Digital Camera Tips – Which kind of photo printer do I need?
Last night I purchased the new Canon SD1100, and plan to make scrapbooks, etc. of all the pictures I take…so I need a photo printer. But I have little experience with digital cameras and printers so I’m hoping someone can tell me what they think is the best printer for that camera? The only requirements I have are that it’s not TOO expensive, and allows me to print photos in atleast 2 different sizes.
Thanks and 5 points to the person who can help me out the most.
Best Answer: The least expensive way to have 4×6 inch prints made is at a lab … $.17 each vs about $.50 a piece if you print them yourself (plus the cost of the printer).
If you really want to print them at home, look at the Epson “R” series printers .. the have a cool option of being able to print directly on CD’s and DVD’s. I use a R260 to print labels on all my CD/DVD’s … except for one off prints, I send all my image files to a lab to be printed for clients.
The Epson R260 prints on 4×6, 5×7, 8×10 and 8-1/2 x 11 inch prints as well as the metric A series photo papers up to A4 (210mm × 297mm).
Link to the A series paper definitions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_216
- I don’t know how he gets his figures, but home printing usually runs about .29/print, with costs as low as .23/print in 4×6″ with dye sublimation printers. The numbers he gives are a very unfair comparison.
Okay, so let’s answer your question: because you want two sizes and because you’re scrapbooking, you want a photo printer capable of 8-1/2″ x 11″ printing. This rules out the compact photo printers that only do 4×6″ prints. The best inkjet printers are from Canon and Epson. Generally, the Canons are much faster, while the Epsons give you a smidgen more image quality. In my experience, I’ve ended up with Canon printers because I’ve had issues with Epson printers clogging.
Depending on your budget, you should look at the Canon PIXMA iP1800, which is about $49.99. If you want the best quality with separate ink tanks for each color (which ends up cheaper in the long run) and you plan on doing a lot of printing, get the Canon PIXMA iP4500, which retails for $129.99 (and often sells for less). I found it at newegg.com for $99.99. And it will allow you to dock your camera directly and print!
What’s nice is that with a desktop inkjet printer, you can print 8-1/2″ wide, so if you make scrapbooks in the right size, you can literally print the whole page–no trimming of photos. You can add text, put stickers on them, etc.
Oh, and don’t forget to buy good photo paper, not cheap copier paper. It makes a huge difference in printing photos.
- With less fuss and bother taking memory card or cd full of photos may be much cheaper by going to Walmart or any equivilent store.Use their machines. A photo printer will eat up a lot of ink. Can be costly.