The Canon Zoemini promises photo printing in pocket format. In this article we take a look at for whom this makes sense, what the associated app is all about, and what advantages Zink photos have.
In a nutshell:
- Photo printer for on the go
- Photo paper: Zink Paper
- Format: 2:3
- Image size: 50 x 75 mm
- Peelable adhesive surface
- Photo editing app
- Cost per image: approx. 70 cents
A truly mobile printer
Many a mobile printer doesn’t really deserve its name. The Zoemini photo printer is different: With dimensions of only 4.6 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches and a slim weight of just under 5.6 oz, it actually fits in every pocket. The build quality is decent, and considering the low weight, the choice of plastic as the dominant material is also understandable. All this makes the Zoe a real travel companion.
The photos
The Zoemini prints on zinc photo paper. This means instant photos in credit card format, a peelable adhesive surface on the back, and borderless images. By the way, the photos don’t have to dry: Zink (zero ink) technology does’nt use any ink at all. The picture quality is solid, but you shouldn’t expect professional pictures. A real advantage of Zink is its durability. The photos are extremely robust and are even conditionally resistant to moisture.
The technology of the Zoemini photo printer
The Zoemini is controlled via a Bluetooth 4.0 connected app (more on that later). The printer has room for 10 photos, and one charge of the lithium-polymer battery is enough for about 20 prints. When the battery is empty, it takes about 90 minutes to fully recharge. Charging is done via micro-USB, and an LED provides information about the charging status. The current status of the device is also indicated by an LED. You have to reckon with about 50 seconds of printing time for a print process, printing is done in a resolution of 314 x 400 dpi. An adjustable, automatic shutdown (disabled / after 3 min. / 5 min. / 10 min.) helps save power. By the way: you won’t find WLAN support or an internal memory card on the Zoemini. USB cable, Quickstar guide and a pack of photo paper are included.
LED Info, bottom LED:
- Red: Device must be charged
- Green: Device is fully charged
LED info, power button:
- White: Power on
- White Flashing: Print / Process / Cool down
- Flashing red: No paper / Paper jam / Open cover / Low battery / Other error
The Zoemini App
Like most mobile photo printers, you control the Zoemini via a “Mini Print” app available for iOS and Android. When using the app, it also becomes clear: the Zoemini printer is first and foremost a fun gadget. The focus here is clearly on fun pictures. Although the app offers the functions to edit the photo (adjust brightness, etc.), you should not expect miracles here. Rather, the app serves to individualize photos. A wide selection of filters, stickers and other gimmicks make the pictures truly unique.
A special feature of the Zoemini app is the collage function: It offers the possibility to split the photo into 4 or 9 parts. If you print the individual parts, they can be reassembled into a whole, larger image. Considering the price of the individual photo, this is not an inexpensive option. The result is nevertheless nice to look at. And of course, the app also offers integration with Facebook, Instagram and the like. By the way: the Canon Zoemini S combines a photo printer and instant camera in one device.
Tech Specs
- Printing technology: Zink
- Print resolution: 314 x 400 dpi
- Borderless printing
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Battery: Integrated (rechargeable lithium polymer – 2 cells, 7.4 V, 500 mAh)
- Battery capacity: approx. 20 sheets per charge
- Charging time: approx. 90 min.
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: approx. 5.6 oz
- Recommended operating temperature: 59 – 90 °F
- Smartphone compatibility: iOS®: 9.0 or higher; Android™: 4.4 or higher
Source: https://www.canon-europe.com/printers/zoemini/specifications/
Here you can find the Canon Zoemini manual!
CONCLUSION
The Canon Zoemini mobile photo printer is no substitute for a professional photo lab. But that’s not what it was designed for. This printer is a fun device. Whether it’s printing out a quick selfie at a party or sticking credit card-sized photos in a travel diary on the go thanks to the adhesive surface – the Zoemini is fun to use. Of course, it’s not cheap, but the Zink pictures are not meant to be mass-produced. It’s more about creating lasting memories in the sea of smartphone pictures. And the Zoemini does that very well. However, if you are looking for a mobile printer with “real” instant pictures, the Instax Mini Link is worth a look. To get the popular 1:1 format, check out the Polaroid Lab printer.
VIDEO: the Canon Zoemini mobile printer
