Canon Selphy CP 1500 VS Kodak 4Pass: Which Printer is Best?

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I’m a photographer, and printing photographs is super important to me. Equally important is printing photographs BEAUTIFULLY so that your photographs look as true to life as possible. I always get clients’ photos developed at a professional lab. But there are many times when you need something at home- for quick printing, scrapbooks, cutting up, or occasions that don’t require high-end prints. In those instances, I want my printer to be the BEST possible while still being affordable. When searching online for at-home portable printers, I turned up the Kodak Dock 4Pass printer and the Canon Selphy CP 1500 as the two most popular options. So, I decided to put these two to the test to see which is the best. Just a note: I purchased these printers myself, and this review is not sponsored in any way. I just wanted to see which was the best choice and wanted to share it with you! The links in this post are affiliate links, and I earn if you make a purchase. This allows me to continue to write unsponsored posts like this!

Regarding compact photo printers, the Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer and the Canon Selphy CP1500 are standout options for home use, parties, or on-the-go printing. Both models offer unique features, and choosing between them requires understanding their differences. This comparison will delve into app features, print quality, print costs, price, size, and other important considerations to help you decide which printer best suits your needs. If you want to see a full review of the Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer you can see that here. 

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Commonalities

Let’s start by talking about how these instant photo printers are similar. Both the Kodak and the Canon are sublimation printers, which means they use ink and a special paper that becomes permanent when applied. The prints made on these portable photo printers are long-lasting and water-resistant. Obviously, I cannot test this, but their websites say the prints will last 100 years. Both have off-brands that you can purchase to offset the cost of buying their proprietary refills. They both print up to 4×6 prints (glossy), and both have gorgeous color and clarity. I was impressed with how true to life with color they both are. They are both around the same size and have a simple setup that includes using an app. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with either of these printers, but I will discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of both below!

App Features

Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer

The Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer relies on the intuitive and straightforward Kodak Photo Printer mobile app. The app supports various editing features, including filters, stickers, and text overlays, allowing you to customize your prints creatively. I like the borders they offer, and the stickers feel very on-brand for Kodak and vintage-y.

It also seamlessly integrates with social media platforms and cloud storage, making printing photos directly from your phone or online accounts easy. The app connects to the printer via Bluetooth or USB, and the dock itself can charge your device while you print, a handy dual-purpose feature.

Canon Selphy CP1500

The Canon Selphy CP1500 uses the Canon SELPHY Photo Layout app, which offers a polished and user-friendly experience. Like Kodak’s app, users can edit photos with filters, frames, and layouts. The CP1500 allows you to draw directly on your photos and have colored borders on your photos. I also love the collage feature a bit more than on the Kodak printer because it allows space for journaling on your prints with a dot grid.

A unique feature of the SELPHY app is its ability to create QR codes that can be added to prints, linking to digital content like albums or social media profiles. The app also supports Wi-Fi and USB connections and can print directly from memory cards and USB drives, making it more versatile in input options.

Winner: Canon Selphy CP1500 for its additional QR code feature, broader connectivity options, and collage options.

Print Quality

Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer

Kodak’s 4PASS technology is its key selling point. This dye-sublimation process uses a four-layer printing method (hence the name) to produce vibrant, high-resolution images. The results are smudge-proof and water-resistant, with rich, accurate colors that mimic traditional photo lab prints. Kodak’s prints have a glossy finish, which adds a professional touch.

Canon Selphy CP1500

The Canon Selphy CP1500 also uses dye-sublimation technology, producing prints that are water-resistant and long-lasting. The color reproduction is excellent, with sharp details and natural tones. One advantage of the Canon printer is its ability to handle various print sizes, including postcards (4×6 inches), square prints, and mini prints, providing more flexibility than Kodak’s fixed print size. It also has an option to etch in the prints, which is an interesting way to draw attention to parts of your photographs. It is subtle but really beautiful.

Winner: Tie. Both printers deliver exceptional print quality, though Canon offers more size options, and I found that I liked the Kodak print colors a bit more (they were warmer and the truest to life).

Print Costs

Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer

Kodak’s 4PASS Dock Printer has a competitive cost-per-print, averaging around $0.40 per 4×6-inch photo. Replacement cartridges and paper bundles are reasonably priced, making it an affordable choice for regular use.

Canon Selphy CP1500

The Canon Selphy CP1500’s cost-per-print is slightly higher, averaging $0.43 per 4×6-inch photo. However, its ability to handle multiple print sizes can offset this cost by adding versatility to your printing options. Replacement paper and ink bundles are widely available but slightly more expensive than Kodak’s. You can find some of the printing possibilities for different papers (stickers, cards, etc.) here.

Winner: The Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer for its marginally lower cost-per-print. Although I have tested off-brand papers, they offer good alternatives if you want to save some money on refills. The Canon one I used is here, and the Kodak is here.

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Price

Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer

The Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer is priced at around $140, making it an affordable option for a high-quality dye-sublimation printer.

Canon Selphy CP1500

The Canon Selphy CP1500 is slightly more expensive, retailing around $150 to $160. While the price difference is slight, it might matter for budget-conscious buyers.

Winner: Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer, for its lower upfront cost.

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Size and Portability

Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer

The Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer is compact and designed for tabletop use. It’s lightweight but not as portable as some battery-operated models. The docking feature adds to its convenience for stationary setups but reduces portability.

Canon Selphy CP1500

The Canon Selphy CP1500 is slightly larger but remains portable. It offers an optional battery pack, making it an excellent choice for mobile printing. Its sleek and modern design fits well into various settings and personally I like the all-white of the Canon one.

Winner: Canon Selphy CP1500 for its optional battery pack and enhanced portability.

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Other Considerations

Connectivity

Both printers offer Bluetooth and USB connectivity. However, the Canon Selphy CP1500 edges ahead with its Wi-Fi Direct capabilities, SD card slot, and compatibility with external drives.

Ease of Use

Both devices are user-friendly, but Kodak’s dock design adds an extra layer of simplicity for smartphone users. You can charge your phone while printing, and it has an adapter for Android or Apple devices.

Print Longevity

Both printers produce archival-quality prints that are smudge-proof, water-resistant, and fade-resistant. This ensures that your photos have excellent image quality and will stand the test of time.

Print Sizes

Both of these printers cannot print larger prints than 4×6, but the Canon does have some options for cards and smaller stickers that the Kodak Dock Plus does not (yet). I like the flexibility of using more print styles than just the 6-inch prints.

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Final Verdict

The Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer and the Canon Selphy CP1500 are excellent portable photo printers, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Kodak 4PASS Dock Printer is a better choice if you prioritize affordability and simplicity. Its somewhat lower cost-per-print and dock feature make it ideal for home use. In this respect, the color on this printer edged out the Canon.

However, if you value versatility, portability, and advanced app features, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is the better option. Its ability to handle multiple print sizes, optional battery pack, and additional connectivity options give it an edge for users who want more flexibility.

Overall Favorite: Canon Selphy CP1500, for its versatility, modern features, and the ability to create collages with spots to journal, though Kodak remains a strong contender for having the best color accuracy.

Honestly, I was impressed with both of these printers, and I think you will get an excellent product for whichever you choose!