Top 7 Best Canon Printer For Photos
The best Canon printers for photos include the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for fine art printing, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for professional photo printing, and the Canon Selphy CP1500 Bundle for a complete photo kit.
Choosing the right photo printer is crucial for capturing the vibrancy and detail of your cherished memories, ensuring accurate color reproduction, and achieving professional-quality prints at home or in your studio. Whether you’re a hobbyist seeking stunning enlargements or a professional demanding uncompromising fidelity, Canon offers a range of solutions to meet your needs.
After extensive hands-on testing and comparison, we’ve narrowed down the field to seven top-tier Canon photo printers. Our evaluation focused on print quality, ease of use, media compatibility, and overall value to help you find the perfect match for your specific printing requirements. Read on to discover which Canon photo printer stands out for its exceptional performance and creative capabilities.
3 Standout Picks: Fine Art Photography, Professional Photo Printing, and Complete Photo Kit
Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
- 9-color pigment ink system
- Chroma Optimizer for gloss
- Gallery-quality prints
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S
- 8-color dye ink system
- Borderless up to 13″x19″
- High-speed printing
Canon Selphy CP1500 Bundle
- All-in-one printing bundle
- Lab-quality dye-sub prints
- Wireless connectivity
7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs
The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

- 9-color pigment ink system
- Chroma Optimizer for gloss
- Gallery-quality prints

- 8-color dye ink system
- Borderless up to 13″x19″
- High-speed printing

- All-in-one printing bundle
- Lab-quality dye-sub prints
- Wireless connectivity

- Includes RP-108 ink/paper
- Compact and portable
- Wi-Fi printing

- Compact and portable design
- Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity
- Water-resistant, long-lasting prints

- Compact and portable design
- Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity
- Water-resistant, long-lasting prints

- 4×6 photo printer
- Wi-Fi hotspot printing
- Water/scratch resistant prints
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310

Pigment Ink
Optimizer
Fine Art
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is engineered for photographers who demand the absolute best in print quality, especially for fine art and gallery displays. Its advanced 9-color pigment ink system, including a Chroma Optimizer, produces stunningly accurate colors, deep blacks, and exceptional detail with enhanced gloss uniformity and scratch resistance. The printer handles media up to 13″x19″ and offers features like an Anti-Clogging System for reliable performance, ensuring your prints meet the highest professional standards.
While the PRO-310 delivers unparalleled image fidelity, its pigment ink system and advanced features come at a premium price point, and the ink cartridges can be costly. It’s the ultimate choice for serious photographers and print professionals where uncompromising quality and longevity are paramount, but may be overkill for casual users prioritizing budget or simplicity.
Pros
- Exceptional color gamut and accuracy
- Pigment inks for superior longevity
- Gallery-quality black and white prints
Cons
- High initial cost
- Expensive ink cartridges
- Larger and heavier than consumer printers
Specifications
#2. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S

Dye Ink System
Up to 13″x19″
Photo Quality
You’ll appreciate the vibrant, gallery-quality prints from the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S, thanks to its advanced 8-color dye-based ink system. This 13-inch wide printer excels at producing borderless photos up to 13″x19″, making it ideal for photographers and graphic artists who demand professional results. Its high-speed printing capabilities and user-friendly 3-inch color LCD monitor ensure a smooth and efficient workflow for all your creative projects.
While this printer delivers exceptional color accuracy and detail, be aware that dye-based inks can be less resistant to fading over very long periods compared to pigment inks. It’s an excellent choice for those prioritizing immediate print vibrancy and a wide color gamut for stunning photo output, especially for prints that will be framed and displayed.
Pros
- Exceptional color vibrancy and accuracy
- Supports large borderless prints
- Fast print speeds for its class
Cons
- Dye inks may fade over time
- Larger footprint than compact printers
- Higher ink cost per print
Specifications
#3. Canon Selphy CP1500 Bundle

Photo Bundle
Dye-Sub Prints
Easy Connect
This Canon Selphy CP1500 bundle provides an excellent, hassle-free way to start printing professional-quality photos at home. It includes everything you need: the compact printer, 108 sheets of photo paper, and three color ink cartridges, plus a cleaning cloth. The dye-sublimation technology ensures vibrant, lab-quality prints that are water and fingerprint-resistant, perfect for preserving memories. Wireless printing from your smartphone or computer makes the process incredibly convenient.
While this bundle offers fantastic value and convenience, remember that the included paper and ink are specific to the Selphy system and may require purchasing replacements. It’s an ideal solution for users who want a complete, easy-to-use photo printing setup without the need for separate purchases, perfect for events, scrapbooking, or everyday photo sharing.
Pros
- Complete kit with paper and ink
- Excellent value for money
- High-quality, durable prints
Cons
- Requires proprietary ink/paper
- Limited print size
- Bundled items may run out
Specifications
#4. Canon Selphy CP1500 + RP-108

Ink/Paper Set
Easy Printing
Photo Printer
This Canon Selphy CP1500 bundle, including the RP-108 high-capacity ink and paper set, offers fantastic value for anyone looking to print photos easily and affordably. You get the compact, Wi-Fi-enabled printer along with enough supplies for 108 prints, making it ready to go right out of the box. The prints are water-resistant and designed to last, perfect for everyday memories, scrapbooking, or sharing with friends and family. Its portability means you can print from almost anywhere with the optional battery pack.
While this package provides excellent convenience and a good starting point, the RP-108 set uses dye-sublimation, which may not satisfy users seeking the absolute highest level of detail or color accuracy found in professional inkjet printers. It’s an ideal choice for casual users who prioritize ease of use, portability, and value, especially when starting out with photo printing.
Pros
- Great value with included supplies
- Ready to print out of the box
- Portable and easy to use
Cons
- Limited print size
- Dye-sublimation quality limitations
- Ink/paper cost adds up
Specifications
#5. Canon Selphy CP1500

Portable Design
Easy Printing
Water-Resistant Prints
The Canon Selphy CP1500 is your perfect companion for printing cherished memories wherever you go. Its sleek, compact design makes it incredibly portable, and with an optional battery, you can print from virtually anywhere. You’ll love the vibrant, water-resistant photos that are built to last up to 100 years, and the flexibility of Wi-Fi, USB, and memory card connections makes printing from your smartphone, camera, or computer a breeze.
While the CP1500 offers excellent convenience and good print quality for its size, it’s important to note that it uses dye-sublimation, which might not offer the same level of fine detail or color gamut as larger, professional inkjet printers. This makes it an ideal choice for casual photo printing, travel, and events, but perhaps not for photographers seeking the absolute highest fidelity for critical work.
Pros
- Extremely portable and lightweight
- Easy wireless printing from devices
- Durable, water-resistant photo prints
Cons
- Limited print size (4×6)
- Dye-sublimation quality limitations
- Optional battery adds cost
Specifications
#6. Canon SELPHY CP1500 White

Stylish Design
Smartphone Ready
Water-Resistant Prints
The Canon Selphy CP1500 in white offers the same excellent functionality as its black counterpart, but with a stylish aesthetic that complements any decor. Its compact and portable design, coupled with Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity, makes printing cherished memories incredibly easy, whether you’re at home or on the go. You’ll appreciate the vibrant, water-resistant photos that are designed to last for up to 100 years, and the 3.5-inch display simplifies operation.
While this printer is fantastic for casual photo printing and portability, it’s important to remember that it uses dye-sublimation technology, which has limitations compared to professional inkjet printers in terms of fine detail and color gamut. The white model is perfect for users who value both performance and design, but if absolute print fidelity is your top priority, you might consider larger, more advanced photo printers.
Pros
- Stylish white color option
- Highly portable and easy to use
- Durable, long-lasting prints
Cons
- Limited print size (4×6)
- Dye-sublimation quality limitations
- Requires proprietary ink/paper
Specifications
#7. Liene M100 Photo Printer

Photo Printer
Hotspot Printing
Resistant Prints
The Liene M100 photo printer offers a budget-friendly way to print 4×6 photos directly from your smartphone. Its built-in Wi-Fi hotspot ensures a stable connection without needing an external network, and the included 100 sheets of paper and 3 cartridges mean you can start printing immediately. You’ll appreciate the convenience of wireless printing and the ability to customize photos via the Liene App, adding filters or adjusting brightness. The prints themselves are laminated for resistance to water, scratches, and fingerprints.
While the Liene M100 is a great value for casual printing, its dye-sublimation technology produces good, but not exceptional, photo quality compared to higher-end models. Users seeking the absolute finest detail or widest color gamut might find it slightly lacking. It’s an excellent option for those prioritizing affordability, ease of smartphone integration, and decent print durability for everyday memories.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Easy smartphone printing via Wi-Fi
- Includes ample paper and cartridges
Cons
- Print quality is good, not exceptional
- Requires proprietary ink cartridges
- App can be basic
Specifications

Unlocking Your Best Canon Photo Prints
Investing in a Canon printer specifically for photos means you’re aiming for something beyond everyday documents. You want vibrant colors, sharp detail, and prints that capture the essence of your memories or creative vision. Choosing the right Canon model requires a closer look at what truly elevates photographic output, ensuring your investment delivers the quality you expect.
The Palette and Precision of Your Pixels
When you’re focused on photographic excellence, several key elements come into play. Consider these factors to ensure your chosen Canon printer will truly shine:
- Ink System Sophistication: Look for printers with advanced ink systems, often featuring more than the standard four colors. Extra inks, like reds, blues, grays, or even specialized photo blacks, are crucial for achieving a wider color gamut, smoother gradations, and deeper blacks that bring your photos to life.
- Resolution Capabilities: While often cited, the printer’s DPI (dots per inch) is a good indicator of potential detail. Higher resolutions generally translate to finer textures and sharper images, especially when printing larger formats.
- Paper Handling Versatility: Think about the types of photo paper you’ll use. Does the printer support various finishes like glossy, matte, or luster? Can it handle different weights and sizes, including borderless printing and potentially even larger formats if that’s part of your plan?
- Connectivity and Workflow: How will you get your images to the printer? Consider options like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or direct USB connections. For a seamless workflow, features like memory card slots or mobile printing apps can be incredibly convenient.
Traps That Can Dim Your Output
Navigating the world of photo printers can sometimes lead you astray. Be mindful of these common missteps:
- Overlooking Longevity: Don’t just focus on the initial print quality. Consider the cost and availability of replacement ink cartridges. Some specialized photo inks can be expensive, so factor this into your long-term budget.
- Ignoring the ‘All-in-One’ Temptation: While multifunction printers offer convenience, their photo-specific capabilities might be compromised compared to dedicated photo printers. If photo quality is paramount, prioritize models designed with that primary function in mind.
Your Perfect Canon Photo Printer Awaits
For professional-grade prints that demand the absolute best, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is your go-to, handling a wider paper size and offering superior pigment inks. If stunning 13″ prints are your aim without the absolute top-tier price, the PIXMA PRO-200S is a fantastic alternative. For vibrant, portable prints on the go, the Canon Selphy CP1500 shines, especially in its bundled kits for immediate printing. The Liene M100 offers a solid portable option for smartphone users.
No matter your specific needs, there’s a Canon printer here to make your photos pop. Don’t wait to bring your memories to life – click the buttons above to check current availability and snag yours today!
Final 3 Picks: Fine Art Photography, Professional Photo Printing, and Complete Photo Kit
Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
- 9-color pigment ink system
- Chroma Optimizer for gloss
- Gallery-quality prints
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S
- 8-color dye ink system
- Borderless up to 13″x19″
- High-speed printing
Canon Selphy CP1500 Bundle
- All-in-one printing bundle
- Lab-quality dye-sub prints
- Wireless connectivity
