When it comes to photo printers, Epson and Canon are two brands that consistently earn high praise. Their dedicated photo printer lines, such as the Epson R series and Canon Pro series, are known for producing exceptional photo quality, suitable for professional sales and lasting for many years. However, these top-tier models can represent a significant investment. For more budget-conscious users, both Epson and Canon offer lower-level models that can still deliver satisfactory prints, particularly when paired with quality photo paper and equipped with multiple ink cartridges. Generally, printers with more ink cartridges offer a wider color range and improved print quality. It’s advisable to avoid printers that use a single color cartridge with separate compartments for different colors, as these can compromise color fidelity.
For everyday home use, the Canon Selphy printer stands out as a highly recommended option. These compact dye-sublimation printers are specifically designed for printing 4×6 photos. The print quality from a Selphy is remarkably similar to prints you’d receive from standard photo labs like Walgreens or Walmart. They are known for their speed, producing waterproof and smudge-free prints at an economical cost of approximately $0.25 per print when using large ink and paper packs. Even older models like the Selphy 400 are excellent for creating prints for refrigerators, guest keepsakes, or family albums. While limited to the 4×6 format, this size is commonly used for casual prints from retail photo services anyway. Current models to consider include the Canon Selphy 780 or 800.
