Photo printer reviews: How to buy
Camera compatibility
Check memory card compatibility before you buy
One of your main priorities when selecting a small photo printer should be whether it's compatible with your digital camera.
Check the type of memory card that your camera takes and ensure the printer you buy has the right card slot.
If the model you're considering doesn't take memory cards and you want to print without using a computer, the easiest way is via PictBridge. Some older cameras aren't PictBridge compatible, so check yours before heading out to the shops.
Portability
If you want to take your printer on holiday with you or use it in the garden, check that it's battery powered.
Is the printer too heavy or bulky to carry easily? Some weigh little more than a bag of sugar, while the heaviest weighs more than double that. Try lifting the printer in the shop.
Print costs
The cost of printing your photos doesn't stop when you've bought your printer. You need to buy photo-quality paper and ink cartridges, which can be quite expensive.
See our cost per print figures for the running costs of the printers we tested.