Finding the best photo printer isn't all about getting the biggest, baddest machine. It's about determining your budget, evaluating different print technologies and deciding which printer is best for your needs.
Setting Your Budget
While the prices of photo printers have declined drastically in the past few years, you'll still pay top dollar for the best photo printer. Photo printing technology varies widely from model to model, from pixilated, grainy pictures to high-quality, vivid photos.
Mid-range photo printers provide decent prints for the price, but may not be sufficient if you're looking to print photos you can mount or sell. If you're an avid photographer looking for professional-quality photo printing in your home, be prepared to shell out top dollar for the best color photo printer available.
Comparing Print Technology
Most home photo printers utilize one of four types of print technology: dye sublimation, inkjet, laser or piezoelectric technology. Dye sublimation is the least-practical print technology, as the ribbons involved are expensive and costly and the print process is so slow. However, these prints are comparable to what you'd get from a photo lab.
Inkjet is the most popular type of photo print technology, as inkjet printers are inexpensive and prolific, and the ink is easy to replace. Inkjet printer quality varies, but it can be quite impressive. Piezoelectric technology, such as that used in Epson print cartridges, provides the best home photo print quality possible. Finally, laser printers tend to provide the lowest quality photo prints, although the best photo laser printers are becoming quite impressive.
Consider the Epson Stylus Pro 1900
Epson is the leader in the world of photo printing for a reason. Piezoelectric technology enables Epson printers to produce miniscule dots of color that form high resolution and detail. The Epson Stylus Pro 1900 is a top-of-the-line photo printer that's great for all types of photo printing needs. Want to print a 4x6 photo? This printer can do it. Need to load roll-print paper for long or oversized prints? The Epson Stylus Pro even supports roll feeding.
The Epson Stylus Pro 1900 is a photo printer worthy of photographers or home hobbyists alike. The colors are vivid and closely match the image, and the quality is superb. While this printer is going to make your wallet cry, if you're looking for the best photo printer, this is a great choice.
The Lexmark C530dn Laser Printer
Photo laser printers are a bit of an oxymoron, as very few people choose laser printers to print color photos. However, if you're not so concerned about getting lab-quality color photos as much as getting high-volume, high-quality laser prints, the Lexmark C530dn might be just the machine for you.
This printer provides decent quality color laser prints combined with the speed and convenience of a laser machine, making it a good compromise between investing in a photo printer and a laser printer. However, if you require high-quality photo prints, you might be better off skipping a color laser printer entirely.
 | Instead of paying for prints at the local drugstore, you can invest in a photo printer that produces glossy, high-resolution pictures suitable for framing, sharing or scrapbooking. You'll have the freedom to make photos any time you want, and you'll gain complete control over the photo printing process. |
 | How does a printer work? If you've ever wondered how those little dots of ink get onto a page to make a picture, this brief overview can introduce you to the wonderful world of photo printers. |
Is a generic printer ink refill kit worth it or should you purchase the manufacturer's own refill kit? |
Looking for the top photo printers? Let us help you track down the best photo printer available. |
Now that everyone and their mother are investing in digital photography, doesn't it make sense to purchase a photo printer along with your new digital camera so that you can develop your own photos? |
