Consumer Digital Photo Printers

[Sig]

To all you digital photo buffs-

From a quality perspective, are there any consumer level photo printers on the market that can do high-quality prints without having to put a kidney on ebay for equipment and supplies? Or is it better to go to a high-end film developer and use their commercial grade equipment?

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated, as I'm rather ignorant on dig. print technologies.

 

[jorligan]

We use a Canon 9100 and it makes great prints. Very sharp with good color.

Tim

 

[RSO 34]

I use an Epson 2200 and am very satisfied, including having sold photos made on that printer.

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

I use a hp 7550 but I have only done up to 8 x 10 and I am happy with the results. But starting with good high res files makes all the difference in the world.

 

[akira3d]

Its kind of funny because I didn't buy this printer to be my "serious" digital photo printing device, but the Epson R200 prints surprisingly high quality color photos and is one of the cheapest on the market (I've seen it for as low as $49 after rebates)...more than enough capability for casual use. Sure you don't get the longevity of the higher models "archival" inks, but this printer proves that you don't have to spend a lot to get quality prints. In addition to photo printing, I use the R200 to print directly on inkjet compatible DVD-Rs and even print the DVD case and CD jewel case inserts to add a more professional look to my personal audio/video projects. I paid $89 back when I got mine a year ago...still a bargain!

Of course, the trick with all of these inkjet printers is that the manufacturers plan to stick it to you with the inks and the paper. In Epson's case, you're only replacing ink cartridges (surprisingly the R200 is a 6 ink printer), but other brands include the print heads in the cartridges (and thus can charge more). I've been a big fan of Epson for years...I may still buy one of the higher end models (I had my eye on the 2200 before I bought the R200 as an interim replacement for another printer).