Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer Review
Review of the Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer – features, benefits, pros, cons, specs, and more. Is this portable photo printer right for you?
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, capturing and sharing memories instantly is a priority. But traditional photo printing can be cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming. The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer aims to solve these problems, delivering pocket-sized prints directly from your smartphone, perfect for scrapbooking, gifting, or simply displaying your favorite moments. Forget about costly ink cartridges and lengthy print times – this little device is all about instant gratification and portability.
Designed for the social media generation, the IVY 2 Mini offers a convenient and fun way to transform digital photos into tangible keepsakes. Whether it’s a vacation snapshot, a cherished family portrait, or a spontaneous selfie, this printer lets you print and share your experiences in a truly unique and immediate way. Let’s explore what makes it a standout choice in the mini printer market.
Overview
The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer is a compact and vibrant portable printer designed to print 2×3-inch sticky-backed photos directly from your smartphone via Bluetooth. Utilizing Canon’s innovative ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, it eliminates the need for traditional ink cartridges, streamlining the printing process and reducing ongoing costs. The printer connects effortlessly to your iOS or Android device through the Canon Mini Print app, allowing for easy photo selection, editing, and printing.
This sleek and blush pink device isn’t just about portability; it’s about style and ease of use. Its compact design makes it perfect for travel, scrapbooking, or gifting. With its integrated LED light bar, it adds a touch of sophistication and provides enhanced visibility for photo previews. The IVY 2 Mini is targeted towards social media enthusiasts, students, and anyone who wants a fun and convenient way to print photos on the go.
Features
LED Light Bar – Enhanced Preview & Aesthetic Appeal: The integrated LED light bar not only provides better visibility of the print as it’s being created but also adds a stylish touch to the printer’s design. It enhances the overall user experience, making the printing process more enjoyable.
ZINK Technology – No Ink, No Hassle: The IVY 2 Mini utilizes Canon’s revolutionary ZINK (Zero Ink) technology. This means no messy ink cartridges to replace – the color dyes are embedded directly within the ZINK photo paper. This simplifies the printing process, reduces maintenance, and saves you money in the long run.
Peel & Stick Backing – Instant Decoration: Each 2×3-inch print features a peel-and-stick backing, making it incredibly easy to decorate walls, scrapbooks, journals, or anywhere you want to display your memories. This eliminates the need for adhesives or tapes, providing a clean and convenient way to personalize your surroundings.
Fast Charging – Ready When You Are: With fast charging capabilities, the IVY 2 Mini printer is ready to go in just 45 minutes. This means less waiting and more printing – perfect for those spontaneous moments you want to capture and share.
Wireless Connectivity & Intuitive App: Connect effortlessly via Bluetooth to your iOS or Android device using the Canon Mini Print app. The app allows you to easily select photos, apply filters, add text, and customize your prints before sending them to the printer. It also provides intuitive controls for printer setup and maintenance.
Benefits
Enhanced Photo Quality: Improved image processing enhances skin tones, contrast, and sharpness, resulting in vibrant and detailed prints that capture your memories beautifully.
Cost-Effective Printing: The ZINK technology eliminates the recurring cost of ink cartridges, making the IVY 2 Mini a significantly more affordable option for frequent photo printing compared to conventional inkjet printers.
Creative Expression: The peel-and-stick backing and the app’s editing features unlock endless possibilities for creative expression, from scrapbooking and journaling to personalized gifts and home décor.
Portability and Convenience: Its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to take the printer anywhere – on vacation, to a party, or simply around the house. It’s a printer that moves with you.
Instant Photo Memories: Enjoy the immediate gratification of having a physical print in your hands moments after capturing the digital image. This eliminates the delay and inconvenience of traditional printing methods.
Usages
Useful for Photo Printing Enthusiasts: Enjoy the fun and spontaneity of instant photo printing, perfect for capturing and sharing memories with friends and family.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: Print assignments, notes, or reminders directly from your phone or tablet, offering a convenient alternative to traditional desktop printers.
Perfect for Home Offices: Create personalized wall art, display family photos, or add a touch of personality to your workspace. The peel-and-stick backing makes it easy to create a unique and inspiring environment.
Ideal for Travel Enthusiasts: Print your vacation photos on the go and create instant travel journals or photo albums to relive your adventures.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- No ink cartridges required
- Easy to use with intuitive app
- Peel-and-stick backing for easy decorating
- Fast charging capability
Cons
- Limited print size (2×3 inches)
- ZINK paper can be more expensive than traditional photo paper
- Print speed is relatively slow compared to instant cameras
- Resolution is not as high as larger, more expensive printers
FAQs
How easy is the wireless setup?: The wireless setup is incredibly simple. Just download the Canon Mini Print app, follow the on-screen instructions, and pair the printer via Bluetooth. It’s designed for effortless connectivity.
What is the warranty period?: The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer comes with a standard one-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
What is the ongoing cost of printing?: The only ongoing cost is the ZINK photo paper, which comes in packs of 50 or 110 sheets. The cost per print is relatively low, making it an affordable option for regular photo printing.
What type of paper is used?: The IVY 2 Mini uses Canon’s proprietary ZINK photo paper, which is 2×3 inches in size. This special paper contains all the necessary dyes to create the image.
How long does it take to print a photo?: A photo typically prints in approximately 85 seconds. While not instantaneous, it’s significantly faster than traditional printing methods.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | ZINK Photo Paper |
| DPI Resolution | 300 dpi |
| Print Technology | ZINK (Zero Ink) |
| Warranty | 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty |
| Print Speed | Approximately 85 seconds per print |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches |
| Duty Cycle | Not specified |
| Page Yield | Approximately 50-110 prints per ZINK paper pack |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
Ratings
| Value for Money | 3.9 |
| Print Quality | 4.0 |
| Portability | 4.9 |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Technical Specifications | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer is an excellent choice for social media enthusiasts, students, and anyone who loves to capture and share memories instantly. Its compact size, ease of use, and innovative ZINK technology make it a convenient and fun alternative to traditional photo printing.
If you’re looking for a portable and affordable way to print 2×3-inch photos on the go, the IVY 2 Mini is a fantastic option. Its peel-and-stick backing adds a unique and creative touch, making it ideal for scrapbooking, journaling, and personalizing your space. While not a replacement for high-volume photo printing, it’s perfect for capturing those special moments and sharing them with friends and family.
Conclusion
The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer successfully delivers on its promise of instant, portable, and affordable photo printing. Its ZINK technology eliminates the hassle of ink cartridges, while its compact design and user-friendly app make it incredibly convenient to use. It’s a delightful device for those who value immediacy and portability in their printing experience.
While the print size and resolution may be limited compared to larger printers, the unique combination of instant gratification, creative possibilities, and affordability makes the IVY 2 Mini a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a fun and convenient way to print and share their memories.
