Inkjet printers: fine photos & more.(ANNUAL PHOTO GUIDE)(Buyers guide)

If your inkjet printer doesn't offer the features and quality you want for printing photos, you might be shopping for a new model that's more photo-friendly.

Many inkjets now on the market are called photo printers. That doesn't mean they print only photos. They can also produce text and graphics, but they have features designed for digital photographers. (There are compact photo printers that print only snapshots; see the next page.)

Most new inkjets can print photos without using a computer. All but basic, low-cost units have PictBridge capability, which lets you print directly from a camera connected by a USB cable. Many printers also have a slot for the camera's memory card and an LCD viewer for choosing and cropping photos. Some pricier models add a Bluetooth interface for wireless printing from a camera or computer.

Even more important than convenience features is print quality. The best printers, including some priced at $100 to $150, produce excellent photos. Many use photo inks with six or more colors. Those inks can enhance photo quality but, in our experience, they don't always do so.

There's a trend toward all-in-one inkjet printers that can also scan, copy, and sometimes fax. About half of all inkjets bought last year were all-in-ones. Many match the features and print quality of stand-alone models and cost $100 to $200.

WHY CHOOSE A FULL-SIZED INKJET?

Standard inkjets offer versatility, top print quality, and low-cost enlargements. They can print almost anything, including photos 8x10 inches or larger, text, and graphics such as greeting cards. You can use various types and sizes of paper, from business cards to banners.