To find the top photo printers, be prepared to spend an arm and a leg. Even if you have the budget for a great photo printer, though, finding the best requires a little extra legwork.
Avoid the Big Box Stores
Big box retailers cater to the most common needs. If you're looking for the top photo printers, you won't find them at your local big box store. You'll find mid-range photo printers at an average electronics store, but most consumers don't want to pay top dollar for the best photo printers. However, if you want a good mid-range mid-range or budget photo printer, the big box store can be a great place to start.
Shop Online for Price and Selection
The best deals to be found for the top photo printers exist online. Online retailers can afford to charge less than brick-and-mortar stores because of lower overhead. Additionally, when you shop online, you aren't limited by the selection that your local store carries. If you're looking for the best deals or the best selection, shop online for your dream printer. Consider shipping costs and delivery time when you determine where to buy, and be sure the retailer you choose has a no-hassle return policy, in case shipping leaves your printer damaged.
Check Reviews for Performance Issues
Reviews can point you in the right direction and give you the lowdown on common performance issues. Read editor's reviews at popular publications to get an idea what editors and industry professionals think of the photo printers you're considering.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, check out consumer reviews at places like Amazon.com, BestBuy.com or Newegg.com for end-user information about the printer you're considering. You may find information about problems that the editors didn't find, or performance issues that might cause a problem for your specific needs.
Photo Printer or Color Laser Printer?
Whether or not you realize it, there are differences between a photo printer and a color laser printer. A photo printer typically uses inkjet print technology, or dye sublimation technology, while a color laser printer uses a dry powder toner with traditional laser print technology.
While the picture quality of color laser printers has drastically improved over the past few years, inkjet photo printers still produce the highest-quality photos. If you're simply looking for a color printer, a color laser printer is a fine choice, but if you're looking for one of the top photo printers, go with an inkjet model.
 | 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. |
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