While many photo printers can also do double duty as a text printer, some manufacturers have chosen to concentrate instead on producing devices that can create high-quality photographs -- and that's all. Here are the five best dedicated photo printers out there. You may not be able to print out a business letter with one of these, but you can create one heck of a great photo.
1. Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
The Epson PictureMate Deluxe is the next version of the well-received Epson PictureMate. Reviewers praised the fact that it has more features and higher speeds, and its the color display that lets you zoom, crop photos and choose photos based on the photo itself, not a file name.
2. The Canon Pixma iP8500 Photo Printer
Canon's latest photo printer gets high marks for speed, color, and print quality; all the reviewers thought that its eight color cartridges did a great job on photos (although one reviewer thought the colors were too vivid, whatever that means). A built-in duplexer plus good text printing makes this also work for general and business use. The only complaint was that the printer doesn't come with media-card slots, which is unusual for a higher-end photo printer.3. Sony DPP-EX50
Like most dye-sublimation printers, the Sony DPP-EX50 produces top-quality photos, according to all its reviewers. They noted that the best feature is the printer's ability to connect to a TV and display which images to print, and how to print them (for example, in a calendar); you can also do some editing, such as applying a fish-eye lens effect. However, the reviewers also complained that, unlike most other photo printers, the DPP-EX50 doesn't include any photo paper in the package.4. Canon Selphy DS700
This portable photo printer differs from many of its peers in that, instead of having a small LCD for viewing photos, it plugs directly into your TV. It lets you examine your photos in detail before printing without having to deal with a PC.5. The Sony PictureStation DPP-FP30
The Sony PictureStation DPP-FP30 is a fine photo printer if you want them easy and good. Reviewers really liked the quality of the photos and said that installation and use is as simple as it gets. The only problem: Running costs may be a bit high.What Do You Think Of Dedicated Photo Printers?
While many photo printers can also do double duty as a text printer, some manufacturers have chosen to concentrate instead on producing devices that can create high-quality photographs -- and that's all. Do you have one -- and if so, do you like it? Would you consider buying a printer that just does really good photos, or will one that just does good photos be better, if you can also print documents with it? Let us know!