The idea to create your own photo lab at home sounds very tempting. For this you need to purchase a professional photo printer. In the issue you will have no need to go to the nearest photo shop to develop professional photos. This article contains pieces of advice that can be helpful by purchasing a professional photo printer.

· Calculate the cost of ink. If you are going to print a great number of photos, in this case you will need to replace the ink monthly. It is recommended to inquire about the number of copies you will get on one ink tank. It is desirable to give preference to such photo printers that have separate ink tanks for each color. In the issue you will need to replace a separate ink tank whose color has run out instead replacing all colors at once.

· Consider your budget. The number of options and features of a professional photo printer depends on its cost. If you are going to spend approximately $500 on a photo printer, you should know that you will be able to get a lower end model. This fact means that you will be not able to print out posters or photos of large sizes. The same thing concerns the image resolution of an inexpensive photo printer. It will slightly exceed the image resolution of an ink-jet photo printer.

· Consider the size of paper you will need for the printing out. If you are going to print poster or tabloid size photos, look for a printer that includes such capacity.

· Determine the necessity of a network connection by a professional photo printer. The presence of a network connection allows several persons using the same photo printer. Give preference to such a photo printer that includes an automated installation. In the issue you will spend much time by setting up the network connection.

· Consider the speed of printing you will need. Make certain to buy a photo printer that has the necessary speed for you.

· When deciding about a brand of a professional photo printer, carry out some research online to learn the quality rating as well as the honest review of a specific photo printer. It is also a good option to learn if there are problems with certain professional photo printers.

· Decide whether you need a portable photo printer or a floor one. The floor photo printer is distinguished by higher output speeds and the ability to print out large size photos. The advantages of a portable photo printer are the following: first you can take a portable photo printer with you anywhere you go. And secondly you can bring a portable model for repairs more easily.

Here are several examples of professional photo printers.

Canon Pixma PRO9000MkII is one of the best options for professional photo printing. The device is characterized by attractive facade and wonderful results. The professional photo printer is easy to use and it allows you enjoying long lasting borderless photos. The printing features of Canon Pixma PRO9000MkII include from small (credit cards) to poster sized photos.

The printer in question has 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution and high speed of printing. It is really something exceptional. Canon Pixma PRO9000MkII delivers 4 x6 inch photos in just 55 seconds.

Epson Stylus Photo R2880 is ideal for professional photo printing up to A3+ format. The device uses UltraChrome K3 Vivid Magenta pigment ink that are resistant to water, ozone and light. Such photos can keep their initial state up to 100 years. The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 professional photo printer uses 8 color system of printing.

The complete set of the printer also includes easy to use software. With its help, the user is able to optimize the whole process of photo creating.

The printer driver uses interface that is analogous to drivers of wide-format Epson Stylus Pro printers. Such printers offer a wide range of options and features that cover the requirements of the most experienced users.

The HP Photosmart Pro B9180 is also up to quality of professional photo printers. Its high resolution quality is perfect for both professional photographers and amateurs who give a special attention to this craft.

The advanced printing features of HP Photosmart Pro B9180 make the printer ideal for developing professional looking photos. That’s why the given professional printer enjoys wide popularity in the world of photography.

Canon announced the release of PIXMA iP100 which represents the updated version of the popular portable PIXMA iP90v photo printer. PIXMA iP100 is a compact portable photo printer distinguished by higher quality of printing. The device is available in the standard configuration as well as in the set with an accumulator that ensures the fully-function mobile printing in any conditions. The photo printer has only 2 kilograms in weight. There are two options of the packaging arrangement. The first one includes LK-62 rechargeable battery (the charge of the battery is enough for approximately 290 pages). One can also purchase the additional auto charger PU-200U.

The stylish and compact photo printer in question is the ideal option for people who travel a lot. It is also good for those who devote much attention to the stylish designs. The printing head created on the basis of FINE technology as well as the new 5 color ink system ensure high labor quality of mobile photo and text printing.

Canon PIXMA iP100 is also distinguished by the maximum 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution. The user can also take advantage of the wireless photo printing with the help of the built-in IrDA or Bluetooth adapter that can purchased additionally. The IrDA and additionally purchased BU-30 adapter let the user transmitting files and images for the printing in the wireless mode. One can also easily connect PIXMA iP100 to the portable or desktop computer through the USB 2.0 HI-Speed interface. The printer uses ChromaLife100 technology for the printing of wonderful pictures resistant to discoloration. The ChromaLife100 registered technology presupposes the use of authentic ink, Canon photo paper and the FINE printing head in a uniform system. Such decision results in the printing of wonderful and long lasting photos. Such combination allows printing photos that are not inferior to traditional photos on the basis of the haloid-silver. The printed photo life makes up approximately 100 years on conditions that one will keep photos in a photo album.

Due to the highest quality and marvelous printing speed, PIXMA iP100 is one of the most effective portable printers in the market. The printing speed of black-and-white documents makes up 20 pages per minute and that of color documents 14 pages per minute. The printing without margins of a laboratory quality 10 х 15 cm photo takes approximately 50 seconds.

The set also includes Canon innovation program. Canon Easy-PhotoPrint EX is easy to use software designed for photo printing. The software helps the user by choosing the printing carrier and ranging. It also allows printing of calendars and layouts with several images. The software also supports such Canon technologies as functions of automatic picture fixing, the focus adjustment and removal of red eye effect.

PIXMA iP100 is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows Vista/XP/2000 и Mac OS X v.10.3.9 – 10.5.