Canon SELPHY Square QX10: an instant printer for your pocket
At a time when photos live only on phones and social media, I like photos you can hold in your hand. The Canon SELPHY Square QX10 is a pocket printer that prints a square photo from your phone in under a minute. I take it on trips and expeditions, and people are always delighted with it.
Key specs
- Dye-sublimation printing, not ink or thermal paper.
- 68 × 68 mm prints (square, with or without a white border).
- About 43 seconds per print.
- Built-in battery for about 20 prints.
- Connects to your phone over Wi-Fi, with the Canon SELPHY Photo Layout app.
- About 445 g.
- Paper and ink cassette in packs of 20.
Print quality
This is where the SELPHY beats cheaper thermal-paper (ZINK) printers. Dye-sublimation lays down the colours in three layers and finishes with a protective coat. The colours are rich, the gradients smooth, and the prints resist water and fingerprints. Canon says they'll last decades in an album.
How I use it on the road
On northern lights hunts I photograph guests under the green sky and print the photo for them as a keepsake. When travelling I print photos for people who helped me: hosts, drivers, families on farms. A small photo brings more joy than any souvenir. And I stick the square photos into my travel diary next to hand-drawn maps.
The app
The SELPHY Photo Layout app lets you crop a photo and add a frame, text or a collage. It works reliably; only pairing over Wi-Fi sometimes takes a while. You can also print straight from social media.
Cost per print
A pack of paper and ink for 20 prints works out at well under a euro per print: more than a classic print, but cheaper than Instax instant film and better quality.
Weak spots
- The battery lasts only about 20 prints; for a longer event take a power bank (it charges over USB-C).
- Size and weight: it won't fit in a trouser pocket, but it will in a backpack.
- Square format only.
Verdict
Pros: print quality and durability, simple to use, compact, cost per print. Cons: small battery, slowish pairing, only one format.
For travellers who want to give photos away or keep a diary, the SELPHY Square is a great toy. The rest of the gear I use is in what I shoot with.
Faq
How long do Canon SELPHY prints last?
Dye-sublimation prints with a protective coat are water-resistant and, according to the maker, last decades in an album.
What's the difference between the SELPHY and ZINK printers?
The SELPHY uses dye-sublimation, with better colours and durability. ZINK printers are smaller and cheaper, but the quality is lower.
How many photos does the Canon SELPHY Square print on one battery?
About 20 photos per charge.
