Best Carrying Case for Canon SELPHY CP1500
The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is easily the best portable photo printer on the market, but its sleek, glossy exterior is a total magnet for scratches and dust. If you’re like me and take yours to weddings or family reunions, you know that tossing it loosely into a backpack is a recipe for disaster. After testing several options, I’ve found that the Hermitshell Hard Case is the gold standard for protection, balancing a custom-molded fit with enough room for that bulky power adapter.
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Best Carrying Case for Canon SELPHY CP1500: Detailed Reviews
Hermitshell Hard Travel Case View on Amazon View on B&H
The Hermitshell Hard Travel Case is specifically engineered for the CP1500’s unique dimensions. What I love most about this case is the internal layout; it doesn’t just “fit” the printer, it cradles it. The hard EVA exterior is rugged enough to withstand a drop from a tabletop, while the soft lining prevents those annoying micro-scratches on the printer’s finish. It features a dedicated compartment for the power adapter and the paper cassette, which is crucial because you don’t want those components knocking against the printer body during transit. While it is slightly bulkier than a sleeve, the peace of mind it offers is worth the extra half-inch of bag space. The zippers feel industrial-grade and haven’t snagged once in my months of heavy use. Itβs the closest thing to a “buy it once” solution for your SELPHY setup.
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Khanka Hard Travel Case View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want 95% of the performance of a premium case at a lower price point, the Khanka Hard Travel Case is your best bet. It offers a very similar EVA construction to the Hermitshell but often retails for a few dollars less. The interior features a strong elastic strap that keeps the CP1500 from shifting around, which I find particularly useful if you’re traveling over bumpy terrain or checking it in luggage. The mesh pocket in the lid is surprisingly spacious; you can easily fit two extra ink cassettes and a pack of paper without the case feeling overstuffed. One minor drawback is that the fit is a tiny bit looser than the Hermitshell, so the printer can move slightly if you don’t use the strap. However, for the price, the build quality is genuinely impressive and far superior to generic soft bags.
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LTGEM Hard Case View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who only take their printer out occasionally, the LTGEM Hard Case provides essential protection without the frills. Itβs lightweight and features a surprisingly soft velvet lining that keeps the CP1500’s chassis pristine. The case is water-resistant, which I tested during a light drizzle at an outdoor party; the beads of water rolled right off. While it lacks the custom-molded dividers found in more expensive models, it uses a simple open-cavity design with a divider that you can adjust slightly. The main limitation is that itβs a tight squeeze if you try to pack the printer, the paper tray, the power brick, and extra ink all at once. Youβll have to be a bit of a Tetris master to get it zipped up comfortably. That said, as a pure protective shell for the printer itself, itβs unbeatable for the money.
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USA Gear S7 Messenger Bag View on Amazon View on B&H
The USA Gear S7 is a complete departure from the hard-shell cases, and in my opinion, it’s the most versatile option for working pros. Instead of a rigid box, you get a heavily padded messenger-style bag with a weather-resistant bottom. The “FlexWall” dividers are the killer feature here; you can move them around to create custom slots for the CP1500, a spare battery (NB-CP2LI), and even a small digital camera. Iβve used this bag at several pop-up events, and the shoulder strap makes a huge difference when you’re carrying a lot of gear. It also has external zippered pockets for SD cards and cleaning cloths. While it doesn’t offer the crush protection of an EVA shell, the thick padding is more than enough for daily transport. It feels like a piece of professional photography gear rather than just a generic electronics case.
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Aenllosi Hard Carrying Case View on Amazon View on B&H
The Aenllosi Hard Carrying Case stands out because of its unique “bubble” or dimpled interior lining. This design provides an extra layer of shock absorption that standard flat foam just can’t match. If you’re someone who tends to be a bit rough with your gearβor if you’re frequently traveling by airβthis added cushion is a lifesaver. It fits the CP1500 very snugly, which prevents any internal rattling. The exterior is a woven nylon that feels very premium to the touch and provides a better grip than the smoother EVA cases. It also comes with a sturdy hand strap. My only gripe is that the internal mesh pocket is a bit tight; itβs great for the paper cassette, but adding the power cord makes the lid bulge slightly. However, for a minimalist setup where you just need the essentials protected, itβs a fantastic, stylish choice.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Case for your Canon SELPHY CP1500
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hermitshell Hard Case | Overall Protection | β β β β β | Check |
| Khanka Hard Case | Balanced Value | β β β β β | Check |
| LTGEM Case | Tight Budgets | β β β β β | Check |
| USA Gear S7 | Pros & Events | β β β β β | Check |
| Aenllosi Case | Impact Resistance | β β β β β | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a case for the CP1300 fit the CP1500?
Yes, generally they are cross-compatible. The CP1500 is actually slightly smaller in some dimensions than the CP1300, so any case designed for the older model will easily fit the new one. However, some newer cases like the Hermitshell have been refined specifically for the CP1500βs slightly more squared-off corners. If you already own a CP1300 case, you don’t necessarily need to upgrade unless you want a tighter, more modern fit.
Is there enough room in these cases for the battery pack?
Most hard-shell cases like the Hermitshell or Khanka are designed to fit the printer with the NB-CP2LI battery attached, but it can be tight. If you carry the battery separately, the USA Gear S7 is a much better choice because of its adjustable dividers. In standard hard cases, you might have to leave the power brick at home to make room for a spare battery in the accessory pocket.
Are these cases waterproof or just water-resistant?
Most are water-resistant. The EVA material and nylon coverings will protect your printer from a light splash or a brief walk through the rain. However, the zippers are rarely 100% waterproof. I wouldn’t recommend submerging any of these cases. If youβre heading into extreme environments, look for a case that specifically mentions “waterproof zippers” or consider a small Pelican-style hard case for absolute submersion protection.
Can the case hold extra ink and paper?
Usually, yes, but in limited quantities. Most of these cases have a mesh pocket that can comfortably hold one pack of 18 sheets and one ink cassette. If youβre planning to bring a full 108-sheet pack (RP-108), youβll likely need the USA Gear S7 bag or a separate storage pouch, as the hard-shell cases will become too thick to zip shut comfortably.
Does the case protect the LCD screen?
Yes, that is the primary benefit of the hard EVA shell. The CP1500 has a fixed LCD screen on the top that doesn’t fold down, making it prone to cracking if something heavy is placed on top of it. A hard-shell case provides a rigid bridge over the screen, ensuring that even if other items in your suitcase press against it, the pressure is distributed to the case walls rather than the screen.
Final Verdict
For most users, the Hermitshell is the clear winner because it was built specifically for this printer’s dimensions. If you’re a casual user who just wants to keep the dust off, the LTGEM is a fantastic bargain. However, if you find yourself taking your SELPHY to professional gigs or weddings, do yourself a favor and invest in the USA Gear S7 messenger bag; the shoulder strap and extra space for ink will save you a lot of hassle.