Group test: A4 photo printers

Since we last looked at A4 photo printers, all-in-one devices have all but taken over. With Lexmark having left the high-end A4 photo printer market altogether, we’re left with only a handful of printers to test.

The latest top-of-the-range models from Canon, Epson and HP are much better than previous generations and deliver excellent results for the hobbyist or business user. With new dye-based inks and improved paper technologies, we’re seeing many of the problems we’ve come to expect all but eradicated.

Water droplets or scratches used to spell the end for many prints, but today all three manufacturers are producing photos that are better looking and more durable than ever.

Attempting to choose one of these photo printers on quality alone is now almost a pointless exercise as they’re so well matched. Instead we have to look at what other features are on offer.

With all three models designed to operate just as well away from your PC as when connected to it, usability, image browsing and editing features are all very important.

The three models reviewed here all have large LCD panels of about 3.5in in diagonal and can crop, edit, enhance and print photos without the need to go anywhere near PC-based image-editing software.

All use six ink colours and flash memory card slots. It’s also possible to connect Pictbridge-compatible cameras directly as well as Bluetooth adapters to allow printing from mobile phones.

Considering that these superb printers start from £149, if you’re a serious photographer who values quality over superfluous functions, now’s the time to grab one before they become an extinct species.

This article is part of a group test of A4 photo printers
See also
Canon Pixma IP6700D
Epson Stylus Photo R360
HP Photosmart D7360
How we tested the photo inkjet printers
Photo printing under Windows Vista
Graphs and table of features can be read via our pdf downloads above
Editor's Choice is on the next page

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