Amateur looking for inexpensive printer.
Jun 28, 2015 07:49:34 #
Not sure what I want to use to print my photos. I'd like to build an album. So far, everything has been sent to COSTCO.
Probably will use mostly 8X10. Larger? Need advice. Retired. Limited budget.
Paper? Can you help with that too? Source?
Should I stick with COSTCO, Walgreens, etc.?
Thanks. It's help like this that is part of the reason to be a member. (Until someone tells me what a low life and idiot I am and that I should sell my cameras and throw myself in front of a bus. I'd like to read your answers before following such advice and killing myself.) ......... smile
Probably will use mostly 8X10. Larger? Need advice. Retired. Limited budget.
Paper? Can you help with that too? Source?
Should I stick with COSTCO, Walgreens, etc.?
Thanks. It's help like this that is part of the reason to be a member. (Until someone tells me what a low life and idiot I am and that I should sell my cameras and throw myself in front of a bus. I'd like to read your answers before following such advice and killing myself.) ......... smile
Jun 28, 2015 07:56:45 #
MontanaTrace wrote:
Not sure what I want to use to print my photos. I'... (show quote)
Take your time and do some research. Since you are printing to make an album, you want good quality, so use ink and paper made by the printer maker. The biggest factor in printing economy is the cost of the ink. It's better to buy a more expensive printer that will use ink more economically.
After a lengthy discussion here a few months ago, the general consensus was that leaving the printer turned on all the time is cheaper than wasting the ink used at start-up. I used a Kill-A-Watt to measure electric use of my printers, and it would cost almost nothing to leave them on all the time.
http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS625US625&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=economical%20printers
Jun 28, 2015 07:59:21 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
MontanaTrace wrote:
Not sure what I want to use to print my photos. I'... (show quote)
I've had very good luck with HP printers and paper. Check these out:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Brand_HP&mnp=50&ci=1109&N=4077634590+4051997524&mxp=125&origSearch=Inkjet+Printers
Jun 28, 2015 07:59:35 #
Jun 28, 2015 08:21:29 #
I use the HP Photosmart Plus printer for very good photos. The store closings of Office Max and another office supply store had enough paper to last me nearly a lifetime for just pennies. Ink is another story altogether. To print ten or twelve good 8 X 10 photos for my camera club costs nearly $40 in ink alone. My advice is to talk to people that may be able to tell you which printer uses ink more economically. I just had Walgreens print a couple that I wanted to have on display just to see what they could do and wow, it was worth it. However, there is something about doing it yourself from taking the picture to hanging it on the wall that makes it all worthwhile.
Jun 28, 2015 08:29:10 #
Ol' Frank wrote:
I use the HP Photosmart Plus printer for very good... (show quote)
Yes, doing it myself is the reason but I do want a good finished product. I must make a wise choice.
Thank you all for the great answers. I look forward to reviewing my options. Ink seems to be a strong consideration. The paper at Office Max sounds great. Refilling ink cartridges is what I have been advised. Cartridge World, online, etc.
Jun 28, 2015 08:33:16 #
I used to use HP exclusively but lately they seem to have fallen behind Epson and Canon in popularity for photographic work. I have had an Epson Artisan 837 for several years and the quality is outstanding with reasonable, IMO, ink usage. Only prints up to 8.5x11 though. Epson has a good selection of printers of various capabilities and prices. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any one that fit my needs. Canon used to have a reputation as an ink hog. I don't know if that is still the case, but their Pixma Pro 100 (I think that is right) is very popular and inexpensive. As far as I know, they produce good quality printers.
Jun 28, 2015 08:55:51 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
jerryc41 wrote:
Take your time and do some research. Since you ar... (show quote)
Some printers, Canon's Pixma Pro-100, for example, have an automatic shut-off and cannot be left on.
Jun 28, 2015 09:06:36 #
MontanaTrace wrote:
Yes, doing it myself is the reason but I do want a good finished product. I must make a wise choice.
Thank you all for the great answers. I look forward to reviewing my options. Ink seems to be a strong consideration. The paper at Office Max sounds great. Refilling ink cartridges is what I have been advised. Cartridge World, online, etc.
Thank you all for the great answers. I look forward to reviewing my options. Ink seems to be a strong consideration. The paper at Office Max sounds great. Refilling ink cartridges is what I have been advised. Cartridge World, online, etc.
You have to be careful filling cartridges all inks are not created equal.
Jun 28, 2015 09:17:06 #
MontanaTrace wrote:
Not sure what I want to use to print my photos. I'... (show quote)
It's always about money. Any descent printer is going to set you back about $200. And paper another 10 or 20. So you have to make a chioce as to how any prints you will make vs cost of having someone else do it. All of the above mentioned brands will make excellent prints. Look at the ABC of on line camera outfits ( Adorama , B&H , Cameta) check out the specs and prices and reviews of all printers you might be interested in. One last thing. Manufacturers basically give away their printers at cost as they make their money on ink. Which in the long run will cost much more than the printer. Even though I did not make a specific recommendation I hope this has helped.
Jun 29, 2015 06:47:40 #
Leitz wrote:
Some printers, Canon's Pixma Pro-100, for example, have an automatic shut-off and cannot be left on.
Interesting. I wonder if that's adjustable.
Jun 29, 2015 06:52:02 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
jerryc41 wrote:
Interesting. I wonder if that's adjustable.
Probably could be done with a pair of wire nippers.
Jun 29, 2015 07:25:11 #
Have had good results with Canon 5520 as inexpensive printer. Has 5 cartridges and works well for quality.
Jun 29, 2015 07:53:57 #
Leitz wrote:
Probably could be done with a pair of wire nippers.
Good idea!
Jun 29, 2015 07:55:47 #
I just purchased a new CANON MG2500 about $49. Look into it at Walmart
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