Like the CP-400, the Canon CP-720 is a dye-sublimation printer. Dye-Sublimation is a technology that uses a matched color ribbon (donor) and photo paper (receiver). As the paper passes through the printer, the ribbon is heated to a gas state. The gas permeates the photo paper before returning to a solid state. The result is an image that looks just like a 35mm print and is typically as archival as 35mm prints. The CP-720 prints a 4x6 inch image in about 85 seconds. Prints cost only .38 cents each.

The CP-720 adds a built-in LCD screen (for previewing images), memory card slots and a retractable USB cord for printing when connected to a camera. The Canon CP-720 can also print from a computer via USB.