New to printing. Suggestions please.

[James Thomas 75]

Hi everyone. As the title says. I'm looking for suggestions into getting myself a printer and would appreciate any help.

Basically I've always kept my photos on CD's and flickr etc just for own personal use and memories,and never really bothered with a printer.

I took some photos of my family last week during their visit from Oz,and they mentioned getting some copies of the ones I took of my 2 year old nephew to get framed. This has also made me look through some of my old ones and decided I'd like some printed too.

What I'd like to know is what Make/Model of printer would you all suggest me to purchase (preferably WIFI as I have too many cables already!) and what type of paper (around A4 size) for good results too?

To be honest I haven't really set myself a budget,as I'm not too sure what a decent one retails for

Many thanks in advance for any help.

James

 

[stevewestern]

Do you want to print lots of pictures ?
I found that it cost me more to own a printer than to get my prints done by DSCL or someone similar.
Ink isn't cheap (I am talking about using Epson ink in an Epson printer, Canon ink in a Canon etc) and nor is decent photo paper. A few test prints, or if you need to clean the heads and you may find it costs you more to do your own!
Just a thought..

 

[Nod]

I've had good results from a couple of Canon printers, using Canon inks on a selection of Canon and Ilford papers. Even given the exorbitant cost of genuine Canon inks, I reckon I save money home printing rather than sending them off. Then there's the convenience of being able to have a print in your hot, sticky paws minutes after shooting and having complete control over the full process. I can (and do) also create my own calendars as gifts as well as producing individually tailored cards for birthdays etc.

There's nothing quite like holding a decent sized print - viewing on a screen can't compare!

 

[droj]

Home printing to a high standard is expensive (depreciation / consumables). I see it as only being worthwhile if it increases control over the result.

As it is, I can have a workflow that jobs out printing to a lab on a choice of papers and what comes back on paper is just what I created on my screen.

So I have no plans to spend tons of money on something that (1) costs loads of cash, (2) has a shortish life, and (3) takes up half a table.

 

[viewfromthenorth]

As above, if you're going to be printing a lot of prints, then it'll probably work out cheaper to get it done by a lab, once you've factored in buying a decent printer, paper, replacement inks, etc.

I only print on my home printer for exhibition, competition and portfolios as I want the print to match exactly what I see on screen, using my choice of specialist paper. I may also do small 2-3 6x4's for family of snapshots. For everything else, I get done by a lab.

 

[DizMatt]

I have a canon pixma and it's great
I've had it years, IP4200 and it's still okay, for the price
when it dies I'll buy another to replace it, for the convenience of printing in colour at home (not just photos).
However, for 25p 7x5 at adsa for properly exposed fuji prints and so many decent labs online (some with next day delivery) I wouldn't bother with anything more expensive at home. photobox, aldi, foto.com all do decent prints for buttons, and then DSCL etc do excellent work for not much more.