Which printer is best for printing photos?

How is a photo printer different from a regular one?

Photo printers are special devices that make it possible to transfer digital images onto photo paper to obtain high-quality photographs.

Conventional printers do not cope with this task as well as we would like.

The main difference between specialized devices and conventional printers is the quality of color space transmission. The other differences are not that important.

In photo printers, the color space is at least six-dimensional. Each transmitted color consists of 6 primary colors, so such devices use 6 color toners (ink) or more.

Standard color printers use 4 ink colors. Typically yellow, black, cyan, purple. From these the color space of the photograph is created.

The differences between photographs taken with photo printers and conventional devices are especially noticeable when looking at people's faces.

Major brands in the photo printing market

Among manufacturers of special printers, 4 brands stand out:

• Polariod. The company produces compact photo printers. Only branded consumables are suitable for them;
• Canon. Produces compact printers designed for home use. The equipment is relatively inexpensive and makes it possible to print good quality photographs;
• Fujifilm. The company also offers equipment at reasonable prices that gives good results. However, Fujifilm photo printers require the purchase of special consumables, which can be expensive;
• Epson. The equipment is distinguished by an expensive price, but higher quality and expanded functionality.

Main characteristics

When you buy a photo printer, consider important parameters.

1. Formats

Determine which paper sizes work with your equipment. Determine what print resolution your equipment supports. To avoid graininess in the photo, we recommend purchasing devices with high resolution.

2. Cost of consumables

This is an important factor when choosing an output device. If you didn’t attach much importance to this, you may regret it later. To make your choice easier, we will give you some useful tips.

Anyone who will use the device occasionally may not even think about the cost. If the printer will be used frequently, then it is better to buy one that requires inexpensive consumables.

Continuous ink systems have solved the cost problem with reservoirs that can be refilled. In such cases, there is no need to buy expensive cartridges. Inexpensive inks will also work.

IMPORTANT! Please note that even in a printer with CISS technology, an incorrectly installed cartridge can lead to failure. This means you need to be careful.

3. Resolution

Good resolution must be taken into account when choosing. Just keep in mind that there is a relationship between increasing quality and price. Expensive models have a graphical interface, a USB output and a connector designed for many modern cameras. If you can do without it, then there is no need to overpay. It is better to choose some simple and cheap device.

4. Speed

Manufacturers must indicate this parameter in device documents. That is, the speed of photo printing is important. At the same time, we emphasize that the rough quality of the work is implied. Please note that this data is not easy to compare as each manufacturer tends to report values ​​differently.

Number of colors and drop volume

It is important to consider when choosing a printer and how many colors are used. When we talk about inkjet printers, this number must necessarily be more than three primary colors. It will be even better when this number is 6 or more. Then you can count on the color rendition to be more accurate.

For inkjet printers, there is such an indicator as drop volume. It is clear that the smaller it is, the better. However, it is not easy to detect a large difference between a 2 picolitre drop and a 4 picolitre drop. The minimum drop volume is 1.5-3 pl. In some Canon printers – 1 pl.

IMPORTANT! If you take sublimation printers, then usually there are three to five colors. The specificity of printing is such that it makes it possible, having only three colors, to obtain high-quality prints. Devices with five colors are used only by professionals.

Additional "buns"

Modern printers have many additional options. They do not affect the quality of photographs, but they simplify the use of the equipment.

Additional features of photo printers include:

• Editing pictures. If there is a need, but it is not possible to process photographs on a computer, you can make corrections immediately before printing. Some models make it possible to rotate a photo, crop out excess, and improve the image using filters and masks;
• Touchscreen. Allows you to select the best photos when printing from a camera, flash drive or memory card;
• Built-in scanner. An additional function that allows you to transfer film prints, negatives or paper photographs to digital media;
• Possibility of using plain paper. Allows you to print not only photos, but also text files;
• Built-in memory. Makes it possible to transfer photos directly to the printer, then print them at a convenient time without the help of a computer or other devices.

The additional functionality of photo printers brings not only convenience, but also an increase in price. As a rule, devices with additional options are more expensive. So it’s better to decide in advance whether they are necessary or whether there is no point in overpaying.

Rating of TOP 7 best photo printers for home

The ranking of the best models included:

• EPSON L312.
• MFP Epson Expression Premium XP-630 Refurbished.
• Epson SureColor SC-P600.
• CANON SELPHY CP1300.
• Ricoh SP C260DNw.
• Canon PIXMA iX6840.
• EPSON L4160.

Let's look at each sample separately.

EPSON L312

Provides high speed and decent quality of both black and white and color printing. The speed of black and white printing in the “Draft” mode reaches 33 pages per minute. Instead of cartridges, the printer uses special ink containers to ensure uninterrupted operation of the device and high print quality. The developers have provided the ability to print bright color photographs measuring 10x15 cm without borders.

Price: from 9,740 to 12,297 rubles.

• large cartridge resource (color resource 6500 pages);
• compact dimensions (13x48x22 cm);
• low power consumption (10 W);
• printing on different materials (matte paper, glossy paper, envelopes, photo paper, cards).

• none.

This printer was purchased to print photographs for the purpose of a family photo archive. The initial download took 20 minutes. I especially liked the fact that I was printing all weekend, and hardly any ink was wasted. We are happy with the device.

EPSON L312

MFP Epson Expression Premium XP-630 Refurbished

The five-color printing device combines the functionality of a printer, scanner and copier in one bottle. Four separate cartridges in it are designed to perform photo printing tasks, and an additional black one is used when reprinting text documents in black and white mode. The MFP impresses with its omnivorous ability to connect third-party devices. At the bottom of the front panel of the MFP there are separate trays for regular A4 paper with a capacity of 100 sheets and for photo paper with a capacity of 20 sheets.

Price: from 9,455 to 13,999 rubles.

• Duplex and borderless printing features;
• the ability to work not only with photo paper, but also DVD/CD;
• wireless connection.

• the use of cartridges, which, although cheaper, are still disposable and require constant replacement.

What I like most is the double-sided copying capability and its virtually silent operation. It looks very good in appearance, quite stylish and very small in size. In general, it doesn’t take up much space, which is very important in my small room.

MFP Epson Expression Premium XP-630 Refurbished

Epson SureColor SC-P600

The device can easily be classified as a professional photo printer, since it already uses a six-color printing system. Of course, the elaboration of all tones and shades will be more naturalistic. It has a cloud printing function, which is very convenient for remote work. The standard resolution for printers of this class is 5760×1440 dpi, which allows you to obtain clear and high-quality images.

Price: from 49,764 to 66,490 rubles.

• CD/DVD printing function;
• the presence of a special tray for creating layouts;
• control of the meniscus and its exact positioning;
• two USB connection ports.

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• none.

The dynamic range has been expanded due to the new high-density black, roll feeding, ink pipelines, ideal quality in black and white mode, not to mention color, takes very heavy materials, such as beer cardboard, Epson has matte and semi-gloss photo cardboard, canvas, textiles with coating, photo paper 500 g/m², etc. Excellent semi-professional compact model!

Epson SureColor SC-P600

CANON SELPHY CP1300

This portable, Wi-Fi-enabled photo printer lets you instantly create high-quality, long-lasting prints from compatible mobile devices, cameras and more, anywhere, anytime. Print high-quality, vibrant, durable materials in less than 1 minute with dye-sublimation printing technology. Automatic image optimization finds and corrects imperfections, making your photos even better.

Price: from 7,890 to 13,815 rubles.

• compact dimensions (180x63x136 mm);
• battery operation;
• printing from flash drives via Wi-Fi.

• Over time, it begins to leave streaks from the lingering rollers on the photo.

My wife has long wanted a pocket printer (I had a bad experience with an inkjet MFP and CISS, the heads always dried out) so that I could print photos quickly and anywhere without any problems. This unit allows all this in full. We are happy with the model, now there is instant printing.

CANON SELPHY CP1300

Ricoh SP C260DNw

The device combines a set of functions that allow you to achieve the highest possible print quality at a resolution of 2400×600 dpi. The device has a high print speed of up to 20 ppm (A4). Suitable for color printing, the resolution and speed of which are the same as those for monochrome printing. Professional print quality produces professional color prints.

Price: from 9,676 to 12,012 rubles.

• withstands up to 30,000 prints per month;
• the first page comes out in 14 seconds in any color;
• can connect with smart devices;
• does not spoil sheets.

• quite heavy weight (23.8 kg).

After the next, dried inkjet, I expect to use it much longer. The photo quality is at the level of the latest MFP from Canon, I tried it on matte photo paper with a density of 220, although the printer does not officially support such density. Everything is working!

Ricoh SP C260DNw

Canon PIXMA iX6840

An excellent modern inkjet model that copes well with its tasks. Its characteristics are also excellent - print speeds of up to 14.5 black and white pages per minute in A3+ format, as well as various connection types such as USB, RJ-45 and even Wi-Fi. It is equipped with excellent software that can smooth out all the inaccuracies in user settings and provide a high-quality picture after printing in any format.

Price: from 14,340 to 17,719 rubles.

• bright, rich, detailed and realistic prints;
• high print speed (10.4 ppm);
• high print resolution (9600×2400 dpi).

• requires regular maintenance, including daily washing of cartridges.

The characteristics are amazing: the quality of color reproduction is beyond words, just a fairy tale. For those who are dissatisfied with the print quality, change the photo paper, preferably to gloss or super gloss, the photos you get are indescribable. Prints great. I recommend it to everyone, buy it and you will never regret it.

Canon PIXMA iX6840

EPSON L4160

It combines the functionality of three representatives of office equipment: a copy machine, a flatbed scanner and a printer. The model is ready to please its owner with high performance, which ensures fast and high-quality printing of documents in black and white format at speeds of up to 33 ppm (A4) and a maximum resolution of 5760×1440 dpi.

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Price: from 16,583 to 19,990 rubles.

• large resource (6000 color and 7200 black and white prints);
• can scan, print and copy;
• There is an automatic double-sided printing function;
• works with various external media and using Wi-Fi.

• are missing.

Good functionality and print quality at a very affordable price. The presence of a continuous ink supply system (CISS) and the ability to print with pigment inks are undoubtedly a big plus. I’m also pleased with the availability of two-sided printing and the ability to connect via Wi-Fi.

EPSON L4160

Printing technology

There are 3 types of printers: laser, inkjet, sublimation. However, laser devices are not suitable for printing good quality photographs.

Laser printers

The principle of their operation is based on the transfer of tiny particles of colored polymer charged with static electricity onto paper. Subsequently, they are fixed on paper using high temperatures. Photos printed on a laser printer do not differ in quality. Their advantage is low cost and resistance to fading. In this case, the photo does not look as impressive as when using an inkjet or sublimation photo printer.

Laser laboratories

These are laser printers. They have their own advantages and disadvantages compared to other devices. The quality of photos obtained from a laser printer cannot be called high, unless, of course, we are talking about a professional photo laboratory, for which you will have to pay a lot.

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The principle of operation is this. An electric charge is induced on the drum, which corresponds to a certain color. The charge attracts the powder of the required shade, so that it can then be transferred to a sheet of paper. As a result, the paint on the paper is baked by exposure to high temperature.

The main advantage of the device is its very high performance. Suffice it to say that over 10,000 photos can be printed per day.

But laser printers cannot be called economical. After all, the cost of one photo exceeds the cost of photos from printers that have a different printing technology. There is a simple explanation for this: cartridges are very expensive.

The price of a photo laboratory, that is, professional equipment, exceeds several tens of thousands of US dollars.

Please note that the purchase of such equipment is affordable only for entrepreneurs who intend to properly invest their money in business.

Inkjet printers

They work on the following principle: paint (or toner) drops through special holes and is applied to photo paper.
This method of working allows you to use from 6 to 8 colors for photo printing. This ensures good color reproduction and high photo quality. Among the advantages of such photo printers:

• Ability to print high-quality photographs in different sizes. But no more than A4;
• The ability to print text documents (although this is not recommended, so as not to waste ink for other purposes).

Sublimation printers

In these devices, the paint is applied to a special film.
During operation, the photo printer head heats it up, the toner boils and is printed on the photo paper. This method allows for deeper color rendering. Pros of sublimation photo printers:

• Excellent color rendition;
• Water resistance of photographs regardless of model;
• Minimum digital noise level.

Disadvantages of devices:

• Expensive consumables. This is why sublimation equipment is more often used by professionals, and inkjet equipment is more suitable for home use;
• Limitation on the size of printed photographs. As a rule, they cannot be larger than 10 by 15;
• This photo printer cannot be used to print text files.

Sublimation Photo Printers

Printers for working at home, which have sublimation printing technology, have only recently existed. They are easy to use. After all, they are small in size.

The consumables for them are cartridges with a film containing layers of solid dye of all primary colors. Under the influence of temperature, the dye takes on a gaseous state and is then fixed on paper.

In cartridges, solid dyes are applied to the film. They have 3 main colors. At a certain temperature, the dye sublimates to the state of a gas, which remains on the surface and is then firmly fixed on it.

The convenience of the technology is that high-quality mixing is obtained. It is many times better compared to other well-known printers. The main advantage of the technology is that it accurately conveys all shades. These are mostly photography professionals. For this, of course, you need to pay more. And this is a significant drawback of such printers.

The disadvantages of such devices are as follows:

– The cost of printing is much higher than the cost of inkjet printers. – It is difficult to work with large formats. – Not suitable for working with plain text. – There is a need to use special, more expensive paper.

IMPORTANT! Please note that this technique is very good, and therefore you can spend money on it.

Which printers are best for printing photos?

We offer the TOP 3 best print output devices:

1. Epson L805 is a device with inkjet technology. It has 6 colors to work with. Great functional printer. It is capable of printing many photos at home. We emphasize that you can use different types of paper. As well as films, labels, discs.

The device works well with all formats up to A4. It has a fairly high resolution. Has a continuous ink supply system. The purchase will cost approximately the equivalent of 270 US dollars. The color cartridge is designed for 1800 pages.

2. Canon PIXMA MG6840 uses 5 colors, works with formats up to A4 using inkjet technology. It has acceptable resolution. Price – approximately 110 US dollars.

This is a compact and multifunctional device capable of printing photos from external media. It has a 3.4-inch display and supports AirPrint technology - wireless printing from Apple-branded devices.

3. Canon Selphy CP910 . Prints small photos. Usually a selfie. The device has a relatively low resolution. Maximum format - A6. Purchasing such a device costs about a hundred US dollars.

The device supports printing from external media using AirPrint technology. There is a 2.7-inch color LCD display. Can be battery powered.

Rating of the TOP 15 best Epson printers of 2020-2021

The Best Photo Printers for Home Use

Such products are usually sold in the middle price range; they may have automatic paper feeding and a large tray. Most often, they support 4-6 colors, but the brightness and clarity of the image are acceptable. They are distinguished from professional devices by a slower print output speed and a less good resource. These devices form the basis of the market. We studied 10 different options and, taking into account their parameters, selected the 3 best photo printers.

HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5075 M2U86C

This is a multifunctional device with the optimal combination of quality and price, which is interesting primarily because it allows you to print photos and documents directly from your smartphone. For this, inkjet cartridges are used, however, they must have a special chip; other options are not suitable here. But this is precisely what ensures high quality and accuracy of the print.

Despite the fact that the device is not very large, it still has a wireless connection, which means it is not necessary to keep it near the computer. Communication between them can be ensured using Wi-Fi, and it is set up quite simply using a special adapter. For one price, the buyer receives a scanner and a copy machine along with a photo printer, which is very profitable. But in this model, the monthly load should not exceed 1200 pages in A4 format, otherwise it may fail prematurely.

Advantages

• Color printing resolution – up to 4800 x 1200 pixels;
• Black and white images are produced at 1200 x 1200 dpi;
• It is not very noisy;
• Convenient control panel;
• Relatively light;
• Doesn't take up much space in the house.

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Flaws

• Does not independently determine the paper type;
• You must supply the consumables yourself.

The HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5075 M2U86C is a premium model, but it can't print and scan at the same time.

HP Officejet Pro 6230 ePrinter

HP is one of the best photo printer brands, so you expect a lot from it initially. This model also did not disappoint, although outwardly it is no different from its predecessors in the rating. Its advantage lies in the use of original pigment inks of our own production, which guarantee professional quality prints, clear color rendition, durability and brightness.

This option is very beneficial for those who want to save on paper consumption, as it allows you to cut it in half thanks to borderless printing on both sides. Moreover, you can send photos to it from any device that can be synchronized with it, including remotely. All this is possible thanks to the 10/100 Ethernet option, and the HP All-in-One Printer Remote app allows you to scan photos even from a mobile device.

Advantages

• 225-sheet tray;
• No paper jams;
• Withstands production of up to 15,000 pages per month;
• Finished prints do not fade in the sun and are stored for a long time;
• Easy to refill cartridges;
• Excellent performance;
• Automatic shutdown when idle.

Flaws

• Does not support all paper sizes and types;
• Works only with Mac and Windows OS.

Canon Pixma G1410

...Having tested the Canon Pixma G1410, we came to the conclusion that it is suitable for printing photos on both plain and glossy paper...Expert opinion

Externally, this model is very similar to the HP Officejet Pro 6230 ePrinter; it is also an inkjet version. With its help, it is possible to obtain fairly bright images with a resolution of up to 1200×4800 dpi. There is no blurring in the images and there are no complaints about color rendering. This effect is possible, in particular, due to the support of 4 colors.

The paint used here is not as economical as in previous models, since the minimum drop size is 2pl. However, even with such performance, this is one of the best photo printers for home on the market, and there is often no need to replace ink. For the price offered, this is just a gift!

Advantages

• Colored water-soluble ink;
• Can print borderless;
• Reliable FINE ink system.
• One set of inks is enough for 7000 pages;
• Resource – up to 6000 pages;
• Low noise level;
• Ease of use;
• The tray is located on top.

Flaws

• At high temperatures, small streaks of paint may be visible.

Epson L312

At an affordable price, this printer provides print quality at the level of expensive professional printers. Resolution up to 5760 x 1440 helps you successfully solve complex practical problems with high accuracy. The naturalness of the picture is explained by the correct transmission of halftones. Using black and white mode allows you to increase the speed to 33 A4 pages per minute. However, the Epson L312 is also capable of creating color prints quite quickly (15 pages per minute).

Advantages:

• high maximum resolution;
• fast printer;
• the ability to use different media (paper with a density from 64 to 255 g per m2;
• solid resource of one cartridge refill - 7 00 colors. pages;
• small drop volume – 3pl;
• presence of CISS.

Flaws:

• no wireless connection.

Review of models with photo printing

Epson SureColor SC-P400

Inkjet color printer with the ability to create high-quality borderless photographs on photo paper, CD/DVD,

glossy and matte paper, roll.

Printing occurs on A3 sheets, with a resolution of 5760x1440 dpi in nine colors. Pigment inks are used, so photos are richer and clearer.

Does not require regular cleaning of the print head. The model connects to a user’s computer or operates on Wi-Fi, Ethernet (RJ-45), and USB interfaces.

You can control parameters on a 2.7-inch color LCD display.

Characteristics:

• paper density - 64-256 g/sq. m;
• OS compatibility: Windows, Mac OS.

pros

• print quality;
• good functionality;
• the head does not clog;
• bright, rich colors without streaks.

Minuses

• demands on paper.

Epson L3160

Color inkjet printer, scanner and copier. The printer prints in four colors on A4 formats with a resolution of 5760x1440 dpi

and speeds up to 33 pages per minute. Scanning occurs in A4 format with a resolution of 1200x2400 dpi. The copier is designed to create 20 copies per cycle, and their resolution is 1200x2400 dpi.

There is a continuous ink supply system, borderless printing, and the ability to create high-quality photographs. The model is connected via USB 2.0, Wi-Fi. Setting and changing parameters occurs in the web interface or on the panel.

Characteristics:

• paper density - 64-256 g/sq. m;
• OS compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Android.

pros

• high-quality printing on matte paper;
• quick refueling and setup;
• functionality;
• printing via smartphone;
• CISS.

Minuses

• stripes appear on finished photos.

Epson L850

Color, inkjet MFP for home and office photo printing. Includes printer, scanner, copier and fax.

The first device is characterized by printing in six colors on A4 formats with a resolution of 5760x1440 dpi and speeds of up to 38 pages per minute. Scanning occurs in the same format with a resolution of 1200x2400 dpi. Copying is designed to create 99 copies per cycle, and their resolution is 1200x2400 dpi.

The model is equipped with a wired interface for connection. Additionally supports memory cards, CISS.

This model is highly reliable for 2021.

Characteristics:

• paper density - 60-300 g/sq. m;
• OS - Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android.

pros

• convenient ink refilling;
• good print quality;
• speed;
• durable print head;
• wireless connection;
• functional.

Minuses

• demands on paper;
• Sheets are fed from the rear of the printer.

The Best Compact Photo Printers

There are very few such models on the market; these include devices that can be carried with you and connected to phones or tablets. With their help, it is possible to print photos of limited sizes, on average, 7x15 cm. Despite their small dimensions, their cost is not low. Focusing on the quality of prints and ease of use, we have selected one of the best photo printers out of 10 models.

HP Sprocket, Black

Looking at the small size of this device, you don’t immediately understand why it is so expensive. However, the almost flawless quality of the prints and excellent color rendition clarify the situation. Of course, you can’t print large pictures on it, but it produces standard ones (7.6 x 7.6 cm) easily. The cool thing about this technique is the ability to send photos to it from a smartphone or tablet without connecting to a PC, which expands user capabilities and saves time. Despite its small dimensions, 10 sheets of photo paper can be inserted here without any problems.

HP Sprocket, Black is quite quiet and does not consume much power, 15.91 W. It is convenient to carry it in a bag and use it not only at home, since the weight of the product does not exceed 260 g. The device is easy to operate due to its well-thought-out design and “smart” software. On the left is the power button, on the back there is a charging indicator, a place for the cable and a reset button.

Advantages

• Lack of retractable tray;
• Good printing speed;
• One year warranty;
• Availability of Bluetooth;
• Accepts photo paper with a sticky layer;
• High resolution images.

Flaws

• Does not feed paper automatically;
• Limited photo size.

Brother PocketJet 773

With this printer you can print files in A4 format. The weight of the device is 480 g with dimensions of 25.5x5.5x3 cm. You can carry the gadget in a laptop backpack or in your hands. You can connect the device to your PC via a USB 2.0 cable, and to other portable gadgets via Wi-Fi networks.

What sets the device apart from its competitors is the ability to work with phones and gadgets running the Android and iOS operating systems.

Information is output to paper using thermal printing technology, which makes it possible to output high-quality one-color copies on special-purpose paper in the 300x300 DPI format. The speed of the device is 8 sheets per minute.

The average price is 65,000 rubles.

Brother PocketJet 773 portable printerAdvantages:

• Small dimensions and lightness;
• Synchronization with devices running Android and iOS operating systems;
• Speed ​​of outputting information to paper.

Flaws:

• Overpriced, according to users.

The best printers for printing photos price - quality

A comprehensive analysis of initial investment, operating costs and technical parameters helps make the right choice. The list of photo printers presented in this section is compiled taking into account the combination of price and quality.

HP OfficeJet 202

In storage mode, this printer takes up little space and looks appropriate in home and office interiors. To quickly set up a photo printer, a color display is useful. Via a USB port or wireless Wi-Fi technology, the printer easily connects to personal computers, smartphones and other devices.

Support for popular operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux and iOS) eliminates difficulties when performing work operations. High resolution ensures impeccable print quality on the printer, even when selecting the maximum media format.

Advantages:

• convenient HP Smart application for document processing and fine-tuning;
• simple control and setup;
• color display;
• compactness (36.4x6, 9x18.6 cm);
• light weight (2.1 kg);
• possibility of remote printing;
• wireless communication line.

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Flaws:

• you cannot connect an external ink tank;
• limited tray capacity (maximum 50 A4 sheets).

Epson L1300

If you need to create documents in A3 format, it is recommended to pay attention to the L1300 printer from Epson. The consumer parameters of the Epson L1300 are well balanced. Piezoelectric printing technology with a minimum drop volume of 3 pl ensures high precision of the smallest picture elements with rational ink consumption. In addition to paper, you can use mailing envelopes, labels and other non-standard media. Good maximum resolution (up to 5760 x 1440 dpi) allows you to create large images without visible “dots”, like the best inkjet printers.

Advantages:

• large work tasks are completed without interruption using a convenient CISS system;
• possibility of printing on large sheets;
• a high resolution;
• high-quality color rendering;
• low noise level;
• good performance;
• combination of price and capabilities;
• efficiency;
• one of the best printers in terms of reliability.

Flaws:

• Only a wired interface is installed (USB version 2.0).

Canon PIXMA PRO-100S

To print a photo, the printer can be connected directly to a smartphone or digital camera. Compatibility with Apple technology is ensured by built-in support for AirPrint technology. Wired connections are not necessary, since the Canon PIXMA PRO-100S is equipped with a Wi-Fi unit. 8 colors are used to form the image. This increases the number of cartridges, but allows you to create professional-quality photos without free margins with dimensions up to 350 x 430 mm. The photo printer is suitable for commercial and home use.

Advantages:

• multicolor high-quality printer printing on standard and non-standard media;
• sheet format up to A3;
• direct connection technology with peripheral devices;
• individual elements are not visible even in light areas at the maximum image size;
• the ability to fine-tune to meet specific requirements;
• wireless connection to a local (global) network.

Flaws:

• According to reviews from experts and ordinary users, there are no significant disadvantages.

HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5075 M2U86C

This position in the ranking of photo printers for the home is explained by the smaller display (2.2 inches) and the relatively low resolution of black and white images (1200 x 1200 dpi). Other technical parameters are quite consistent with their cost. This multifunctional device scans photos quickly (3 pages per minute) and sends images wirelessly to your smartphone or laptop. Compatibility with Windows, Mac OS and iOS ensures quick connection of computer equipment running the corresponding operating system.

Advantages:

• convenient setup through a specialized application for a smartphone (tablet);
• reasonable price;
• MFP;
• cheap consumables;
• good performance (up to 17 color pages per minute in A4 format).

Flaws:

• small cartridge volume.

How to choose a Canon printer and what to look for

When you go shopping, ask yourself what you need the printer for. Here it is important to take into account the frequency of use, color, and availability of consumables. Based on these tasks, the choice will become easier and faster. All that remains is to deal with the technical components.

Technology

There is bubble, piezoelectric, thermal technology for inkjet models, as well as laser, LED, sublimation and solid ink for others. They all have their pros and cons. Inkjet printers are best suited for design salons and photo studios. For enterprises with high humidity - laser. LEDs can be used everywhere. They are available, economical, but not durable. Sublimation devices are surprisingly compact. You can take them on trips. Solid ink is intended for printing enterprises.

Format

The standard maximum option for home and office use is A4. The minimum size is 10x15 cm. The “borderless printing” function will visually enlarge the image. There are devices that support printing on sheets up to A3 format. Large format devices are more suitable for large enterprises and printing houses. They are useless for the home and take up a lot of space.

Speed

Expressed in the number of A4 pages that the device can print in a minute. It could be 18/22/27/38 pages. The more of them, the more productive and powerful the printing equipment. In this regard, laser models win. Again, inkjet cameras do not waste time on warming up, and the output is higher quality photographs.

Built-in memory

The previous parameter and the ability to process “heavy” files depend on it. In simple terms, this is the place where the print information you specify is stored when you send it from your computer to the printer. After printing it is deleted. If this does not happen, the memory is released in a “queue” directly on the computer. For home, 32 MB is enough.

Work resource

It is determined per month and means how many prints it can produce during this period. Simple and inexpensive laser/inkjet models typically have a yield of 5,000-10,000 sheets. At home or for small quantities this is more than enough. Do not confuse the working life of the printer with the life of the cartridge. The latter has completely different indicators. The optimal one is from 160 pages.

Connection interface

Can be classic (via USB port and Ethernet) or more modern (via Wi-Fi). The latter expands the capabilities and allows you to work directly from the gadget from anywhere in the house. The main thing is that the net catches well. Sometimes printing machines are equipped with Bluetooth and memory card slots.

Functional

Here you can check the availability of various useful functions, such as double-sided or borderless printing. How much does media, consumables and maintenance cost? Does the tray hold enough pages and feed them automatically, or will you have to do it manually? An important role is played by resolution with numbers that are incomprehensible to the average user. The higher it is, the better the quality of the prints.

What to look for when choosing a photo printer

For a correct assessment, you need to take into account the intended purpose of the equipment. Basic requirements are formulated based on the following data:

1. maximum resolution in color and black and white mode;
2. print format;
3. speed of work operations;
4. paper density, other media parameters;
5. supported interfaces;
6. compatibility with certain operating systems;
7. overall dimensions and weight.

Which printer is best for printing photos is determined taking into account additional useful functions. Select models provide:

• wireless connection;
• reading data from memory cards;
• printing on labels and other non-standard media;
• possibility of using scanning, copying.

To print large images, purchase a wide-format modification. The accuracy of halftone transmission is determined by the volume of the drop (in pl). In some situations, the determining parameter will be the minimum noise level.