January 20, 2022. My article “How to Choose a Printer for High-Quality Photo Printing” was published on IT-World.
Many photographers — amateur and professional alike — invest in cameras, lenses, and image editing software. The printer is often an afterthought. But it shouldn’t be: what looks perfect on a monitor can disappoint on paper, and the reverse is equally true. A quality printer is as much a part of the photographic process as the camera or Lightroom — and in this article I broke down what to actually look for when choosing one.
Laser or inkjet? The conventional answer is “inkjet for photos.” But laser models are closing the gap fast, offering sharper toner application, higher print speeds, and increasingly accessible price points. The market for photo paper designed for laser thermal processing — from glossy to matte — has also expanded significantly. Inkjet cartridges may cost less upfront, but they need replacing more often and fall behind on sharpness.
Print format. This is one of the most important parameters to get right, because it won’t change for the life of the device. For hobbyists, a compact A4 model is enough to print 4×6, 8×10, and even 13×19-inch prints. A professional desktop printer at around 40cm wide opens up 17–22-inch formats and panoramic prints.
Connectivity. Not all printers offer the same connection options — some come with nothing more than a direct USB port. I recommend prioritizing wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easy to print directly from a phone or tablet, and cloud print support lets you send images to the printer remotely, even by email.
MFPs for photo enthusiasts. If you want a broader range of functions, a multifunction device is a strong choice. A built-in scanner lets you digitize film prints or Polaroid shots, while flexible connectivity speeds up working with files in various formats.
Consumables. Many printers simply won’t recognize non-original cartridges — and counterfeit supplies are a common cause of device failure. Buy only from authorized dealers and distributors. Authenticity can usually be verified via QR code or other manufacturer-recommended methods.
When you factor in all of these criteria, photo printing stops being just a hobby and starts becoming a meaningful part of how you present your work. A printed image has a presence that a screen simply cannot replicate.