How the Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer Turns Smartphone Memories Into Travel Keepsakes

Smartphones already handle the hard part of travel photography by capturing sharp images in any light. What often gets left behind is the ability to share those images as something tangible right away, something you can hand to a new friend at a market or slip into a journal before the day ends. The Canon Ivy 2, priced at $99 (was $120), fills that gap without forcing anyone to carry a separate instant camera or deal with film.

The device is so small that it could easily fit into a jacket pocket or the side pocket of a day bag. Its dimensions, barely more than 4.7 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches, and weight of 5 ounces ensure that it never feels like a burden when packing for a long trip or trudging through a crowded train. The device’s controls are straightforward: just a power button and a pair of LED status indicators, and you won’t be bogged down by complicated menus because everything is handled through your phone.

Connecting the printer is as easy as possible. Simply download the free Canon Mini Print app, activate Bluetooth, and you’ll be ready to go in seconds due to long-range Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Once it’s up and running, simply select a photo from your camera roll, add some creative touches (frames, filters, text, or collage patterns are all available in the app), and then press print to let the Ivy 2 do its magic.

The printer’s ZINK technology removes all of the common ink-related issues. Instead of color ink, the paper contains color crystals that come to life when heated by the printer to create the image, eliminating the need for filthy cartridges, the risk of liquid leaking in your backpack, and the turmoil that occurs when the print appears. In less than a minute (around 30-50 seconds), your finished photo will measure 2 by 3 inches and have a tidy borderless edge.

Each print has a simple peel-and-stick layer on the back. Simply remove the liner, and your photograph will attach to almost any smooth surface. Travelers use them to write a few pages in their diary, label their bags, paint their water bottles, or turn their phone case into an impromptu gallery of their trip’s highlights. If you need to attach it to anything more curved, like a helmet or a bottle, pre-cut circular sticker sheets are also available.

The good news is that these prints are fairly resistant to smudges, moisture, and tears, so even if you end up stuffing them in your pocket or passing them around at dinner, they’ll still look great. A full charge will last about 20 prints, which should be plenty for most people to go through a day of active photography. If you need to recharge, a simple charge from a power bank or hotel outlet will get you back up and running in about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, the paper capacity is up to 10 sheets at a time, and a calibration sheet is included to ensure that the printer is operating correctly.