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If you print photos or artwork you might wonder what the advantages of a pro photo printer are over your average desktop inkjet machine.
In short, a pro photo printer will create a much higher-quality piece of artwork, compared to a standard desktop printer thanks to additional ink cartridges, giving higher colour accuracy. A higher paper support for unique media types and a host of additional features to give you professional level prints.
Photo Printer Vs Traditional Inkjet
Whilst there are often similarities between the features available and the functions they offer, professional photo printers offer several distinct advantages over typical inkjets. This is especially true if you’re serious about printing high-quality photos.
Pro Photo Printer Quality
Quality is the key factor that should encourage you to invest in a pro model.
Professional devices such as the Canon Pro series or Epson SC-P range use multi-ink systems that consist of up to 12 coloured inks. Inkjets may offer a high-quality photo output in general, but professional photo printers’ ink sets offer a much wider colour palette than the standard 4 colours used in a desktop inkjet. This makes for much more accurate colour reproduction that brings life and vibrancy to your images.
Heavy Media Support
Another element in favour of pro machines is the range and type of media (e.g. heavy paper or card) they can print on. These printers aren’t limited to standard-weight photo papers and they support all finishes of media including matt, gloss, lustre, satin, fine art paper and in some cases even canvas.
This versatility makes these printers not only suitable for photo-realistic output but also allows the use of thicker cardstock. This is ideal for craft applications such as creating custom stationery, wedding invitations and other artworks.
Whilst most professional photo printers can print on cards and thicker media, some printers can take heavier weights than others. We’ve found the best printers for printing on card, and it’s available here.
Banner Printing
Pro photo printers are also perfect for producing excellent quality panoramic images with cut sheet printing up to 1200mm (47″) in length. Canon Pro models in particular are an excellent choice for panoramic printing. You’ll find it possible to print lengths of 1,200mm on the Pro-1000) and the ability to print on roll media with the Epson SC-P series.
Direct Disc Print
Direct disc print is a feature found on several desktop inkjet printers. However, it is also available on some professional photo models (Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-300, Epson SureColor SC-P700 and Epson SureColor SC-P900). This is a great way for photographers to customise discs of digital originals sent out to their customers.
Mobile Support
Mobile support isn’t a feature exclusive to professional-level printers, but it’s an ever-increasing necessity for users. It’s supported on all Canon and Epson wi-fi enabled professional printers so you can print from a host of mobile devices.
Use Airprint from your iPhone to instantly print photos to your printer or even send a photo via Google Cloud Print directly to the printer from wherever you happen to be at the time.
Why Are There No Laser Photo Printers?
There is no doubt that laser prints can print good-quality photos, some are even designed to print marketing materials. However, when printing a professional-level photo, they can find some limitations due to the methods in which they print. Laser printers are also limited to a standard 4-toner setup (CMYK).
Professional photo printers do offer the absolute best in photos, graphics and artwork prints. They’re perfect for a personalisation business, the crafting community and both professional and budding photographers alike.
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