subject: How Does Digital Photo Printer Ink Cartridges & Paper Handling Work? [print this page] The photo printers that use multiple ink cartridges (4 to 8 ink cartridges) provide better quality, sharper and clearer pictures. Most of these printers use 4 colors (cyan, yellow, magenta, and black).
Many photo printers additionally use light cyan and light magenta. And a few printers also use red and green or red and blue in addition to the other 6 colors. The photo printers that use multiple ink cartridges are inexpensive to maintain as you can replace only the color that is empty. There is an added option to use a gray ink cartridge in some of the photo printers. If you opt to get this cartridge, you will have better quality rich blacks, whites and grays. Some photo printers provide long lasting fade -resistant photo prints that keep their colors for many years.
Also consider the paper handling features of the photo printer when buying it. What is the paper capacity? Depending on how often you will print, you can determine how many sheets your printer should hold to suit your needs. Usually personal printers hold 100 to 300 sheets which is quite sufficient. What type of media does the photo printer accept? Can it print on thicker papers for example? Some can also print on envelopes. If you are looking to use different media such as postcards, envelopes, glossy photo papers, transparencies, or iron-on transfer sheets, make sure to get one that accepts these kinds. Most personal photo printers handle letter and legal size paper. Some photo printers also provide double -sided printing. With some photo printers you have the option of printing directly on CD's.
Some photo printers have two built -in paper trays of different sizes which allow you to print photos without switching paper. On some printers, you can even fill one tray with photo paper and the other with plain stock.
When buying your photo printer, ensure it comes with a warranty and that you carefully review the coverage. Get written explanations of your printer's warranty explaining its coverage. Get a warranty that covers all the parts (and labor) of your printer's components. Get information on website services of your printer's manufacturer. Find out where and in which circumstances you will be allowed the services and how much they will cost you. If you know that you will use the photo printer excessively, we recommend buying an additional warranty from the store where you purchase the printer. Test your printer immediately after buying it.
