The depths of my hypocrisy are considerable. Canon sent me another printer. The message came with a photograph of the Canon Selphy QX20 and a simple question. “You want?” It was a trick question, of course, because I want all printers. I’m a printer. Have been since 1988. Man, that is a LONG time. I’m feeling the miles. But my love of all things print has not diminished. It might be getting worse. If I could paint or draw or make art, I’d probably never leave the house. You would find me withered, sleeping coiled around my printer battery.
I’ve said this a hundred times. My journal/notebook is the centerpiece of everything I do. All my ideas, at one point or another, cross the pages of these books. As does a wide range of other “things.” Audience of one. Just me. Not you. Remember that. So, anything that allows me to accessorize the books is a good thing in my book. Get it? See what I did there? Some tech specs.
- Compact and portable photo printer with built-in battery and integrated paper tray.
- Prints on Canon’s new XC-20L (2.1” x 3.4”) Card-size sticker paper as well as with the existing XS-20L (2.7” x 2.7”) Square sticker paper.
- Connect and print directly from Android and iOS devices via easy-to-use QR code Wi-Fi connection.
I need to get my hands on the square paper. That’s got my name all over it, but I do like the smaller prints you see here because much of what I shoot and transfer is done with “real” cameras and not my iPhone. Don’t go hating iPhone dorks, I tolerate you and your “I can do anything you can do but not really and I’m in denial” positioning. Much love. Seriously. The phone is still novel. I promise. At least in some circles of people who don’t want to carry cameras but can’t bring themselves to say it. (I use an iPhone.)
This baby fits in my suitcase, as does one of the larger Canons, but this one is by far the smallest, and for simple, sticker-like pics for the journal, it’s near perfect. I love watching the CMYK status report as each layer is printed and the tiny picture is sucked in and out of the machine. The paper comes in packs of 20 stickers and one ink set. It’s slick. Just open the side, pop it in, add the paper, and command the app to do as you wish. If I can do it, you can too.
Remember, f%^# perfect. Make shit. That’s your order. Stop watching YouTube, stop flipping social, and go make some photographs. Once made, torture your family members by attempting to show them every frame, followed by a long, verbal explanation of all the technical details. They will love you, I promise. Every civilian wants to hear about your camera and lens combo, and what film you used. They love all the technical stuff too. I promise. I’m thinking of using this printer for the world’s smallest exhibition. Printing is fun, and it forces us to make decisions. That’s how you get better at photography.
Comments 19
Pretend we’re at the eye-doctor: Compared to Instax printer…is this better, same, no difference? My Instax has been getting a workout, my notebook getting thicker, and sometimes I even remember to by the correct paper for it. The stickers is an interesting option though. But if someone from Canon said “You want?” I’d respond affirmative as well.
Author
I love them both. The difference is size, format and thickness. These selphy stickers are paper thin, so when you are writing on and around them, or on the next page, you don’t feel them. I feel the Instax but those big black borders are glorious. Instax boxes take up more space, but printers are roughly the same size.
Daniel-san: Right on, sir! I have an HP Sprocket (2×3″). Perfect for printing out iPhone snaps of flowers, trees, insects, etc. and mounting in Moleskine 5×8 nature journals. Just like grade school…
Author
Great name! I so miss grade school. The hazing, the fights, the bad food. My horrendous choice of clothing and hairstyle.
The print size — hardly 7x7cm — is a bit small for my needs, but: Self-adhesive inkjet paper! That’s brilliant! I just finished a book project which involved glueing prints on paper, using double-sided adhesive foil. This is a lot of work, and the adhesive foil is quite expensive. Self-adhesive paper sounds like an alternative which is apparently widely available. Will order a box and start to play! Thank you!
On the birthday wish list!!!
Author
I’ll put a word in with the family.
I’m a big-time journaled myself, only I’m 100% digital. Inserting my photos into my journal entries gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Word and pictures go together like “ peas and carrots”. Sorry for the steal, Forrest!
However, if I did handwritten my journals I’d definitely get one of these printers!
Author
Any journal is a good journal. I’ve thought about digital in the past. Paper for now, but plenty of my life lives in digital.
I bought one of those a few weeks ago. They’re great!
Author
Cool!
I have the life printer, super similar and uses the same kind of paper as the selphy. I’ve filled my notebook with tooooons of these tiny photos. Its always in my “journal kit”.
Author
I like hearing that.
If only there would be a way to send images to these printers directly from the camera…
I loathe the phone-stop in between.
Author
I am sending the phone anyway because most of what I’m shooting is getting used. The apps are so good now. There probably is a way go to go from cam to print.
I bought one of those the other day. They’re wonderful.
Author
Nice!
I’ve been waiting for you to get one of these and write about it! I’m two weeks in with mine and am very happy. I like the thinner paper compared to Instax, which can present some issues if you’re gluing it into a journal and want to write on the other side of the page. I only wish they made non-sticker paper for other applications. Good product, and gets you printing rather than posting on social.
Author
“Printer rather than posting…..” So true.