Modern manufacturing technologies are helping to create quality color printers at an affordable price. Private owners appreciate the simple operation and reasonable associated costs, the ability to independently create unique photos. Enterprise users use productive models to quickly produce promotional materials. This roundup presents the best photo printers for home and office. Detailed information about the pros and cons of individual models will make it easier to find the best option while studying the current market offers.
- What to look for when choosing a photo printer
- Best inexpensive photo printers for home
- 1. Canon PIXMA TS5040
- 2. HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 5075 M2U86C
- 3. Canon PIXMA G1411
- 4. Epson L312
- Best photo printers price - quality
- 1. HP OfficeJet 202
- 2. Epson L1300
- 3. Canon PIXMA PRO-100S
- Best professional photo printers
- 1. Canon PIXMA PRO-10S
- 2.HP Designjet T520 914mm (CQ893E)
- 3. Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6400SE
- What kind of photo printer to buy
What to look for when choosing a photo printer
For a correct assessment, you need to take into account the purpose of the technique. Basic requirements are formulated on the basis of the following data:
- maximum resolution in color and black and white;
- format of prints;
- speed of performance of working operations;
- paper weight, other media parameters;
- supported interfaces;
- compatibility with certain operating systems;
- overall dimensions and weight.
Which printer is better for printing photographs is being determined taking into account additional useful functions. Individual models provide:
- wireless connection;
- reading data from memory cards;
- printing on labels and other non-standard media;
- the ability to use scanning, copying.
For printing large images, they acquire a large format modification. The accuracy of the halftone transmission is specified by the drop volume (in pl). In some situations, the determining parameter will be the minimum noise level.
Best inexpensive photo printers for home
A limited budget is not a significant obstacle to creating great printed materials. The following photo printers for home prove the validity of this statement. This technique is used at home and for solving certain commercial problems.
1. Canon PIXMA TS5040
The budget model of the famous brand printer is designed in a multifunctional design. If necessary, the user will make a copy using a certain scaling (from 25 to 400% in 1% increments). Without connecting additional peripherals, you can scan a picture and send a file to an e-mail address using a wireless Wi-Fi connection. The main function, printing, is performed at a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. The large three-inch display is useful for quickly finding the desired item in the menu and performing individual operations with images.
Advantages:
- the best price for a photo printer;
- modern design;
- compactness;
- high-quality screen;
- borderless printing possible;
- fast printing;
- excellent color rendering;
- full functionality without connecting a computer.
Disadvantages:
- the high cost of official ink compensates for the use of alternative consumables.
2. HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 5075 M2U86C
The second 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 images quickly (3 pages per minute), sends images wirelessly to a smartphone or laptop. Compatibility with Windows, Mac OS and iOS provides fast connection of computer equipment running the corresponding operating system.
Advantages:
- convenient setting through a specialized application for a smartphone (tablet);
- affordable price;
- MFP;
- cheap consumables;
- good performance (up to 17 A4 color pages per minute).
Disadvantages:
- small cartridge volume.
3. Canon PIXMA G1411
This good photo printer for home has a harmonious set of consumer parameters. Convenient is the large volume of the cartridge, which implies a rare replenishment of the ink supply. To perform large volumes of work, connecting an external tank is useful. The intuitive control is highly appreciated by ordinary users who do not want to spend time carefully studying lengthy instructions. The listed capabilities of the photo printer explain the worthy high position of Canon PIXMA G1411 in the list of TOP printers.
The advantage of the top feed should be emphasized when working with thick paper. At a resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, individual dots are not visible on the finished print, even upon close examination.
Advantages:
- continuous ink supply system (CISS);
- fast execution of working operations;
- reasonable cost of consumables;
- top loading;
- simple filling technology.
Disadvantages:
- high paint consumption;
- complex configuration of individual modes.
4. Epson L312
At an affordable price, this printer provides print quality at the level of expensive professional printers. Resolutions up to 5760 x 1440 help you successfully solve complex practical problems with high accuracy. The naturalness of the picture is due to 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 capable of producing color prints quite quickly (15 pages per minute).
Advantages:
- high maximum resolution;
- fast printer;
- the ability to use different media (paper with a density of 64 to 255 g per sq. m;
- solid resource of one cartridge refilling - 7 00 color. pages;
- small drop volume - 3pl;
- the presence of CISS.
Disadvantages:
- lack of wireless connection.
Best photo printers price - quality
A comprehensive analysis of the initial investment, operating costs and technical parameters helps you make the right choice. The list of photo printers presented in this section is formed taking into account the combination of price and quality.
1. HP OfficeJet 202
In storage mode, this printer occupies a small space, looks appropriate in home and office interiors. A color display is useful for quick setup of the photo printer. 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 the hassle of working. The high resolution ensures flawless print quality on the printer, even when the maximum media size is selected.
Advantages:
- easy-to-use HP Smart app for document handling and fine tuning;
- simple control and configuration;
- color display;
- compactness (36.4x6, 9x18.6 cm);
- light weight (2.1 kg);
- the possibility of remote printing;
- wireless communication line.
Disadvantages:
- you cannot connect an external ink tank;
- limited tray capacity (maximum 50 A4 sheets).
2. 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 droplet 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 custom media. A 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 assignments are carried out without interruption using a convenient CISS system;
- the ability to print on large sheets;
- a high resolution;
- high-quality color rendering;
- low noise level;
- good performance;
- combination of price and features;
- profitability;
- one of the best printers in terms of reliability.
Disadvantages:
- only wired interface installed (USB version 2.0).
3. Canon PIXMA PRO-100S
You can connect the printer directly to a smartphone or digital camera to print a photo. Apple technology compatibility provides built-in AirPrint support. It is not necessary to use wired connections, as 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, borderless photos up to 350 x 430 mm. The photo printer is suitable for commercial and home use.
Advantages:
- high-quality multicolor printing of the printer on standard and non-standard media;
- sheet format up to A3;
- technology of direct connection with peripheral devices;
- individual elements are not visible even in light areas at the maximum image size;
- the ability to fine-tune, for specific requirements;
- wireless connection to a local (global) network.
Disadvantages:
- according to experts and ordinary users, there are no significant disadvantages.
Best professional photo printers
In addition to impeccable quality, good performance comes in handy for commercial assignments. Professional printers are designed to print large quantities of photos. They are designed for long-term preservation of the original technical parameters under conditions of intensive use.
1. Canon PIXMA PRO-10S
This printer prints high quality images on media up to A3 +. The expanded potentials are clear to those with the increased number of colors (10 cartridges). Positive reviews from professionals and ordinary users confirm the excellent detail and correct transmission of shades of this photo printer. To create prints in the printer, it is permissible to use ordinary and thick (up to 350 g per square meter) paper, DVD discs and other non-standard media. Supports Windows, Mac OS and Mobile OS (iOS). Wi-Fi and AirPrint wireless technologies can be used to connect peripherals. The direct connection is used when printing files from a tablet, smartphone, digital camera.
Advantages:
- professional level of print quality;
- direct connection to mobile technology;
- well-developed software;
- minimum noise level (33.9 dB);
- elegant appearance;
- simple maintenance algorithm.
Disadvantages:
- long preparation of the operating mode (80-120 seconds);
- large weight (20 kg).
2.HP Designjet T520 914mm (CQ893E)
With this technique, you can print A0 format photos up to 2400 x 2400 dpi. Such equipment is suitable for creating high-quality advertising materials, performing design work. Productive draft mode delivers up to 70 prints in 60 minutes. The accuracy of the images is confirmed by a permissible deviation of no more than 0.1 percent with a minimum width of an individual line of 0.07 mm.
The large built-in display (4.3 ”) makes it easy to set up your photo printer on the fly. With the help of a wireless Wi-Fi connection, remote access of the user and receipt of materials using "cloud" services is provided. Support for all popular operating systems eliminates the hassle of connecting a printer. To print files from Apple mobile equipment, you can use the original AirPrint software.
Advantages:
- acceptable cost taking into account advanced technical capabilities;
- maximum media format - A0;
- universal interface;
- high-speed printing;
- reliability and practicality;
- convenient color display for control and correction of working materials.
Disadvantages:
- there is no stand in the standard equipment of this model.
3. Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6400SE
This printer can be used to print large format (A1) photos. Improved quality when creating large images provides a small droplet volume (4pl). The image is formed using eight colors. In addition to ordinary paper in rolls, you can use foam board, film, and other non-standard media. Such a photo printer is used by architectural firms and advertising agencies. It helps to carry out large-scale work assignments with minimal operating costs.
Advantages:
- large format printing;
- 8 colors;
- built-in hard drive (250 GB);
- manual and automated paper feed;
- the possibility of using different media.
Disadvantages:
- no wireless connection.
What kind of photo printer to buy
For the correct choice, clarify the purpose and workload of the equipment, the requirements for permission and other technical parameters. It is better to buy a photo printer more expensive, but with reliable official guarantees for the successful solution of the tasks. When equipping the office, they check the productivity, the ability to connect an external container with a large working ink supply.
Private owners appreciate the ease of use, the features of connecting smartphones and tablets from different manufacturers. In any case, the best photo printers should provide the required image quality. In order not to be mistaken with economic indicators, we recommend reading reviews and looking at reviews on the selected technique.