UPDATE February 2011: Hey Photoboothers - we've added a couple of printers to our photobooth lineup...
On a daily basis, I get calls asking for advice when it comes to choosing, or upgrading, a photo booth printer. Some of the more common questions tend to revolve around format and quality. However, weight, size and direction of media load are also important considerations. Photo booth design and output requirements need to be considered as well. All things considered, I have chosen a few of the more popular photo booth printers to talk about… with some good reasons why these rise above the rest. All of these photo printers are reliable, easy to maintain and produce beautiful “robust” prints.
HiTi P510S
The new kid on the block in the photobooth arena is the HiTi P510S. This small portable solution is low cost AND lightweight. Weighing in at 30 lbs, this printer also does “split cut” 2x6 booth strip prints. It is plenty fast with a 12 second print time for 4x6’s. The only thing to be aware of with this printer when building a booth is the print does not drop directly off the side of the printer. So the customer would need to have a portal to retrieve prints (like you would with a soda machine or ATM). This is not a bad thing as you will alleviate the need for a drop box on the outside of the booth.
DNP DS40 Printer
Another newcomer and a photo printer gaining in popularity with photobooths and event kiosks is the DNP DS40 printer. DNP is one of the largest dye-sub material manufacturers and is a brand you can trust. (DNP recently acquired the commercial photo business of Sony - read more here) What we like about this printer for the photobooth environment is the form factor and light weight, at 31 lbs. Nice!!!
Sony Up-CX1
The most popular printer in the photo booth market today is the Sony UP-CX1 digital photo printer. This light weight printer tips the scales at a mere 23lbs. Easy media replacement and a small footprint makes the UP-CX1 perfect for space-restricted areas. The ribbon cassette on this printer loads from the side and paper from the front. In situations where portability and weight are important, this is the lightest and most portable booth printer in the portfolio. The UP-CX1 is compatible with Sony's exclusive Tear and Share media.
Sony UP-DR200
Another printer making waves in the photo booth industry is the Sony UP-DR200 digital photo printer. With its low per-print cost and speed, and 2x6 strip it’s been gaining in popularity. It also has Sony’s patented ProMatte™ finish, offering the look and feel of professional silver halide matte photos. Glossy printing is available without swapping out the media! If you want a higher level of professional quality in your photo booth look no further. If you want a sample print, give me a holler and I will send it to you.
Shinko S2145The Shinko S2145 is another printer that has found a home in the photo booth market. Shinko has recently introduced a 2x6 photo booth strip driver for this model and the word is spreading. I have had good luck with Shinko, as they make a solid product that is nothing less than a workhorse. The printer’s reliability and hassle-free low maintenance is very attractive, as well as, its easy media load and high-capacity. We have something in common during our work week. Like you, I don’t like headaches. That’s another good reason to choose one of these as your photo booth printer. If you have any questions feel free to drop me an email or give me a call at 800-342-9294. Thanks ~Steve Behen
