If you love journaling as much as I do, then you know photos really make the difference. They bring memories to life and make your pages so much more personal.
But... which photo printer do you choose then?
I get questions about this so often that I thought it was time to lay everything out clearly side by side.
In this blog, I explain the difference between the Canon SELPHY QX20 and the Canon SELPHY CP1500, so you know exactly which one suits you best 👇
What do they have in common? ✨
Let's start with the good news: with both printers, you're in good hands.
♡ You print directly from your phone via wifi
♡ Very easy to edit & print photos via the SELPHY app
♡ Bright, colorful photos of high quality
♡ Prints stay beautiful for a long time thanks to a protective layer
Both printers use dye sublimation technology. The colors are built up layer by layer (yellow, magenta, cyan), giving you sharp and colorful photos of high quality!
📖 Canon SELPHY CP1500 – for home & larger prints
The CP1500 is your go-to if you mainly journal at home and want a few more options.
Why you choose this one:
♡ You can print larger sizes (like postcard size 10x15cm)
♡ Ideal for collages (multiple photos on one print)
♡ Perfect as a fixed printer on your desk (yet compact) 😉)
♡ Sharp photo quality on classic photo paper
Good to know:
→ Prints are not stickers (so you have to stick them yourself)
→ Runs on power (no battery included)
→ You can print stickers, but you need an extra paper tray for that
Extra paper tray
The CP1500 works with replaceable paper cassettes.
By default you use:
→ postcard size (10x15 cm)
But with an extra paper tray you can:
♡ Print smaller sizes (card size)
♡ Print square photos
♡ Use sticker paper (as long as you buy the right paper)
🔋 It can also be used wirelessly
What many people don't know:
you can purchase a separate battery for the Canon SELPHY CP1500.
→ This way you can still take it with you and use it elsewhere
→ Think of a party, workshop, or journaling outside in the sun
The price of such a battery is roughly around:
👉 €40 – €70, depending on brand and capacity
Let’s be honest:
It’s much less compact than the QX20 and a bit more hassle (battery bought separately + charging), so it remains more of a semi-portable solution.
👉 In short:
If you like larger photos, make lots of collages, and mostly work at your desk, this is your match.
🌸 Canon SELPHY QX20 – for convenience and on-the-go journaling
The QX20 is really made for the journal girl who wants to print everywhere (my favorite!)
Why you choose this one:
♡ Compact and portable (fits right in your bag)
♡ Works on battery → print wherever you want
♡ Prints are direct stickers (love this)
♡ Choice between square and card size format
♡ Space to write something under your photo
Why I like this one so much:
You’re in a café, on vacation, or just relaxing on the couch…
→ take a photo
→ print
→ stick directly into your journal
✨ What really makes this different from other printers
The QX20 isn’t just a printer, it simply makes journaling much easier and more fun.
You greatly lower the barrier to journaling:
♡ Fast prints → more spontaneous pages
♡ Stickers → fewer steps
♡ Portable → you literally take your hobby everywhere
And that makes your journal much livelier and more personal.
👉 In short:
Are you someone who likes to journal everywhere and values convenience? Then the QX20 is truly your best friend.
🤔 Which one should you choose?
Simply put:
Go for the CP1500 if you:
♡ Journal at your desk at home
♡ Want larger prints
♡ Want to make collages
♡ Don’t mind pasting things in
Go for the QX20 if you:
♡ You want to print on the go
♡ You want to work compact and wireless
♡ You want stickers (without cutting/pasting hassle)
♡ You spontaneously grab your journal
💖 My honest opinion
I’ll be honest:
I use both… but if I have to choose?
Then 9 times out of 10 I grab the QX20.
Simply because it’s so easy and I can print anywhere.
But am I working on an extensive journal spread with multiple photos?
Then the CP1500 is great too.
So basically:
👉 It’s not the printer’s fault, but mostly your journaling style!
🎥 Watch my video too
I also show everything in my video that will be online soon, including the differences in use and results. So if you're unsure: you definitely want to watch it 👀
