Multifunction printers are the most sought after and common devices you can find on the market. They are so common that you can hardly find a standalone printer anymore. The question ‘why would you even want a standalone?’ does have its point but there is a field in which a standalone is worth it.




I’m referring to printing photography. Except for some very expensive multifunction printers, other all-in-ones simply have too much focus on office features to offer good photo quality printing. This is the primary reason why, if you want a printer specifically for photo printing and don’t need anything else, you should get a standalone. But since this is the era of mobility and portability, you shouldn’t settle for a larger device that takes up half of your desk. You can simply chose a model out of Canon’s compact printer line called Selphy.

The Selphy line includes Canon stand alone photo printers that come in small sizes and offer portability. Hence you’ll be getting a good quality photo printer that you may actually take along with your digital camera outside the house. Even if you chose not to do so, Selphy printers still take much less space on a desk and can be moved around from room to room with ease. In 2009 the Selphy ES40 was introduced to the market. What’s special about the ES40 is its multitude of features and ease of use.

The printer makes perfect use of the dye-sublimation printing technology which means you’ll be getting better photo quality and won’t ever be seeing the small dots inkjets sometimes seem to produce. The common point between the ES40 and other printers from the Selphy line is definitely the design that makes it look simply adorable.

Something about it makes it look like it was designed for children but this won’t stop mature users from enjoying it either. A very interesting feature is the voice guidance that really does make it possible for children to print and get instructions.

The control panel is hard to miss as it occupies the whole front of the printer. It includes a 3.5 inch color LCD, an easy to use scroll wheel for navigation and a series of smaller and larger buttons for various features. On the top you’ll find the memory card reader that supports SD, miniSD, microSD, SDHC, MMC (and variations), xD, Memory Stick and others. On the left you’ll find the PictBridge/USB port that allows direct printing from compatible digital cameras. Replacing the consumables (paper and ink) is extremely easy since Canon included both of these into a photo pack. On the right side there’s a flap that opens and you simply insert the pack there and you’re set to go.

The speed of this printer is relatively good. Not as good as Canon claims, but you’ll generally get a 4 by 6 inch done in a bit over a minute. The photo quality proves to be good and results are vivid and sharp. What might upset you about these mini Canon stand alone photo printers is that they limit you to 4 by 6 inch prints. You can print smaller (2.1 x 3.4 inch) but that’s not of much interest for most users. If you can get past this then Canon’s Selphy ES40 is a great family-oriented printer.

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