Digital printing reviews: Features explained
The options
Photo kiosks are a popular high street choice
Using a good high street or online photo printing service can give better results than if you print pictures yourself, and it's cheaper.
Online
On-line processors, such as Bonusprint and Snapfish, take a number of days to deliver your prints, but they do come to your door. They're often the cheapest way to get large volumes of printing done. Many online services will allow you to store you photos in an online album so you can come back and view them at a later date.
You can also send links to friends or family with some online albums so they can look at your photos too
High street
High street shops, such as Boots and Jessops, will produce your photos within an hour. Some require you to upload your photos on to an small self service device before they're printed behind the counter. Others allow you to hand over a digital camera memory card, or CD of images to a staff member who will process them for you.
Be aware that if you want to print more than 100 images some stores, such as Jessops, will ask you to leave them overnight for processing.
If you want your photos quickly, or you're only printing a few images there are several alternatives to using a high street or online processor.
Kiosks
Photo kiosks from manufacturers such as Kodak are increasingly popular. They're quick and easy to use and give good quality prints.
You can only print 6x4-inch or 8x6-inch pictures and they can be a little on the pricey side but they're perfect when you just want a couple of images in a hurry.
Inkjet Printers
The cost of printing photos on an inkjet printer varies, but printing one 6x4-inch photo on a typical home inkjet costs about 40p in ink and another 10p in paper.
If you've got an inkjet printer that's been tested by Which? that scores more than four stars for photo quality you should find the standard of your print comparable with those from a professional processor.
Small Photo Printers
Another option is to use a specially designated small photo printer. These printers are designed to print 6x4-inch photos and the cheapest ones can cost as little as 11p per print, although generally the cost is nearer 30p. They're really convenient and easy to use.
Alternatively, you might like to display your photos on a digital photo frame. Check out the Which? digital photo frame reviews to find one that suits your needs.