Some people like to buy instant cameras (Instax – take photos and print them out for free) but hesitate because now there are many small and pocket portable photo printers.
The most crucial difference between using a mobile photo printer is that you can easily edit and process the images before printing.
Mini photo printer also has a few machines with some editing tools built in but just for fun. A genuinely portable photo printer has never been easier and faster to share photos physically.
Please snap a picture with your phone (or a camera with a memory card), make a quick edit, click the print button, and then share.
A mini photo printer is a device that helps you print out photos taken from your phone or available on devices such as laptops, etc.
Mini photo printers are popular because they are easy to use, stylish, and easy to use. Compact size, save time, print sharp photos.
Equipped with many modern printing technologies, the print quality is very high, not inferior to traditional printers.
With the need to print personal images, graphic images, design pictures, and photo reports. We need the help of photo printers.
What to look for when buying a photo printer? Which printer should I buy for photo printing? Below I would like to mention information about portable instant photo printers and how to choose the best portable instant photo printer.
Types of photo printers
The best available printers for photo printing purposes fall into one of two categories:
Color inkjet printer:
This is the most commonly used photo printer today because it delivers good quality images; sharp to every detail.
With this device, users can use it to print professional photos or other types of documents, color text, and design drawings used in many fields and for different purposes.
This is a modern technology today, often used in compact-sized products. Therefore, its price is also higher but, in return, is high image quality and color durability over time.
Thermal transfer photo printer:
Unlike the inkjet or laser printers frequently found in homes and offices, this printer does not use ink.
It’s not the ink cartridge but the photo paper that contains the color. The device’s operating mechanism uses heat to ” sublimate” ink on photo paper to create images.
Thermal transfer printers are the #1 choice for photographers; professional photo service units. This technology has been around for quite some time; it is common in instant capture and print cameras.
The high-temperature blending of color bands will help the photo become colorful. In addition, receipt printers have also applied this technology due to the low cost.
what to consider choosing to buy a portable instant photo printer
When choosing a mini photo printer, you need to determine the criteria for buying a mini photo printer to fit your needs.
- Identify user needs
- The specifications of the photo printer
- Compatibility with mobile devices, operating systems
- Photo printing technology
- Mini photo printer brand
- Designs
- Printing paper
- Print speed and image resolution
- Machine material
- Battery life
1. Determine user needs
Users always have an irrational desire to buy a photo printer at the lowest price, highest image quality, The most modern and easy to use.
But this wish could not come true; because the quality and professionalism of the product are always proportional to the price.
Therefore, you should consider the actual needs to choose products in the right segment. Avoiding limited usage, but buying a high-end multifunction photo printer will be a waste. When learning to print photos, you should buy this printer.
If only purchased for personal use; or family, you should choose mini photo printer models for small photo printing.
Use for business or intend to use the machine for business services; you should choose a device with a powerful capacity; versatile.
2. The specifications of the photo printer
Resolution:
You should buy photo printers with a resolution of at least 4800 x 1200 pixels/inch. The image will be sharper and have more vibrant colors the higher the resolution.
Machine size:
If you print “play” photos, you can choose a mini model; a Handheld photo printer, to save money. If you use a machine for professional printing needs, you must choose products with an excellent performance from reputable brands such as Canon, Epson; Brother; HP….
Print speed:
Inkjet printers have slower print speeds than thermal transfer printers. If you need to print large photos, you should pay attention to the printing speed because this helps you ensure the progress of the work and save time.
Most importantly, the machine does not have to operate at excessive capacity, so it prolongs its life.
3. Compatibility with mobile devices, operating system
Compatibility with mobile devices and operating systems is a base for knowing which printer to buy.
The current trend of photo printing is the wireless connection with wifi, 4G, and Bluetooth port.
Wireless connections make quick and easy photo printing possible, maximizing the machine’s productivity when multiple devices can be connected simultaneously.
The models with supporting applications are suitable for many operating systems, making it easy for users to install and adjust constantly a top priority.
4. Photo printing technology
Print technology will directly affect image quality and ink as some machines still do not need ink to print colorful photos! So choose appliances with suitable printing technology.
Most mini printers today use thermal and Zero Ink printing technology, so you will not need ink and still be able to print photos, so costs incurred during use will also be significantly reduced.
5. Mini photo printer brand
We can choose different brands, and most are very familiar, such as HP, Canon, Fujifilm, etc.; each company will have different prices and product configurations.
Choose brands that have been familiar and reputable for a long time. In this article, ViVu Review will also summarize for you.
6. Designs
Printer models are also very many; you can choose machines with a moderate size for printing at home or a very compact size for travel.
Many manufacturers also offer the colors of these small devices; you can buy them according to your personal preferences.
7. Printing paper
Printing paper is an indispensable component when printing photos, and choosing the right printer paper is also very important; it also greatly determines the quality of printed images.
Printing paper also has different prices, brands, and sizes for you to choose from.
The quality of printed form is now very high, many types of writing also support waterproof dirt, and there is a layer of glue behind the photo surface, which is very convenient.
8. Print speed and image resolution
Print speed (IPP) is the time an image is printed from the machine, and resolution and pixel density (PPI) is also important factor when choosing a printer.
Some large image sizes may take longer to print than smaller scale images, and even low or high pixel density determines how long the image will take to print.
9. Machine material
The material of the machine also plays an integral part in the durability of the device; most printers from big, well-known brands have a shell made of high-quality plastic.
So it is very impact resistant but also very light in weight, easy to move anywhere and use anytime.
10. Battery life
Battery life will determine how many photos your printer can print on a single charge.
Today’s mini printers typically support printing from 20-100 images, the highest in a 60-minute complete control.
If you travel, you should choose a device with increased battery life to use during the journey.
Why should you buy a mini photo printer?
The mini photo printer is very compact and convenient; you can print folded images anytime, anywhere, especially when traveling.
You can easily save life’s moments in just a few minutes of taking and printing photos. In addition, owning a mini photo printer will save you time having to take it to the store and wait a few hours to transfer it to the machine and print it out.
That’s why we should buy a mini photo printer to save time and money when used for a long time.
Advantages and Disadvantages of mini photo printers
Advantages of mini photo printer
- Due to its small size, just a smartphone is compact and portable.
- Easy to get used to and use.
- Connect multiple devices to take photos and print.
- Easily replace the films when used up.
- Many styles and sizes to choose from.
- High image quality.
For Journaling Fans, a Cool Tool
I like to include photos in my journals, but getting professional prints or even printing at home for credit card-sized prints can be time-consuming (the size I found perfect for my journals).
With a mini photo printer, I can print my photos quickly, and in the size, I need without having to cut out the paper or wait outside for an hour.
I used to print on photo paper with a regular inkjet printer, but these prints are much better. Additionally, these mini printers’ Zink paper now has a sticky backing, which makes them even better for journaling. Of course, if you frequently print at the highest quality, you’ll quickly see how useless ZINK can be.
So, I suggest purchasing a mini photo printer if you also keep a journal and want to include photos in your entries.
Because of its portability and pocketability, you can use it to supplement your project notes and journal while you’re on the go.
Excellent for Travel Documentation
I bought a mini photo printer for myself primarily for my travel journal, and it has been wonderful to use for that.
I’ve been using it to print photos from my smartphone while traveling, making them more enjoyable and helping me remember more specifics.
That helps me a lot when recording something in my travel journal. I can quickly bring the small photo printer wherever I go because it barely takes up any room.
Excellent for printing small photos to distribute
I enjoy sharing and trading prints with other photographers, but we can only keep one of each image when we take Instax photos.
Thus, we “copy” it digitally on our phones, with the print remaining in possession of someone else. We can all keep one because printing multiple copies on a mini photo printer is simple.
I think it’s a fantastic tool for this, and I can see myself using it similarly during a portrait session with a friend or model, so they have a tangible reminder of the shoot.
Whether it’s a print of a quick behind-the-scenes photo or a selfie taken with a smartphone, in my experience, people always appreciate receiving something physical.
Prints and Negatives for Project Visual Records: Organizing
I can see myself using my mini photo printer to keep a visual journal of what happened during my shoots, which is somewhat related to the above points.
I keep a separate journal to record my thoughts, plans, and insights for my creative endeavors. As much as I’m a writer first, I’m also a very visual person, so I now want to include photos there, and the 2×3 prints are ideal for this.
Small prints can help film photographers like me organize their photographs and negatives. Adhere them to the front of negative or photo albums to provide a sample or preview of the contents.
Since I already have so many negatives, I had initially considered using contact prints for my negatives, but doing so would be costly and time-consuming.
I can attach a “cover photo” to my albums and envelopes of prints and negatives with my mini printer, which will serve as an ample reminder.
Disadvantages of mini photo printers
- Toner must be added after printing is over.
- Paper prices are pretty high.
Factors that affect the quality of your photos after printing
Taking good photos is one thing; preserving them for a long time is quite another. Many people take and edit pictures and then put them away, and they’re done.
This makes the photo very susceptible to damage. So what to do to store images for a long time? How to do it? Here are the factors that can influence them.
Light element
A high-intensity light is a primary agent for accelerating photodamage. One of the first ways to store photos is to store them away from strong light sources, typically intense light from the sun to less intense light such as fluorescent lamps.
In these light streams, there is always a quantity of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, exposing the radiation to a vital light source for a long time will quickly deteriorate, and the color will fade.
An excellent illustration of the detrimental effects of prolonged direct exposure to intense light is the rapid fading of new clothing when dried in the sun instead of in a relaxed environment.
Temperature factor
One mistake is when preserving photos without paying attention to the temperature factor. In long-term image preservation, the temperature is essential to keep in mind.
In environments with high or low temperatures, even erratic fluctuations will significantly affect the durability of the image.
When preserving photos, they should be kept in places with an air-conditioning system that will create a temperature balance.
Photos will quickly deteriorate if kept in high-temperature locations like attics, warehouses, or basements.
Humidity factor
Too much humidity will make the photo susceptible to mold, which can quickly deteriorate over time.
To store pictures for a long time, consider the humidity factor where the images are stored. Should choose to keep photos in a place with stable humidity, avoid areas near the ventilation of the air conditioner.
Insect element
Be careful with insect elements such as termites, cockroaches, and bugs. The place to store photos is not discreet or unhygienic; it will be attacked by insects that can easily damage pictures quickly.
Check and clean the storage area regularly to ensure there is no insect attack. If you detect signs of insects such as a bad smell, cockroach droppings, and some photos are damaged in some places, please clean the image and change it to another location for preservation.
Human factors
The truth is that people are the most damaging factors for photos. Some specific causes are the failure to regulate emotions leading to the destruction of valuable photos of love memories.
When you have negative feelings, you should clear your mind and avoid things likely to bring back memories.
Some other causes come from the hands of young children when they cannot shape the souvenir value that the photo brings.
In this case, adults should pay attention to storing in a discreet place and out of reach of children.
How to keep photos for the longest time?
How to save photos with lamination
A plastic lamination is a form of preservation that has been around for a long time. Plastic lamination is preserving an image by coating the two sides of the image with a thin layer of plastic.
Then roll it in the press so that the plastic layer is firmly pressed on both the front and back of the photograph.
Prompted by a machine at a high temperature of about 150 degrees Celsius, the image will be in the tightly sealed space of the plastic layer with a very protective outer edge for the photo to avoid exposure to the outside air environment.
After laminating, the image will be thicker and more complex than the image’s durability. The plastic layer will create a gloss for the brighter photo.
This is one of the most well-liked and well-known methods for keeping pictures longer.
Some things to note are that the plastic layer is very easy to scratch if it is subjected to friction and easily peels and stores water vapor in a humid environment.
When the plastic coating is scratched or damaged, it will make the image unsightly. A simple trick that can be used is to laminate the document and then store it in an album.
Besides, laminating has a maximum size of 30×45 cm, so it can only be applied to images that are not too large.
How to preserve photos with a silk press
Silk pressing is an advanced method favored by many because of its aesthetics. Photo silkscreening is preserving images by using a laminating machine to press a layer of silk onto the image’s upper surface.
A unique feature of the photo silkscreen method is that there will be no four excess edges like plastic photo printing, giving the photo a high aesthetic value.
Another difference is that the surface of the image will not have a glossy finish but will be as smooth as silk, giving it a realistic feel.
The advantage of silkscreen printing is that it covers the surface of the image so that the image is not exposed to the outside air, making the image look high over the years.
The maximum size of the silk press is 120×240 cm, suitable for almost any photo size.
Some point to note is that silk screen printing is not a closed space like plastic photo printing; it is straightforward to absorb water. It is necessary to store photos in albums and keep them away from wet places to increase the durability of the images.
How to preserve photos with UV Coating
This method combines silk pressing and plastic pressing with the most modern technology. Photo UV coating is a method of preserving images by coating the surface of the image with a thin layer of plastic glue.
This technique has the advantage of being both aesthetically pleasing, similar to silk pressing, and having a lovely gloss, similar to plastic lamination.
However, a disadvantage is that the effect is identical to the two types above, but the cost will be higher. This is a famous and popular way to store photos.
Preserve by printing photos on wood
Printing photos on wood is considered the most durable way to preserve photos. There are three ways to print pictures on wood: silk screen printing, mica wood photo printing, and mirrored wood photo printing, depending on each person’s preferences.
The surface of the photo will be pressed silk, mica, or mirror; the bottom part is thick solid MDF, and the edge of the wood photo will be bordered around. The advantage of photo printing on wood is high aesthetics and outstanding durability.
Some notes are that you should periodically clean wooden photos to stay clean. When cleaning, check for signs of termites.
Besides, you should keep the image in a cool place, avoiding the walls directly with the outside to stay maximum durability.
Preserve photos with photo frames
This is a prevalent method of preserving photos that many people choose to maintain. First, the surface of the image will be pressed silk and then put into the photo frame to ensure absolute durability for the idea.
Even more remarkable is that some photo frames are made of highly waterproof moisture-resistant composite material that offers outstanding durability over the years.
Some notes when storing pictures with picture frames is to clean them periodically. For wooden shelves, you should check for termites when cleaning.
Besides, when saving photos with a picture frame, you should choose a structure suitable for the image size to ensure aesthetics.
Portable instant photo printer for your requirements
Image | Name | Price Link |
 | HP Sprocket Portable 2×3″ Instant Photo Printer (Lilac) Print Pictures on Zink Sticky-Backed Paper from your iOS & Android Device. | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
 | Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer – Dusky Pink | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
 | Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer for Smartphones (Rose Gold) – Sticky-back prints, Pocket-size | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
Final Thoughts
Mobile printers have seen an incredible rise in popularity in recent years, bringing your joy of instant cameras into the digital age.
Easy-to-transport photo printers are no longer a novelty; they now provide a range of print sizes, connectivity choices, and editing options.
Instead of instant cameras, mobile printers let you edit your photos before printing and make multiple copies of them so you can give some away and keep one for yourself.
Above, I have shared with you information about portable instant photo printers and my experience in choosing the best portable instant photo printer.
I’m sharing this to help you find the best portable instant photo printer and methods for preserving printed photos.
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How to Buy the Best DSLR Camera your first time (Explained)
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