I believe most of the Kodak mini printers use actual photo paper instead of zink paper. I know for sure that the [Mini 2 Retro](https://kodakphotoprinter.com/products/best-photo-printer-kodak-mini-2-retro-1) uses actual photo paper, but I'm not 100% sure about the other models.
I have both the hp sprocket and the Kodak p210r. I added the Kodak because I was not happy with the quality of prints with zink. Sure it’s quick but there is minimal cost difference to go up to a dye sublimation printer. I will probably get something that can print 4x6 next to be able to collage multiple photos onto one print then cut them out on a much nicer printer. Probably the canon selphy cp1500.
I didn't see it listed in your thoughts here, but I just wanted to post a warning to anyone else reading it about Kodak's Retro P210R. I got that one and it's defective, and customer service is straight-up ghosting me. I looked into filing against them with the Better Business Bureau, but their score there is already an F and they are not accredited. Things I wish I'd looked up first. I had wanted to get a Selphy qx20 or similar, but my phone is too outdated for the app. If you're concerned about environmental impact, the inkjet is your best bet because, as you've mentioned, the others use/waste a lot of plastic.
I have the Kodak P210R printer (and strongly do not recommend it to others for a variety of reasons), and it also has this problem. I'm starting to wonder if it's related to the printing technology being used. Similar to Pawsandtails says, I've had to mess around with the picture settings to jack up the sharpness, brightness, contrast, etc., prior to printing, in order to get it to look semi-decent. I'm increasingly thinking that despite their convenience factor, these little photo printers are not worth it. (I'll also be curious to see how long the images actually hold up anyway. They claim 100 years, but I have to admit to feeling very doubtful.)
AngiQueenB
