Inkjet all-in-ones?

[BucketButt]

I know the conventional wisdom is that the best inkjet printers for photographic printing are those that are designed specifically for printing digital photos and little else, but I have limited desktop space and chose an all-in-one printer, the HP PSC2610. I've had it only a few days, but so far I'm very happy with its print quality; bear in mind that my previous printer was an HP DeskJet 932C, which did a pretty good job for a general-purpose printer, and my current camera is a Canon Powershot A20 with a 2-megapixel sensor.

Why are all-in-ones generally not reviewed or recommended for photo printing? Granted, I never expected print quality or longevity that rivals what I used to do with film and chemicals, but are the dedicated "photo" inkjets really that much better than my AIO unit? Are there any others here who use AIOs and consider them "good enough" for photographic printing? Will I be terribly disappointed with my AIO if I upgrade my camera to (for example) a Canon Powershot G6?

I know a good deal about computers, and I used to be a fairly active hobbyist photographer, but I'm still using my first digital camera and just don't know how much quality I can expect with digital printing; so please be gentle.

[Peter_AUS]

It isn't that yo will be disappointed in and AIO, it is just that you need to realise that it has it's limitations. I would suggest taking an image along to a place you can print out a copy and see the quality. You know the proof is in the pudding.

[Liz]

I agree with you that the AOI's do a pretty good job today. I also have a HP2175xi and it's not all that bad. Most people prefer the photo printers because they are specifically set up for photos and have a lot more features/options/ink, etc. And they do have the quality of the AIO's beat. I think the ones reviewed or recommended for printing are really geared toward serious or pro photographers, and they are willing to pay a lot more. Also people who use the AIO's are less inclined to post a review. Just my personal opinion. You could be the first here!

I've printed a few photos from mine and they were fine. However, you will do better than I because you know how to manipulate the computer, etc. I am not good at this. I get most of my prints from Walmart - because it's cheaper than paying for ink, less work and they are right around the corner from me. But like I said before - I have seen good results from my AIO. I think if you want a beautiful wall hanger 8x10 or larger - you might want to get that done somewhere other than your AIO or Walmart. But.....I have to add that I got a decent 8x10 of my god-child one time.

As long as you're happy - that's what counts - and IMO what is important for you is your knowledge of the machines you're working with - and how to use them to achieve your goals - and it sounds like you've done this. ;)

Have a great weekend.

Liz

I know the conventional wisdom is that the best inkjet printers for photographic printing are those that are designed specifically for printing digital photos and little else, but I have limited desktop space and chose an all-in-one printer, the HP PSC2610. I've had it only a few days, but so far I'm very happy with its print quality; bear in mind that my previous printer was an HP DeskJet 932C, which did a pretty good job for a general-purpose printer, and my current camera is a Canon Powershot A20 with a 2-megapixel sensor.

Why are all-in-ones generally not reviewed or recommended for photo printing? Granted, I never expected print quality or longevity that rivals what I used to do with film and chemicals, but are the dedicated "photo" inkjets really that much better than my AIO unit? Are there any others here who use AIOs and consider them "good enough" for photographic printing? Will I be terribly disappointed with my AIO if I upgrade my camera to (for example) a Canon Powershot G6?

I know a good deal about computers, and I used to be a fairly active hobbyist photographer, but I'm still using my first digital camera and just don't know how much quality I can expect with digital printing; so please be gentle.

[BucketButt]

Thanks, Liz and Peter.

I bought the PSC2610 knowing that an AIO is a bit of a compromise, and I expected that its greatest weakness would be photo print quality; but it is so much better than the printer it replaced that I'm quite happy with it for now. Print quality is much better than I dared to expect. Using HP Premium Plus paper and a color photo-ink cartridge, I've made prints that are vastly better than those made by my former printer, and nearly as good as some I have made with film and chemicals.

Bear in mind that most of my photos are family snapshots (especially my three great-nephews), and I went the digital route mainly so I can make lots of duplicate prints quickly, so my needs aren't the same as a working pro of advanced enthusiast. When I can make good-quality 4x6 or 5x7 prints from shots taken with a 2-megapixel Canon Powershot A20, I'm happy. But enlarging even the best 2-megapixel image beyond that laves something to be desired, so I guess it's time to seriously consider upgrading my camera.