Canon SELPHY CP900 Review

Understanding the Problem: Why Users Seek a Dedicated Photo Printer

In today’s digital era, the majority of our cherished memories live within the confines of smartphones and computers. The disconnection between capturing a moment and physically holding a photograph in your hand has left many users craving a tangible connection to their favorite images. Despite the abundance of online sharing platforms and digital galleries, the desire for printed photographs remains strong—whether for personal albums, crafting projects, gifting, or simply showcasing on a fridge.

Traditional home printers, however, often fall short. Inkjet printers, although versatile, can be slow, costly per print, and unable to deliver true photo-lab quality without specialized paper and ink. Many users find the calibration between device screens, monitors, and printers complicated, leading to disappointing color mismatches in their prints. Moreover, frequently used full-sized printers are cumbersome for those seeking portability or occasional home use.

The demand is clear: a simple, dedicated photo printer that delivers consistent, high-quality prints directly from various devices. Canon introduced the SELPHY CP900 to fill this gap—a compact, wireless, dye-sublimation printer promising vibrant, long-lasting photos in a truly user-friendly package. But does it live up to this promise?

How to Make the Most of the Canon SELPHY CP900: Setup and Usage Guide

Getting started with the Canon SELPHY CP900 is designed to be as straightforward as possible—even for users with minimal technical experience. Here’s how to quickly set up and print your first photos:

1. Unboxing and Initial Setup
   Upon opening the box, you’ll find the SELPHY CP900 printer, power adapter, a sample color ink cassette, and paper tray. Begin by connecting the power adapter and inserting the ink cassette into its designated slot on the side of the printer. Next, load Canon’s proprietary postcard-sized photo paper into the included tray, ensuring the glossy side is facing up.
2. Connecting Your Device
   The SELPHY CP900 excels in wireless connectivity. Power the device on, navigate the simple LCD interface, and select the Wi-Fi setup. Choose between connecting directly to your Wi-Fi network (ideal for multiple device access) or using the device’s built-in Wi-Fi Direct mode if you prefer a direct link between your smartphone/tablet and the printer. The printer supports the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and direct Android connectivity. For wired options, SD card slots, USB ports, and PictBridge support facilitate printing from cameras or memory sticks.
3. Printing Your Photos
   Through the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, or direct USB/SD access, select your image and issue the print command. The LCD screen allows basic editing—cropping, red-eye correction, border addition—right from the printer itself. When you initiate printing, the dye-sublimation process takes the image through three color passes (cyan, magenta, yellow) and a final protective overlay. Prints emerge instantly dry, waterproof, and fingerprint-resistant.
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
   Printing stalls? Ensure the ink cassette and paper are loaded correctly and that there are no jams. Wireless issues typically resolve after a quick Wi-Fi reset on both the printer and device. The intuitive interface and clear user manual make most problems easy to identify and solve.
5. Key Tips for Outstanding Results
   • Use genuine Canon consumables for the best color accuracy and longevity.
   • Keep paper and ink cassettes stored in a cool, dry place to avoid damage.
   • For party or travel use, pair SELPHY CP900 with Canon’s optional rechargeable battery pack for true portability.
   • Experiment with creative print layouts, stickers, or mini-labels—features supported right from the device.

Is the Canon SELPHY CP900 Right for You? Conclusion

The Canon SELPHY CP900 strikes an excellent balance between convenience, print quality, and affordability for users looking to reclaim the traditional enjoyment of printed photographs. Its dye-sublimation technology delivers rich, vibrant prints closer to lab quality than what’s possible with most home inkjets, and the built-in wireless connectivity simplifies getting images from phone to paper without technical headaches.

Compact enough for travel, yet sturdy enough for regular home use, the CP900 is ideal for families, crafting enthusiasts, party planners, and anyone seeking a straightforward way to print images without tying up their regular document printer. The lack of large-format or borderless printing may limit professional use, and ongoing costs for inks and paper should be considered, but for 4x6” prints, the price per photo is competitive with drugstore labs.

The real appeal lies in its accessibility—anyone, regardless of tech experience, can produce durable, glossy, lab-quality prints from virtually any device. For those who value their memories in print and want the freedom to create them from the comfort of home or the excitement of an event, the Canon SELPHY CP900 offers an intuitive, no-fuss solution that bridges the digital and physical worlds beautifully.