Photo printers aren't much of a novelty these days, as many companies have started offering them for consumers for some time now. Most consumer photo printers we've seen use inkjet or laser technology for printing photos. Today, we've a unique photo printer that uses dye sublimation to print great looking 4x6s -- the Kodak Photo Printer 500.
Before we go on with the review, let's understand the basic concept of Dye Sublimation or Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer (D2T2).
Dye Sublimation or Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer (D2T2)
This process employs a set of ribbons that are coated with a dye, which is transferred to the photo paper by the application of heat and pressure from a stylus at a discrete point. The dye will sublimate (the change from solid to gas, while at no point becoming a liquid) and transfer to the photo paper, where it'll be chemically bound.
D2T2 is known by many names, viz. Thermal Dye Sublimation, Dye Sub, and Thermal Dye Transfer (TDT).
This technology has been in existence since 1986 (Hitachi VY 50A printer), but it was the XL 7700 printer (1989) that saw Kodak use this technology for the first time.
Color D2T2 printers usually have a cartridge (aka donor) that has Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (Key -- hence K) colored dyes.
To print pictures, these printers use glossy Resin Coated (RC) paper with many extra coatings to receive the dyes from a donor ribbon.
Kodak printers manufactured later than 1994 have the capability of applying a UV and fingerprint protection laminate over the image, the edge of which you can often make out when you view it in specular light at the edge of the image. Although the coating protects the picture from fingerprint smudges, it's still easily scratched.
D2T2 is popular for consumer photo printers, as the prints are indistinguishable from actual photographic prints. But this technique has its own share of problems.
Under magnification, a regular grid of faint, diffuse-edged squares or lines is clearly distinguishable. Color misalignment of the C, M, and Y dyes is quite visible under slight magnification. Blank spots caused by dust between medium and ribbon during printing also affect the quality of the prints.
Even with all its cons, D2T2 offers much better looking photo prints -- and has more or less the same operating costs as any inkjet printer.
I'm sure by now you're an expert on dye sublimation. So let's get on with the review, shall we?
I would like to knowthe printing cost in indian rupees and printer's durability.I want to print daily at least 10 6x4 print.Is it durable for years? any problem while printing after warrenty time? Please mail to me about my doubts..thank you
by Gopakumar
from cherthala(KERALA,INDIA)
on 16/06/08 07:55 PM
Wi-fi enabled all in ones is a rarity.Why don't these printer cos make entry level
A.I.O [less than Rs 6000/=] as Wi-fi enabled!!!!
by manikumar
from chennai
on 30/10/07 11:18 AM
The size restriction is a constraint. 4x6 prints are cheapest in labs or even in Snapfish. At home, as hobbyist, you may need to take occational printout for 5x7 ,8x10 or A4. You'll get a good all-in-one photoprinter at this price from deskjet ranges. Moreover, you can print documents as well in the deskjet. Who wants an exclusive photo printer at home, at this cost ? Even, considering the running cost, this is not an attractive proposition for commercial users also. Dye-sub Canon printers are available at half of its price. I'll personally look for reviews on dye-sub printers which supports bigger formats (e.g. Hi-Ti).
by A Mitra
from Kolkata
on 23/10/07 04:25 PM
it product too good but priceof one photo is too much high i want less price rate photo and 4 no photo in one time(passport) give me suggestation
by s k kansal
from naya nangal
on 21/10/07 02:50 PM
Email
Print
