There are many professional photo printers available for home and professional use. Choosing the best one for your needs requires an evaluation of specifications and features as well as your own needs. This can be a challenging process but we have some helpful guidelines to assist you in narrowing down your choices in professional photo printers.
Your Professional Photo Printing Needs
Look at the volume of photos you plan to print. If your printing needs center on being able to produce photos primarily, you should consider purchasing a dedicated printer. Conversely, if professional photo printing is an occasional luxury and the quality of the photos is not of great importance, consider multi-purpose printers that can perform a wide variety of tasks including photo printing.
Types of Photos to be Printed
Black and white photos are produced better by ink-jet printers because they provide finer detail. The highest quality color photos are produced by dye-sublimation printers which use thermal color dye that does not dry up after periods of not being used.
Professional Photo Printer Hardware Compatibility
You should choose a photo printer that will easily work with your existing equipment such as your computer and camera. If you want to be able to print photos directly from your camera, make sure the printer accepts your camera’s memory cards or can be connected via USB or other connection. Some professional photo printers are “Pict-Bridge” ready which means they can be connected directly to the camera. It is often best to purchase a professional photo printer made by the same manufacturer as your camera to ensure compatibility.
Professional Photo Printer Price
Consider both your long-term budget as well as how much you are willing to spend on a photo printer before making your choice. Prioritize the features and decide which ones you are willing to pay more for and which ones you can do without should the price be prohibitive. Consider the cost of the supplies for the photo printer like ink and paper. Ascertain whether or not you can use different brands or if you will have to purchase supplies made specifically for the brand and model you are purchasing. Long term costs of supplies can be a determining factor in your choice.
Professional Photo Printer Portability
Determine whether or not your photo printer will be stationary in your home or office or will you need to use it in other locations including outdoors or on location. If you require the ability to print remotely, your photo printer should connect directly to the camera or be able to print from your camera’s memory card. Most portable printers can fit in the camera carrying case. Make sure you can easily transport the printer you choose and that it’s not too heavy.
Professional Photo Printer Size and Resolution
Consider the size of the photos you will need to print. Larger photos require wider printers. Most professional photo printers are only made to print the 4 x 6 inch size prints. Also, check resolution capabilities to ensure you are going to be able to print photos of the quality you desire.
Print Quality
Therma-dye printers use a coating that protects the photos from fading and smudging. Inkjet printers generally produce photo prints that won’t smudge due to contact with water. Epson claims that photos printed by their PictureMate printers will last 200 years if stored correctly.
In addition to these factors, consider the reputation of the printer manufacturer when you are making the decision. Your professional photo printer should not need replacing for many years so make sure it has all the features and capabilities to serve your purposes. It is also advisable to examine the printer’s warranty.
