8 best photo printers

Color printing in this model is four-color. The ink is supplied from two cartridges – black and compound, where in one block there are three tanks with the remaining colors of CMYK color model.

In terms of print quality, the printer is not inferior to the above two – the resolution of 1200×4800 dpi. It even noticeably outdoes its predecessor in speed, printing up to 10 pages per minute in color and up to 9 pages per minute in b / w, a 10×15 cm print in 34 seconds.

You can sometimes find complaints online about the high price of cartridges. In fact, such reviews are purely subjective, as in May-June 2021 the cartridge costs about 1500 rubles – this is less than 10% of the cost of the entire printer, while in many other budget models without CISS the cost of the cartridge can approach the cost of a new printer. Plus, the cartridge life is noticeably longer than in many competitive options in the same price category.

Advantages

• Advantages:
• Compact and portable – can run on battery power;
• LCD screen with interface in Russian;
• Wi-Fi;
• Relatively inexpensive cartridges;
• easy operation;
• Nice design;
• High-quality assembly and packaging.

Disadvantages

• must be handled with care – the soft plastic of the body is quickly scratched and loses its presentable appearance.

The best mid-range photo printers

In the second selection we shall consider photo printers of conditional middle class which are considerably more expensive than budget models, but their functional advantages are obvious even at a cursory glance on the technical specifications. Our experts have studied in detail the results of independent tests by subject matter experts. We’ve also gone deep into the feedback on the largest marketplaces on the Runet from buyers who have real and lasting experience with these models.

Canon PIXMA iX6840

Rating: 4.7

First we will consider another representative of the extensive model range PIXMA production of Canon. Its main notable and competitive feature is the A3 format+. And it is probably the only photo printer on the market with decent quality A3+ format that is reasonably priced at about 20 thousand euros by spring/summer of 2021. rubles.

But “not the format alone” – this printer stands out from any of the previous ones even by its print resolution. The maximum for color printing – 9600×2400 dpi, which, as we see, twice the standard of budget models.

True, for black and white mode, the maximum resolution is limited to 600×600 dpi. But practically none of the users are bothered by this, because the main strength of the printer is color printing after all, and it is quite fast. That’s why this model can be seen in small private photo studios.

Speed-wise, the layout is. Printing speed of A4 documents in b / w – up to 14 pages per minute, in color – up to 10.4, color photos 10×15 cm – one print in 36 seconds. The printer uses pigmented black ink that adds more expressiveness and richness to the image.

The weak point of this model – a relatively small amount of cartridges. They are separate here, and there are five of them. Resource of color – 1645 pages, only according to the passport, and black just a little – 331 pages, but in reality less. Some users even have enough of it, but considering the format and evidently production purpose of this model, the words of many atelier owners about small volume are quite objective. They get out of the situation by buying refillable cartridges (RPC) from third-party manufacturers, buying original XXL cartridges or installing a CISS.

In conclusion it is worth saying that this model is suitable for office or photo studio on all fronts, as it has all the most popular ways of connecting – classic wired USB, wireless Wi-Fi, AirPrint support and RJ-45 interface for Ethernet local wired network.

Advantages

• The maximum format is A3;
• pigmented black ink;
• Relatively good print speed;
• reliability and durability;
• connection via Wi-Fi and Ethernet;
• AirPrint support.

Disadvantages

• what the owners of photo studios say – small volume of cartridges.

Epson L810

Rating: 4.8

Now let’s go back to the A4 format and take a look at the productive Epson photo printer. And its performance is not its only virtue.

Let’s start with the most notable thing that makes this printer stand out from the rest. Here we can see really fast printing speed. Specifically, A4 documents up to 37 pages per minute in B/W mode and the same in color. A 10×15 cm photo in proper photographic quality prints in 12 seconds.

Another important point is that the printer uses more base colors than the standard 4-color CMYK set. And it’s not about the extra black, like some of the models described above. Here we have two additional colors – light blue and light magenta – in addition to the basic set. This is a noticeable plus to the accuracy of color reproduction, reproduction of halftones and the smoothest possible display of gradients. Maximum resolution – 5760×1440 dpi.

And another important point that eliminates a sore spot of many printers – the presence of CISS. Resource tanks are relatively small – 1800 pages. But most importantly, the containers are easy to refill, minimizing consumables costs.

Users in their feedback speak positively about the obvious advantages of the printer – printing quality, speed, CISS. But also quite a large percentage of mentions convenience of management, a significant role in which plays a large LCD screen on the control panel. It also adds presentable look to an already solid machine.

The only consistent complaint in reviews is the size. Dimensions are 542x196x386 mm, which is actually quite a lot for a desktop setup.

From Yandex review.Market with “Level 2 Gadget Inspector” status: “Very easy refills, as well as fast and high-quality printing are the biggest pluses. Once noticed streaks on the printout, cleaned the head and nozzles, and the problem was solved.”.

Advantages

• Increased printing speed;
• Noticeably better print quality compared to budget models;
• CISS;
• large color LCD screen;
• card reader;
• solid appearance.

Disadvantages

• quite large, as for a desktop installation.

Canon imagePROGRAF TM-200

Rating: 4.9

We would like to finish our selection with another large A3 Canon printer. This is literally an outstanding model, in which Canon engineers managed to combine the ability to produce top-notch photographic quality, ultimate reliability and economy.

What is perhaps the most important in this model, in addition to print quality, it is the presence of CISS and a rare successful interaction, if I may say so, the print head with the ink. The fact that many users are trying to save money even when the printer (regardless of the model) has a CISS. And they try to save on ink by buying it from third parties.

Here, according to the reviews of many users and the results of independent tests, we can see that when using branded ink the head will practically never get clogged, dry up and require periodic blowing or any other maintenance. And it is in the course of such operations and there is a significant overspending of ink. As for the CISS itself, a lot of people say that the system is very easy to use, affordable and very reliable.

The second positive thing about this model is the print quality. Resolution is not the highest, up to 5760×1440 dpi in B/W and color, but for photographic quality this is enough, if a literate algorithm of drop distribution during the passage of the head is provided. And in this case with this issue is full order – experts and ordinary users, including those who use the printer in the production environment (photo studio) appreciate the quality and realism of the image as one of the best in this price range. Not the least of these is the six-color printing with the same complementary colors as the previous Epson L810.

In terms of print speed, nothing outstanding here. Claimed specifications – 15 pages per minute for A4 in color and b / w. Even in the budget category there are examples with higher speed. Another thing is that all the same there are six base colors. Nevertheless, users’ opinions are divided in this respect – some are satisfied with such speed, while others consider it as a considerable disadvantage.

Advantages

• CISS;
• six-color printing;
• photo print quality, expressive color reproduction;
• reliability and uptime;
• economical consumption of ink, especially if you use proprietary;
• A3 format.

Disadvantages

• there are problems with picking up glossy and semi-glossy papers;
• some users are not satisfied with print speed.

The best professional photo printers

In our final roundup of Expertology magazine’s review of the best photo printers in 2021, we take a look at two models that are designed specifically for the needs of the print shop. These are large format printers, often referred to as plotters, but that is a distortion of the original term “plotter”. Nevertheless, this terminology is in use, and if it occurs, then under this word we most often understand exactly the inkjet printer of large format.

Epson SureColor SC-T5100N

Rating: 4.8

First consider the printer-plotter format A0 entry level. Yes, this professional category also has its entry-levels. And this model, even at the price of about 125 thousand rubles, is not a consumable. It is considered inexpensive within the segment of professional printers.

This printer is oriented on fast and high-quality printing of technical documentation (plans, schemes) in CAD and GIS-projects, and also for all kinds of advertising and information materials.

The specified format A0 already makes an impression, but even more impressive is the speed of printing on such a gigantic format. Measured in more obvious A1 size, the standard print speed on such a sheet is only 31 seconds. This model is one of the fastest in its class.

One more important positive moment – the head in this printer is not a consumable. Thus, the cartridges lack the most expensive part that the owners of any other printers without CISS are used to. Accordingly, even when using the original ink printing cost will be more than acceptable.

Now for the printing itself. Since increased demands are made for this model due to its “serious” specialization, Epson engineers initially introduced special approaches. The recently developed and released Epson PrecisionCore TFP printhead combined with high quality pigmented inks

The traChrome XD2 offers a rare quality that almost no one else in this price class can compete with.

Precise positioning of the drop ensures that the finest lines are clear, smooth and continuous. The pigment ink itself is not susceptible to smudging and is resistant to blurring when exposed to water.

Advantages

• A0 format;
• One of the fastest in its class;
• Exceptional quality through innovative printhead and special ink formulation;
• the head is not a consumable item;
• water washout resistant pigment ink;
• economical printing;
• Effective head protection in hermetic sealed casing;
• reliability and durability;

Disadvantages

• no major flaws detected.

HP PageWide Color 755dn

Rating: 4.9



And our review ends with the professional A3 printer from Hewlett-Packard. It differs from its predecessor in the traditional form factor – there is a paper reservoir. But otherwise, in terms of performance, it is clearly designed for use in either a medium-sized office environment or in an operational printing plant.

The main thing that makes this model suitable for the printing studio is speed and PostScript support. So, depending on the mode, the A4 format printer can print at up to 55 pages per minute, both in color and b&w. PostScript support greatly expands its capabilities in terms of specialized fonts recognition, correct color separation, etc. d. As for quality, there is a maximum resolution of color photo printing – 2400×1200 dpi.

An important point – this model was originally designed as a productive and maximum endurance. After all, it is of little use if the printer prints quickly, but it needs a “rest” every 10 minutes. This printer can work for hours without interruption, without fear of overheating, loss of quality or any other technical difficulties. The total permissible load is up to 75 thousand A4 prints per month.

What’s more noteworthy, the algorithms of HP PRINT SECURITY’s proprietary information security system are firmly wired into this model. This system is designed to detect likely cyber-attacks, thus preventing industrial espionage.

Advantages

• Performance;
• Endurance – can work for a long time without interruption;
• PostScript support;
• All in-demand connectivity options;
• automatic duplex printing;
• Long cartridge life;
• large LCD-screen;
• HP PRINT SECURITY information security system.

Disadvantages

• No principal disadvantages were detected.