10 Best

Photo Printers

of September 2023

What is a photo printer?

Photo printers produce high-quality digital photos and other color projects. These printers can be either designed specifically for printing photographs, or they can be multifunction devices that can print documents as well. A photo printer differs from other printers in the sense that it's more expensive because it has more color cartridges that produce more hues and tones, and they’re usually both dye and pigment based.

Why should I buy a photoprinter?

The following are some reasons why you should have a photo printer at home:

• Saves you time and money: No need to wait in line at a printing shop to have your photos printed, and you won't need to spend much money when printing many photos
• Convenience: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities are common on photo printers, which allow users to print from their homes. In addition, they offer mobile printing so users can print from their smartphones.
• Flexibility: Some advanced photo printers allow the user to choose and edit the photos through LCD screen, without the need of a computer. Additionally, they allow printing of photos in multiple sizes, including 4R, A5, passport, and even stamp-sized photos.
• Quality: Photo printers are capable of printing high-quality photos that regular printers cannot produce. They have more cartridge to produce a higher resolution and more colorful photos.

What to consider when buying photoprinter?

Here are some things to consider when buying a photoprinter and making sure it suits your needs

• Print Size: From 4x6 "snapshots" up to 13x19, printers are categorized by the size of the prints they are capable of producing. Choose the model that can print sizes according to your needs. The larger the size, the higher the cost. 
• Resolution: It is recommended to buy a printer which provides a better resolution of at least 4,800 x 1,200 dpi to produce high quality photos. Avoid those inexpensive, low-resolution printers that will only produce inferior photos.
• Ink Quality: If you want high quality photos that will last for a long time, choose pigment based ink. It has a wide range of colors so as to print more vivid photographs that are resistant to light exposure. Coloring agent based ink, however, will cost you less than pigment based inks but won't provide intensive colors.
• Portability: Choose a small and ultraportable compact printer if you travel a lot and need your printer on the go. However, if you want a photo printer for your home, then choose a larger, more sturdy one that will allow you to print better quality high-resolution photos.
• Connectivity: Make sure the photo printer is compatible with your digital devices and your computer's operating system by checking its specifications. Choose models with integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for easy printing without the need to connect to your computer.
• Speed: Look at the manufacturer's specifications to check the speed of your photo printer. Laser printers are often faster than inkjets, but they're not commonly recommended for printing quality photos. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, can produce better photo quality, but may take more than a minute to print a single photo. 

How to properly maintain a photoprinter?

To keep your photo printer in excellent condition, here are some tips you should follow:

• Use your printer more frequently. When an ink cartridge isn't used for a long period, the powder inside can dry up. Try to print out a test page every few weeks to prevent the ink from clogging. Use a laser printer if you don't need to print frequently. These printers use heat to adhere powder to paper, thereby reducing the chances of clogging and drying of the print cartridges.
• Replace the catridge carefully: Place the cartridges securely in place and do not touch the bottom since that could ruin your printouts. If you are replacing the cartridges for the first time, you should carefully review the instructions before doing so. 
• Regularly clean the printer: The smaller parts of your printer are easily clogged with dust and dirt, compromising its performance. Keep your printer dust-free by cleaning it regularly with a soft cloth or mild alcohol cleaning solution.
• Update to the latest software/driver: Keep your printer up-to-date by installing the latest drivers from the manufacturer. This will ensure your printer to be in good working condition
• Solve Errors Properly: Always refer to your printer's manual for instructions that relate to your specific printer when encountering any error such as paper jams. By doing this, you will ensure proper solution to printing erros and prevent further damage.