Last year at CES I encountered the HP Sprocket Photo Booth, a compact device designed to bring a photo booth experience to parties and gatherings. HP’s licensee for sprocket printers released the device a few weeks ago and I got one in for review.
Check out my video review here!
This Sprocket Photo Booth combines a camera, touch screen, and printer in one, making it straightforward for guests to take pictures, print them instantly, and even share them digitally.
Guests approach the device, pose, and take photos via the touch screen interface. Prints are produced using a Zink thermal printing process, which eliminates the need for ink cartridges. The sticky-back photo paper is sold in packs of 100 at $75, which works out to about 75 cents per print. While the quality of the images is comparable to lower-end smartphone cameras, the prints are fun, and the sticky backing allows for creative displays like photo walls.
The digital sharing feature is a nice touch. After taking a photo, a QR code appears, letting guests download their pictures directly to their devices via a web browser. There’s no app requirement, and images only upload to the cloud when someone scans the code.
For administrators, the booth stores all captured images, even unprinted ones, offering the ability to curate, share, or delete photos later. Administrators have the option of uploading the entire album of event pictures to the cloud for sharing with guests after the event.
Setting up the booth is straightforward. It can be table-mounted or wall-mounted, and its adjustable screen accommodates users of different heights. The interface allows for event customization, including themed frames and screen savers. While creating custom frames isn’t currently supported, firmware updates may address this in the future. The hardware itself is sturdy but fully plastic, and the printer’s speed is modest, requiring a bit of patience for each print.
Administrators have control over event settings, from print limits to filter options. This flexibility makes it suitable for various occasions, from weddings to fundraisers. However, the cost—$600 for the unit plus consumables—may be a hurdle for casual users. It’s better suited for photographers, party planners, or organizations hosting regular events.
While not without limitations, the HP Sprocket Photo Booth offers an enjoyable way to capture and share moments at events. Its mix of physical and digital keepsakes makes it an appealing option for those looking to add a unique feature to their gatherings.
See more HP Sprocket devices here.
Disclosure: This photo printer was provided to the channel free of charge. No other compensation was received and the brand did not review or approve the content before it was uploaded.