Digital Photo Tips by Duane Brovan

(Article also posted in the Ridge Rider News)

Types of Personal Printers

There are three main types of Personal Printers that people typically purchase (Ink Jet, Laser, and Dye-Sublimation), and each has its strong points and weak points. They are designed for specific uses and can also be used for a broad range of other tasks, but these aren’t usually, as good as, their intended specific use (Photos, Text/Graphics and Archival). Here is a brief description of the three types of printers and there intended specific use.

 

Ink Jet Printers: These are the most popular printers for home use, as well as, some professional photographers. Ink Jets use droplets of ink to form letters, graphics and color photos. Some Ink Jet printers will print “Photo Quality Prints”, which almost look like a Photo Labs’ prints and are called Color Photo Printers, and some are just Color Printers (they might not be able to print photo quality prints). To get good Photo Quality Prints use a Photo Quality Printer and Glossy Photo Paper (50 cents-$1.00/per sheet). Let the print dry for 24 hours if possible before you do anything to the photo. Some Photo paper will keep their colors bright longer then others. Ask a knowledgeable salesperson (i.e. Crown Camera) which paper is best for your intended use, and always use the same brand paper and inks as your printer.

 

Laser Printers: These are best for office use where speed and cost are very important, especially if printing black and white prints only (can be, as low as, 2 cents per copy). They fuse the toner to the piece of paper. Because the toner is fussed onto the paper it does withstand water and the elements a little better then ink jet prints. There are Color Laser Printers and some are not that expensive ranging form $700 on up to $8,000. These Color Laser Printers also are the least expensive color printer to operate, but the photo quality is less then a Photo Quality Ink Jet Print. They are great for offices that send out flyers, brochures, post cards and fancy letters.

 

Dye-Sublimation Printers: They use a ribbon cartridge instead of ink/toner and work by using heat to transfer dyes from the ribbon to the specially coated paper. The advantage of these prints is that they last the longest of the three main types of printers. The prints are the most expensive costing between 45 to 60 cents for a 4x6 print. Because it uses dye instead of ink some of the colors are not as brilliant or eye catching as ink jet prints, but again they are less likely to fad with time.

 

Re-Cap: Color Photo Ink Jet printers can produce photos similar to lab quality, but might have a shorter print life then a lab print. This type print works well for photographers that do not print many of the same photo prints (otherwise use a Printing Lab). Laser printers are great for office applications due to their low print cost per page and fast printing, but they are marginal for photo quality prints. Dye-Sublimation printers are great for archival quality photo prints, but are a little muted in color and highest in cost to print. There are many trade offs when choosing a printer, but look for a printer that was designed for your main use (i.e. photos, text/graphics or archival prints).

 

Most printers use the computer’s microprocessor and memory to process data. Most personal printers can’t have their memory or speed upgraded, so if you need more memory or speed you have to purchase a new printer. An important cost to always consider is the cost of supplies to operate a printer. Laser printers usually are the most economical to use, then Ink Jet followed by Dye-Sublimation. When you purchase a printer the ink/toner cartridges are usually samples and can be only half full, so it is advisable to purchase a replacement set of cartridges at the same time. Also make sure your printer has a cable to go from the printer to your computer and that they have the same type connections (USB, Firewire or Parallel).