Canon Selphy CP730 Photo Printer Review
By Alfredo Padilla
Reviewed.com Editorial Staff
September 06, 2007
The Canon Selphy CP730 is a mid-range dye sublimation photo printer that allows printing from memory cards or directly from a computer. It has a small LCD screen embedded in the printer’s top, which allows users to navigate the menu and preview images. It prints 4x6-inch and 4x8-inch images on Canon’s glossy or matte paper, and retails for $149.
The CP730 is compact, but has a lot of features on the exterior. The front houses a retractable USB cord, slots for memory cards, and a slot for inserting the paper cassette. The back has the power port and housing for the optional battery for portable use. The left side holds the ink cassette door, while the right side has ports for PictBridge and PC connection. The Selphy CP730’s price per print is 28 cents, which is competitive with inkjet printers.
The controls are located at the top of the printer surrounding a 2-inch LCD display. The menu system is limited, with most functions accessible via the control keys, but is fairly straightforward and easy to use. The printer drivers are similarly limited in terms of functionality. However, the CP730 ships with five software programs for manipulating and printing your photos. The programs, standard for Canon printers, provide both simple and advanced interfaces.
The Selphy CP730 does not print documents like the Canon Pixma iP1800 does; it’s limited to photo printing. Printing speed was slower than we would have liked—between 0.81 and 0.83 sheets per minute. It was slower than both the Epson PictureMate Snap and the Sony PictureStation FP90.
The quality of printed photos left much to be desired. The Selphy CP730 performed below average in terms of color accuracy, range of colors, and range of tones. However, it did produce decent black-and-white prints.
Compared to other dye sublimation printers, you’d do better with the HiTi S400 or the Sony FP90. Inkjet options with better print quality include the Epson PictureMate Snap (PM 240). The Canon Pixma iP1800 is not as portable, but does add document printing at a lower price.
The Selphy CP730’s best point is its portability, which is enhanced by the optional battery, making it very easy to print on the go. Unfortunately, this is one of its only strong points. You will be able to find better print quality and more options elsewhere, especially if you’re willing to consider inkjet printers.
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