to your phone over Wi-Fi and prints from Canon's dedicated app, and it also supports AirPrint for iPhone and iPad. You can also insert an SD card and pick photos on the printer's own screen.
What photo size does the Selphy CP1500 print?
The maximum size is the 100×148 mm postcard, the standard size for regular photos, along with smaller sizes such as credit-card prints and small stickers. It does not print on A4 paper at all.
Does the printer work without mains power?
It runs on the included power adapter and accepts an optional Canon battery, sold separately, good for roughly 70 postcard prints per charge, a practical solution with frequent power cuts.
Will the Selphy CP1500's ink dry out if I do not use it?
No, it does not use liquid ink but a thermal dye ribbon inside a sealed cassette, so you can leave it for months and then print immediately without cleaning or wasting ink.
Do the prints hold up to heat and humidity?
The clear layer applied after the colors protects the print from fingerprints and moisture and extends its life compared with unsealed inkjet prints, but avoid leaving prints in direct sun or in a closed car in summer.
Which is better for the home: the Selphy CP1500 or an ink tank printer like the Epson L8050?
If you need quick, finished, small-size photos with no maintenance, the Selphy is easier. If you also print documents, or photos in larger sizes and quantities, an ink tank printer is cheaper in the long run.
Practical takeaway
The Canon Selphy CP1500 is a specialized photo printer that does one thing and does it well: a sealed postcard-size print in under a minute from your phone or memory card, with the option of running on a battery. Buy it if that is exactly what you want, and do not forget a spare ink-and-paper pack. If your needs include documents or large sizes, move up to the Epson L8050 for photos, or the Canon G3416 and Brother DCP-T536DW for all-round family use.
