When it comes to portable photo printers, there is one model that stands out above the rest. What makes me say this is consistency in approval. The exciting part is that this model doesn’t just stand out a little bit. It’s by far and away the best photo printer on the market.
This model has been rated #1 by reviewers in the portable photo printer category. It has also won the Editor’s Choice Award in PC Magazine. You’re probably thinking that this must be an HP or a Canon, but you would be incorrect. It’s actually an Epson.
Epson’s Glory
While Epson often takes a backseat to the other big printer companies, when it comes to portable photo printers, they’re at the top of the list. The model that is being referred to, and one of two models that will be covered in this article, is the Epson PictureMate Charm PM 255.
It has 90 nozzles x4 and the quality of the photo print is excellent. The Epson PM Charm 255 is part of the snapshot printer series. It sells for only $140 on Amazon which is a great value for a photo printer, especially a portable one.
While there are many websites that might sell this model for cheaper, your best bet is going to be Amazon. It’s always a good idea to start there and work your way down when shopping for printers. Same with the accessories.
What makes the PM Charm 255 so impressive? The number one thing that stands out is that each photo print only costs $.25 per page. This is by far the lowest you will find on the market.
There’s a 2.5-inch LCD display that will allow you to crop and adjust your photos. Photo fix and red eye reduction are taken care of automatically. Photos have also proven to be water and stretch resistant. They will last 200 years in an album and 96 years behind glass.
Unfortunately it does not come with the lithium ion battery as standard which is usual with most portable printers but still for just another $50 for the battery plus optional Bluetooth adapter at around $40 it is still inexpensive considering the high print quality. A Carrying Case is also available through Amazon at around $34.
This model is PictBridge-compatible, meaning you will be able to print directly from your digital camera. The PM Charm 255 can print a 4 x 6 borderless photo in only 41 seconds, which is extremely fast. There is a 1-year warranty with options to extend. It’s very economical with ink cartridges and the print quality for a portable is unbeatable.
Heavier than many portable printers and the largest print size is only 4 x 6 inches but however it’s a small portable printer so that’s not too shocking.
Alternatives
[easyazon-image-link asin="B001S2PK72" alt="Canon Selphy CP780 Silver Compact Photo Printer" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xs9IpgUVL._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="154" height="160"]Another option as a portable photo printer, consider the Canon Selphy CP780 Silver Compact Photo Printer which can be obtained on Amazon for around $160 with used models at around $75.
Photo prints will costs $.29 each and does not truly match the quality and value of the Epson. Printing photos will also take much longer but on the bright side, this model only weighs 2.1 lbs – weight is very important to many people who travel. The LCD screen is also larger at 3 inches opposed to 2.5. A touch screen also allows for easy use.
Battery Packs (NB-CP2L) for this model are at Amazon for around $60. Protective Carrying Cases are likewise available for $20 at Amazon.
Based on the information above, it wouldn’t take a rocket scientist – or a portable photo printer expert – to figure out that the Epson PM Charm 255 is a better machine. Not only is it cheaper over the course of time, but its features are more impressive. The biggest selling point is that consumers and reviewers alike have raved about it.
While features and stats can be impressive, nothing is important than positive feedback. This proves that the model delivers on what it promises. This, in turn, will put you at ease about your purchase.
Another consideration is the later model of the Canon SELPHY CP800 Compact Photo Printer a cheaper alternative on Amazon for around $80 and the same battery as the Canon Selphy CP780 as well as the carrying case.
There are many options for portable color photo printers but for consistent satisfaction from customers and reviewers the Epson PictureMate Charm PM 255 cannot be beaten.
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About James Wikkee