Sony DPP-SV55 - My own photo lab!
Written: Sep 09 '02
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Pros: True photo quality, edge to edge printing + more
Cons: Paper/Ribbon pack may be hard to find locally but better deals online
The Bottom Line: After 1-1/2 years of use, I highly recommend it. It's easy to use, never had a problem, excellent long term quality, and completes the at-home photo lab!
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| micmac21's Full Review: Sony Digital Photo SV55 Thermal Printer |
I have owned this printer for a 1-1/2 years and think its one of the best computer/electronic investments I've ever made. I originally reviewed this over a year ago under a different item title, "Digital Photo Printer SV55". Due to the new category and the fact that I've had a year's more opportunity to use the printer, I figured it was time for a review update.
PURCHASE DECISION
DYE SUB vs. INK JET
I knew that in order to get the most realistic photos I had to go with a printer that used dye-sublimation rather than ink. If you do your research and are insistent upon true photo quality, I am positive that you will also come to this conclusion. Upon inspection of an ink jet photo, you can usually see the "ink dots", colors don't blend well and the photos tend to fade over time. The dye sub has a greater ability to blend and smooth colors and also seals the photo with a protective coating (just like film developed).
PHOTO SIZE
A huge deciding factor is how important the photo size is to you. This is a photo dedicated printer and will only print either 4x6 prints or 3x5 stickers. For myself, I have little interest in printing 5x7 or 8x10 so it's not an issue. The fact that the largest it will print is 4x6 may deter some people. But in order to get the same quality in an 8x10, it will cost around $1000.00 (Olympus Camedia P-400).
BUDGET
When originally shopping for a photo printer, I gave myself a spending cap of $500 and of course I wanted the best my money could buy. After researching and testing prints at local stores, I was happy to find this printer without having to spend my entire $500 budget! Although some people may feel it is expensive to print at home, keep in mind that you generally don't print every picture you take, like you would with film (since you have no choice). With a digital camera, computer and photo printer, you have the choice to print only what you want (no more photos of people with their eyes closed, etc.)
HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT
SETUP
Setup was as easy as any other printer installation. It connects to your computer via USB port (as usual, USB cable is not included). At the time I purchased this, it did not ship with Windows 2000 drivers, however was able to download it from Sony's website. (this was over a year ago, so by now may be shipping with win2k/xp drivers). Aside from the driver issue, I had a hassle-free setup. (also see "Supplies" below for easy paper/dye install)
PRINT PROCESS
The dye-sublimation process is pretty cool to say the least. Rather than ink dots, it uses dye from a special ribbon. The ribbon is purchased with the paper, in a combined pack (see "Supplies" below). It appears to print the colors in 3 layers (cyan, magenta and yellow if I recall correctly). You can actually see this process as the paper slides in and out during printing. To finalize the photo, it is sealed with a protective coating. It takes about 90 seconds per photo. In the end, the photo is a glossy print, comparable to film developing.
USAGE
I generally print from my PC using Microsoft Photo Editor. However, you can print from any software program since the Sony is setup as a standard printer. It's just like working with any other printer, File->Print, It's that easy! There's no complication in the driver. There are only 2 sizes available 3x5 stickers and 4x6 prints, so you choose one or the other, then choose landscape or portrait mode. You set the driver default to the one you typically use the most. You can obviously print a smaller picture and cut it out, but you can't print larger than 4x6. It's also great to have the ability to print multiples of a photo without having to go through the process with negatives.
Tip: Since I do have an ink jet printer for daily usage, I find that When printing numerous photos, I temporarily change my computer's default printer to the Sony so I don't have to hit the printer pull-down on each print. Then I just switch my default printer back to my ink
jet afterwards.
STICKER PRINTS
The 3x5 paper is a sticker. Once again, if you want a smaller sticker, you only print the size you want and and cut it out. I have found this useful for creating collages (no tacks, photo corners, etc, just stick it on). Since you are printing these as additional photos, it does not ruin your original. I do tend to have a hard time getting the backing off of the sticker.
MAKE POSTCARDS
The 4x6 standard prints can also be used as postcards. This is fun and thanks to Sony, the back of the standard paper is in postcard format. In addition, with the use of various software programs, you can spice up your photos and create a unique postcard for the holidays, invitations, etc. You can be creative in your software and don't even have to use a photo to do this. Simply print it and mail it.
WHAT I DON'T KNOW
This printer does have additional features which I have not used and therefore can not review:
1. No PC required. It comes with a Video cable to print from your digital camera through the TV.
2. Creative Printing, calendar print
3. Print directly from Memory Stick or PC Card - (I do have a memory stick but have never printed directly from it. I like to view and sometimes edit/crop my photos on the computer before printing them). Additionally, adapters are available for SmartMedia or CompactFlash cards.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATION
I have a Sony Mavica FD85 Digital Camera and combined with the Sony DPP-SV55 Photo Printer, I am EXTREMELY happy with the results! You honestly can not tell the difference between photos that I printed from my Sony & ones I had developed from film. The photos are vibrant, smooth and since it prints "edge to edge" there's no white border to give it away. It is also important to add that after 1-1/2 years of use, I have never had a jam or a problem using this printer.
SUPPLIES - PAPER/DYE PACKS
Since this is not your typical ink jet printer, you have to use specialized photo paper and dye pack ribbons. The paper and dye pack is combined in a single purchase. Each time you run out simultaneously and you install the new paper and the new dye ribbon, again simultaneously. It is a simple process, for the paper you simply pull out the paper tray and put the new sheets in. There is a latch on the side of the printer that pops the old dye ribbon out, and you just slide the new one in. You can remove the ribbon and paper before it has run out to switch over to the opposite size paper. For example if you have been printing 4x6's then you decide you want to make a sticker print. Just swap out the paper and ribbon, store it safely, then replace it afterward.
The 4x6 paper/dye pack is available in 25 pack sheets that retail for $20, however I have had better luck purchasing online for around $10-$12. The 3x5 sticker print pack comes in 30 sheets, retailing for $15, and once again have purchased online for $8. These packs are not exceptionally easy to find locally and I have never seen them for less than $20 in a local store. (FYI, if you are looking, I have seen them at Circuit City, Tweeter and Sears). I have found it easier and cheaper to purchase these online and in bulk to save on shipping costs (use a price comparison site such as PriceGrabber.com).
Find a Deal!
As always, before purchasing any time, find the best deal! Check out sites like PriceGrabber.com for price comparisons and fatwallet.com to find additional discount codes.
I hope you have found this information helpful. Please rate my review to let me know and good luck with whatever your decision may be!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 300
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
micmac21
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Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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