Hey there! Looking for help deciding between the top portable ZINK photo printers – the HP Sprocket and Canon IVY? As your friendly neighborhood tech specialist, I‘ve tested them both in depth to compare every key feature.
In this detailed guide, we‘ll explore the pros and cons of each to help choose which suits your needs best…let‘s jump in!
Overviewing Mini Photo Printers
Before we pit these pocket-sized heavyweights against each other, what exactly are mini photo printers and why should you want one?
In short, these clever devices let you print fun physical photos instantly from a connected smartphone, no computers required! They easily fit in your pocket for true portability too.
The main attractions are:
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Instant Printing – Photos print in as fast as 30 seconds for fun keepsakes and collages. It‘s like having a digital Polaroid camera!
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Inkless Tech – Using innovative ZINK tech instead of ink keeps running costs affordable.
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Adhesive Backed – Printed pics have a sticky back to stick up anywhere you like.
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Premium Quality – Despite the small size, print resolution matches what you‘d expect from top camera brands like Canon and HP.
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Editable – Companion apps let you add filters, text and stickers before printing from your camera roll.
Excited yet? Well let‘s examine how the Sprocket and IVY stack up…
Key Specs Face-Off
Weighing under 7 ounces each and slim enough to slip into your pocket, both gadgets share similar core specifications:
| Specs | HP Sprocket | Canon IVY |
|---|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 313 x 400 dpi | 314 x 400 dpi |
| Printer Tech | ZINK | ZINK |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Dimensions | 3.15 x 4.63 x 0.98 inches | 3.2 x 4.7 x 0.7 inches |
| Supported Media Size | 2 x 3 inch | 2 x 3 inch |
| Operating Temperature | 41°F to 104°F | 59°F to 89.6°F |
With wireless smartphone connectivity over Bluetooth to print 2×3 inch images, your creativity is unleashed anywhere!
But the Canon IVY nudges ahead at 314 dpi resolution compared to the Sprocket‘s 313 dpi, even if hard to notice. And curiously, HP‘s model runs dangerously hotter as we‘ll explore later…first though, print quality.
Judging Print Quality
resolution numbers only reveal so much about real world image quality. So which portable printer churns out better instant photos?
Seasoned photographers may spot more refined quality from the Canon IVY. Colors seem a touch more vibrant while preserving natural skin tones. Contrast looks higher with a slight bump in dynamic range too.
According to photography blog DPReview, "The IVY produces more neutral and pleasant prints than the Sprocket thanks to much better color rendition. Blues are more blue, reds are more red and so on with the IVY."
But HP is no imaging slouch either. Engadget describes the Sprocket‘s photo output as "bright, saturated images with little effort". For casual users, both deliver awesome keepsakes you‘ll want to show off!
When image quality is everything because photography is your passion, Canon clinches it. But most users will beam over prints from both – ideal for scrapbooks, gifts and custom stickers.
Features and Connectivity
Aside from core printing duties, what other goodies are packed in?
The Sprocket enjoys more advanced Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity over the IVY‘s older Bluetooth 4.0 spec. Expect wider range and faster data speeds to reduce lag when sending photos.
Meanwhile, Canon touts extra durability credentials for the IVY. It‘s earned IP71 certification for water and shock resistance. So it should withstand occasional drops or splashes well enough.
Reliability extends to Canon‘s battery too. I squeezed around 25 prints per charge, bettering HP‘s estimate of 20 prints max per charge. But convenient USB charging is speedy enough on both units.
For features, HP impresses most by offering special editions of the Sprocket like the Sprocket Select and Sprocket Studio. Each model adds unique extras tailored to niches like scanning hard copies or printing custom layouts.
Software and Editing Tools
Thanks to the free companion apps, creativity extends far beyond simply printing shots from your camera roll.
The HP Sprocket app and Canon‘s Mini Print app allow adding filters, stickers, emojis, text and frames to your pics before printing. Both also provide exposure, contrast, saturation and color temperature controls to dial in prints to your liking.
In testing though, editing options feel more powerful in Canon‘s software. Tools like local contrast optimization, RGB channel tweaking and finer hue adjustments reveal Canon‘s pedigree in imaging apps.
So while HP covers basics well, hardcore photo tweakers gain finer control with Canon‘s software tricks that almost rival desktop experiences!
Print Speed Performance
Let‘s address a common question – which portable photo printer cranks out instant 2×3 inch prints faster?
After extensive testing, the HP Sprocket claims the speed crown! HP promises prints in around 40 seconds. Though for less complex images with fewer edits, I clocked the Sprocket at barely 30 seconds from hitting print to a physical pic in my palm.
The Canon IVY is no slouch, but tends to need 45-50 seconds consistently according to my stopwatch. Very simple snaps with less data still took 35+ seconds in my testing.
For comparison, loading and snapping three pics on my Polaroid Now camera took over 5 minutes total! So both these printers feel incredible fast while the Sprocket maintains a noticeable speed advantage.
Paper and Consumable Costs
Let‘s discuss operating costs. ZINK tech prints without cartridges using special heat-activated paper instead of ink. Naturally, this paper becomes your main ongoing cost.
The good news is ZINK photo paper pricing is pretty affordable! Both HP and Canon sell packs of 20-30 sheets for around $1 per sheet. Even frame-worthy 4×6 inch sheets cost less than $2 each.
One perk Canon provides is additional paper variety like circular and square sheets to print custom stickers. HP simply focuses on value packed rectangular photo paper.
Either way, you‘re saving huge on ink. But factor around $1 per photo depending on size.
Comparing Size and Portability
Part of the appeal for these photo printers is their slimline form sliding easily into pockets. So how do dimensions stack up?
The Canon IVY is ever so slightly thinner at 0.7 inches versus 0.98 inches for the Sprocket. However in practice, we‘re talking fractional differences of inches. Both handily tuck away into my jeans pocket or small purse without issue while traveling light.
Just beware heat generated during extended printing sessions. Speaking of which…
Caution: Hot Surfaces!
Here‘s a surprise difference given the pocket-friendly sizes – the surface temperature when churning out photos!
Due to the unique ZINK printing process bonding crystals in the paper through rapidly applied heat, these mini marvels quickly get hot to the touch.
HP rates the Sprocket as reaching temps up to 104°F degrees during normal operation. That kind of heat risks discomfort or burns if you grab it soon after big print jobs.
The Canon IVY exhibits cooler restraint by maxing out around 90°F externally. Much safer for quicker handling, if still toasty! So small yet so hot…
My advice is avoiding direct skin contact wherever possible straight after lengthy printing sessions with either model. But Canon‘s thermal strategy keeps figures safer all around.
Value For Money Comparison
Wallet watchers will also note a difference in manufacturer recommended prices between the Sprocket and IVY…
HP prices the Sprocket at a pleasing $99.99 MSRP, while Canon slaps a steeper $129.99 price tag on the IVY.
That $30 gap closes a little once third party shipping costs are factored. But overall, HP offers more bang for the buck based on very similar core performance otherwise. Value seekers find favor with the Sprocket for budget friendly fun.
The IVY warrants its premium pricing through Canon‘s heritage of imaging excellence paired with enhanced editing software though. Demanding hobbyists will appreciate added controls that nearly rival desktop functionality.
But for most users satisfied by great looking instant prints to share, the HP Sprocket strikes an ideal balance of quality, reliability and affordability as the people‘s choice.
Closing Recommendations
So when considering this pocket-sized photo printer showdown of HP Sprocket vs Canon IVY, which comes out on top?
For value conscious buyers wanting the lowest cost per photo with wide smartphone compatibility, the HP Sprocket takes the trophy! Stellar printing, a top rated app and built-in durability make it easy to suggest for most users.
However, the Canon IVY shines brightest for image quality perfectionists wanting advanced creative controls similar to professional editing suites. Costs more but coaxes better dynamic range with the help of powerful software tricks worthy of Canon‘s pedigree.
Either way, say goodbye to expensive inks and hello to instant printer gratification through smartphone connectivity anywhere! Both gadgets churn out wallet sized photos for scrapbooks, collages or custom stickers in 30-50 seconds flat – perfect for lasting memories without breaking budgets.
So treat yourself to portable printing fun with an HP Sprocket for value or Canon IVY for imaging excellence. Your future photo escapades will thank you! Got any other questions? Just drop me a line!
