Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer. This little gadget promises instant, adorable prints from your smartphone, but is it worth the hype? We're going to explore everything about it, from its design and features to print quality and overall value. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's get started!

What is Canon IVY 2?

The Canon IVY 2 is a palm-sized, portable printer designed for printing photos directly from your smartphone or tablet. It utilizes ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, meaning no ink cartridges are needed! Instead, the magic happens with special paper embedded with cyan, magenta, and yellow dye crystals. Heat activates these crystals to create full-color images. This makes it super convenient for on-the-go printing, scrapbooking, or simply sharing memories with friends. The IVY 2 is the successor to the original IVY, boasting some improvements in print quality and connectivity. It's marketed towards a younger, social media-savvy audience who love capturing and sharing moments instantly. This printer is perfect for parties, events, or even just adding a personal touch to your journal. It's incredibly user-friendly, connecting wirelessly to your devices via Bluetooth, and the Canon Mini Print app offers a range of editing and customization options. You can add borders, text, stickers, and filters to your photos before printing, making each print unique and personalized. Plus, the sticker-backed ZINK paper allows you to easily adhere your prints to almost any surface, adding another layer of fun and creativity. The compact size of the IVY 2 makes it easy to slip into a bag or pocket, so you can always have it on hand for spontaneous printing opportunities. Whether you're documenting your travels, creating personalized gifts, or just having fun with friends, the Canon IVY 2 is a versatile little device that can bring your photos to life in a tangible way. Overall, the Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer aims to blend convenience, creativity, and portability into one tiny package. Its ease of use and fun features make it an attractive option for anyone looking to instantly print and share their favorite photos, without the hassle of traditional ink-based printers.

Key Features of the Canon IVY 2

Let's talk features. The Canon IVY 2 is packed with some cool stuff that makes it stand out in the mini-printer crowd. First up, ZINK Technology – as we mentioned before, no ink cartridges needed! This is a massive plus for convenience and mess-free printing. The printer uses special ZINK paper that has all the colors embedded inside, activated by heat during the printing process. Next, its compact and lightweight design makes it super portable. You can literally slip it into your pocket or bag and take it anywhere. It's perfect for parties, events, or even just carrying around for spontaneous printing moments. The Canon Mini Print app is another key feature. This app is your control center for all things printing. It connects to the printer via Bluetooth and allows you to edit your photos before printing. You can add filters, borders, text, stickers, and even create collages. It also has features like augmented reality (AR) effects and remote shooting, adding an extra layer of fun and creativity. Bluetooth connectivity ensures a seamless connection between your smartphone and the printer. It's quick and easy to pair your devices, and the app provides a stable connection for printing. The sticker-backed paper is a game-changer! You can peel off the back and stick your prints anywhere – on your laptop, phone case, notebook, or even create a photo wall. It's a fun way to personalize your belongings and share your memories. Another cool feature is the ability to print from social media. You can directly connect your social media accounts to the Canon Mini Print app and print photos directly from Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. This makes it easy to print your favorite online moments and share them in real life. Lastly, the IVY 2 supports customizable templates. The Canon Mini Print app offers a variety of templates for creating greeting cards, invitations, and other personalized items. You can easily customize these templates with your own photos and text, making it a versatile tool for various occasions. All of these features combine to make the Canon IVY 2 a fun, convenient, and versatile mini printer that's perfect for anyone who loves capturing and sharing memories on the go.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon IVY 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist design. It's small, measuring roughly 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches, making it incredibly portable. You can easily slip it into a purse, backpack, or even a large pocket. The printer is made of plastic, but it feels surprisingly sturdy. It doesn't feel cheap or flimsy, which is a definite plus. The build quality is solid, and it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The IVY 2 comes in a range of colors, including Rose Gold, Mint Green, and Slate Gray, so you can choose one that matches your style. The exterior has a smooth, matte finish that feels nice to the touch and doesn't attract fingerprints easily. On the top of the printer, there's a single power button with an LED indicator light. The light indicates the printer's status, such as when it's charging, printing, or experiencing an error. The design is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to use and understand. The paper loading mechanism is straightforward. You simply slide open the top cover, insert the ZINK paper, and close it back up. The printer holds up to 10 sheets of ZINK paper at a time, which is a decent amount for a mini printer. One minor drawback is that the printer doesn't have a built-in display. You rely entirely on the Canon Mini Print app for all settings and controls. While the app is user-friendly, some users might prefer having a small screen on the printer itself for quick adjustments. However, this design choice likely contributes to the printer's compact size and simplicity. The overall design of the Canon IVY 2 is well-thought-out and practical. It's a stylish and functional device that's designed to be taken on the go. The build quality is impressive for its size, and the minimalist design makes it easy to use. Whether you're a student, a traveler, or just someone who loves to capture and share memories, the IVY 2's design is sure to appeal to you. The combination of portability, durability, and aesthetics makes it a standout in the mini printer market. Canon has clearly put a lot of thought into creating a device that's both visually appealing and highly functional.

Print Quality and Speed

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: print quality! The Canon IVY 2 uses ZINK technology, which, as we've discussed, means no ink. The print quality is decent for a mini printer, but don't expect professional-grade results. Colors are generally vibrant and accurate, but they can sometimes appear a bit washed out or muted, especially in comparison to prints from traditional inkjet printers. Sharpness is also acceptable, but fine details may not be as crisp as you'd like. The prints are small, measuring 2x3 inches, so minor imperfections are less noticeable. One of the advantages of ZINK technology is that the prints are smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. This makes them durable and long-lasting, perfect for sticking on your belongings or carrying around in your wallet. The print speed is relatively quick. It takes approximately 40-50 seconds to print a single photo, which is reasonable for a mini printer. The IVY 2 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and the printing process is generally smooth and reliable. However, it's worth noting that the print quality can vary depending on the quality of the original photo. If you're printing a low-resolution image, the print will likely appear blurry or pixelated. It's best to use high-resolution photos for the best results. Also, keep in mind that the ZINK paper can be a bit pricey compared to traditional photo paper. A pack of 20 sheets typically costs around $10-$15, so it's something to consider if you plan on printing frequently. Overall, the print quality of the Canon IVY 2 is adequate for its intended purpose. It's not going to replace a professional photo printer, but it's perfectly fine for creating fun, instant prints on the go. The convenience of ZINK technology and the durability of the prints make it a worthwhile option for casual printing and sharing memories with friends and family. Just remember to use high-resolution photos and be mindful of the cost of ZINK paper.

Canon Mini Print App: A Closer Look

The Canon Mini Print app is the heart and soul of the Canon IVY 2 experience. It's free to download on both iOS and Android, and it's essential for printing photos with the IVY 2. The app is user-friendly and intuitive, with a clean and modern interface. When you first open the app, it prompts you to connect to your IVY 2 printer via Bluetooth. The pairing process is quick and easy, and the app provides clear instructions. Once connected, you can access a variety of features and editing tools. One of the main features is the ability to select photos from your smartphone's photo library. You can also connect to your social media accounts, such as Instagram and Facebook, and print photos directly from those platforms. This is a convenient way to print your favorite online moments and share them in real life. The app offers a range of editing tools, including filters, borders, text, stickers, and collages. You can customize your photos with these tools to create unique and personalized prints. The filters are similar to those found on Instagram, and the stickers are fun and playful. The app also has a feature called