Serious about Digital Imaging?

Choose a Good Quality Printer

 

 

This is very exciting, because when you see your images in fine photo-quality print, it’s worth all the effort of having a computer and printer, so moving on from choosing the right computer for your digital imaging, another important, but well worth task is to equip yourself with a good quality printer … here are some tips to consider before purchasing …

 

Printer

 

There are many types of printer on the market, but the most competitively priced model for home use is the inkjet printer, and is now very comparable with photo-realistic results.  Again there are many makes of inkjet printer … but you must consider when choosing a printer to look at the following points:

 

Size

 

Most desk printers print up to A4 size (approx 8” x 11.5” media).  I started out with an A4, then went for the A3 (double A4 size).  I now possess a Hp DesignJet model, which prints A1 size (approx 33” x 23.25”) also known as poster size.   So bearing in mind your high resolution image, printed on a photo-realistic quality printer, you could have a whopping poster size image on your wall or sell them on.  My DesignJet prints up to 24” height, but I can choose what length – so I could create a large banner from this printer.  Having said this, it will give you an idea of the size of printer to look for, bearing in mind what you want to do.

 

Printing Resolution

 

What is Printing Resolution? It’s the printer’s ability to print a certain number of dots per square inch (known as ‘dpi’).  It works similarly, if you have a digital camera i.e. the higher the resolution, the better the quality.  For photo-realistic type inkjet printers you should aim for no less than a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi (black and white), and 4800 x 1200 dpi (colour).

 

Printing Speed

 

Printing speed is a factor to bear in mind – unless you don’t mind making a cup of tea while your image prints out!  Seriously, all models will vary with the printing speed, and of course, your print will take a little longer if you print on the finest print setting.  It’s worth asking about the speed when you buy your printer, although printer models are getting quicker with technology.

 

Inks

 

The basic colours are CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black), although quite a lot of printers are now manufactured with 6 inks – that is, as above, plus a Light Magenta and a Light Cyan.  

 

Cartridges – very important!  At one time, I can remember buying my CMYK ink cartridge all in one.  This meant that if I ran out of one colour of ink, then the other colours were of no use, as I had to replace the whole cartridge of inks.  Don’t despair – it’s now not the case!

 

Nowadays, most printers come with separate ink tanks, which are more convenient, making a saving in ink and money, as you only need replace the one colour as it runs out.  Check the ink tanks are separate before buying.

 

Ink Prices

 

Buying the manufacturer’s ink can be dearer than buying a substitute ink, which some people say it is just as good and cheaper, but I always stick to the original manufacturer’s inks, as I respect my quality printers, also, I know if I do get any future problems, the printer manufacturer will service me, knowing I am using the manufacturer’s ink.  Having said that, I do look on the Internet for price comparisons and bargains – it’s worth a look!

 

I did meet a lady in the local graphic design shop who advocates she saves a lot of money by having her ink cartridges refilled and they did a good job at that.  When I asked what her printing output was, she replied she made greetings cards using her computer templates.  This led me to believe that she may not be as serious with the print quality as in fine photo printing.   So on that note … it’s down to your choice.

 

Printing Paper

 

When you buy a new printer, the retailer may throw in a mixed pack of printing papers for you to experiment with.  Again, before buying your printer, check what media the printer will accept.  I use Matte, Satin and Gloss premium quality papers, again mainly by the same manufacturer as my printers, although I have used Fuji film Glossy and Satin medias, which do give me good quality print.  Another factor to consider is the thickness of your media – this is indicated by the ‘gsm’.  Fuji film do a Satin and Glossy media (A4 size with 270 gsm paper thickness).  I print my graphic style art on Matte and photos on Satin or Glossy.  Note if you intend to print on canvas, make sure your printer accepts the media.  There are also many other textured papers you can buy.  

 

Borderless Printing

 

One final note when choosing your printer – I have an A4 Hp photo-realistic inkjet printer that prints borderless (if you choose the setting), which is great if you intend printing postcard sizes, or up to A4.  The printer has a little postcard size tray to take this size of media.  Again, when choosing your printer, it’s what you want your printer to do.

 

Software

 

Your printer will come with a CD to install into your computer.  Once loaded you can track your ink levels and check other maintenance features regarding printing.  

 

On that note, bearing in mind some key points when looking for a printer for your digital imaging, I wish you every success with your printing endeavours.  

 

Watch out soon for more ideas and tips using other peripherals with your computer for digital imaging.

 

 

 

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