Which photo printer should I choose?

Resolution explained: how many dpi do you really need?

The desired resolution of your photo print is an important factor in deciding between different photo printers. Of course, you want your prints to be as sharp as possible! The print resolution of printers is measured in dpi (dots per inch). The higher the dpi, the more detailed the photo prints will be. Do you want to print your holiday photos for a photo album? Then a resolution of around 1200 dpi is usually sufficient.
Do you want to print your photos in a larger format, for example for on the wall or for exhibitions? Then a higher resolution is recommended, such as 2,880 x 1,440 dpi or even higher. These higher resolutions ensure that details remain sharp, even in larger formats or when viewed up close.
Please note: a higher resolution does not automatically mean better quality. The paper used, the ink technology and, of course, the quality of your original photo also play a major role in the final result. For the best quality, professional photographers therefore often opt for printers with pigment ink and high dpi values.

Colour and ink: how does it work and what suits you best?

The colour coverage of a photo printer is very important. You want your photos to look just as vibrant as they do on your digital screen! To print all colour tones properly, a photo printer needs different colours of ink. In general, the more ink colours, the better the colour transitions and colour accuracy.
Most printers use a combination of two or four cartridges (usually cyan, magenta, yellow and black – CMYK). Photo printers, on the other hand, can have up to six, eight or even twelve cartridges! These add extra colours such as light cyan, light magenta, grey and special black tones for more subtle transitions and more realistic skin tones.

Types of ink cartridges: dye ink vs. pigment ink

Dye ink:
This type of ink is dye-based and penetrates deeper into the paper. It produces vivid colours and a glossy finish. Dye ink is often cheaper and therefore more commonly used in photo printers intended for home use.
Advantages: bright colours, suitable for many types of photo paper
Disadvantages: less resistant to water and UV light, causing it to fade more quickly

Pigment ink:
Unlike dye ink, pigment ink remains on the surface of the paper. It is more resistant to discolouration from light and moisture and therefore more durable, making it a popular choice among professional photographers.
Advantages: produces sharp lines and details, highly resistant to moisture, UV light and fading, giving the prints a very long shelf life
Disadvantages: less vivid colours than dye ink, more expensive, not compatible with all paper types

Here too, the number of ink cartridges you need depends on the type of photos you want to print. For accurate colours, it is best to look for a photo printer with more than four cartridges. Professionals looking for extra colour precision can opt for a photo printer with more than eight cartridges.

From pocket size to A3+: what printer format do you need?

If you are investing in a photo printer for home use, it is wise to first consider what format you want to print in. Do you want to print small photos to stick in an album or use for crafts? Then a mini printer is perfect for you. Want a little more flexibility? Then go for a photo printer that can print in different formats. For example, there are printers that print in standard photo format, but also in A5, A4 or A3 format. Some printers also support paper rolls for long panoramic prints. It is also useful to consider that if you want to make larger prints, you will need a larger photo printer. If you have limited space, it may be more convenient to choose a more compact model.

Smart features & extras

Consider what extra features you are looking for in a photo printer. Do you want to print directly from your smartphone or tablet? Then choose a photo printer with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. The size of the photo printer can also be a deciding factor. There are many compact photo printers, some of which are even easy to take with you on the go! Portable photo printers are ideal for people who travel frequently, as these wireless printers are easy to take with you wherever you go. New photo printers often have various creative features such as prints with a self-adhesive backing or customisable layouts. With a variety of print and design options, you can get extra creative. For even more ease of use and design options, look for a photo printer with a matching smartphone app.