Printing photographs isn’t as famous as it used to be. Many people now keep their pictures in digital forms. But photo printing isn’t extinct, and never will. People still expect physical prints in portraiture, party, or wedding photography niches, hence the dire need for the best printer for photographers.
If your chosen niche requires photo prints for your clients, friends, or yourself, then you have no alternative but to make them as vivid and detailed as possible.
Interestingly, there are thousands of photo printers on the market. But since not every device with a photo printing tag will deliver desirable quality, you need to be vigilant when shopping for a photo printer.
In this buying guide for photo printers, we highlight some of the features of a typical photo printer. We also review the absolute cream options that you will find preferable for your image printing tasks.
Comparison Chart For Top 10 Printers For Photographers
| IMAGE | NAME & Details | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Epson PictureMate PM-400 |
| Check The Price |
| Canon Pixma iX6820 |
| Check The Price |
| Primera Impressa IP60 |
| Check The Price |
| Epson PictureMate Personal Printer |
| Check The Price |
| Mitsubishi CP-K60DW |
| Check The Price |
| DNP Event Photo Printer DS-RX1HS |
| Check The Price |
| HP ENVY 5055 |
| Check The Price |
| Sinfonia Color Stream CS2 |
| Check The Price |
| Canon Pixma Pro-100 |
| Check The Price |
| Epson Stylus Pro 3880 |
| Check The Price |
Best Printers For Photography Reviews
1. Epson PictureMate PM-400 | Best Epson Printer For Photographers
Epson is a famous brand in creativity circles. The company has an eye for the production of high-quality image printouts. That’s why you have to believe that the Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer is a perfect tool for your photo printing tasks.
The PictureMate PM-400 is a relatively compact and portable printer. At 15.1 by 9.8 by 7.9 inches, it ranks as one of the most small-size and lightweight desktop photo printers. However, you will still find it ideal to tag along to family gatherings, parties, and sporting events.
The device features an ultra-high print resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. The device, therefore, delivers shop-quality photo prints. It is a perfect way to relive happy moments.
Besides, the PM-400 not only provides vivid printouts but also guarantees photo durability. The picture prints will last for an incredible 200 years.
The fact that you don’t need a PC to use this printer is a fantastic feature. It is a completely wireless device that you can connect to most modern tools but also comes with an SD card slot. So, if you are wondering how you will view or edit photos, then the 2.7-inch display screen will prove vital.
Highlighted Features
- It is an entirely wireless printer.
- It prints high-quality and durable images.
- The sleek, compact, and lightweight design is portable and convenient.
- The 2.7-inch display helps in previewing and editing pictures.
- It features a memory card slot.
2. Canon Pixma iX6820 | Best Inkjet Printer For Photographs
Just like professional photographers understand the need for a useful printing tool, the famous Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer knows what you need to put your creativity in the limelight.
The device is pretty compact, but you will be in a rude shock if you let the miniature nature fool you. The device encloses impressive features in the small framework.
Notably, you will marvel at the unbeatable 9600 x 2400 color dpi that the device comes with. Such a color resolution ensures that the Pixma iX6820 guarantees exceptional detail for photo and document printing. An unimaginable number of nozzles also accompanies the resolution.
There is an assumption that printing color photos is an extremely inconvenient and expensive piece of art. That’s not the case with the Canon Pixma iX6820. The device comes with five distinctive ink tanks that not only ensure that you get the finest photo prints but also create convenience as you merely replace what runs out.
Professionals will like the inclusion of My Garden Software in the Canon PIXMA iX6820. The feature comes with additional functions such as HD Movie Print and Special Filters.
Finally, the device presents photo artists with a versatile range of paper size capabilities. The equipment will correctly print a 4 x 6-inch photo. Even more, it also handles large-sized documents such as 11 x 17 and 13 x 19-inch documents.
Highlighted Features
- The device delivers terrific color photos and documents.
- It comes with a versatile range of connectivity options.
- The inclusion of My Garden Software and Solution Templates is exciting.
- The individual ink tank system is convenient.
- It features a versatile range of paper handling capability.
3. Primera Impressa IP60 | Best Printer For Photography
While photo booths are pretty complicated to start and run, there are revolutionary technologies that enhance convenience and productivity. A perfect example is the advanced Primera Impressa IP60 Photo Printer. The device brings together creativity, speed, quality, and satisfaction in an unbeatable way.
Firstly, this is a productive tool for productive business environments. The design is ideal for schools, events, parties, photo booths, cruise lines, professional outdoor photography, as well as sports photography. It is barely 8 pounds hence easy to carry to various destinations.
We all have preferences about anything and everything. A photo size that meets your needs may not meet the needs of other users. So, a printer with a variety of paper-handling ability will serve more people and to their satisfaction.
The Primera Impressa IP60 doesn’t disappoint. It can produce 2 x 6-inch photo strips, the popular 4 x 6-inch photos, and 6 x 6-inch square photos. Besides, you can quickly obtain high-quality panoramas of 6 x 8 inches, 6 x 12 inches, and 6 x 12 inches without having to change supplies.
While photo printing is a slow and intricate process, the Primera Impressa IP60 creates amazing physical images at outstanding speeds. The fact that it can produce 4 x 6-inch photographs in 8 seconds is plausible. Moreover, it does this at an exceptional print resolution of 1200 by 4800 dots per inch.
Highlighted Features
- It features an impressive paper size versatility.
- The cost of printing photos is considerably low.
- It weighs a paltry 8 pounds hence portable for a booth printer.
- It is pretty fast and convenient.
- It can utilize a wide range of substrates.
4. Epson PictureMate | Best Printer For Color Photos
Another Epson model makes it to our review of photography printers. Indeed, you know what to expect from a photo printer- incredible picture quality. The Epson PictureMate Personal Photo Printer also brings simplicity and ease of use to the exciting game of professional photo printing.
The printing tool features a perfect range of compatibility with media content devices. Such a feature is incredibly ideal for any professional photo printer. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows devices. Besides, you can also print from a USB camera as well as a variety of USB cards.
It is even more impressive that this Epson printing tool with everything that you need to get you off your feet. The pack contains the lab-grade printing device, user manuals, and a CD-ROM. Moreover, it also includes a photo cartridge and up to 20 sheets of image printing paper.
Courtesy of the high print resolution of up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi, the PictureMate guarantees high-quality pictures. As you will probably find out, these prints don’t fade, smudge, and are resistant to water.
There is more simplicity in the fact that you can conveniently print multiple copies of a single photo with a straightforward function. Finally, the device also features an ink-level indicator to keep you up to date with what’s left in your ink cartridge.
Highlighted Features
- The package contains everything to get you started.
- It accepts a range of memory cards.
- Multiple print function allows for the creation of several copies.
- The high print resolution guarantees high-quality pictures.
- Images are durable and do not smudge.
5. Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S| Best Printers For Professional Photographers
If you are looking for a photo printer that is pretty easy to install, set up, use, and maintain, then the Mitsubishi CP-K60DW-S Eco-Value Dye-Sub Photo Printer is the type of tool you are here for.
The device efficiently produces two print formats from a single media size. Interestingly, this feature helps to reduce stock references and also saves time as you don’t have to change the paper to print a different image format.
The device switches conveniently between 4 x 6-inch and 6 x 8-inch prints. You don’t need to change the ink ribbon, nor do you need to change the paper roll.
The Mitsubishi CP-K60DW takes pride in the Eco-Value tag. And true to the billing, the device lives up to the expectations of many professional photo artists. The device features standby mode that uses up to 96% less energy. Isn’t this a feature that any device will take credit for?
But the professional photo printing tool is not all about convenience and cost-effectiveness. It features a print resolution of up to 300 dpi, which is the highest for standard dye-sub printers. You can also enjoy the matte finishing, a desire for most professionals.
Highlighted Features
- The standby mode utilizes 96% less energy.
- You can print two image formats from a single paper roll.
- It is convenient and easy to use.
- High-quality photo output includes matte finishing.
- It features a convenient front-feed design.
Buying Guide For Top Photo Printers
The following tips will prove useful when shopping for a photo printer for photographers;
Mono Or Color
There are several printing categories. Printer, too, match these categories. Think about whether you need color or a purely black and white printing tool.
Many machines cannot handle color. But again, many devices that can handle color will deliver flawed monoprints. Yes. As rudimentary as mono printing sounds, the biggest flaw that comes along with it is tint.
Printers vary in the types of gray shades that they can deliver. So, any photographer who intends to print black and white photos need to look keenly at the mono quality of the printing tool.
The same applies to color printing. Color saturation and color fidelity are factors that should come to mind. In fact, this applies to near-dedicated and dedicated printers alike.
Size And Portability
Just like most computer devices, printers come in a variety of sizes. The market has printing devices that are too small to conveniently slip into your pocket as well as options that are too huge to carry.
If you sometimes or often work away from home, then you’ll undoubtedly want the best printer for photographers that you can easily carry. You won’t mind taking a small printer to conferences and events. Fortunately, there are several models that fit into this category. Just ensure that you choose the right one.
Again, portability may also require that you can conveniently run the device from a battery. If so, then ensure that the printer comes with a reliable rechargeable battery.
Near-dedicated printers are larger and considerably more challenging to move around. However, their primary advantage lies in versatility. Apart from photo printing, these devices can also handle other office tasks.
Paper Size
What photo sizes do you intend to print? Interestingly, photo printers have varying paper handling ability. The type of printer that you choose should conveniently handle your desired photo sizes.
Most dedicated portable photo printers will accommodate a maximum of 6 x 4-inch photos. Some may go a bit higher.
However, near-dedicated printers often come with two input trays. The rear tray is usually designed for specialty papers. Many models can handle wide-format paper sizes of up to 13 x 19 inches or larger. If the printing machine has a roll feeding system, then the length of the paper can be more extensive.
Connectivity Options
The connectivity options of your printer determine the types of devices that you can connect to it. So, what media content devices do you intend to print from? That’s often the big question.
Connectivity options for printing machines are subdivided into wired and wireless. Traditionally, the connection between a printer and a computer was orchestrated through a USB connection. This falls under the wired category and often credited with impressive speeds and reliability.
However, the influx of more modern network capabilities among media content tools has pushed printer manufacturers to include more convenient wireless options.
So, many modern models now include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and cloud-based options. These options not only enhance versatility but also enhance sharing printers among many users. Some decent printers allow printing directly from memory cards and PictBridge.
Final Words
Quality is an essential aspect of photo printing. This is a definite requirement for both professionals and amateurs. However, finding a perfect printing tool that guarantees both quality prints and convenience at the same time is a tedious task.
So, here we are to your rescue! You can, without spending a lot of time, find the best printer for photographers by following this elaborate and impartial buying guide.
