Printers: How to buy the best printer How to buy the best compact photo printer
If you only print small photos, you might want to consider a small photo printer like this Canon Selphy CP790
What is a compact photo printer?
Compact photo printers print only postcard-sized images - you can't print normal documents or large photos on them, but they’re easy to use.
Some come with batteries, which gives you more flexibility and allows you to print away from a mains power supply. The Canon Selphy CP790 even comes with its own storage bucket that clips to the bottom of the printer so you can keep the accessories together.
If you think you'd like one, see our compact photo printer reviews for current Best Buys.
However, you may want more from your printer than just small photos. If you want to be able to print text, graphics and photos on A4 take a look at our standard and all in one printer reviews.
Types of small photo printer
There are two types of compact photo printer available – dye sublimation and inkjet. Both will print small postcard-sized images and have the same features.
Dye-sublimation
To find the best printer, panelists analyse images for accurate colours and sharpness
Dye-sublimation compact photo printers have a large ribbon cartridge that contains three panels of colour film. The paper runs in and out of the printer three times and the colours are transferred to the paper separately on each pass.
Dye-sublimation compact printers produce exactly the number of photos claimed on the cartridge pack, so it’s easy to predict when you need to buy new supplies. However, they make a whining noise when printing which may be irritating.
Inkjet
Inkjet compact photo printers use a series of nozzles to shoot tiny droplets of ink directly on to the paper to build up an image.
Our tests found no difference in print quality between inkjet and dye-sublimation printers.
Use our compare products tool in our full printer reviews to find inkjet models if you have a preference for this type of printer.
Features to look for in a compact photo printer
PictBridge allows you to print photos directly from your digital camera
PictBridge
A PictBridge connection allows you to plug your digital camera into the printer directly, so you don’t have to transfer photos to your computer first.
The Canon Selphy CP780 is one example of a compact photo printer with PictBridge.
Memory cards and docking stations
Some printers have docks that let you click your camera on to the printer directly so you can select and print your photos. Docks work only with particular cameras, usually those from the same manufacturer.
Docking-station photo printers have been replaced by memory card slots and PictBridge connections that are far more versatile as they work with a wider range of cameras.
The best compact photo printers come with a wide range of memory card slots so you can plug your camera’s memory card straight in.
LCD screens
Compact photo printers have LCD screens that allow you to preview your images when printing directly from a memory card. Large LCD screens are easier to view and edit images on.
Some more expensive models such as the HP Photosmart A826 use touchscreen technology making editing and printing your images more intuitive.
Mac users
Some compact photo printers don’t work with Apple Mac computers so, if you have a Mac, be careful about checking the printer specifications before you buy.
An easy way to find a printer that will work with your computer is to use the Compare Products feature in our printer reviews.
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.
Save money on photo printing
Our extensive running costs analysis means you won't be paying over the odds for your prints.
Printing photos can be expensive - it could cost you as much as £37 to print 100 photos on a compact photo printer.
Our testing places a massive emphasis on working out the true cost of each print.
Ink prices can be high and some printers use more ink than others. The difference in running costs between the most costly and the cheapest photo printer we tested is 17p a print - a difference of £17 per 100 photos.
How to bag a cheap printer
Save money by buying ink cartridges in bulk
The best time to search for the best compact photo printer deals is in the run up to Christmas, as compact photo printers are often bought as presents.
Discounts may be available when you buy a compact photo printer with a camera and shops may give away free ink cartridges or discounts on paper packs.
Shopping online usually produces the most competitive prices for printers and ink – use a price comparison website or compare prices and view ink running costs of each printer in our printer reviews.
- Check our full printers review to find basic models that still produce top-quality printouts
- Looking for a photo printer? Take a look at our photo printer brand reviews
- We test ink cartridges, find out which cartridges are best for you in our review
