Discovering the New Miniature Instant Photo Printer: A Worthwhile Upgrade or Not?
If you're a fan of instant photo printers, you might be familiar with a popular $100 model that's a staple in many travel journal kits. This device is beloved for its ability to print small, tangible memories that can be taped next to handwritten notes to capture a moment. However, its prints can sometimes lack clarity and vibrancy. This problem is something that the new $169.95 model aims to tackle.
A Closer Look at the New Features
The latest miniature instant photo printer model introduces a Design Print mode, which is touted as a way to make text and intricate designs cleaner and more readable. However, the noticeable improvements are not as significant as expected. Nevertheless, the updated processing in this new model does enhance the contrast, vibrancy, and sharpness of photos, revealing more details across a range of pictures.
After testing, it's clear that this new model is indeed an upgrade. However, it's important to manage expectations. It's still an instant film photo printer, and it's not going to perform miracles, especially considering the small image size of just 62 x 46mm (2.44 x 1.81 inches).
Pros and Cons of the New Model
- The Good: This new model is the best yet, with improved color, sharpness, and contrast in most photos. It's also fun for creative types.
- The Not-So-Good: The improvement on text-heavy illustrations isn't significant. It's also a bit pricey, and the accompanying app might be a bit too complex for some.
This new model uses miniature instant film, which typically costs around $30 for 20 sheets, or about $1.50 per photo. To print, you'll need to download the specific app, which works on both iOS and Android systems.
Using the App
The app is packed with features that allow you to view your photos in a virtual reality space and use the printer as a remote camera shutter. It also helps you organize your images and imagine them in different settings, like on shelves or as part of a collage taped to the wall. You can also add text, stickers, and filters to your images. The app even lets you connect to your Pinterest account, which can be enjoyable, albeit not for everyone.
To print a photo, you need to import the image into the app, hit print, select either the Simple or Design mode, and then wait about 20 seconds for the printout. The Simple print option promises "smooth color tones for everyday images" and produces somewhat softer images that are still an improvement over what the older model can produce. The Design mode is exclusive to the new model and is the main reason to upgrade.
Testing the Different Modes
After testing the different modes with a variety of images, it was found that Design prints made on the new model were generally superior for faces, landscapes, high-contrast images, and close-ups of nature. The only exception was text-heavy illustrations, where there was no noticeable improvement.
Comparing Print Quality
When comparing prints of the same image from the old and new models, the differences are clear. The new model handles lighting better, with improved contrast and more detail. The colors and skin textures are more accurate as well.
Additionally, in comparison prints of a landscape, the new model offers improved contrast, visible textures on rock faces and tree branches, and improved colors throughout. Details such as wooden slats, lines of individual trees, and wheel details are more pronounced.
In another comparison, the older model struggled to depict snow as anything but a white smear, while the new model was able to capture individual snowflakes and depth.
Final Thoughts
After printing 15 photos over a few days, the battery on the new model was still at 80 percent. The battery charges over USB-C, which is convenient for most users.
If you're looking for the best photo quality from an instant printer, the $169.95 new model is the one to get. It's a worthwhile upgrade for some owners of the older model, but don't expect a significant improvement in prints of text-heavy illustrations. However, its price tag puts it in direct competition with dye-sublimation printers like the Canon Selphy QX20, which yields sharper, more accurate prints with better resistance to water and fading. Nevertheless, the older model remains a great option for its price, offering soft, moody images that are worth the $100.