Best Printers for Photo Printing: Top Picks for Stunning Photo Prints
In the world of photography, capturing the perfect shot is just the beginning. The journey from a digital image to a tangible print requires the right printer and an understanding of how to print high-quality photos to do justice to your work. With advancements in technology, photo printers have become more sophisticated, offering an array of features to cater to the needs of both amateur photographers and seasoned professionals. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best printers and help you on how to choose a printer that fits your needs for photo printing, considering factors such as print quality, color accuracy, ease of use, and overall value.
Recommended Photo Printer: Key Factors to Consider
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand what makes a great photo printer. Key factors to consider include:
- Print Quality: Look for printers with high DPI (dots per inch) for sharp, detailed images.
- Ink Quality and Type: Pigment-based inks generally offer better longevity and color accuracy than dye-based inks.
- Paper Handling: A good photo printer should accommodate various paper sizes and types, from glossy to matte.
- Connectivity: Modern printers offer multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB.
- Cost: Consider both the upfront cost of the printer and the ongoing cost of ink and paper.
Top 5 Best Printers for Photo Printing
1. Canon PIXMA Pro-100
Overview
The Canon PIXMA Pro-100 is a top-rated picture printer in the world of photo printing. It uses an 8-ink dye-based system that produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, perfect for professional-quality prints.
Key Features:
- Print Quality: 4800 x 2400 DPI resolution
- Ink System: 8 dye-based inks
- Paper Handling: Supports a variety of sizes up to 13 x 19 inches
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Cost: Moderate price with reasonable ink costs
PROS
- Outstanding Print Quality: Produces deep blacks and vibrant colors with its 8-ink dye-based ChromaLife100+ system.
- Versatile Media Support: Handles a wide range of paper sizes up to 13" x 19" and various types, including glossy, matte, and fine art papers.
- User-Friendly: Easy to set up and use with comprehensive software support.
CONS
- Large Footprint: Takes up considerable space, which might be an issue in smaller work areas.
- Ink Costs: The 8-ink system can be costly to maintain, especially with frequent printing.
- No Built-in Scanner: Lacks the all-in-one functionality that some other printers offer.
Why It Stands Out:
The PIXMA Pro-100 is ideal for photographers looking for a balance between affordability and professional-grade output. Its wide color gamut ensures your photos are vibrant and true to life, making it one of the best printers for photo printing available today.
2. Epson SureColor P800
Overview
The Epson SureColor P800 is a favorite among professional photographers. Known for its exceptional print quality, it uses a 9-color UltraChrome HD ink set that delivers stunning prints.
Key Features:
- Print Quality: 2880 x 1440 DPI resolution
- Ink System: 9 pigment-based inks
- Paper Handling: Supports paper sizes up to 17 inches wide
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Cost: Higher upfront cost but excellent long-term investment
PROS
- Outstanding Print Quality: The 9 UltraChrome HD inks provide excellent color accuracy and smooth gradients.
- Versatile Media Support: Can print on a wide range of media types and sizes, including roll paper.
- Large Print Sizes: Capable of handling prints up to 17" wide.
CONS
- High Initial Cost: Expensive, making it a significant investment.
- Ink Costs: The cost of UltraChrome HD inks can add up, especially for high-volume printing.
- Large Footprint: Requires significant space in your work area.
Why It Stands Out:
The SureColor P800 offers unparalleled color accuracy and detail, making it perfect for gallery-quality prints. Its advanced black-and-white mode is particularly noteworthy for creating rich, detailed monochrome images. It consistently ranks among the best printers for photo printing due to its superior performance and is a highly recommended photo printer for professionals.
3. HP ENVY 7855
Overview
The HP ENVY 7855 is an excellent choice for home users who want to print high-quality photos without breaking the bank. It combines affordability with impressive print capabilities.
Key Features:
- Print Quality: 4800 x 1200 DPI resolution
- Ink System: 4 dye-based inks
- Paper Handling: Supports a variety of paper sizes and types
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, SD card slot
- Cost: Affordable with budget-friendly ink options
PROS
- Affordable: Reasonably priced with good print quality for both photos and documents.
- Versatile Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet options, along with mobile printing via the HP Smart app.
- Compact Design: Easy to set up and fits well in home environments.
CONS
- Ink Costs: Ink cartridges can be expensive, especially with frequent photo printing.
- Print Size Limitation: Maximum print size is 8.5" x 14", which may not suit all photo printing needs.
- Moderate Print Quality: While good, the print quality isn’t as high as dedicated photo printers.
Why It Stands Out:
The HP ENVY 7855 is versatile and user-friendly, making it ideal for families. It’s also an all-in-one device, offering scanning, copying, and faxing features in addition to photo printing. For home users looking for the best printers for photo printing, the ENVY 7855 is a solid choice and one of the most recommended photo printers for those on a budget.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
Overview
For those who demand the best, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 delivers. This high-end printer uses a 12-color pigment-based ink system to produce gallery-quality prints.
Key Features:
- Print Quality: 2400 x 1200 DPI resolution
- Ink System: 12 pigment-based inks
- Paper Handling: Supports sizes up to 17 x 22 inches
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Cost: Premium price, but worth it for professionals
PROS
- Exceptional Print Quality: The 12-color LUCIA PRO pigment ink system delivers rich, accurate colors and deep blacks.
- Wide Media Support: Can handle a variety of media types and sizes, including prints up to 17" wide.
- Professional Features: Advanced anti-clogging technology ensures consistent performance and reduces maintenance needs.
CONS
- High Initial Cost: The printer is expensive, making it a significant investment for non-professional users.
- Expensive Ink: The 12-ink system, while high quality, is costly to maintain.
- Large and Heavy: Requires substantial space and is not easily portable.
Why It Stands Out:
The imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is designed for serious photographers and artists. Its LUCIA PRO ink system ensures exceptional color reproduction and longevity, which is why it is among the highest-rated photo printers perfect for professional use.
5. Epson Expression Photo XP-8600
Overview
The Epson Expression Photo XP-8600 is a compact and affordable but decent photo printer option for those who want excellent photo prints at home. It’s a versatile all-in-one printer with a focus on photo quality.
Key Features:
- Print Quality: 5760 x 1440 DPI resolution
- Ink System: 6 dye-based inks
- Paper Handling: Supports various paper sizes, including specialty photo papers
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Cost: Affordable with moderately priced ink refills
PROS
- Excellent Photo Print Quality: Produces vibrant, high-quality photo prints with smooth color gradations.
- Compact and Stylish Design: Fits well in small spaces and has a modern appearance.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to use with a large touchscreen for simple navigation.
CONS
- Ink Costs: The 6-color ink system can be expensive to maintain over time.
- Limited Paper Capacity: Smaller paper trays mean frequent refills if used for high-volume printing.
- Slower Print Speeds: Not as fast as some other models, which might be an issue for high-volume tasks.
Why It Stands Out:
The XP-8600 delivers high-quality prints without taking up much space. It’s ideal for hobbyists and families who want to print their favorite photos with ease.
Tips for Optimal Photo Printing
To get the best results from your photo printer, keep these tips in mind:
- Use High-Quality Paper: Investing in the best photo paper for inkjet printers can significantly enhance your prints.
- Calibrate Your Monitor: Ensure your screen’s colors are accurate to avoid surprises when you print.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean the printer’s printheads and run maintenance cycles to keep your printer in top condition.
- Choose the Right Settings: Adjust the print settings for the type of paper and the quality you desire.
- Store Prints Properly: Keep your prints in a cool, dry place to prevent fading and damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the best printer for photo printing depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of print quality you require. For professional photographers or serious hobbyists, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 and Epson SureColor P800 offer top-tier print quality with advanced features. For those seeking a balance between cost and quality, the Canon PIXMA Pro-100, HP ENVY 7855, and Epson Expression Photo XP-8600 are excellent choices.
Regardless of your choice, each of these recommended photo printers is capable of transforming your digital images into stunning physical prints that you can proudly display or share with others. With the right printer, high-quality paper, and a bit of practice, you can produce stunning prints that will be cherished for years to come.
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Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you have any questions. Looking to save money on your printing projects? Check out www.compandsave.com for some great deals on printer ink and accessories! Remember to follow our blog for more interesting printing-related tips and guides.
About the Author
Lester John Deiparine is a Search Engine Optimization associate at CompAndSave, a retailer and wholesaler of printing materials headquartered in Union City, California.
