Photo Inkjet
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 6 ink toner cartridge 02 for HP Photosmart C8183 All in One inkjet photo Printer US $39.99
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Compact Photo Printers?
Photo printers are tools that professional photographers greatly need, and treasures that photography enthusiasts greatly want. When it comes to on-the-go photo printing, the compact photo printer is probably the favorite of all photographers and photography enthusiasts as well.
Who doesn't like the idea of having a photo printer that you can carry around with you anywhere you go? This printer can meet all of your photo printing needs even if you're out of the country, in your car, on a road trip, or in a special occasion or event. But before you decide to purchase one of these compact photo printers, you need to understand what good and bad features you can expect from such a device.
The Benefits
Compact photo printers are very handy and compact in structure. You can use them anytime you want, anywhere you want to. Using this device, you can produce only the best quality and professional-grade 4'' x 6'' or smaller photos. The presentable appearance of these devices makes them ideal to carry around even by hand.
The features of compact photo printers enable you to directly print photos from removable storage media and imaging devices. These include PictBridge connectivity; USB ports; memory card slots; Bluetooth connectivity; and infrared connectivity; all of which enable you to print from devices such as mobile phones, laptops, smart phones, memory cards, USB flash drives, tablet PCs, and digital cameras. Using these features, you will be able to print straight from all of these devices even without the presence of a computer.
Lastly, these printers have complete LCD displays, control panels, and rechargeable batteries, all of which contribute to the ease of use of the printer.
The Cons
Probably the biggest drawback of compact photo printers is their limited capability of compatible media - they are only able to print photos in sizes up to 4'' x 6''. And since they are exclusively for photo printing purposes, you will not be able to use them for general document printing. Thus, photo printers can be considered as inflexible. Also, because of their small size, they can only be used for printing small photos. An 8'' x 10'' portrait or a 5'' x 7'' photo for a picture frame can't be printed if you use this device.
The price of the printer is also considered as a disadvantage. These types of printers aren't cheap at all, and they can even reach around $300 - even more than what standard inkjet printers cost. Although it seems fair because of the printing mechanism and engineering which the printer uses, many people wouldn't prefer such a device if they don't really need it.
Conclusion
Just like all products, compact photo printers have their own share of advantages and disadvantages, and by knowing these, you can easier identify if these are the ideal printers for you. Knowing what compact photo printers can and cannot provide for you will help you decide if these printers are really the devices that you need.
I have more reviews and information about best photo printers at my Web site. You may also be interested in reading my article on best photo paper.
Photo Printers, what's the difference?
Canon Pixma Pro 9500 Mark II Inkjet Photo Printer with 4800 x 2400 dpi Resolution, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface for Mac & Windows - $499.95
- http://www.adorama.com/ICAP9500M2.html
Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II Inkjet Photo Printer with 4800 x 2400 dpi Resolution, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface for Mac & Windows - $319.95
- http://www.adorama.com/ICAP9000M2.html
Canon Pixma MP990, Wireless All-In-One Photo Inkjet Printer with USB Interface, 9600 x 2400 dpi Resolution, for Mac & Windows - $139.95
- http://www.adorama.com/ICAMP990.html
I don't understand photo printers, but I'm buying a camera and if I buy a photo printer with it I'd save lots of money with rebates. Please tell me which is the best for it's buck.
Differences in printers typically revolve around how large a size photo of which they are capable of printing. Also, ink TYPE makes a difference. Some printers use dye based inks, and others use pigment based ink. The pigment ink has longer print life than dye based, but the ink, and usually the printer, is more expensive. Also, some printers have individual ink cartridges for each color. These are far better than printers that have several colors in one cartridge. With those, when one color runs out, you have to replace the whole cartridge, even if there is plenty of ink of the other colors remaining.
I am not going to try to give you a lesson in printers here, but I will tell you that the MP990 is not even in the same universe as the other two printers. The MP All in One type of printer is NOT a high end dedicated photo printer. It is intended to do many different jobs, such as in an office environment. It does many jobs ok, but none exceptionally well. The other two printers you listed are very high quality PHOTO printers that are designed from the ground up to provide as high a quality print as possible.
Now... to sum up... I also suggest you DO NOT do home printing. The cost of ink and paper will soon have you wanting to throw it out the window. Also, unless you have a properly calibrated SYSTEM of monitor and PRINTER, you will not likely get print results that match what you see on screen. You will at least need to use ONLY Canon paper and ink, as any third party, (and lower cost), replacements will not likely give you good results and you will be pulling your hair out in frustration.
You can get MUCH MUCH MUCH better print quality from outside sources, and for less cost than what printing at home will cost you long term. Places such as Mpix give pro lab results at reasonable cost. But if cost is a big concern, you can use places such as Arts Cow, which still deliver good quality prints at VERY low cost. You simply upload the digital files to the site, pay the print fee, then the photos show up at your home. Alternatively, you can take your memory card, or photos burned to CD and have them printed at many sources near you, such as Wal Mart, Target, Sams, Costco, or Walgreens... still at less cost than what buying a printer and paper and ink will cost you.
I've have been into this stuff for what seems like ages, and you simply do NOT need a big cost home photo printer any longer. It now is simply not a cost or quality effective solution compared to outsourcing having prints made.
Having a low cost home printer is ok for the seldom once in a while snap shot you want a print of, but does not need to be of good quality. For that reason, get the All in One 990 and use it sparingly. Otherwise, outsource your printing.
http://www.mpix.com
http://www.artscow.com
steve
Aurora Art White - Hot Press Smooth Fine Art Inkjet Red River Paper
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