Dye Sublimation vs. Inkjet Photo Printers: An In-Depth Comparison

For photographers, it's essential to understand the choices of printers in the market which are best for their professional use. This is also the reason why photographers need help in identifying which better photo printer to use is between a dye sublimation printer and an inkjet printer is. Through this comparison, photographers will have a guide in making a wiser choice for a professional photo printer.

Dye Sublimation Printers: Photo Printing on the Road and in the Lab

Dye sublimation printers are printers that use dye panels as their coloring materials. Dye panels are like solid panes of dye which, through the printer's sublimation process, are imprinted onto the medium using heat. This kind of printer is the best printing device when it comes to printing photos especially because it can produce excellent photos in a speedy manner. Commercial photo printers used in photo studios and laboratories are built with this printing mechanism.

The two types of dye sublimation printers are the compact photo printer and the commercial-grade photo printer. The compact photo printer is the most popular type of dye sublimation printer. Since it has a small and handy size, it is very ideal for on-the-go printing. This photo printer is best to use for outdoor photo printing, out-of-town excursions, occasions and celebrations where you can print and sell photos, and locations where printers are not exactly accessible.

On the other hand, the second type of dye sublimation printer is also known as a studio photo printer or dry mini-laboratory, typically used for mass photo printing. Such printing device is often used by commercial photo printing studios which can be found in malls and other public areas. They are quite heavy and their interfaces are ideal for easy direct photo printing. Since they are commercial-grade, it's not surprising for these printers to be expensive. Photo printing businesses need this type of printer for their industry.

Inkjet Printers: Photo Printing for the Home and General Purposes

To be able to print photos of your family even in your own household, it's more preferable to have an inkjet photo printer. Inkjet printers utilize nozzles that paint images onto paper as well as ink cartridges that use liquid ink for vibrant colors. The print heads of inkjet printers move back and forth, painting the images of the photo onto the medium.

The great thing about inkjet printers is their prices - they are very affordable. Most people prefer these printers because they are easy on the pocket and very functional as well. Their versatility makes them useful not only for photo printing but also for general document printing purposes.

If you want to get an inkjet photo printer, it's important that the device has high resolutions, typically around 4,800 to 9,600 dpi, and many nozzles, ideally more than 3,000.

Conclusion

Between a dye sublimation printer and an inkjet printer, it's hard to tell which is better. What's best is to understand what these devices are best used for and how they can benefit your profession. That way, you will have the freedom to decide which one is really best depending on the photo printing activity that you wish to use it for.

I have more reviews and information about the best photo printers at my Website. You may also be interested in reading my article on best Canon photo printer.