Instax vs. Canon Selphy – The Ultimate Portable Printer Review for Travel Journaling
Hey, fellow adventurers and journal lovers! 👋 I’m back with another annual review of portable printers..again. We’re diving into a review of the Canon Selphy and my longtime favorite, the Instax Portable Printer. If you're into travel journaling and want a printer that's perfect for adding photos to your journal, this is the review you need. However, if you’re expecting a tech-heavy review filled with specs, this isn't it! My focus is on how well these printers work for analog enthusiasts like me who use them for travel journaling with the Wanderlust Passport journal.
My Love for the Instax Portable Printer
I’ve been using the Instax for years, and it’s hands down one of my favorite tools. It’s compact, super easy to travel with, and the film is available almost anywhere—perfect for when you’re on the go. I primarily use the Instax to print smaller photos for my Wanderlust Passport journal. The prints have a lovely, vintage-y feel reminiscent of Polaroids, which I adore for capturing those spontaneous travel moments.
Using the Instax is simple. You pair it with an app, and it allows you to edit photos, add filters, and even layer on fun stickers before printing. Although the prints are small and thicker compared to the Canon Selphy, they add a unique charm to my journal pages.
Introducing the Canon Selphy
The Canon Selphy was a new addition after hearing rave reviews from fellow scrapbookers and travelers. While I initially thought it would be too bulky, I quickly realized that this little machine packs a punch. It’s a proper photo printer, and the print quality is incredible—reminiscent of picking up glossy 4x6 prints from a photo lab back in the day.
The setup is easy, and it pairs with your phone through a simple app. You have various editing options, like adding borders, grids, and even little stickers or stamps. The most satisfying part? Watching the printer layer on the colors (yellow, magenta, and cyan) to create a sharp, true-to-color photo. I love the fact that the Selphy prints are thinner than the Instax photos, which makes them easier to glue into my journal without adding bulk.
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The Big Question: Which is Better for Travel Journaling?
Honestly, both printers are fantastic for different reasons. The Instax wins in terms of portability and accessibility—you can easily grab film anywhere, and it’s perfect for on-the-go printing. It gives your journal a quirky, nostalgic vibe with its thicker, more tactile prints. On the other hand, the Canon Selphy offers superior print quality, with true-to-life colors and more editing options. It’s great if you want a polished, professional look for your travel photos.
If I had to choose between them, I’d be torn. The Instax is my go-to for spontaneous trips, while the Selphy is ideal when I want to print high-quality photos for more elaborate journal spreads. No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Final Thoughts
Both the Instax and Canon Selphy are awesome tools for travel journaling. They each have unique features that cater to different styles and needs. Whether you prefer the vintage charm of the Instax or the crisp clarity of the Selphy, these printers will help you turn your travel memories into lasting keepsakes.
Got any questions or want to see more product reviews? Drop a comment below and let me know what you’d like to see next. Until then, happy journaling! ✈️📸
You can find both of these printers in the links below. These are affiliate so by clicking on these and ultimately making a purchase, you are supporting my smol biz!
Instax Printer: https://amzn.to/3Qo0vDU
Canon Selphy: https://amzn.to/3XhPczM