Printer?

[RMullen99]

Hi..HAPPY EASTER!

Question for everyone....I am looking to get a printer.....Is there anything special I should be looking for? Is a photo printer for pictures only or can it be used for office work as well? If so ....can someone give me an idea of what printer is good for printing amateur pics and office work...and an estimated cost for it...THANKS

[Greg McCary]

Just to let you know someone is looking at your post. But really I always get my prints made at MPIX. No I can not help you. But I am sure someone will know something.

[mn shutterbug]

I'm with Greg, Mpix. I researched printers at one time too and finally decided it would be less expensive and less of a hassle to have them printed at a lab. Other than that, if you want prints that will last, you'll need to get one that uses pigment inks. Dye based inks start fading much too soon. Of course, pigment ink printers are higher priced as are the cartridges.

[readingr]

For printing your own photos then either Canon or EPSON will do nicely. The cost of ink is expensive and if you want an office printer I would get a laser B&W for the majority of printing and a photo printer for the photo's. Thats what I have for home.

Even the cheap photo printers will do a good job now days.

Roger

[drg]

The printer cost is neglibile. It is the cost per print! This can range from a fixed cost with Dye-Sublimation printers where you get so many prints from a package of ribbon and paper to an amount per sq/in or sq/ft of paper and moderate ink density.

There's also the Archival Ink price bump. These inks are definitely worth the difference if you plan on keeping the photos for more the 5-10 years without horrid discoloration.

Look for the lowest possible per picture cost at the highest quality.
Remember, the cost of the printer should be included in the overall cost per print. Yes, the supplies may only be 25-40 cents per picture, but if it is a$1000 printer, well you get the idea.

Let us know any specific printers you are looking at and someone will have more information!

Best wishes,