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#1
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4x6 printer...
My NG reader doesn't download all the posts. So, forgive me if this is just
another repeated question. I used to have Nikon 880 and now have Canon S45. I am still pretty much in Auto mode. I enjoy uploading the images to Walmart website and have them print 4x6 (and some larger) pictures, and I go pick 'em up at the store. I didn't want a photo printer because I am not expertise with digital image (let alone I am in process of video editing with simple steps (no Hollywoods)). My wife insists. She wants to buy me "something" for Christmas and begs me to tell her which photo printer is good one. Well, I do like those 4x6 photo printer, but not sure which or what to look for. To start off, I would pick HP 4x6 printer (since using HP DeskJet printer for years and still strong). I like the smallness of Epson model, but my mother-in-law has a Epson printer and no need for me to tell the story! Question, does Walmart print their photo just like as if I had one of those small photo printer? Same photo paper, same printing concept prints? Question, since those small printer (meaning 4x6 only) are in $150+ range, the bigger photo printer are also in the $150+ range, should I go for the bigger one? Question, if I better off with the bigger one, in spite of the nice small size, should I only use those printer only when printing photos and keep using the DeskJet as regular main printer. In other words, use photo printer with USB and leave the DeskJet in parallel port (since USB is hot-swap)? Anything else you like to share with me? Any insights? Suggestions? Links? Thank you. Chuck |
#2
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Well, I have direct experience with five of the 4x6 printers; they a
1. HP's 2. Epsons Picturemate 3. Sony's 4. Kodak 6. Canon's CP-330 The first two are ink-jet technology while the last three are dye-sub. All do a fairly good job, although I've found the Canon printers seem to print a little green. Part of the answer to your question will probably depend on your requirements. The smallest printer (and only one that runs on batteries) is the Canon CP-330 (they also make the CP-200/220 which is the same size, but doesn't have the battery option). The lowest operating cost is the Epson (about $0.29 per print list and $0.26 if you shop around for the supplies). The cons for the printers a 1. The HP will smudge if the print gets wet. This is true with most HP ink-jet printers. Their operating cost are also somewhat high since the cartridge life isn't very good. 2. The Canon printer seems to print a little greenish. This has been true on three different printer models I've tried and seems to be true base on other reviews. 3. The Kodak is really designed for their cameras. My favorite; the Canon for portability and the Epson overall. James "CNT" wrote in message ... My NG reader doesn't download all the posts. So, forgive me if this is just another repeated question. I used to have Nikon 880 and now have Canon S45. I am still pretty much in Auto mode. I enjoy uploading the images to Walmart website and have them print 4x6 (and some larger) pictures, and I go pick 'em up at the store. I didn't want a photo printer because I am not expertise with digital image (let alone I am in process of video editing with simple steps (no Hollywoods)). My wife insists. She wants to buy me "something" for Christmas and begs me to tell her which photo printer is good one. Well, I do like those 4x6 photo printer, but not sure which or what to look for. To start off, I would pick HP 4x6 printer (since using HP DeskJet printer for years and still strong). I like the smallness of Epson model, but my mother-in-law has a Epson printer and no need for me to tell the story! Question, does Walmart print their photo just like as if I had one of those small photo printer? Same photo paper, same printing concept prints? Question, since those small printer (meaning 4x6 only) are in $150+ range, the bigger photo printer are also in the $150+ range, should I go for the bigger one? Question, if I better off with the bigger one, in spite of the nice small size, should I only use those printer only when printing photos and keep using the DeskJet as regular main printer. In other words, use photo printer with USB and leave the DeskJet in parallel port (since USB is hot-swap)? Anything else you like to share with me? Any insights? Suggestions? Links? Thank you. Chuck |
#3
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OK, thanks for the input... interesting. So the 4x6 Epson is good choice (so
far). Also, didn't know about the ink-jet technology vs. dye-sub. Please, I need more inputs from you guys. I based my buying digital camera decision in here! Thanks. Chuck The cons for the printers a 1. The HP will smudge if the print gets wet. This is true with most HP ink-jet printers. Their operating cost are also somewhat high since the cartridge life isn't very good. 2. The Canon printer seems to print a little greenish. This has been true on three different printer models I've tried and seems to be true base on other reviews. 3. The Kodak is really designed for their cameras. My favorite; the Canon for portability and the Epson overall. |
#4
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OK, thanks for the input... interesting. So the 4x6 Epson is good choice (so
far). Also, didn't know about the ink-jet technology vs. dye-sub. Please, I need more inputs from you guys. I based my buying digital camera decision in here! Thanks. Chuck The cons for the printers a 1. The HP will smudge if the print gets wet. This is true with most HP ink-jet printers. Their operating cost are also somewhat high since the cartridge life isn't very good. 2. The Canon printer seems to print a little greenish. This has been true on three different printer models I've tried and seems to be true base on other reviews. 3. The Kodak is really designed for their cameras. My favorite; the Canon for portability and the Epson overall. |
#5
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IMHO... Purely a sales gadget..
The 4x6 printers are generally not worth the high cost of consumables. Print quality will be no better than WalMart. In fact, you can typically get the same quality from your existing inkjet printer as you can from your "super-doooper" 4x6 printer. The only reason to get one of these is if you have a real need to get instant prints (as you watch them slooowly come out)... otherwise the coolness of a 4x6 printer will quickly wear off and you'll have an expensive paperwieght on your desk. I'm going to ebay mine (K*dak) as soon as it runs out of paper/ink. If you are still going to get one... go for a dye-sub unit so you don't have to deal with ink clogs, etc. |
#6
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IMHO... Purely a sales gadget..
The 4x6 printers are generally not worth the high cost of consumables. Print quality will be no better than WalMart. In fact, you can typically get the same quality from your existing inkjet printer as you can from your "super-doooper" 4x6 printer. The only reason to get one of these is if you have a real need to get instant prints (as you watch them slooowly come out)... otherwise the coolness of a 4x6 printer will quickly wear off and you'll have an expensive paperwieght on your desk. I'm going to ebay mine (K*dak) as soon as it runs out of paper/ink. If you are still going to get one... go for a dye-sub unit so you don't have to deal with ink clogs, etc. |
#7
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Dont forget the HiTi printers, Very good.
"CNT" wrote in message ... OK, thanks for the input... interesting. So the 4x6 Epson is good choice (so far). Also, didn't know about the ink-jet technology vs. dye-sub. Please, I need more inputs from you guys. I based my buying digital camera decision in here! Thanks. Chuck The cons for the printers a 1. The HP will smudge if the print gets wet. This is true with most HP ink-jet printers. Their operating cost are also somewhat high since the cartridge life isn't very good. 2. The Canon printer seems to print a little greenish. This has been true on three different printer models I've tried and seems to be true base on other reviews. 3. The Kodak is really designed for their cameras. My favorite; the Canon for portability and the Epson overall. |
#8
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Dont forget the HiTi printers, Very good.
"CNT" wrote in message ... OK, thanks for the input... interesting. So the 4x6 Epson is good choice (so far). Also, didn't know about the ink-jet technology vs. dye-sub. Please, I need more inputs from you guys. I based my buying digital camera decision in here! Thanks. Chuck The cons for the printers a 1. The HP will smudge if the print gets wet. This is true with most HP ink-jet printers. Their operating cost are also somewhat high since the cartridge life isn't very good. 2. The Canon printer seems to print a little greenish. This has been true on three different printer models I've tried and seems to be true base on other reviews. 3. The Kodak is really designed for their cameras. My favorite; the Canon for portability and the Epson overall. |
#9
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Thanks for the reply... Maybe it is a sales gadget. My wife insists, so
maybe I better explain to her that cons looks heavier than pros. Chuck IMHO... Purely a sales gadget.. |
#10
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OK...
HiTi ink-jet technology dye-sub |
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