What are The Best Photo Printers 2011

Lexmark used to give inkjet printing a bad name, serving up cheap, flimsy models that only ran for a few days on their 'installation' cartridges before needing replacements, which would often cost more than the original purchase price of the printer itself.

The S605 represents a major rethink, ditching the tri-colour cartridges originally favoured by Lexmark and ushering in a single print head unit, fed by individually replaceable ink tanks – more in line with Canon and Epson printers.

And while you can connect the S605 to your PC or Mac via a conventional USB hook-up, it really comes into its own as a standalone, Wi-Fi connected all-in-one printer, complete with one-touch Smart Solutions that you can download from the Internet.

At the heart of the S605 lies a 4800 x 1200dpi print engine running a conventional four-colour CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) range of inks.

HP Photosmart C4780 Wireless All-in-One Printer with Linksys

This "turn-on-and-connect" bundle provides everything you need to set up a wireless2 network--you don't need to know anything about wireless networking.

Note: the router is designed for optimal use with HP Pavilion dv4t and dv6t series laptops.

Features

HP Photosmart C4780 Wireless All-in-One

• Prints photos, copies recipes, scans documents
• Freedom of printing from virtually anywhere in your home¹
• Prints up to 29 pages/min in black, 23 in color
• Lets you easily view and print photos with 1.45" color display with HP TouchSmart frame

Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N Broadband Router (WRT160N-HP)

• #1 choice worldwide for wireless networking²
• Advanced security helps protect data and privacy
• 4-port full-duplex 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch³
• Encodes wireless transmissions with 256-bit wireless encryption
• Protects your computer against attacks with SPI firewall

1. Wireless performance depends on physical environment and distance from wireless access point.
2. Wireless access point and Internet service required, not included. Availability of public wireless access points limited. Specifications for 802.11n WLAN are draft only; this may affect ability of PC to communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.
3. Actual speeds and performance may vary, including lower wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range, and coverage.

What's in the box?

•	Printer
•	Power supply
•	Power cord
•	USB wireless set-up cable
•	HP 60 black cartridge (approx. 200 pages)
•	HP 60 tri-color cartridge (approx. 150 pages)
•	CD with software
•	Reference guide
•	Router
•	Power Cord
•	Ethernet cable
•	Setup poster
•	Software CD

Canon Card Photo Printer CP-100

The Canon Card Photo Printer CP-100 is a very compact 4 x 6-inch dye sublimation printer made exclusively for use with compatible PowerShot digital cameras. The CP-100 produces color prints that equal the sharpness and durability of prints from film negatives. The printer's resolution is 300x300 dpi, more than adequate for a crisply detailed postcard sized image from any 2 megapixel or greater camera, or for credit card size prints from 1.2 megapixel cameras. The dye sublimation color process is a continuous tone printing system that renders subtle shadings and realistic colors. The printer also covers each print with a clear, protective overcoating that protects it from the effects of sunlight and weather. The prints from the CP-100 are at least as durable as photographic prints from film. There are several sizes of media available: Bordered or borderless 4 x 6-inch prints Bordered or borderless credit card size prints 3.4 x 2.1-inch Bordered or borderless credit card size prints with label adhesive Card size with 8-label stickers, 0.9 x 0.7-inch per label. The CP-100 is shown here connected to the PowerShot S200 via the included cable. At this time there is no way to connect the printer to a computer but Canon says it will make a "connection kit" available in the near future. The CP-100 is a complete printing system in an extremely compact unit. You don't need to enter data from your PowerShot camera into a personal computer and then into the computer's printer. A dedicated cable connects the CP-100 to Powershot G2*, S40*, S30*, S330, S300*, S200, S110*; the A40, A20*, A10*, A200 and A100. Because all of the necessary controls and bundled software are already a part of your PowerShot camera, they aren't necessary on the printer, keeping weight and bulk to a minimum. (Firmware upgrade may be necessary for this camera model.) When the camera is connected to the printer there is a "SET" icon in the upper left corner. You press the SET button to access the Print menu. Here you select the printing type, standard or multiple if using the label-8 stickon sheets. Bordered or borderless and with or without a date stamp. Select the number of copies to make and you can even do a little image cropping because some of the 4:3 aspect ratio image is going to be lost when printing a 4 x 6-inch (3:2 ratio) print. The CP-100 comes with two paper trays, one for 4 x 6-inch media and the smaller one to handle the card size media sheets. Setup and use is very simple. Open the door on the side, insert the ink ribbon cartridge, close door, load the paper in the tray, open door in the front, insert paper tray into front of printer, connect power adapter, plug cable into camera and printer and away you go! The available paper packs for the CP-100 printer are: KP-36IP - Thirty-six 4 x 6 in. sheets of paper and ink ribbon KC-36IP - Thirty-six credit card size sheets of paper and ink ribbon KC-18IF - Eighteen credit card size/full label and ink ribbon KC-18IL - Eighteen credit card size/mini label (8 stickers per sheet) and ink ribbon Here's examples of the borderless and bordered standard prints with the tear-off tabs still intact. Credit card size bordered and borderless prints and a sticker sheet print with the eight mini-picture labels. To make the CP-100 a truly portable, go anywhere printer, it can be run off the optional NB-CP1L rechargeable battery. It supplies enough power for printing up to eighteen prints per charge. Steve's Conclusion The CP-100 is a small and portable printer that can be easily taken along with you on your travels. It produces brilliant 4 x 6-inch prints in a minute and twenty seconds. The credit card size prints only take about forty seconds. Setup and use is very simple, there are only a few print-time options that need to be selected such as borders or borderless, print the date and standard or multiple prints per page. The CP-100 prints are indestinguishable from conventionally processed film prints and just as durable. Unlike photo prints from inkjet printers, dye sublimation prints are waterproof thanks to the protective overcoat. The overcoat also prevents UV fading from exposure to daylight, another inkjet problem. If you own one of the compatible Powershot cameras (see list above) then the CP-100 can be your ultimate personal photo printer.

US visitors KP-108IP Color Ink & Paper Set for Canon CP-100, 200, 220, 300 & 330 Photo Printers (4x6" paper, 108 $ 49.99 at Amazon Marketplace

UK visitors KP-36IP Color Ink Paper Set (CP-100) � 11.99 at Misco.co.uk � 11.89 at euroffice � 11.30 at Valueshop � 10.71 at Inkubus.co.uk � 12.70 at Choice Stationery � 11.30 at Free Ink Shop � 12.99 at MX2.co.uk

Canon CP-100 Specifications Printer Type : Full-color direct digital printer Print Method : Dye-sublimation thermal transfer (with overcoating) Resolution Reproduction : 300 x 300 dpi Gradation : 256 gradations/color Ink : Dedicated ink cassette for each paper size (Y/M/C/overcoating) Paper : Post card size (standard sheets) L size (standard sheets) Card size (standard sheets, full-sized label and 8-label sticker) Paper-Feed Method : Automatic feed from paper cassette Paper-Eject Method : Sheets eject onto top of paper cassette Print Modes : Standard (1-screen) print (bordered or borderless) Multiple (8-screen) print (for use with labels) Print Sizes : Postcard size print (borderless): 148 x 100 mm (5.8 x 3.9 in.) Postcard size print (bordered): 121.9 x 91.4 mm (4.8 x 3.6 in.) L size print (borderless): 119 x 89 mm (4.7 x 3.5 in.) L size print (bordered): 105.3 x 79.2 mm (4.2 x 3.1 in.) Card size print (full-sized, borderless): 86 x 54 mm (3.4 x 2.1 in.) Card size print (full-sized, bordered): 66.7 x 50 mm (2.6 x 2.0 in.) Card size Multiple print: 22 x 17.3 mm (0.9 x 0.7 in.) (per label) Print Speeds * : Postcard size print (bordered/borderless): 81 sec. L size print (bordered/borderless): 68 sec. Card size print (full-sized, bordered/borderless): 40 sec. Card size Multiple print: 40 sec. * Test Conditions: Room temperature (23°C, 73°F), Canon standard images Interface Signal Transfer : Proprietary protocol for Canon cameras Connection Method : Dedicated cable Device Specifications Operating Environment : 5 - 40°C (41 - 104°F), 20 % to 80 % RH (when running) Power Source : 100 - 240 V (50/60 Hz) Power Consumption: 50 W or less (4 W or less when idle) Dimensions : 172(W) x 178(D) x 60(H) mm (6.8 x 7.0 x 2.4 in.) Weight : 990 g (34.9 oz.) (excluding ink and paper cassettes) Compact Power Adapter CA-CP100 Input voltage: AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) Rated output: 24 V, 2A Operating temperatures: 0 - 40°C (32 - 104°F) Dimensions: 100 x 50 x 24 mm (3.9 x 2.0 x 0.9 in.) (excluding cable) Weight : Approx. 200 g (7.1 oz.) Battery Pack NB-CP1L Supplied with the optional Battery/Charge Adapter Kit BCA-CP100, or sold separately. Type: Lithium ion battery Nominal voltage: 22.2 V Nominal capacity: 1200 mAh Charge cycles: Approx. 300 Operating temperatures: 5 - 40°C (41 - 104°F) Dimensions : 110.0 x 40.7 x 37.5 mm (4.3 x 1.6 x 1.5 in.) Weight : Approx. 230 g (8.1 oz.) Charge Adapter CG-CP100 Supplied with the optional Battery/Charge Adapter Kit BCA-CP100. Input voltage: DC 24 V Rated output: 24 V, 0.7 A Charging time: 2.5 hours Operating temperatures: 0 - 40°C (32 - 104°F) Dimensions : 136.7 x 46.5 x 41.1 mm (5.4 x 1.8 x 1.6 in.) Weight : Approx.120 g (4.2 oz.) Car Battery Adapter CBA-CP100 (Optional) Input voltage: DC 12 V, 90 W Rated output: 24 V, 3.2 A Operating temperatures: 0 - 40°C (32 - 104°F) Dimensions : 89.4 x 63.3 x 40.0 mm (3.5 x 2.5 x 1.6 in.) (excluding cable) Weight : Approx. 370 g (13.1 oz.) (including cable) As specified by the manufacturer as of 8/22/02.

Package Contents (U.S./N. America)

Card Photo Printer Paper Cassette (postcard size) Paper Cassette (card size) Trial Color Ink/Paper Set (postcard size, 5 sheets) Direct Interface Cable DIF-100 Direct Interface Cable DIF-200 Compact Power Adapter CA-CP100 AC Cable Cleaner User Guide

Canon PIXMA MP610

The Canon PIXMA MP610 Photo All-In-One Printer is the perfect Jack-of-All-Trades for your small business or home office. For only $199 you can print, copy and scan from your PC, mobile phone or PDA all with one attractive device.

Canon has improved the FINE technology print head with a next-generation 4,608 precision nozzle print head that places precise droplets as small as one picoliter. Print at high resolution, up to 9600 x 2400 dpi, for crisp, detailed prints on a wide variety of high quality Canon photo papers. And the four dye-based inks plus a pigment-based black ink (5 total ink cartridges) deliver life-like photos and laser-quality text for your documents.

Apparently there have been major Improvements in print speed technology since I bought my multifunction printer several years ago. Canon states the MP610 can output a 4 x 6-inch photo lab quality print in as little as 21 seconds. It's no slouch copying documents either as it copies black & white pages at 31 copies per minute (as fast as 1.9 seconds per page) and color documents at 24 cpm (as fast as 2.5 seconds per page). The MP610 can also automatically duplex to produce double-sided documents or photos. Since the MP610 has two standard paper trays, you can load one tray with plain paper and one with photo paper, so you won't have to change paper for different print projects.

As a scanner, the high resolution Contact Image Sensor (CIS) functions at an optical resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi (interpolated to 19,200 x 19,200 dpi) with accurate 48-bit internal color depth handling original as large as 8.5" x 11.7". And you can make reprints or enlargements directly from prints without using a computer.

When used with many Canon dSLRs, the PIXMA MP610 supports "Canon-to-Canon Direct Advantage" custom printing functions. The Canon-to-Canon connection allows you to perform minor edits, print shooting information directly on a print, or print a contact sheet directly from the camera without using a computer. The MP610 also supports wireless printing from infrared (IrDA) enabled cell phones and Bluetooth-equipped devices. Using the built in card slots, you can print directly from many memory cards.

Compatible with Windows (Vista and XP/2000) and Mac platforms (Mac OS X v.10.2.8 to 10.4.x), the MP610 comes bundled with a CD-ROM including the printer driver, MP Navigator EX, Setup Software & User's Guide, Easy-PhotoPrint EX and ScanSoft OmniPage SE.

PIXMA MP610 Features:

• Multifunction photo printer, flatbed scanner and color copier
• Direct print from memory cards and PictBridge compatible cameras
• PictBridge Direct USB printing from most modern digicams
• 5-color photo ink system, individually replaceable ink tanks
• New Easy-Scroll Wheel makes menu operation easier
• Dual paper paths with top and bottom trays, auto paper switching
• Two-sided printing with built-in duplexer
• High-resolution flatbed up to 4800 dpi optical resolution
• Scan documents to Adobe pdf or convert to text with OCR software
• Microscopic 1-picoliter ink drops produce detailed photos
• Borderless printing in 4 x 6", 5 x 7" and letter sizes
• 2.5-inch high-res color LCD for preview and editing
• Auto-Image Fix function
• USB 2.0 high-speed interface (Windows XP, 2000 or Mac OS X)
• Infrared wireless JPEG printing from compatible cell phones
• Bluetooth wireless adapter available
• Dual Color Gamut Processing technology optimizes quality based on the type of original

The MSRP of the Canon PIXMA MP610 is $199. Please see our Buy Box below for current pricing at various online vendors. In the box you will find PIXMA MP610 Photo All-In-One Printer, Easy Setup Instructions, Quick Start Guide, Setup Software & User's Guide CD-ROM, 5 Ink Tanks: PGI-5 Pigment Black, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Power Cord, Print Head and Sample Media (8.5" x 11" - 5 sheets).

Mechanics & Performance

The MP610 sports a modern black and silver finish that will look great next to your computer. Measuring 15.3" (W) x 17.7" (D) x 7.4" (H), this A-I-O device is moderate in size for a multifunction printer. If you're only using the bottom tray the printer can sit flush to the wall.

Setup is a breeze thanks to the included Easy Setup Instructions. First you install the print head and then the 5 ink tanks.Then install the driver from CD and connect a USB cable between your computer and the printer. Installation on a Windows Vista machine went well - after I figured out a enigmatic "Inner Door Open" error message. Even so, it took about fifteen minutes to unpack and setup the MP610 and another 15 minutes as the printer did it's automatic self calibration.

I love that the MP610 has two paper sources; a top sheet loader and an internal tray in the bottom. The lower tray is ideal for photo paper as it kept safe inside of the printer and protected against dust and dirt. The table below shows page sizes that can be used and in which tray they can be loaded.

You can load different media in each tray and select which you need with either the printer driver or the Control panel. If both the top and bottom trays are loaded with plain paper, the MP610 can automatically switch between them when one runs out of paper.

The built-in duplexer is a big plus on a printer of this price. This feature can reduce the amount of paper you use and allows you to create your own "ready to be stapled" photo albums, newsletters, product catalogs, etc.

The 2.5-inch color LCD can be tilted to different angles so it's easy to see whether you're standing up or sitting down. The LCD lets you select the unit's main functions, change settings and browse through images on memory cards. You can preview, edit and select images easily with the LCD and control panel.

The MP610 has a nicely organized control panel. Beginning in the upper right we can see the power button, below that are the Rear Tray (top) / Cassette (bottom) indicator lights and the paper feed switch. The "double arrow" icon is the NAVI button used to display the on-screen guide. Below that is the HOME button that returns you to the main menu. The large 4-way selector helps you sort through the menus screens. The OK button in the center confirms selections. Inside the 4-way selector is the Easy-Scroll Wheel that you rotate to select the unit's main functions. To the left of the Easy-Scroll Wheel is a small Back button.

To the right of the Easy-Scroll Wheel are + & - buttons used to specify the number of copies or prints you require. Continuing to the right the Black button (top) or Color button (bottom) are to start copying, scanning or printing. And finally on the far right, the Stop/Reset button cancels a print job in progress.

Print from Memory Cards

Located behind a swinging door are the memory card slots. The MP610 can read from SD Memory, SDHC, MultiMediaCard, miniSD, RS-MMC, microSD, CompactFlash and Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo and xD-Picture cards.Cards will the slots will appear as removable drives on your computer.

Flatbed Image Scanner

Under the lid you'll find the flatbed scanner. The top is adjustable to accommodate anything from a single piece of paper to a large book on the scanner bed. High-resolution Contact Image Sensor technology scans up to 4800 x 9600 dpi with 48-bit internal color depth. There is no auto document feeder on this model, it handles one sheet at a time. Scanned documents can converted to a text file using the Scansoft OmniPage OCR software or saved as PDF files using the 'Scan-to-PDF' function.

PictBridge Printing

Located on the front below the memory card slots is the PictBridge port used for direct printing from most modern digital cameras and camcorders. This port also supports a USB connection to a computer and an optional Bluetooth adapter (BU-20).

To the right of the PictBridge port is an infrared receiver which allows the MP610 to communicate with compatible cell phones and PDAs.

When the camera and printer are connected through PictBridge, the camera's LCD is used to select the images and options for your print job. Usually it's as simple as selecting the photo and pressing the camera's OK button. (Shown here are PictBridge menu screens on a Canon Digital Rebel dSLR).