Main Review

A relatively minor upgrade to the Selphy ES1 model, the dye-sub ES2 increases the articulating LCD screen in size to 3in and broadens the range of frames and effects that may be applied.

The printer follows the vertical design of its predecessor, with prints entering and exiting via two slots at the front and top of the unit, and all controls as well as the LCD screen located at the top. Loading the combined paper and ink pack around the side is effortless, and there are no fiddly paper trays to load into the unit. What’s more, a carrying handle makes the unit easily portable, as does an optional battery pack, which can be used instead of the mains adaptor.

In use, the LCD screen makes viewing prints easy, though it could do with a slight boost in resolution to match its size. Given that the model is very similar to the one it replaces, the printer exhibits similar results. Print times average out at around 75 seconds, and while sharpness is satisfactory images can appear a little overly saturated with too much contrast. The only way to adjust these is with either the Auto Optimiser or My Colours features, meaning a little trial and error may be necessary for utmost accuracy.

Verdict

As a fun, convenient and easy-to-use printer it delivers, but unless you really need the larger LCD screen you’re better off opting for the cheaper ES1.

Reviewer: Matt Golowczynski