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How to Choose a Photo Printer:

The best home photo printers that bring your work to life

Whether you're printing treasured family memories, crafting a portfolio of your photography, or creating stunning art prints, having the right printer can make all the difference. 

But with so many options available, it can be tricky to decide which one is right for you. That's why we've put together this guide to help you understand the key features, types, and considerations to look out for when choosing a photo printer. We've also recommended the best printers for photographers with help from our Product Specialist, Lizzie James.

Contents

What is a photo printer?

How to choose a photo printer

The best photo printers for every home

What is a photo printer?

A photo printer is a specialised type of printer designed to produce high-quality, detailed prints of your photos. Unlike standard printers, which are great for text and basic images, photo printers use advanced technology to deliver vibrant colours, sharp contrasts, and professional-level finishes.

Many photo printers are compatible with a variety of paper sizes and finishes, from glossy to matte, so you can customise your prints to suit your style.

Lizzie says: "Photo printers are perfect for those who want to turn their digital memories into physical keepsakes. I love printing the photos I'm especially proud of from my digital camera, and having my own printer just makes it so much easier – and cheaper in the long run – than going through an external company."

"Whether you're creating a family album, printing snapshots for your fridge, or producing professional prints for display, a photo printer gives you complete control over how and when you print."

How to choose a photo printer

Choosing the right photo printer depends on your specific needs, so it’s worth considering a few key factors:

1. The type of printer: Inkjet or dye sublimation
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for an inkjet or dye-sublimation model:

Inkjet
Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. They’re highly versatile, working well with a wide range of materials, including fabrics, rigid materials, and speciality art papers. They can also handle larger print sizes than dye-sublimation printers, making them ideal for creative projects and big-scale images.

Another advantage of inkjet printers is their lower startup cost, which makes them a great option for beginners or those printing smaller quantities.

Dye-sublimation
Dye-sublimation printers use heat to transfer dye onto photo paper, creating vibrant, smooth prints with excellent colour consistency. The prints are highly durable, smudge-proof, and water and fade-resistant, making them ideal for long-lasting photo albums or framed displays.

This process allows the dye to fully saturate the substrate, resulting in more dynamic and accurate colours. This is perfect for images requiring great detail and colour accuracy. Thanks to the heat-vaporised dye process, dye-sublimation printers produce higher-resolution prints compared to inkjet printers.

Lizzie says: "If you're after flexibility and want to print on different materials or larger sizes, an inkjet printer is definitely the way to go – they're more affordable upfront and great for big projects like posters or large-scale prints."

"But if you're after vibrant, durable prints that won't fade, a dye-sublimation printer is a fantastic choice. They're perfect for framed images or keepsakes because the quality really holds up over time and resists fading in sunlight. They can be pricier, but the results are worth it if you want something long-lasting."

"The choice of inkjet or dye-sublimation really comes down to what you're printing and your budget – both have their strengths!"

2. Dye or pigment-based inks
When it comes to inkjet printers, one of the key choices is whether to use dye-based or pigment-based inks. But which one should you choose?

Dye-based ink printers
Dye-based ink works by dissolving a soluble dye into the liquid ink, fully absorbing into the surface of the paper. The small molecules make it especially well-suited for glossy photo paper, as the ink can penetrate beneath the gloss coating.

Pigment-based ink printers
Pigment-based inks suspend solid colourant particles in the liquid ink as a very fine powder. These particles don't dissolve into the liquid carrier. Unlike dye-based inks, the pigment particles sit on the surface of the paper, forming a protective layer that enhances the print's durability.

This surface-level bonding is what makes pigment-based inks more robust. While they may not produce colours as vibrant as dye-based inks, they offer superior resistance to smudging, water damage, and UV fading.

Lizzie says: "If you work with glossy photos a lot, dye-based ink is the best option because it delivers vibrant, punchy colours and works beautifully with glossy photo paper. It's great for everyday prints or albums you'll flip through occasionally.”

"But if you're after something more durable, like fine art prints, matte photos, or anything you want to last for years without fading, pigment-based ink is the way to go."

"Dye-based inks are still more common, especially in consumer-level printers, which are great for casual use. Pigment-based inks, on the other hand, are often found in professional-grade printers and tend to be more expensive."

Lizzie adds: “Most printers are built for one type of ink – either dye or pigment – but some higher-end models can handle both. If you’re doing a mix of glossy photo prints and fine art, investing in a printer that supports both might be worth it. Otherwise, it’s best to choose a printer that aligns with the type of prints you’ll be making most often.”

3. Size and portability
Before deciding, think about your space and what you need from your printer — whether portability or functionality matters more to you.

If you're handling larger print jobs or need something more heavy-duty, a desktop photo printer is the way to go. While they're a bit bulkier, they come packed with features like support for larger paper sizes, higher resolution, and faster print speeds. Perfect for home offices or anyone looking to create gallery-quality prints or take on bigger projects with ease.

If you're short on space at home, a compact model, like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO, could be just what you need. These lightweight printers are easy to store and don't take up much room.

Looking for something even more portable? Mini printers like the Instax models are fantastic for on-the-go printing. These pocket-sized devices let you print polaroid-style pictures directly from your camera or smartphone, producing wallet-sized photos in minutes – ideal for travel, events, or creating instant keepsakes wherever you are.

4. Connectivity and compatibility
When choosing a photo printer, it's essential to make sure it connects easily to your devices. Most modern printers come with multiple connectivity options, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB, making it simple to integrate them into your workflow.

Some models even take it a step further by supporting direct printing from digital cameras via PictBridge or other proprietary systems, so you can skip the hassle of transferring files to a computer or smartphone.

You can also find printers that work with Apple AirPrint, allowing you to print directly from your Apple devices without the need for extra software.

Lizzie recommends: "When considering connectivity, think about the devices you'll be printing from most often. Do you need wireless printing for convenience, or is a reliable USB connection more important? If you're a photographer, you'll probably want to check if your printer supports direct camera connections."

5. Paper options
When selecting a photo printer, the types of paper it supports are a critical consideration, as this will affect the quality and style of your prints. Here’s what to look for:

Paper sizes
Photo printers vary in the range of sizes they can handle. Some compact models are limited to standard sizes like A4, while professional-grade printers can accommodate larger formats like A2. 

If you plan to print posters or large-scale images, you’ll want to ensure your printer supports wide-format printing.

Paper finishes
Different paper finishes create unique looks and textures, but not all printers work with every type. It’s worth checking which finishes your printer supports before making a choice:

If you’re aiming for a specific look, make sure your printer can handle the finishes you want to use. Higher-end models generally support a wider range, giving you more flexibility to experiment with various papers.

Paper thickness and weight
Printers are designed to handle specific paper weights, typically measured in gsm (grams per square meter). 

Consumer-grade printers usually work with lighter paper, up to around 200gsm, which is fine for standard photo prints. But if you’re after something more premium, like heavier or textured paper (300gsm and up), you’ll need a professional model. Heavier paper gives your prints a high-quality feel and is perfect for fine art or framed photos.

Ink cartridges or tanks
One important factor to consider is whether it uses ink cartridges or ink tanks. Both have their pros and cons, depending on your printing habits and budget:

Cartridge-based printers
Cartridge-based printers are the traditional choice, using small, replaceable cartridges for each colour. They’re usually more affordable upfront, which makes them a popular option for occasional users.

However, cartridges tend to run out quickly, and replacing them can become costly, especially if you’re printing frequently or working on larger projects.

Ink tank printers
On the other hand, ink tank printers come with large, refillable ink reservoirs instead of cartridges. While they tend to have a higher initial price, they offer a much lower cost per print, making them a smart choice for anyone who prints regularly.

Ink tanks also last longer between refills, which means less hassle and mess when it’s time to top up.

Lizzie says: “Cartridges are great if you only print occasionally, but if you’re someone who prints a lot – whether it’s photo albums or bigger projects – ink tanks can save you both time and money in the long run.”

User-friendly features
It’s worth considering the extra features that can make printing easier and more convenient. Some tools designed to simplify the printing process include:

These user-friendly features are great for ensuring high-quality results with minimal fuss, making it easier to focus on your creative work.

Do you need a scanner facility?
If you occasionally need to digitise old photos, scan documents, or create high-quality reproductions of artwork, a printer with a built-in scanner can be super handy.

They’re especially useful if you want to enhance or retouch images you only have in physical form, as scanning creates a high-quality digital version you can easily refine in photo editing software.

Read our guide on the best photo editing software for beginners to learn more.

That said, if your main goal is just printing photos and you don’t need to scan or copy often, you can probably skip this feature.

The best photo printers for every home

With help from photography expert Lizzie, we’ve put together the best photo printers for photographers to suit every need.

"The Canon Pixma G650 is such a fantastic all-rounder," recommends Lizzie. "The photo quality is stunning thanks to six dye-based inks for vibrant, detailed prints. Plus, it's incredibly cost-effective – one set of ink bottles can print around 3,800 photos! It's ideal for anyone who needs high-quality prints at a low cost."

"It's versatile, too, with print, scan, and copy functions. It can handle both glossy photo paper for stunning images and regular paper for everyday tasks, making it perfect for a variety of needs. The borderless A4 photo printing is a standout feature, letting you create professional-looking prints at home."

"Plus, the front-facing ink tanks make it easy to monitor ink levels, and wireless printing from your phone or digital camera makes using it a breeze."

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"This printer is a great budget option for photographers," says Lizzie. "It produces stunning, glossy photos with its six-colour Claria Photo HD inks, which deliver professional quality and long-lasting prints."

"The dual paper trays make it easy to switch between A4 and photo paper, and the compact design is perfect for home use. With features like wireless printing, a large touchscreen, and even the ability to print onto CDs or DVDs, it's versatile and user-friendly without breaking the bank at just £159."

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"The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is perfect for photo paper," says Lizzie. "Its six-colour Claria Photo HD dye-based inks, including red and grey, really bring out vibrant colours and finer details, giving your photos a professional finish. The grey ink helps create smoother tonal gradations for stunning black and white images, while the red ink expands the colour range for more lifelike prints."

With the ability to print up to A3+ size and a rear paper feed that handles thicker media, it's an excellent choice for those who want to print larger, high-quality photos on glossy paper.

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Lizzie says: "This instax printer is perfect for anyone who wants to print high-quality, wide-format photos on the go. What makes it stand out is the creative flexibility — you can add text, filters, and resize images in the app before you even print. Plus, it's lightweight and durable, so you can easily slip it in your pocket and take it to parties or events."

The fun really begins when you start using the different colour modes or one of the over 30 editable templates. Simply connect the printer to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and the app allows you to edit and customise your photos before sending them to the printer.

The only drawback is that the prints are limited to smaller sizes, but for a portable, instant printer, it's still a fantastic option.

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"We all know inkjet printers are popular for their versatility, but the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 stands out because it redefines what inkjets can do," explains Lizzie. "Its six-colour Claria ET Premium ink system delivers exceptional photo quality, including sharp black and white prints, all without the hassle of cartridges. With the added benefit of pigment black ink, it produces crisp, professional-quality text on plain paper too."

"Unlike traditional inkjets, this model offers incredible cost-efficiency with its refillable ink tanks, allowing you to print up to 2,300 high-quality photos from a single set of ink bottles. It's a game-changer for anyone looking for an inkjet that delivers both affordability and stunning results."

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When it comes to A3 printing, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 takes versatility and quality to new heights.

Lizzie says: "This printer is compact yet capable of printing stunning, borderless A3+ photos on a range of media, from glossy to fine art. The speed is impressive, too, so you won't be waiting long for those high-quality prints."

"Beyond size, it's all about creative freedom. Whether you're printing professional-grade images or experimenting with custom media, this printer gives photographers the tools to elevate their work. The Canon Professional Print and Layout software ensures your prints match what you see on-screen, with precise colour management and seamless integration with programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop."

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If you're looking for really big prints without sacrificing quality, the Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000 is the ideal choice.

Lizzie explains: "Printing up to A2, this printer combines exceptional detail with vivid colour thanks to its 12-ink system. It's perfect for photographers who want to showcase their work in larger formats, whether it's glossy, matte, fine art paper or canvas."

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Shop printers at Jessops today

At Jessops, we have a wide range of printers, ink cartridges, printer paper and home tech from leading brands like Canon and Epson. If you're looking to dive into photography, we also have a fantastic selection of digital cameras and photography gear to help you get started.

Unsure where to begin? Read our beginner's guide to digital cameras for expert tips on getting started.

For more tips and inspiration, check out our blog. If you have any questions or need guidance on choosing the right products, contact us today.

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