With the technology behind inkjet printers maturing, and manufacturers wanting to attract new buyers and with dozens of different brand and several models within those brands there are dozens of potentially choices. How do you select the best photo printer that will provide the best value for your money, print crisp photographs from small 3 x 5 to 4 x 6 or larger 8.5 x 11 or even 11 x 13, and one that will not cost you an excessive amount in terms of ink for the printer?
Digital photography has exploded - no longer is it relegated to the professionals, even individuals are spending upwards of $1,000 to purchase high quality digital cameras like the Nikon digital SLR - some of which can run up to $8,000. But even basic point-and-shoot cameras today go as high as 12 megapixels and can cost under $300 and can produce crisp, clear and sharp images.
But you want to print those images onto a photo printer that will produce equally as crisp, rich images.
Photo only versus multi-function. This debate is still open, however if you want a printer that will generate high quality images, you need something that is only going to do photos. Multi-function printers are great, you can use it for everything - but the photo quality will be lower as they are meant to support multiple activities in your home. Go into any photography shop and you will only see photo printers - never any multi-functions.
Photo printers have been designed and optimized to print only photos - they are not meant to do anything else, for example true photo printers will not include scanning capability, fax send/receive or answering machines. They will take your 4 x 6 photo paper, or 8.5 x 11 paper - but print on regular copy paper and the ink will saturate the page. This is a waste of ink, which is expensive to purchase and will result in output that is of low quality.
Photo printers also print a specific DPI. For example, the Canon Pixma printers can print up to 9600 x 2400 color dpi (DPI means dots per inch). They also use something called FINE technology, which basically means that the ink drop injection system will drop microscopic levels of ink to generate an image - the more drops, the cleaner and crisper your image will be. Compare this dedicated printer to an Pixma all-in-one and your DPI printing drops to 4800 x 1200 - half of what you were seeing in the dedicated printer.
If print quality is important - you need to stick to a dedicated photo printer, not an all-in-one.
If you want a dedicated photo printer that is higher quality and can support up to 11 x 14, then look at the Canon Pixma Pro 9000 Mark II, features virtually the same specifications as the most other dedicated Canon photo printers but you can print onto heavier stock paper as well as fine art paper up to 13 x 19 in size.
The next set of printers that are also mainstays are HP, their dedicated photo printers (some with scanning ability) can produce images up to 9600 x 2400 dpi - the same as the Canon photo printers.
Other things to consider is how you can print, most printers will allow you to insert your SDHC card, or even connect your camera directly to the printer. The newer printers also allow for more flexibility with built-in networking and Bluetooth support, plus the ability to print over a WiFi connection and USB plus some printers allow you to print images directly from the Internet! For example select HP printers can print directly from a service called SnapFish.
If you have decided that pairing your 12 megapixel camera with an equally as high quality printer is what you want, then you need to stick to a photo printer that will offer at minimum 9600 x 2400 DPI printing - everything else, including the ability to scan is an extra. The ability to print directly from your camera is now standard in most printers, what may differ are the additional bells and whistles.
Do not get confused by the extras and the salesperson trying to sell you on the extras, because in most cases you will probably never need or use the additional features.
Looking for more information on purchasing the best photo printers? Need inkjet cartridge refills for your inkjet printer visit us at Inkjet Cartridge Refill for more.
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