KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer – Portable Mini Color Wireless Mobile Printer – Zink 2×3” Sticky-Back Photos – Bluetooth Compatible with iOS & Android Devices – Fun Editing App – Black
The KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Printer redefines on-the-go printing. Its compact design, seamless connectivity, and ZINK Zero Ink technology make it an enticing option for anyone seeking instant photo prints straight from their smartphones. Offering vibrant colors and easy-to-use functionality, this portable printer caters to the needs of travel enthusiasts, scrapbookers, and social influencers alike.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
Image credit: KODAK
The KODAK Step Printer is a testament to convenience. Offering a seamless connection with iOS or Android devices via Bluetooth or NFC, it bypasses the need for messy wires or complex setups. Its standout feature lies in the ZINK Zero Ink technology, ensuring vivid, tear-resistant, smudge-proof prints. The Kodak App complements this by providing a robust editing suite, allowing users to enhance, customize, and personalize their photos before printing.
The app’s editing capabilities extend beyond the ordinary, offering detailed adjustments for brightness, color temperatures, and blur settings. The collage mode enables printing multiple images on a single photo, perfect for creating memorable montages. The inclusion of stickers, filters, frames, and the ability to draw directly on photos adds a playful touch to the printing experience.
Design & Build Quality
Image credit: KODAK
Designed for portability, the KODAK Step Printer stands out due to its compact and lightweight build. The palm-sized device, weighing less than a pound, houses a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that supports up to 25 prints on a full charge. Its sticky-back photo paper further enhances its versatility, allowing users to instantly decorate various surfaces, from laptops to scrapbooks.
The printer’s design, though sleek and functional, might benefit from improvements in color accuracy to match users’ expectations more consistently. Additionally, ensuring a more intuitive paper loading system could enhance user experience further.
Power & Performance
Image credit: KODAK
The printer’s performance shines in its ability to deliver quick prints, clocking in at 1 ppm for both color and monochrome. Users laud its ease of use and straightforward functionality, making it an ideal companion for events, travel, or everyday use. However, while the print speed is sufficient for single prints, it might not meet demands for larger print jobs due to its limited speed.
The built-in battery provides a reasonable print capacity on a single charge, allowing for considerable printing without the need for frequent recharging. Yet, some users note the necessity of cooldown periods between prints to prevent potential issues like paper jams.
Compatibility & Connectivity
Image credit: KODAK
The KODAK Step Printer boasts broad compatibility, seamlessly connecting with various iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth or NFC. The intuitive Kodak App facilitates a user-friendly experience, enabling easy photo editing and quick printing. However, users might experience occasional connectivity issues, particularly when establishing the initial Bluetooth connection.
Adhering to the provided guidelines, such as using the specific calibration sheet and ensuring the printer and device proximity, resolves most connectivity-related concerns. Additionally, the printer’s dependence on ZINK-specific paper packs for optimal performance might present limitations in terms of available paper options and cost.
What’s the Alternative?
Image credit: Canon
If you’re considering alternatives to the KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Printer, the Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a noteworthy contender. While the KODAK Step stands out with its ZINK Zero Ink technology, eliminating the need for expensive ink cartridges and delivering smudge-proof prints, the Canon SELPHY CP1500 offers impeccable print quality that rivals professional printing services, thanks to its dye-sublimation process. Both printers emphasize portability; however, the Canon SELPHY is slightly more versatile with its ability to connect via Wi-Fi, USB, and memory cards, whereas the KODAK Step relies on Bluetooth and NFC.
When comparing customization features, the KODAK Step’s app provides extensive editing tools, including filters, stickers, and frames, making it ideal for creative users who enjoy personalizing their prints. On the other hand, the Canon SELPHY Layout app offers a more sophisticated editing experience, allowing for detailed adjustments and unique additions like QR codes and patterned overcoat layers, catering to both casual users and professional photographers. While the KODAK Step is limited to its ZINK-specific paper, which can be costly, the Canon SELPHY’s consumable costs for ink and paper are also considerable, but it compensates with instant-dry, water-resistant prints that promise longevity. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize ease of use and cost-effectiveness (KODAK Step) or superior print quality and advanced customization options (Canon SELPHY CP1500).
Conclusion: Should You Buy the KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Printer?
The KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Printer excels in delivering vibrant, tear-resistant photos in under a minute, making it an excellent choice for travel enthusiasts, social influencers, and scrapbookers seeking on-the-spot prints.
However, it’s essential to consider factors like color accuracy, print speed limitations for larger tasks, and the ongoing costs associated with purchasing ZINK-specific paper packs. Despite these considerations, the KODAK Step Printer offers a seamless, enjoyable printing experience, making it a recommended investment for those looking to capture and preserve moments instantly.
