Choosing a photo printer

[avahill1]

Hi everyone, I am looking to buy a photo printer and don't even know where to start. I would like for it to print at least up to 8 x 10, and I have a MAC so it has to me compatible. I would also like to not spend an arm and a leg if possible. Can anyone help lead me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Ava Hill

[txminx]

Ava,

I'm using a Mac and went printer testing this past year - and I will agree with most of the reviews I read about both of the printers I ended up using (one of the printers was going to end up at college with my mac using son) - I had an HP Photosmart 2510 and it REALLY didn't like the mac which was my reason for starting my search.

My printer choices were all multifunction - to suit my needs but each manufacturer has an equivalent plain printer to each of my machines.

First to try - Canon MP530 - great on print pictures - adequate
next - Epson RX680 - great on pictures not so great on print

Both printers are ink hogs compared to my HP - but that is where the companies are making their money. It is nice that Best Buy is caring Canon printers now because when I purchased mine it was a pain to find supplies but that has been resolved.

I ended up shipping the Epson off to my son -mainly for 2 reasons - with the work I do I needed sharper looking print AND even after taking the Epson Print Academy and talking directly with the Epson Representative at Photoshop World and being promised technical support they never did send the icc profiles for that printer. (I think Epson's philosophy is that "consumers" don't need the profiles and if you want them you should purchase a "professional" printer).

Both of the printers did the job - I chose the one to suit the application that I was using it for the most. My suggestion is to read printer reviews at Macworld because they were extremely accurate to the results I was seeing and every manufacturer has released different printers since I tested mine.

Hope this summary of my experience helps. Good luck on finding a printer to suit your needs.

Melinda

[barryD]

Ava,

For whatever it's worth, I've got the Canon MP610 and have been happy with the results printing 5x7. This is from a pc so can't comment on the mac aspect. However, if Melinda's MP530 works fine, then I imagine this would as well. I also wanted a printer with a scanner to do light copying so a multi-function printer was a must. Several friends of mine use various online photo printing services, costco, walgreens, etc and they've been happy with the results and the ability to pick the photos up at a local store.

Have also read a couple of books by Scott Kelby, "The Digital Photography Book", and his followup "Book 2". He's a die hard epson fan and prefers that brand to any other. Ink can be an important cost consideration so perhaps something to research on that brand as well.

Good luck in your search!

Barry

[avahill1]

Thanks Melinda and Barry! Both of your threads were helpful!

Ava

[CobyPhoto]

Ok, to the OP, please be aware that the Canon uses a dye-based ink and is NOT archival. That meaning the prints WILL fade, it is just a matter of time. This has been proven time and time again.

This subject is just like asking Canon or Nikon.

If you want archival quality prints, stay away from the dye-based inks and stick to pigmented inks. All three major companies have them. However, the down side to this is they all cost more.

I have owned and used all three of the major brands and I now only own Epsons. You need to know the print head (engine) limitations of each brand and the advantage of those engines. Canon and HP use THERMAL print engines. They produce one size droplet per line per head. Epson, PIEZO print engine - multiple droplet sizes per line per head. (Depends upon on the printer. But all of their printers use this technology.) This give you better tonal gradation and colors from fewer ink cartridges. Think of of it like this...more precision on where and how much ink is placed on the paper equals better detail, tonal gradations and color.

Also, experience helps. Where Canon and HP have only recently entered the realm of archival, photo quality printers, Epson has long been the leader and continues to improve their already great technology.

There are several Epson pigment-type ink printers on the market that will print up to 8.5x11". If you wait and save a little more, you can get one of the 13x19" printers for a little more.

Of course, you have to decide if archival is what you want or just quick, fast prints you can enjoy for however long they last. If it is for clients...I strongly suggest you DO NOT use a dye-based printer. You will have angry clients coming back at you wanting to know why their print looks like crap a few months later!

CJ

PS: Yes, I like Epson. I have used them for many years with Excellent results that neither Canon nor HP can come close to. So I recommend what I know will work.