How we test.... compact photo printers

A manufacturers’ specifications might tell you a few useful things about a photo printer, but if you really want to know how well it performs there’s no substitute for hands-on testing. Computer Shopper’s print tests are designed to thoroughly probe print speed and quality.

In addition to the timed test detailed below, we make test prints using very high resolution colour and black and white images. We test the quality and ease of use of any direct printing functions by printing photos directly from a memory card or PictBridge camera. We perform all our timed tests using the cartridge or ink ribbon that is supplied as standard with a printer.

TESTS

Photo speed

SETTINGS: Maximum print quality, manufacturer’s own premium photo paper

WHAT IT DOES: We test each printer’s photo performance by printing six borderless 6x4" photos onto the printer manufacturer’s coated paper. We time the test, which is performed at the maximum available print quality. Any advanced options that improve print quality are turned on. We use the same quality settings for any additional photo testing we carry out. We examine the quality of the results with the naked eye and also under magnification.