Are color laser printers good enough to print photos?

Question

Are color laser printers good enough to print photos? Or they too expensive and produces low quality photos?

Answer 1

Laser printers are great for speed and "business graphics" (think pie charts). For the rich color and glossy finish of photos you'll want an ink-based solution. When compared side-by-side the ink/bubblejet print will beat out the laser print every time.

For the best results try for a 4-color process (separate Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black cartridges) printer with a native resolution over 1440 dpi.

I've had decent luck with Epsons and HPs. I have heard good things about Canons but have not owned one myself.

Answer 2

Did you buy a printer yet? You might look into the dye-sub printers. There are several for making 6x4in prints. The output is indistinguishable from photographic, though the color does not pop quite as much. For larger prints, the Phaser line of printers are decent, though pricey.

Edit: I do not wish to promote any particular 6x4in printer model, but Google does list such printers with the search term dye sub photo printer .

Xerox has a list of Phaser dye sub printers here, along with a sales blurb on the benefits of solid ink. The Phasers can easily handle a 100 prints a day. Kodak also has some interesting printers, though I've never used them or seen their output.

Answer 3

From what I've found, no they are not good enough for decent photo prints. If you want to print at home, I would suggest the Epson PictureMate. It only does 4x6 printing, but the quality/value ratio is quite good.

Answer 4

If you're willing to invest in a laser printer (more than $500), it can produce decent prints, and last longer.

Before you buy, pay attention to the printer's density, measured in dpi (you'll want at least 300dpi ). Also, always ask to try the printer.